Dynamic Phase Machine for Oil and Gas Drilling Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automating industrial processes, particularly in the oil & gas industry, is complex due to the lack of integration among multiple equipment and control systems, requiring substantial manual control and coordination, and no single algorithm can optimize the entire drilling process across various applications and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic phase machine system that utilizes multiple autonomous agents to automate oil & gas processes by executing phases with assigned triggers and actions, allowing for dynamic extension and modification of the control algorithm, enabling automation of drilling processes through a network of autonomous agents that control and coordinate various process components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple separate control systems are used to manage different equipment in the drilling process, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall coordination and integration between systems becomes complex and requires substantial manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drilling control process into multiple independent phases (e.g., circulation phase, drilling phase, tripping phase), with each phase having dedicated control logic and autonomous agents. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently while the overall process is coordinated through phase transitions, reducing the complexity of integrating all control functions into a single monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary phase machine architecture that acts as a mediator between individual equipment control systems and the overall drilling process. This phase machine coordinates transitions between different operational phases and manages the interaction between multiple control systems, reducing manual intervention needs while maintaining system modularity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single algorithm is used to manage the entire drilling process, then integration and coordination are simplified, but the system cannot adapt to variances between different applications, systems, equipment, and well bore conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic phase machine architecture where the control algorithm can dynamically transition between different phases based on real-time drilling conditions. Each phase contains phase-specific control logic that adapts to particular operational requirements (e.g., circulation parameters differ from drilling parameters). This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to various applications and conditions without requiring a completely different algorithm for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase machine architecture serves as a universal control framework that can manage multiple different drilling operations and equipment types through a common structure. By defining standardized phases and transitions, the system can handle variances between different applications, systems, and equipment while maintaining a consistent control approach, thereby achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If manual control and coordination is used for individual systems and sub-systems, then flexibility and adaptability to specific conditions are maintained, but substantial personnel efforts and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous agents for each drilling phase that can independently monitor their own operational parameters, detect phase transition conditions, and execute appropriate control actions without continuous manual intervention. For example, the circulation phase agent automatically monitors flow rates and pressure, and autonomously transitions to the drilling phase when circulation conditions are satisfied. This self-service capability significantly reduces the time and personnel effort required for coordination while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase machine architecture incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms where each phase monitors its own operational status and automatically triggers phase transitions when predefined conditions are met. This feedback-driven automation eliminates the need for constant manual monitoring and coordination, improving productivity by allowing the system to self-regulate and adapt to changing conditions in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the automation of an oil & gas process, e.g., a drilling process, through the use of a dynamic phase machine incorporating multiple autonomous agents.