Distributed Control System for Well String Response Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mineral extraction systems face slower response times and increased costs due to the separation distances between control modules and devices in the landing string, leading to the inclusion of extraneous control modules to accommodate various configurations.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system with multiple control sections positioned along the length of the landing string, each including an electric actuator to receive control signals and control fluid flow to respective devices, reducing the need for extraneous control modules and improving response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control modules are positioned above the BOP to accommodate various landing string configurations, then the control system can handle diverse device arrangements, but the separation distance between control modules and devices increases response time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple control modules distributed along the landing string, with each control module positioned near its corresponding device. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adaptability for various configurations while reducing the distance between control modules and devices, thereby improving response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control modules are arranged in a distributed spatial configuration along the length of the landing string rather than being concentrated at a single location above the BOP. This dimensional redistribution optimizes the spatial relationship between control modules and devices, reducing response time while maintaining system versatility.
2Device complexity
If control modules are positioned above the BOP, then the control system structure is simplified, but the large separation distance requires extraneous control modules to accommodate smaller landing string configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules that can be selectively deployed along the landing string. This segmentation eliminates the need for extraneous control modules in smaller configurations, as each module serves a specific device location, thereby reducing material waste while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Control modules are positioned at specific locations along the landing string where they are needed, rather than using a uniform distributed approach. This local quality approach ensures that control modules are placed only where devices require control, eliminating extraneous modules and optimizing the balance between structural simplicity and resource efficiency.
3Loss of time
If control modules are positioned closer to devices along the landing string, then response time is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular control modules that can be independently installed and configured at different locations along the landing string. This modular segmentation reduces implementation complexity compared to a fully distributed system, as each module is a self-contained unit that can be deployed independently to achieve reduced response times.
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 distributed control system significantly reduces response times and decreases costs by positioning control modules closer to the devices, eliminating the need for extraneous control modules and optimizing the mineral extraction system's configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the first electric actuator is configured to control flow of a fluid to the first device based on the first control signal
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed control system for a well string includes a first control section configured to be positioned at a first location. The first control section includes a first control module configured to control a first device positioned at the first location, and the first control module includes a first electric actuator configured to control flow of a fluid to the first device based on a first control signal to control the first device. The distributed control system also includes a second control section configured to be positioned at a second location, remote from the first location. The second control section includes a second control module configured to control a second device positioned at the second location, and the second control module includes a second electric actuator configured to control flow of the fluid to the second device based on the second control signal to control the second device.