Downhole Alarm Visualization via Statistical Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in visualizing and contextualizing modeled parameter values within allowed operational ranges for intervals in pressure management services, particularly in downhole drilling operations, where sensor gaps need to be bridged and alarms need to be generated effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for processing parameter data that involves receiving alarm values for a selected interval, performing statistical analysis of these values, and generating alarm indications based on comparisons with limits, allowing for high-resolution visualization and accumulation of alarms over specified intervals, enabling context-aware display and control of detail levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single downhole tool is used to measure annular pressure and calculate ECD, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor gaps that require modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the pressure measurement data through modeling to fill sensor gaps. The modeled ECD values are generated by copying and extrapolating from available sensor data, allowing continuous parameter visualization without additional physical sensors.
2Device complexity
If only a small number of points of interest are selected for alarm generation, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases as interval context is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The interval is segmented into multiple discrete points, each evaluated independently for alarm conditions. This allows comprehensive monitoring of the entire interval while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic processing of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal/distributive dimension to alarm visualization by showing alarm status across multiple points throughout the interval, rather than collapsing all information into a single aggregate alarm. This preserves interval context while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If direct comparison of actual value with min/max ranges is used, then ease of operation is improved through simple visualization, but loss of information occurs by not providing statistical context
Solution Approach 1:
Statistical analysis serves as an intermediary layer between raw parameter values and alarm decisions. The system calculates statistical metrics (mean, standard deviation, percentiles) that mediate between simple threshold comparison and complex pattern recognition, providing contextual information while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing parameter data includes: receiving at least one alarm value for a selected interval, the at least one alarm value generated based on a comparison of estimated parameter values at one or more respective interval points with limits at the respective interval points; performing, by a processor, a statistical analysis of the at least one alarm value over the selected interval; and generating an alarm indication associated with the selected interval, the alarm indication corresponding to a result of the statistical analysis.