Estimating Drill Bit Velocity Using Top Drive Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling operations lack direct measurement capabilities for rotational velocity and torque of drill bits, necessitating the development of systems and methods to estimate these parameters effectively using surface-measured torque and rotational velocity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving sensor data from a top drive system, using processor-based models such as dimensional, infinite dimensional, and finite element models to estimate drill bit parameters, and controlling the top drive system to maintain optimal operating conditions for the drill bit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional drilling operations are used without downhole sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of drill bit rotational velocity and torque deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface-measured torque and rotational velocity as intermediary parameters to indirectly estimate downhole drill bit conditions. Instead of directly measuring downhole parameters, the system uses transfer functions that relate surface measurements to downhole conditions, allowing estimation without complex downhole instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement systems at the drill bit with a computational estimation system using transfer functions and mathematical models. Instead of installing mechanical sensors downhole, the system uses surface sensor data processed through computational algorithms to estimate downhole parameters.
2Measurement precision
If direct downhole measurement systems are installed, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the downhole environment and relocates it to the surface. By using surface-measured torque and rotational velocity combined with transfer functions, the system removes the need for complex downhole measurement instrumentation while still achieving the desired measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the surface measurement system multi-functional by using it for both direct monitoring of surface equipment and indirect estimation of downhole conditions. The same surface sensors serve dual purposes: monitoring top drive performance and estimating drill bit operational parameters through computational models.
3Ease of operation
If transfer functions are used to estimate drill bit parameters from surface data, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to indirect measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the drill string and drilling system to establish accurate transfer functions before actual drilling operations. By pre-determining the dynamic properties and relationships between surface and downhole parameters, the system improves the accuracy of subsequent real-time estimations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where estimated drill bit parameters are used to adjust and refine the transfer functions and control decisions. This closed-loop approach continuously improves measurement precision by comparing estimated values with actual system behavior and adjusting the estimation models accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for estimating rotational velocity and/or torque of a drill bit during certain drilling operations using torque and rotational velocity measured at a top drive system of the drilling operations. In certain embodiments, a drilling control system may estimate the rotational velocity and/or the torque of the drill bit using torque and rotational velocity detected at the top drive system, in conjunction with the governing equations of the drill string, the top drive, and the bottom hole assembly (including the drill bit itself), which may be transferred into the Laplace domain. In other embodiments, the drilling control system may estimate the rotational velocity and/or the torque of the drill bit using the torque and rotational velocity detected at the top drive system, in conjunction with a finite dimensional model approximation of the drill string based on an assumed mode shape of the drill string or a finite element model of the drill string.