Automated Bubble Flow Classification for Marine Drilling Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system that effectively monitors gas and oil flow venting from a surface during marine drilling operations, providing early indication of subterranean formation problems by analyzing bubble size, time interval, and velocity, and can create immediate alarms for potentially dangerous situations, utilizing a combination of video feeds and data from various sources for real-time monitoring and classification.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a video feed to determine a baseline bubble flow classification, compares it with subsequent classifications using computer instructions and data from multiple sources (video, seismic, drilling, sonar, and hydrographic feeds) to detect changes, and transmits alerts or alarms to client devices if the classifications fall outside predefined limits, thereby reducing the need for manual inspections and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspections are used to monitor gas and oil flow, then personnel can directly observe and assess bubble flow, but it increases exposure to harmful conditions and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of video feeds, image processing algorithms, and automated analysis tools that mediate between the hazardous environment and human operators. This intermediary system captures images of bubble flow, processes them through computer instructions, and provides analysis results without requiring personnel to directly observe or enter hazardous areas, thereby eliminating exposure to harmful conditions while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual visual inspection with an automated optical and computational system. Video feeds and image processing algorithms substitute for human eyes and brain analysis, using computer instructions to automatically detect, classify, and monitor bubble flow characteristics, thereby eliminating the need for personnel exposure while maintaining or improving monitoring accuracy
2Measurement precision
If additional equipment and personnel are deployed for monitoring, then detection capability is improved, but operational costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional monitoring system where a single integrated platform performs multiple functions: capturing video feeds from multiple sources, processing images through various algorithms, analyzing bubble flow characteristics, comparing data against predefined limits, generating classifications, and transmitting alerts. This universal system consolidates what would otherwise require separate equipment and personnel for each function, thereby improving detection capability while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple data sources (video feeds from different locations), processing functions (image processing, bubble detection, classification algorithms), and output mechanisms (alerts, reports, real-time monitoring) into a single integrated system. This consolidation combines the capabilities of multiple separate systems into one cohesive platform that improves detection precision without proportionally increasing equipment and personnel requirements
3Loss of time
If real-time monitoring with multiple data feeds is implemented, then early detection of problems is improved, but data processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming computer instructions with classification criteria, predefined limits, and analysis algorithms before deployment. The system is pre-configured with the knowledge of what constitutes abnormal bubble flow patterns, allowing it to immediately process and evaluate incoming video feeds without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby enabling early detection while managing computational complexity through advance preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously compares real-time bubble flow measurements against baseline classifications and predefined limits. The computer instructions automatically adjust processing based on detected patterns, triggering alerts when thresholds are exceeded and normal operation when within limits. This feedback loop enables efficient real-time processing by focusing computational resources only on significant deviations rather than uniformly analyzing all data at maximum complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring for gas and oil flow venting from a surface using time intervals, size and velocity, and using a processor with a data storage containing a bubble flow classification chart and bubble flow categories. The data storage receives at least one: video feed, drilling parameter data feed, seismic profile data feed, logging while drilling data feed, measurement while drilling data feed, sonar data feed, and hydrographic data feed to verify a determined bubble flow category and bubble flow classification as a baseline bubble flow classification and provides an alarm when a bubble flow emergency is ascertained due to a change in bubble flow classification without an anticipated change or changes outside predefined acceptable limits within the video feed, drilling parameter data feed, seismic profile data feed, logging while drilling data feed, sonar data feed, hydrographic data feed, or measurement while drilling data feed.