Real-Time Drilling Data Fusion for Bit Wear and Lithology Prediction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling operations rely on 'after-the-fact' analysis for determining lithology and other parameters, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to bit wear and contamination from background noise in spectral analysis, and frequent bit changes.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing real-time drilling data and a drilling fusion prediction engine with a multilayer neural network for bit wear and lithology prediction, optimizing drilling parameters to maximize drilling rate and minimize costs, and an expert decision engine for safety guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If spectral analysis is used to determine lithology in real-time, then operational data is provided continuously, but measurement precision deteriorates due to background noise from Compton scattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data provision speedVSAvoidlithology determination precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives spectral data from the formation and applies computational algorithms to filter out background noise from Compton scattering. This intermediary layer between the spectral analyzer and lithology determination allows real-time processing while maintaining precision by selectively enhancing useful signals and suppressing noise components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/core-based lithology analysis with a computational approach using spectral analysis enhanced by signal processing algorithms. Instead of physically analyzing core samples, the system uses neutron-induced gamma ray spectral data processed through computational methods to determine lithology, achieving both real-time operation and high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If drill bit is used until it breaks, then bit utilization is maximized, but productivity decreases due to frequent bit changes and cleaning operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill bit utilization durationVSAvoiddrilling operation productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system using measurement-while-drilling tools that continuously monitor drill bit performance parameters such as rate of penetration, torque, and weight on bit. This real-time feedback allows operators to detect early signs of bit degradation and make proactive decisions about bit replacement, optimizing the balance between bit utilization duration and overall productivity by avoiding both premature and delayed bit changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If physical core samples are removed for lithology analysis, then lithology determination precision is improved, but loss of time occurs due to sample retrieval and laboratory analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithology determination precisionVSAvoidtime for sample retrieval and analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of core sampling, retrieval, and laboratory analysis with an in-situ spectral analysis system. Neutron-induced gamma ray logging tools measure formation properties directly at the drilling location, eliminating the need for physical sample transport and laboratory processing while maintaining high lithology determination precision through advanced spectral interpretation algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables real-time optimization of drilling operations by predicting bit wear and lithology, reducing costs and improving safety through data-driven adjustments and proactive safety measures.

Implementation Method 1

determining a real-time lithology prediction by processing the real-time drilling data through a multilayer neural network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeural network processing:

Implementation Method 2

determining a real-time bit wear prediction by using the real-time drilling data to predict a bit efficiency factor and to detect changes in the bit efficiency factor over time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBit wear detection: Wear

Data Source

PatentUS9970266B2Methods and systems for improved drilling operations using real-time and historical drilling data

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 RESOURCE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for improved drilling operations through the use of real-time drilling data to predict bit wear, lithology, pore pressure, a rotating friction coefficient, permeability, and cost in real-time and to adjust drilling parameters in real-time based on the predictions. The real-time lithology prediction is made by processing the real-time drilling data through a multilayer neural network. The real-time bit wear prediction is made by using the real-time drilling data to predict a bit efficiency factor and to detect changes in the bit efficiency factor over time. These predictions may be used to adjust drilling parameters in the drilling operation in real-time, subject to override by the operator. The methods and systems may also include determining various downhole hydraulics parameters and a rotary friction factor. Historical data may be used in combination with real-time data to provide expert system assistance and to identify safety concerns.