Hydraulic Choke Speed Control for Managed Pressure Drilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The hydraulic choke response in managed pressure drilling systems is affected by temperature changes, leading to inconsistent and unpredictable behavior, which can result in overshooting target positions and increased risks of fluid influxes or losses during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system that measures and adjusts the opening/closing speed of hydraulic chokes based on real-time temperature changes, using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control to maintain consistent choke positional control and improve pressure management, by calculating the current speed and adjusting the choke control values accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic power is supplied remotely to the chokes using a standard HPU with accumulator and solenoid valve, then the system can operate with conventional hydraulic architecture, but the choke response becomes inconsistent and unpredictable due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic choke response system that adapts to changing temperature conditions. The controller continuously monitors temperature and adjusts choke positioning commands in real-time, transforming the static choke control into a dynamic system that maintains consistent response characteristics across varying thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (choke positioning commands, flow rate adjustments) based on temperature variations. By monitoring temperature and modifying control parameters accordingly, the system compensates for temperature-induced changes in hydraulic fluid viscosity and accumulator pressure, maintaining reliable choke response.
2Speed
If the choke opening/closing speed is increased to improve response time, then faster pressure control is achieved, but the risk of overshooting target positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors choke position and adjusts positioning commands based on actual versus target position. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to achieve fast response times while preventing overshoot by dynamically adjusting the positioning command in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by adjusting the choke positioning incrementally rather than in single large steps. The controller divides the total position adjustment into multiple smaller increments, allowing the choke to reach target positions accurately without overshooting, while still maintaining fast overall response time.
3Reliability
If temperature compensation algorithms are implemented to account for thermal effects on hydraulic fluid, then choke response consistency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by monitoring its own operational parameters (temperature, choke position, flow rate) and automatically compensating for deviations. The controller adjusts choke positioning commands based on measured temperature conditions, enabling the system to self-correct for thermal effects without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-calculates adjusted choke positioning commands based on predicted temperature conditions. By anticipating thermal effects and preparing compensation adjustments in advance, the system maintains consistent choke response without requiring complex real-time calculations during critical pressure control moments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures consistent and precise control of choke positions, mitigating the effects of temperature variations and improving the overall pressure control in managed pressure drilling systems, thereby reducing the risk of fluid influxes or losses and enhancing drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid us high. The lower internal Nitrogen pressure of the accumulator allows more hydraulic fluid to enter the accumulator while reaching the set hydraulic system pressure
Implementation Method 2
the nitrogen gas energy in the accumulator is low, and the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid us high. The lower internal Nitrogen pressure of the accumulator allows more hydraulic fluid to enter the accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly uses a choke to control flow of wellbore fluid in a drilling system. A controller operatively coupled to the choke can control opening/closing of the choke with hydraulic power and an actuator. The control operates the opening/closing of the choke with a choke control value to control a parameter in the drilling system, such as pressure or flow. The control measure a time for the choke to at least reach a position toward a full open/closed position during a full opening/closing operation and calculates a current opening/closing speed of the choke. When this current speed is compared to a previously stored speed, the control adjusts the choke control value for the choke based on any difference.