Drilling Rig Control Software for Tool-Agnostic Process Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-operated drilling processes in oilfield operations lack consistency and are prone to errors due to the need for manual control of numerous buttons and require developers to have specific knowledge of rig tools and languages, limiting efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A drilling rig software system that uses a programmable device to receive tool-agnostic instructions, which are coordinated by a service layer to direct activity-specific controller modules, allowing for automated drilling operations without requiring detailed knowledge of specific tools or their operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators manually control drilling equipment, then operational flexibility is maintained, but consistency and accuracy deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig system performs automated control operations without continuous human intervention. The controller automatically adjusts drilling parameters, monitors equipment status, and executes drilling commands based on pre-programmed sequences and real-time sensor feedback, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate human error while maintaining operational consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses electronic signals to operate drilling equipment, substituting human physical interactions with automated electronic commands, thereby improving consistency while reducing the complexity of manual control procedures
2Extent of automation
If software-based management is implemented with tool-specific knowledge, then automation capability is improved, but system complexity and development difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal automated system that can manage multiple drilling operations and equipment types through a standardized interface. It performs diverse functions including parameter control, monitoring, and coordination of various drilling components using a single integrated software platform, thereby achieving high automation without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary layer between the user interface and the actual drilling equipment. It translates high-level drilling commands into specific equipment control signals, abstracting away the complex tool-specific details from the operator while maintaining automated control, thus improving automation extent without exposing the underlying system complexity
3Productivity
If multiple buttons and manual controls are used, then operational precision can be maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs drilling sequences, parameters, and procedures before operations begin. The controller has access to pre-defined drilling plans, equipment configurations, and operational parameters that are prepared in advance, allowing automated execution without requiring manual input during actual drilling operations, thereby significantly improving productivity and reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The automated controller enables continuous drilling operations without the interruptions inherent in manual control. The system maintains continuous monitoring and adjustment of drilling parameters, eliminates idle time between operations, and ensures uninterrupted execution of drilling sequences, thereby maximizing productivity and minimizing time loss compared to manual button-pushing operations
Data Source
AI summary
Automated drilling may include receiving a tool-agnostic request to perform a process, determining one or more activities to complete the process, identifying a controller module associated with a first activity of the one or more activities, and triggering the controller module to initiate the first activity, wherein the controller module identifies and directs one or more drilling tools to initiate the first activity.