Multi-Domain Drilling Controller for Real-Time Geosteering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling technologies face challenges in efficiently navigating and optimizing the trajectory of subsurface wells, particularly in complex geological environments, due to limitations in real-time data acquisition and integration of drilling operations with geosteering methods.

Innovation Solution

A multi-domain controller system that integrates real-time data from various sensors and drilling tools, enabling advanced geosteering and trajectory control through a unified platform, combining LWD, MWD, and RSS technologies to enhance directional drilling precision and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional drilling technologies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and trajectory control accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory control accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines LWD, MWD, and RSS technologies into a single integrated multi-domain controller system. This merging of previously separate drilling technologies allows for unified real-time data acquisition and processing, improving trajectory control accuracy while managing system complexity through integration rather than separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-domain controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs real-time data acquisition from multiple sensors, processes geological data, controls drilling parameters, and adjusts well trajectory. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time data acquisition and integration are implemented, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling operational efficiencyVSAvoiddata integration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensor data from the drilling operation is continuously acquired, processed, and used to automatically adjust drilling parameters and trajectory. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic optimization of drilling operations, improving productivity through real-time decision-making rather than post-operation analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-domain controller automatically processes and integrates data from multiple sources without requiring constant external intervention. The system self-adjusts drilling parameters and trajectory based on real-time geological data, reducing the need for manual monitoring and decision-making, thereby improving operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4111274B1Multi-domain controller
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA
  • EP4111274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4111274B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4111274B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method can include, in a runtime environment of compiled multi-domain code for multiple different domains that describe physical operations performed using equipment, responsive to input, issuing a call to a planning domain definition language planner; responsive to the call, receiving a plan that includes at least one action; and dispatching at least one of the at least one action to call for performance of at least a portion of at least one of the physical operations.