BHA Stabilizer Position Adjustment via Cost Function

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottomhole assembly (BHA) stabilizer and reamer position adjustment methods fail to optimize drilling operations due to fixed positions not accounting for changing downhole conditions, leading to sub-optimal drilling and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with position adjustment assemblies for stabilizers and reamers that use a cost function to generate control signals based on predicted BHA states, including terms for vibration, bit wear, trajectory error, and uncertainty, allowing for axial, radial, or rotational movement to optimize drilling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed position for stabilizers and reamers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but drilling optimization is compromised due to inability to account for changing downhole conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling optimizationVSAvoidposition adjustment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic position adjustment for stabilizers and reamers by replacing fixed positions with adjustable mechanisms that can change location along the drill string. Position adjustment assemblies with actuators enable each stabilizer and reamer to be moved to optimized positions based on real-time drilling conditions, transforming the system from static to dynamic and resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor drilling parameters such as vibration, stick-slip events, and rate of penetration. This feedback is processed by control systems that automatically adjust stabilizer and reamer positions to optimize drilling performance, enabling the system to adapt to changing downhole conditions while maintaining controlled complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple adjustment parameters are controlled, then drilling performance is optimized, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls multiple drilling parameters simultaneously including stabilizer position, reamer position, axial location, azimuthal orientation, and engagement force. By implementing comprehensive parameter control with automated adjustment mechanisms, the system optimizes drilling efficiency across multiple dimensions while managing complexity through integrated control algorithms that coordinate all parameters together rather than independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11352841B2Bottomhole assembly (BHA) stabilizer or reamer position adjustment methods and systems employing a cost function

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system that includes a drillstring with a bottomhole assembly (BHA). The system also includes at least one stabilizer or reamer integrated with the BHA, wherein each of the at least one stabilizer or reamer includes a position adjustment assembly. The system also includes a processing unit that provides control signals to each position adjustment assembly, wherein the control signals are based on a cost function.