Adaptive Learning Borehole Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current managed pressure borehole operations face challenges in accurately controlling wellbore pressure, particularly in maintaining optimal annular pressure to prevent fluid loss and formation damage, due to limitations in real-time pressure prediction and control.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an adaptive learning system that updates a formation pressure model using real-time sensor-based measurements, allowing for dynamic adjustments in pressure control by comparing pore and fracture pressure predictions with actual measurements, thereby optimizing annular pressure management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional pressure control methods are used in managed pressure borehole operations, then the system structure remains simple and easy to operate, but the pressure prediction accuracy and control precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure prediction accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where actual pressure measurements from sensors in the borehole are continuously compared with predicted pressure values from the formation pressure model. The deviations are used to update and refine the model parameters in real-time, improving pressure prediction accuracy while maintaining a manageable system structure through automated closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure control methods with an intelligent system that uses adaptive learning algorithms and computational models. The formation pressure model uses machine learning techniques to predict pressure conditions, substituting complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with software-based prediction and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time pressure measurements and adaptive learning are implemented, then pressure control precision improves, but the loss of time for data processing and model updates increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the formation pressure model structure and selecting appropriate algorithms before actual borehole operations begin. During operations, the system uses real-time measurements to update existing model parameters rather than performing complete model recalculations, significantly reducing data processing time while maintaining high pressure control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the formation pressure model is continuously updated with real-time measurements, then the adaptability to changing borehole conditions improves, but the device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel adaptabilityVSAvoidcomputational system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic formation pressure model that adapts to changing borehole conditions through continuous updates using real-time sensor measurements. The model parameters are adjusted dynamically based on actual pressure data, allowing the system to respond to varying geological conditions while maintaining a computationally efficient structure through selective parameter updates rather than complete model redesigns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10294742B2Borehole pressure management methods and systems with adaptive learning
Publication Date: 2019.05.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • US10294742B2 patent drawing
  • US10294742B2 patent drawing
  • US10294742B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various managed pressure drilling tools, systems, and methods are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining a model-based pressure prediction and sensor-based pressure measurements during borehole drilling operations. The method also includes determining a real-time learning calculation using the model-based pressure prediction and at least some of the sensor-based pressure measurements. The method also includes updating a formation pressure model based at least in part on the real-time learning calculation. The method also includes controlling annular pressure for the borehole drilling operations based on a pressure predicted by the updated formation pressure model.