Well Drilling Control Integration for Coordinated Valve States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well drilling control systems operate independently, leading to inefficiencies and increased potential for operator error due to the lack of communication and coordination between systems, which can impede safe and efficient well operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated control system (ICS) that includes a master control and controller, capable of communicating with and coordinating multiple control systems such as the diverter manifold, managed pressure drilling system, and mud pump system, to achieve coordinated states and display status information, thereby reducing operator intervention and error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control systems operate independently, then each system can be controlled separately, but coordination between systems is poor and operator error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent control systems (diverter manifold control, MPD control, well control system control, rig manifold control) into a single integrated control system. The ICS controller receives inputs from all subsystems and coordinates their operation through a unified control architecture, eliminating the need for separate independent control systems while improving coordination and reducing operator error.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of valves is performed sequentially, then each valve can be controlled precisely, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The ICS controller pre-configures the coordinated state of multiple valves across different subsystems before operation begins. The system calculates and prepares the sequence of valve operations in advance, then executes them automatically according to the pre-determined sequence, eliminating the need for manual sequential adjustment and reducing both time and error potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system continuously monitors the status of all valves and subsystems, providing real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust and coordinate valve operations, ensuring precise control while eliminating manual intervention and reducing operation time.
3Loss of information
If status information is displayed on multiple separate displays, then each system status can be monitored, but the overall system coordination is difficult to assess
Solution Approach 1:
The ICS controller serves multiple functions: it controls all subsystems, monitors their status, coordinates their operation, and provides unified display of all information. This single multi-functional device replaces multiple separate control and display systems, consolidating information presentation while improving overall system coordination visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated control system (ICS) for a well drilling platform is provided, which well drilling platform has a plurality of control systems and devices. The ICS includes an ICS controller is in communication with a master control. The ICS controller includes a memory device coupled to a processor. Instructions executed by the processor cause the ICS controller to: communicate with each of the control systems to determine a status of each of the control systems; cause the master control display to display status information for at least one of the control systems; in response to an operator input perform a well drilling platform function, the function requiring a coordinated state between a first control system and at least a second control system, configure the first control system and the second control system into a coordinated state.