Drilling Control Window for Consistent Borehole Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent borehole quality results due to varying parameter selections by less experienced personnel and teams, leading to differences in well construction outcomes, which impact completions and hydrocarbon production.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that generate an optimal operational window (OOW) for drilling operations using mutation-based optimization of operational parameter values, guided by rig state and formation characteristics, and instruct a control system to perform drilling operations accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If drilling operations are performed using equipment at a rig site with parameter selections by less experienced personnel and teams, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but borehole quality consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidborehole quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts drilling parameters (weight on bit, rotational speed, feed rate) based on real-time sensor data and pre-defined optimal parameter sets for different formation types, eliminating manual parameter selection variability while maintaining adaptability to changing formation conditions through automated parameter transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors drilling parameters and borehole quality metrics using sensors and measurement tools, compares actual performance against target values, and automatically adjusts parameters to maintain consistent borehole quality, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precision while preserving operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If different teams operate rigs to drill boreholes with varying parameter selections based on their own experience, then team autonomy and operational independence are maintained, but borehole quality uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteam autonomyVSAvoidborehole quality uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables teams to operate rigs with autonomy while the automated control system independently manages parameter selection and adjustment based on real-time conditions, allowing team independence in monitoring and decision-making while ensuring uniform borehole quality through standardized automated control algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a universal control framework that can be applied across different teams and rig operations, standardizing parameter selection and adjustment procedures while maintaining the ability to adapt to specific team preferences and operational contexts, ensuring consistent borehole quality across all operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual parameter selection is used based on personnel experience, then operational decision-making flexibility is maintained, but parameter optimization consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational decision-making flexibilityVSAvoidparameter optimization consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual parameter selection based on human experience with an automated computer-based control system that uses sensor data and pre-defined optimal parameter sets, eliminating human variability and inconsistency while maintaining operational flexibility through automated decision-making capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically transitions between different optimal parameter sets based on detected formation types and drilling conditions, ensuring consistent parameter optimization across all operations while maintaining the flexibility to adapt parameters to changing conditions through automated parameter adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12590525B2Drilling framework

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method may include generating an optimal operational window (OOW) that specifies operational parameter values for drilling operations using equipment at a rig site, based on data indicative of rig state and formation characteristics, and based on mutation-based optimization of the operational parameter values; and instructing a control system to perform the drilling operations according to the OOW using the equipment at the rig site.