Automated Slide Drilling Control for Precise Toolface Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling technologies struggle to effectively manage the complexity of deep and directional boreholes, failing to timely integrate and process data from downhole sensors and surface control systems, leading to increased costs and potential long-term output reduction due to drilling errors.
Innovation Solution
An automated slide drilling system with a computer system controlling a drilling rig, capable of transitioning between rotary and slide drilling modes, maintaining tool face orientation, and adjusting drilling parameters based on real-time sensor inputs to enhance drilling precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional drilling technologies are used, then drilling operations can be performed with simple equipment, but drilling accuracy deteriorates and errors increase due to inability to timely process sensor data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual drilling control with an automated computer system that processes sensor data and controls drilling parameters. The computer system receives data from downhole sensors, determines drilling modes (rotary or slide), calculates target tool faces, and automatically adjusts drilling operations, eliminating the need for complex human coordination and improving measurement precision through systematic data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through automated feedback loops. The computer system continuously receives sensor data, evaluates drilling conditions, and automatically modifies drilling parameters without external intervention. This self-service capability improves drilling accuracy while managing system complexity through integrated automation.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated slide drilling control is implemented, then drilling accuracy improves through real-time data processing, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where downhole sensors monitor drilling conditions (weight on bit, torque, rate of penetration), the computer system processes this data in real-time, and automatically adjusts drilling parameters to maintain target tool face orientation. This feedback mechanism achieves high precision control while managing operational complexity through systematic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes drilling parameters (weight on bit, rotary speed, slide mode activation) based on real-time sensor data and predetermined criteria. The computer system automatically transitions between rotary and slide drilling modes, adjusts tool face orientation, and modifies penetration rates, achieving precision control through adaptive parameter management.
3Productivity
If manual drilling operations are performed, then operational costs are lower, but drilling errors increase leading to long-term output reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual drilling operations with automated computer-controlled systems that process sensor data and execute drilling commands. This substitution eliminates human error in real-time decision-making, improves drilling reliability, and increases productivity through continuous automated operation. The system prevents drilling errors that would otherwise require costly corrections or lead to long-term output reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling control system may access a drilling plan for a borehole comprising one or more of planned path for the borehole, drill string information, mud properties, drill bit properties, formation properties, and drill rig properties. The system may receive a plurality of operating parameters from a rig for the borehole including one or more of an observed toolface, a spindle setting, a rate of penetration, a differential pressure, and a weight-on-bit. The system may receive one or more propagation functions for the borehole determined by a model of the drill string. The system may determine one or more spindle changes or block speed changes based at least in part on the propagation functions and the plurality of operating parameters. The system may generate one or more predicted drill properties from a simulator using the one or more spindle changes or the one or more block speed changes.