Dual-Activity Rig Auxiliary Table Drilling for Geological Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling operations in shallow formations lack accurate geological data due to large drilling diameters, leading to incomplete profiles and increased risks during oil and stratigraphic well drilling, necessitating a method to acquire geology data efficiently without additional rig costs or time.
Innovation Solution
Drilling a small-diameter investigation well using the auxiliary table of a dual-activity rig simultaneously with main table operations, employing LWD tools, ROV monitoring, and optimized drilling parameters to gather data, control flow rates, and fill the well with heavy fluid, while allowing for parallel operations on the main table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional drilling operations use large drilling diameters for shallow formations, then the drilling operation can proceed, but the geological data quality and profile completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drilling operation into two separate activities: main table operations for primary drilling and auxiliary table operations for investigation well drilling. This segmentation allows simultaneous execution of both activities with different drilling diameters, enabling small-diameter investigation wells for high-quality geological data while maintaining large-diameter main drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by operating two drilling tables simultaneously in parallel. This allows the system to perform both large-diameter and small-diameter drilling operations at the same time, effectively adding a time dimension to resolve the contradiction between drilling diameter and data quality.
2Measurement precision
If a separate operation is conducted to drill investigation wells for geological data acquisition, then data quality improves, but the time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by operating both the main table and auxiliary table simultaneously. The auxiliary table drills investigation wells for geological data acquisition without interrupting the main drilling operations, ensuring continuous productive activity and eliminating idle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two previously separate operations (main drilling and investigation well drilling) into a single integrated system with two rotating tables. This combination allows both operations to occur concurrently, reducing total operation time while maintaining data quality.
3Productivity
If the dual-activity rig operates both main table and auxiliary table simultaneously, then productivity improves, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the dual-activity rig with two rotating tables that can perform multiple functions. The main table handles primary drilling operations while the auxiliary table handles investigation well drilling, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rig configuration flexible and adjustable. The two rotating tables can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing dynamic allocation of resources based on operational priorities and conditions, thereby managing complexity through adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of drilling an investigation well by use of an auxiliary table simultaneously with the operation of a main table of a dual-activity rig, which comprises assembling and lowering the drilling BHA (Bottom-Hole Assembly) with LWD (Logging While Drilling) tools and other components, starting drilling the investigation well with control of parameters, carrying out monitoring with ROV (Remoted Operated Vehicle) on the seabed for as long as possible, working on drilling parameters to optimize the drilling, within a defined rate for data acquisition, controlling flow rate in friable formations, moving viscous plugs to clean the investigation well, carrying out the pre-tests when part of the acquisition scope, promoting circulation of seawater to clean the investigation well, and filling the investigation well with heavy fluid.