Automated Borehole Sweep Triggering and Pill Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling operations require time-consuming and inconsistent manual sweep operations to clear drill cuttings from the annulus, necessitating multiple operators and complex monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses sensors and a computerized control system to determine when a sweep is needed, automatically mix and deploy a high-viscosity pill, and verify its effectiveness, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sweep operations are performed with multiple operators monitoring multiple aspects, then the sweep operation can be controlled and monitored, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-triggering and self-conduction of sweep operations. The controller automatically determines when sweep conditions are met based on monitored parameters, and automatically conducts the sweep without requiring multiple operators to monitor and control different aspects manually. This self-service automation resolves the contradiction by providing consistent automated control while reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors drilling parameters and uses this feedback to automatically determine when sweep conditions are met. The controller receives real-time data from sensors, processes this information, and automatically triggers sweeps when predetermined conditions are satisfied. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent decision-making while eliminating the time delay associated with manual monitoring and response.
2Reliability
If multiple operators are used to control and monitor sweep operations, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors drilling parameters, determines when sweep conditions are met, triggers the sweep operation, and conducts the sweep. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple operators each monitoring different aspects, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring through the controller's integrated capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple operators into a single automated controller. The controller integrates parameter monitoring, sweep decision-making, and sweep execution into one unified system. This consolidation reduces operational complexity by eliminating the coordination requirements between multiple operators while maintaining complete monitoring through the controller's comprehensive sensor integration.
3Productivity
If automated systems are used to perform sweep operations, then time efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs sweep operations autonomously by automatically determining when sweep conditions are met and executing the sweeps without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple operators and significantly improves drilling efficiency. The system complexity is managed through automated decision-making algorithms that process sensor data and trigger sweeps based on predetermined conditions, making the complexity inherent but necessary for achieving high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for automatically performing a sweep operation in a borehole penetrating an earth formation including conveying a drillstring through a borehole, the drillstring having one or more sensors located thereon, determining that a sweep operation should be performed based on information obtained from the one or more sensors, determining characteristics of a pill to be used for a sweep operation based on information obtained from the one or more sensors, preparing a pill in accordance with the determined characteristics, deploying the pill into the drillstring and conveying the pill through the drillstring, and monitoring the sweep operation while the pill is within the drillstring and verifying the sweep operation. At least one of the determination that a sweep operation should be performed, the determination of the pill characteristics, or the preparation of the pill is performed automatically.