Generative AI Drilling Framework for Well Trajectory Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling operations lack efficient and accurate methods for constructing boreholes that penetrate reservoirs, particularly in complex geologic environments with lateral variations and fractures, leading to challenges in resource extraction and production optimization.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing generative artificial intelligence engines to generate configuration settings for graphical user interfaces of computational frameworks, enabling enhanced visualization and control of drilling operations, including tools like DRILLPLAN, DRILLOPS, PETREL, TECHLOG, PETROMOD, ECLIPSE, and INTERSECT, to optimize well construction and resource extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional drilling methods are used in complex geologic environments, then drilling operations can be performed, but the accuracy of borehole construction and trajectory control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveborehole construction accuracyVSAvoiddrilling operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an AI-based computational framework as an intermediary system that processes complex geologic data and generates optimized drilling trajectories. This framework acts as a mediator between geologic complexity and drilling control, translating complex subsurface conditions into actionable drilling parameters while maintaining high trajectory accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drilling control systems with an AI-driven computational framework. Instead of relying solely on mechanical adjustments and human expertise, the system uses machine learning models to analyze geologic data and automatically generate optimized drilling paths, reducing the impact of geologic complexity on drilling precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If real-time data analysis is implemented, then drilling operation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling operation efficiencyVSAvoiddata analysis system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service data analysis system where the AI computational framework automatically processes drilling data, generates insights, and adjusts drilling parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system self-updates its models based on new data, continuously improving efficiency while managing its own complexity through automated learning processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes real-time feedback loops where drilling data is continuously analyzed by the AI framework, and the system automatically adjusts drilling parameters based on the analysis. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of drilling efficiency while the AI system manages complexity through automated decision-making based on feedback from sensors and operational data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If dynamic planning is used, then well trajectory control accuracy improves, but computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewell trajectory control accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-computing multiple potential drilling trajectories and preparing computational models in advance. The AI framework analyzes geologic data beforehand to generate a library of optimized paths, allowing the drilling system to quickly select and adjust the best trajectory without requiring intensive real-time computational power, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250298944A1Drilling operations framework
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP
  • US20250298944A1 patent drawing
  • US20250298944A1 patent drawing
  • US20250298944A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method may include receiving a prompt by a generative artificial intelligence engine, where the prompt describes a drilling analysis; responsive to the prompt, generating configuration settings for one or more graphical user interfaces of one or more computational frameworks; and transmitting instructions for rendering at least one of the graphical user interfaces to a display according to its configuration settings.