Unified Drilling Rig Automation System for Control Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drilling rigs lack integrated automation and control systems, leading to complex operations with numerous individual systems, sensors, and controls, which complicates monitoring and control, and reduces efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A unified, integrated automation system that consolidates controllers, sensors, and reporting functions into a single computerized system, the 'K-Box' device, which fits within the traditional driller's doghouse, reducing redundancy and standardizing interfaces for improved monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional drilling rigs use multiple individual automation systems from different providers, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete automation systems (autodriller, directional steering, choke control, mud pump control, BOP control, video surveillance, and reporting systems) into a single integrated control platform. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control interfaces and sensors while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single platform, including drilling control, directional steering, choke management, mud pump operation, blowout preventer control, video surveillance, and reporting. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide diverse operational capabilities without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Productivity
If traditional rigs add discrete automation tools from various providers, then operational efficiency improves, but the number of sensors, controls, and interfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple sensors and control devices into a unified architecture where a single sensor can serve multiple control functions. For example, sensors for drilling parameters are shared across the autodriller, directional steering, and mud pump control systems, reducing the total number of sensors required while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control platform is designed to handle multiple operational functions through universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols. This allows the system to efficiently manage diverse functions (drilling, steering, choke control, mud pumps, BOP, video, and reporting) without proportionally increasing the number of controls and interfaces.
3Device complexity
If traditional drilling rigs operate without integrated control systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but monitoring and control become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all control functions into a single integrated platform, the system provides a unified interface for monitoring and controlling drilling operations. This consolidation simplifies the operator's workflow by eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate control systems, while the underlying integration maintains comprehensive system awareness and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the status of all drilling operations, equipment, and environmental conditions. This feedback is centralized and presented through a unified interface, making it easier for operators to monitor and control the drilling process while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device and system for augmenting a traditional drilling or workover rig with automated operational, monitoring and reporting systems. The automation system comprises integratable components of various automated operational systems, combined in a device easily adapted to install into the operational area of a drilling or workover rig, wherein the automated operational systems are dynamically selectable either or both locally or remotely.