Drilling Rig Supervisory Control Automation via Virtual Panel Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil rig control systems face challenges in remote operation due to non-standardized equipment from multiple vendors, lack of uniformity, and the scarcity of drill rig personnel, making it difficult to implement remote operability and record, modify, and playback efficient operation routines across multiple rigs.
Innovation Solution
A framework and method for drilling rig supervisory control automation that includes replicating and aggregating control panels, using smart algorithms for remote access, and recording, editing, and playing back operation sequences across a network of rigs, enabling remote operability and standardization through a secure network and unified graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each subsystem is manufactured and implemented by a unique vendor, then customization and specific functionality are improved, but standardization and remote operability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized control panel as an intermediary layer between the diverse subsystems from different vendors and the remote control center. This control panel provides a unified interface that translates various vendor-specific protocols into a common language, enabling remote operation without requiring standardization of the underlying subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the subsystem level (where vendor-specific equipment operates), the control panel level (which provides standardized interfaces), and the remote control center level. This segmentation allows each layer to maintain its independence while enabling communication and control across layers through defined interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If control panels, hardware, and software for each subsystem are installed in remote control centers, then remote operation capability is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing actual subsystem control hardware and software in remote control centers, the patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the control panel interface. This virtual interface replicates the necessary control functions through software, eliminating the need to physically duplicate complex hardware systems at remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized control panel is designed with universal functionality that can interface with multiple different subsystems from various vendors. This single multi-functional control panel replaces the need for multiple vendor-specific control systems, simplifying the remote control center's configuration and reducing implementation complexity.
3Reliability
If drill rig personnel are increased to man every rig, then operational availability and monitoring quality are improved, but operational cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where rigs can be monitored and controlled remotely through automated interfaces and virtual control panels. This allows the system to serve itself without requiring dedicated personnel at each location, reducing personnel requirements while maintaining operational availability through remote monitoring capabilities.
4Productivity
If operation routines are recorded and made available across the rig network, then knowledge sharing and operational efficiency are improved, but system complexity and data management requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data management functionality into the existing standardized control panel framework. Operation routines and recorded data are integrated into the unified control interface, leveraging the existing data management infrastructure rather than creating separate complex systems. This allows knowledge sharing across the rig network while utilizing the already-deployed standardized platform for storage and distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method and framework for drilling rig supervisory control automation that includes replication and aggregation of drilling rig supervisory control panels, a mechanism to manipulate the supervisory control panel parameters using one or more smart algorithms and a method and technique to access the supervisory control panels from a remote location. The system and method further includes recording, editing, and playing back a drilling rig's supervisory control parameter sequence during any typical drilling rig operation. Such a sequence includes recording all of the actions involved in a specific operation of the drilling rig operator. This sequence is saved, and can be edited to optimize the sequence, and further played back on the rig from which it was recorded, or on any other rig in the network.