Distributed Drilling Simulation System Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling simulators have low reliability and robustness, with fuzzy and non-smooth graphic displays, and lack the realism and immersion provided by advanced simulation technologies, particularly in simulating top drive drilling and complex underground situations.

Innovation Solution

A distributed drilling simulation system utilizing a network of advanced computers and real-time three-dimensional animation, with a high-performance projector and large-screen display, and a top drive simulation mode, enabling detailed and immersive training for drilling operations and accident handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized system structure is employed for drilling simulators, then the system is simpler to implement, but the reliability and robustness are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling simulator system is divided into multiple independent functional modules including control module, graphic module, audio module, and manifold modules. Each module operates independently with its own processing unit, eliminating the single-point-failure vulnerability of centralized systems while improving overall reliability through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If common animation technique is used, then the implementation is simpler, but the graphic display is fuzzy and non-smooth with lack of sense of reality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraphic display qualityVSAvoidanimation technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical animation techniques with computer-based three-dimensional real-time animation technology. This substitution enables high-quality graphic display with smooth rendering and realistic visual effects, while the computer-generated nature of the animation provides precise control over graphical parameters without the physical limitations of mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If a common size screen is used for display, then the device is simpler, but there is shortage of impact and immersion in graphic display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay screen areaVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat screens to a three-dimensional immersive display environment using large circular-screen graphic display technology. This dimensional enhancement provides wider vision and greater display area while creating a more immersive training experience that envelops the operator in the simulated drilling environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If rotary table drive simulation is used, then the system is simpler to implement, but the simulation for top drive mode is rough and incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling mode simulation capabilityVSAvoidsimulation model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal simulation platform that can handle multiple drilling modes including both rotary table drive and top drive modes through a unified event drive-based architecture. The system uses standardized interfaces and modular simulation models that can be configured for different drilling operations, providing adaptability across various drilling scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Adaptability or versatility

If conventional drilling simulation is used, then the training coverage is limited, but the system is simpler to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining scenario coverageVSAvoidsystem operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple drilling scenarios including normal drilling operations, drilling accidents, and complex underground situations using event drive-based simulation technology. These scenarios are prepared in advance and can be automatically activated during training, providing comprehensive training coverage without requiring operators to manually configure complex simulation parameters during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8727783B2Distributed drilling simulation system
Publication Date: 2014.05.20 CHENGDU ESIMTECH GASOLINEEUM EQUIP SIMULATION TECH EXPL
  • US8727783B2 patent drawing
  • US8727783B2 patent drawing
  • US8727783B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A distributed drilling simulation system includes a choke manifold, a high pressure manifold, a blowout preventer console, a choke console, a remote console, a driller console, a teacher console and a graphic projecting unit, wherein the driller console, the remote console, the blowout preventer console, the choke console, the choke manifold, and the high pressure manifold are interconnected through a PPI (processor/peripheral interface) protocol. The teacher console is connected with the PPI protocol through a PPI interface. A communication program and a main control program run on a main control computer and a graphic processing program runs on a graphic computer. The invention has the advantages of realizing high-degree top driving drilling simulation, enhancing the field sense for teaching and training, shortening the training period and reducing the training cost.