Drilling Penetration Rate Prediction Using CART Regression Trees

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods lack effective ways to predict and optimize penetration rate in oil and gas drilling, particularly in deep and ultra-deep wells, which are crucial for improving drilling efficiency and reducing costs.

Innovation Solution

A method using a CART algorithm to analyze drilling engineering parameters and establish a regression tree model based on well-logging and well-measuring data, determining correlations and optimizing penetration rate through a binary tree structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If machine learning methods are used to predict penetration rate, then prediction accuracy is improved, but there are few studies and reports on this application area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration rate prediction accuracyVSAvoidlack of research data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a CART algorithm as an intermediary method to bridge the gap between available drilling data and penetration rate prediction. The algorithm processes drilling parameters (weight on bit, rotational speed, drilling fluid density, displacement, torque) and formation parameters to predict penetration rate, serving as a mediator that transforms existing data into useful predictions without requiring extensive prior research in this specific application area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drilling parameters are considered for penetration rate prediction, then prediction comprehensiveness is improved, but model complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction comprehensivenessVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the prediction model into distinct input categories: drilling parameters (weight on bit, rotational speed, drilling fluid density, displacement, torque) and formation parameters (rock strength, lithology, porosity, permeability). The CART algorithm then processes these segmented inputs through a structured decision tree framework, allowing comprehensive consideration of multiple factors while maintaining model interpretability through clear segmentation of influences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The model dynamically adjusts the importance of different parameters based on the specific drilling conditions and formation characteristics. The CART algorithm automatically determines the relative significance of each parameter through the tree structure, with more influential parameters appearing higher in the decision tree. This dynamic weighting allows the model to adapt to different drilling scenarios without requiring manual parameter prioritization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If regression analysis method is used to establish drilling rate equation, then historical data utilization is improved, but the method is limited for deep and ultra-deep wells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehistorical data utilizationVSAvoidapplicability to deep wells
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional regression analysis parameters to machine learning-based parameter relationships. The CART algorithm captures non-linear relationships and interactions between drilling parameters and penetration rate that traditional regression methods miss. This parameter transformation approach allows the model to effectively utilize historical data while adapting to the complex conditions of deep and ultra-deep wells where linear relationships break down.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12505354B2Method for predicting and optimizing penetration rate in oil and gas drilling based on cart algorithm
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIV
  • US12505354B2 patent drawing
  • US12505354B2 patent drawing
  • US12505354B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for predicting and optimizing a penetration rate in oil and gas drilling based on a CART algorithm. The method provided by the present invention can shorten the drilling cycle and reduce the drilling cost, thereby greatly improving the development efficiency of oil and gas resources.