Drilling Performance Evaluation Using Real-Time Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling operations lack efficient methods to real-time monitor and adjust drilling parameters to optimize performance, leading to suboptimal drilling efficiency and path conformity.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors on the drill string and drill bit, coupled with a control unit that processes data to compare measured performance parameters with target parameters from similar drilling operations, calculating a normalized, weighted average difference to adjust drilling operating parameters and display performance attribute values on a graphical user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If real-time monitoring and adjustment of drilling parameters is implemented, then drilling efficiency and path conformity are improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors drilling parameters (rate of penetration, weight on bit, rotary speed, torque, vibrations) and compares them against target parameters from historical data, providing real-time feedback to automatically adjust drilling operating parameters and maintain optimal performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses automated control algorithms that self-adjust drilling parameters based on real-time performance data and historical comparisons, reducing the need for manual intervention and expert operator judgment while maintaining optimized drilling efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time monitoring and adjustment of drilling parameters is implemented, then drilling path conformity is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling path conformityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors drilling parameters including vibrations and torque that indicate path deviations, comparing real-time data against target parameters to detect conformities and deviations, providing continuous feedback for automatic adjustment of drilling operating parameters to maintain precise path following

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual operator judgment and mechanical adjustment methods with automated electronic sensors, processors, and control algorithms that objectively measure and adjust drilling parameters based on data-driven comparisons against historical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple performance parameters are measured and compared, then drilling performance evaluation accuracy is improved, but loss of time and computational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance evaluation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures multiple drilling parameters (rate of penetration, weight on bit, rotary speed, torque, vibrations) but applies selective weighting in the normalized weighted average calculation, focusing computational effort on the most critical parameters for performance evaluation while still capturing comprehensive drilling performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If normalized weighted average calculation is used to evaluate performance, then performance attribute determination accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance attribute accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms multiple raw drilling parameters into a simplified normalized performance attribute value using weighted averaging, where each parameter is normalized to a common scale and combined with weights reflecting its importance, converting complex multi-parameter data into an intuitive single metric for performance evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11346215B2Methods of evaluating drilling performance, methods of improving drilling performance, and related systems for drilling using such methods

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A method for evaluating or improving performance of a drilling operation includes, during the drilling operation, receiving a performance parameter of a component of a drilling system measured by a sensor of the drilling system. The measured performance parameter is compared to a target performance parameter of the component of the drilling system. The target performance parameter includes a performance parameter of a prior drilling operation measured under substantially similar drilling conditions and measured at at least one of substantially a same drilling depth, substantially a same depth percent, and substantially a same drilling time. A performance attribute value is determined by calculating a normalized, weighted average difference between the measured performance parameter and the target performance parameter.