A Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Well Trajectory Closed-Loop Control

doi:10.3390/pr14020257

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A Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Well Trajectory Closed-Loop Control

2026-01-26

DOI：10.3390/pr14020257

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Abstract

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For long horizontal-section drilling in reservoirs and complex formations, efficient and robust trajectory planning with real-time closed-loop control must be achieved under curvature and mechanical constraints. This study systematically investigates the application of the Dubins curve, a shortest-path model satisfying a minimum curvature constraint, in closed-loop wellbore trajectory control. Six canonical configurations (LSL, RSR, LSR, RSL, LRL, and RLR) are analyzed, and a standardized procedure for path solution and coordinate reconstruction is established. Parametric analyses reveal the effects of curvature limit, target direction, and target distance on trajectory feasibility and path length. Case studies show that unoptimized Dubins trajectories can achieve a high reservoir-contact ratio (99.69%) but exhibit curvature discontinuities at segment junctions, which induce torque and friction peaks. By introducing a multi-objective optimization strategy combining minimum turning-radius expansion and adaptive target adjustment, these curvature discontinuities are effectively mitigated: the maximum curvature was reduced to 11.15°/30 m, the average curvature to 2.57°/30 m, the average friction to 1118.7 N, and the cumulative torque to 31,468 Nm, while maintaining nearly unchanged reservoir contact. The proposed method effectively improves trajectory smoothness and mechanical drillability while preserving real-time computational efficiency, offering a practical approach for closed-loop trajectory optimization in complex geological settings.

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