Drilling Control System for Multi-System Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated drilling systems lack the ability to simultaneously monitor and adjust multiple systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased human intervention, which becomes complex due to the involvement of multiple parties and systems in well construction.
Innovation Solution
A drilling control and information system comprising a rig site network, downhole sensors, a data center, and remote access site, where the drilling application integrates with the rig site network to analyze data from downhole sensors and generate operating instructions for directional drilling tools, enabling real-time monitoring and control of drilling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional closed loop systems are used to sense and adjust drilling conditions, then drilling process control is improved, but the ability to monitor and adjust multiple systems simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can sense drilling conditions, monitor equipment performance, track wellbore position, and adjust multiple drilling parameters all through a single integrated platform. This allows the system to adapt to various drilling scenarios and control multiple systems without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate control functions into a unified system that integrates sensing, data processing, and control execution. By merging these functions, the system achieves comprehensive multi-system monitoring and coordination capability while maintaining automated control, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation extent and adaptability.
2Reliability
If human intervention is increased to coordinate multiple systems and parties, then system integration is improved, but operational complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically performs coordination functions that would otherwise require human intervention. It autonomously integrates data from multiple sources, reconciles requirements from different parties, and coordinates system operations without human input. This self-service capability maintains reliable system integration while eliminating the complexity of human coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors drilling conditions and system performance, then automatically adjusts operations based on this feedback. This closed-loop approach ensures reliable integration of multiple systems while reducing coordination complexity by replacing manual communication and adjustment with automated feedback-driven control.
3Productivity
If weight on bit is increased to improve rate of penetration, then drilling speed is improved, but drill bit life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts weight on bit based on real-time drilling conditions, formation characteristics, and drill bit performance. Rather than applying constant high weight, the system optimizes the load dynamically to maintain high rate of penetration while preventing excessive stress that would reduce drill bit life. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and equipment durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes drilling parameters including weight on bit, rotational speed, and feed rate based on monitored conditions and predictive models. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system optimizes the balance between rate of penetration and drill bit longevity, achieving high productivity without sacrificing drill bit life through inappropriate parameter selection.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A drilling control and information system comprising: a rig site network (102) including a drilling equipment controller (112); a downhole sensor (118) coupled to a drill sting and communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a data center (104) communicatively coupled to the rig site network; a remote access site (106) communicatively coupled to the data center; and a drilling application (1100) communicatively coupled to the rig site network, wherein the drilling application receives data from the downhole sensor and determines the position of the drill string.