Digital Twin for Rig Operations Simulating Assembly and Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in well construction operations is the inefficiency and downtime associated with moving rigs between sites, as existing methods do not effectively utilize rig components during transport, leading to reduced hydrocarbon production and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A digital twin system is created to simulate rig operations, including assembly, disassembly, and transport, using a rig plan that outlines tasks for rig components, allowing for optimized planning and execution of these processes, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rig is disassembled, transported, and reassembled between sites, then the rig can be utilized at multiple locations, but the rig cannot be utilized during transport leading to downtime and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The rig system is divided into separable components that can be independently handled during transport. The method segments the rig into transportable modules while maintaining the capability to reassemble them into a functional drilling rig at new locations, enabling mobility without complete disassembly of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning and pre-positioning rig components before transport. The method includes preparing the rig for transport in advance, organizing components for efficient loading, and arranging logistics beforehand to minimize downtime and enable rapid reassembly at the destination.
2Speed
If the rig is completely disassembled for transport, then the rig can be moved efficiently, but the assembly process takes significant time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The rig is segmented into critical transportable components and non-critical components that can remain assembled. This selective segmentation allows efficient transport of essential parts while maintaining other components in operational configuration, reducing both transport complexity and reassembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
Rig components are designed and arranged to nest within each other during transport configuration. The method utilizes nested arrangements where smaller components fit within larger structures, maximizing space utilization and enabling compact transport while facilitating straightforward un nesting and reassembly at the destination.
3Productivity
If rig components are kept assembled during transport, then the rig can remain operational, but the transport logistics become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The rig system is segmented into modular components that can be independently transported and reconfigured. This segmentation simplifies transport logistics by allowing selective transport of only necessary components while leaving non-essential parts at the original site, reducing transport complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The rig configuration is made dynamic, allowing it to transition between assembled operational state and disassembled transport state. The method enables the rig to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus transport requirements, optimizing both productivity and logistics efficiency through flexible reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simulating a rig operation that can include creating a digital twin of a rig based on a rig plan for assembling/disassembling a rig; simulating, via the digital twin, a list of tasks for assembly/disassembly of rig components to assemble/disassemble the rig at a rig site. Also, a method for simulating and performing a rig operation is provided that can include operations of creating a digital twin of a rig based on a rig plan for the rig, simulating, via the digital twin, the rig plan, where the rig plan can include a list of tasks for moving rig components of the rig, and simulating, via the digital twin, moving the rig components from a first location to a second location.