Borehole Cleaning Advisory System for Drilling Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack real-time evaluation of hole cleaning efficiency in wellbore drilling operations, relying on specialized tools for determining equivalent circulating density and fluid density, and do not provide real-time values or profiles for hole cleaning indicators.
Innovation Solution
A Hole Cleaning Advisory System (HCAS) calculates and monitors borehole cleaning efficiency indicators using well data and mud rheological properties, allowing for real-time adjustments to drilling parameters to prevent drilling issues, such as stuck pipes and inefficient drilling rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time monitoring of borehole cleaning efficiency is implemented, then drilling problems can be detected and mitigated earlier, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hole cleaning advisory system (HCAS) that acts as an intermediary between raw drilling data and drilling decisions. The HCAS calculates intermediate indicators (CCI, CCA, TR, TI) that simplify the complex relationship between multiple drilling parameters and borehole cleaning efficiency, enabling real-time monitoring without requiring direct complex measurements downhole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (such as specialized PWD tools and downhole sensors) with a computational model that uses readily available surface and mud log data. The borehole cleaning model substitutes physical measurement infrastructure with mathematical calculations based on drilling parameters, mud rheology, and well geometry.
2Measurement precision
If specialized pressure while drilling (PWD) tools are used to determine equivalent circulating density, then measurement accuracy improves, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of downhole conditions by calculating equivalent circulating density from surface measurements and mud properties. Instead of directly measuring ECD downhole with complex PWD tools, the system creates a computational copy of the density profile based on hydrostatic pressure calculations, friction loss models, and real-time mud property data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational indicators (particularly ECD and effective mud weight) as intermediaries that bridge the gap between simple surface measurements and complex downhole conditions. These calculated parameters serve as proxies for direct downhole density measurements, providing accurate information without requiring specialized measurement tools.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple borehole cleaning indicators are calculated and monitored in real-time, then drilling problem detection capability improves, but computational load and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the borehole cleaning evaluation into four distinct indicators, each focusing on a specific aspect: CCI for overall cleaning efficiency, CCA for cuttings concentration, TR for transport capability, and TI for hole cleaning quality. This segmentation allows the system to monitor multiple aspects of borehole cleaning without requiring a single complex comprehensive model, distributing computational load across simpler modular calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex physical phenomena into simplified dimensionless parameters and indicators. By converting complex fluid dynamics and cuttings transport physics into calculated indicators based on readily measurable parameters (flow rate, mud viscosity, drilling speed, well geometry), the system achieves high detection capability with reduced computational requirements.
4Productivity
If drilling parameters are adjusted based on real-time borehole cleaning feedback, then drilling efficiency improves, but control system complexity and operational intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where borehole cleaning indicators are continuously calculated from real-time drilling data and fed back to guide parameter adjustments. The HCAS monitors CCI, CCA, TR, and TI values and provides feedback on optimal drilling parameter ranges, enabling dynamic adjustment of drilling speed, flow rate, and mud properties to maintain efficient cuttings removal without simple stuck pipe incidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary adjustments to drilling parameters before problems occur by predicting borehole cleaning efficiency based on current parameters and conditions. The model allows operators to proactively adjust drilling speed or flow rate before cuttings accumulation becomes problematic, preventing stuck pipe incidents rather than reacting to them after occurrence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The HCAS improves drilling operations by minimizing stuck pipe incidents, enhancing drilling rate efficiency, reducing non-productive time, and optimizing drilling fluid circulation, thereby improving overall drilling performance and resource management.
Implementation Method 1
The drilling system circulates a drilling fluid (also referred to as 'drilling mud' or 'mud') to the drill bit. The drilling fluid exits through drill bit nozzles to the bottom of the wellbore. The drilling fluid carries the formation cuttings from the wellbore to the surface.
Implementation Method 2
a drilling system causes a drill bit to rotate when in contact with a formation. The rotation of the drill bit breaks and fractures the formation to form the wellbore. The portions of the formation that are broken off during drilling are referred to as 'formation cuttings.'
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium to perform operations including: receiving real-time drilling data of a drilling operation of drilling a wellbore; using the drilling data to calculate at least one indicator of a borehole cleaning efficiency of the drilling operation; detecting, based on the least one indicator of the borehole cleaning efficiency, a drilling problem with the drilling operation; determining a corrective action to avoid or mitigate the drilling problem; and performing the corrective action to avoid or mitigate the drilling problem.