Master Pressure Control for Coordinated Overpressure Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated pressure control systems in subterranean operations lack coordination between equipment, leading to inefficient, costly, and unreliable mitigation of overpressure events due to independent control of individual components, which can result in equipment damage and operational delays.
Innovation Solution
An automated pressure control system utilizing a master control system that communicates with and coordinates the operation of multiple pumping systems, motors, transmissions, and valves through an information handling system, allowing for real-time data processing and coordinated mitigation strategies based on sensor data to prevent overpressure events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual controllers are used to control equipment independently, then each controller can operate its associated equipment autonomously, but coordination between equipment is lost leading to inefficient and unreliable mitigation of overpressure events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual controllers into a centralized control system that receives data from all equipment and coordinates mitigation actions across the entire system. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining autonomous sensing and actuation capabilities while adding system-level coordination through a master controller that synthesizes information from all sources.
2Device complexity
If individual controllers operate independently without shared information, then system complexity is reduced, but mitigation effectiveness deteriorates due to lack of coordinated response
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels: individual equipment controllers that maintain simple local control logic, and a master controller that handles system-wide coordination. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the integrated system achieves high mitigation effectiveness through coordinated response to overpressure events.
3Speed
If equipment is controlled independently during overpressure events, then response time for individual equipment is fast, but overall system response is delayed due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller continuously receives real-time operational data from all equipment and immediately processes this feedback to coordinate mitigation actions across the system. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain fast individual response speeds while eliminating coordination delays through simultaneous, information-driven actuation of all equipment components.
Data Source
AI summary
To compensate for an event, equipment may require a power down sequence of a motor connected to a pump to prevent the pumping of servicing fluid at a high pressure, high pressure fluid may be required to be diverted to a reservoir or otherwise diverted from a wellhead, multiple pumping systems may require that pumping pressure be altered or adjusted or that flow rate be altered or adjust to manage or control the conditions to protect equipment or personnel at a site. Activating, adjusting or altering an operational characteristic of equipment by using a control system may automatically initiate the most efficient and effective mitigation steps for equipment at a site when condition is detected or predicted. Collecting and analyzing information from devices, components, sensors, control systems, other equipment or any combination thereof at a site by a master control system provides automated control of pressure sensitive conditions.