Automated Well Event Detection for Drilling Rig Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well drilling monitoring systems face inefficiencies due to the complexity of data streams from multiple rigs, leading to undetected anomalies and delayed responses, resulting in potential losses and operational vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for real-time remote management of drilling rig operations, which monitors actual and modeled running speeds of drill strings and riser cap properties to adjust running speeds and detect potential issues, such as bottom hole pressure imbalances, using automated tripping management applications connected to drilling rigs via a computing system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If realtime operators monitor multiple rigs manually using distributed screens, then operational coverage is expanded, but detection accuracy and response time deteriorate due to human limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational coverageVSAvoidanomaly detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical human monitoring system with an automated computer-based event detection system that uses machine learning models and algorithms to analyze well operation data streams, thereby eliminating human limitations while maintaining expanded operational coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated event detection system as an intermediary between the multiple rigs and the operators, which processes and filters data streams to identify and prioritize significant events, enabling accurate detection across expanded operational coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If operators review rig data to recognize abnormal patterns based on experience, then operational expertise is utilized, but response time deteriorates due to pattern recognition delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational judgmentVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the human experience-based pattern recognition system with automated machine learning models that continuously analyze data streams and identify abnormal patterns instantaneously, eliminating recognition delays while maintaining reliable operational judgment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary automated analysis of data streams using pre-trained machine learning models that continuously monitor for abnormal patterns, enabling immediate detection and response without waiting for human pattern recognition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If distributed monitoring screens are used across multiple rigs, then data visibility is improved, but system complexity and operator workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata visibilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates only the most significant well events from the comprehensive data streams using automated detection algorithms, presenting only critical information to operators rather than the full complexity of distributed monitoring screens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex distributed screen system with a centralized automated event detection platform that uses algorithms to filter and prioritize information, maintaining full data visibility while reducing perceived complexity through intelligent abstraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If manual consultation between operators and drill site managers is used, then decision quality is improved through experience, but response time deteriorates due to consultation delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecision qualityVSAvoidresponse delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual consultation process with an automated event detection and notification system that instantly alerts appropriate personnel to significant events, eliminating consultation delays while maintaining decision quality through structured event classification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements an automated feedback loop where the event detection system continuously monitors well operations, automatically identifies significant events, and immediately notifies operators and managers, creating a rapid response cycle without manual consultation delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10385674B2Method and system for automated well event detection and response

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 CHEVRON USA INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for automated well event detection and response are provided herein. Example methods are implemented in an automated tripping management application. The application can execute to perform a remote management function for operation of a drilling rig. This includes monitoring actual and calculated running speeds, bottom hole pressures, and drill string pressures based on fluids used at the drilling rig, and generating both alerts in the event of operation outside of predetermined thresholds, and recommended adjustments to operation of one or more drilling rigs. The thresholds and alerting can be based on a set of operating rules developed to automate monitoring of such processes in a way that additional events are detected and responded to.