Acceleration Predictor Using Digital Filters for Drilling Tool Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting the useful life of tool string components, such as those used in hydrocarbon exploration, are complex and require significant computational resources and expertise, and do not effectively estimate acceleration, which is crucial for optimizing jar placement and other applications like logging/measurement while drilling.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using digital filters to estimate tool acceleration by inputting velocity step changes into a second or higher order digital smoothing filter, generating acceleration estimates, and displaying these via color-coded heat maps that correlate with tool string components, allowing for user-tunable parameters to match mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If transient dynamic finite-element methods (FEM) are used to predict acceleration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration prediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputational facility complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical finite-element methods with an electronic/digital signal processing approach. By substituting the mechanical computational system with a digital filter-based system, it achieves acceleration prediction without requiring large computational facilities or extensive engineering expertise, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces velocity data as an intermediary measurement that is easier to obtain than direct acceleration data. By measuring velocity first and then deriving acceleration through digital differentiation, the system avoids the complexity of direct acceleration measurement while maintaining prediction accuracy, thus resolving the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If transient dynamic finite-element methods (FEM) are used to predict acceleration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to long solution times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration prediction accuracyVSAvoidsolution time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes time-consuming finite-element calculations with rapid digital signal processing operations. The digital filter approach processes velocity data much faster than FEM methods, significantly reducing solution time while maintaining the ability to provide accurate acceleration predictions for real-time optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary velocity measurements and stores this data before acceleration calculation is needed. By having velocity data readily available, the system can quickly compute acceleration when needed without undergoing lengthy computational processes, thus reducing loss of time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If transient dynamic finite-element methods (FEM) are used to predict acceleration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high engineering expertise requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration prediction accuracyVSAvoidengineering expertise requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex finite-element analysis with straightforward digital filtering operations that are easier to implement and understand. This substitution reduces the engineering expertise required from specialized FEM knowledge to basic digital signal processing, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple digital filters that can be easily implemented and discarded if needed, replacing the need for complex, expensive FEM software and expertise. These digital filters are computationally inexpensive and easy to apply, making the system easier to operate while maintaining adequate accuracy for optimization purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10132828B2Acceleration predictor

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An acceleration predictor and method including at least one digital smoothing filter capable of calculating at least one acceleration estimate. In one or more embodiments, the estimator may include an overlay, an acceleration heat map, at least one threshold, wherein each acceleration heat map covers a range of a plurality of tool string components, a scroll bar, visual indications that may be color coded, or a maximum acceleration value.