Method and apparatus for transitioning between rotary drilling and slide drilling while maintaining a bit of a bottom hole assembly on a wellbore bottom
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition between rotary and slide drilling in drilling operations is often marred by high shock and vibration, leading to equipment damage and increased nonproductive time, as the bit is typically removed from the wellbore bottom during these transitions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automate the transition between rotary and slide drilling by maintaining the bit on the wellbore bottom, involving the recording of toolface values, calculating unwind amounts, and adjusting drill string torque and weight-on-bit to align the bit orientation without lifting it off the bottom, thereby minimizing shock and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bit is removed from the wellbore bottom during transition between rotary and slide drilling, then the drilling mode can be changed, but high shock and vibration occur causing equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically adjusting drill string rotation, unwinding the drill string by calculated amounts, and positioning the bit at the transition point before the actual mode change occurs. This preparatory sequence minimizes sudden movements and reduces shock and vibration during the transition between rotary and slide drilling modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by recording toolface values, calculating unwind amounts based on breakover torque, and automatically adjusting drill string parameters in response to real-time measurements. This closed-loop control ensures smooth transitions while monitoring and minimizing harmful shock and vibration levels
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bit is removed from the wellbore bottom during transition, then drilling mode can be changed, but nonproductive time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically executing the entire transition sequence including recording toolface values, calculating unwind amounts, adjusting drill string parameters, and initiating slide drilling without requiring manual intervention. This automation eliminates time-consuming manual operations and reduces nonproductive time during mode transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the bit on the wellbore bottom throughout the transition process, avoiding complete removal and repositioning. The automated adjustment of drill string parameters allows the drilling operation to continue with minimal interruption, reducing nonproductive time while changing drilling modes
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bit remains on the wellbore bottom during transition, then shock and vibration are minimized, but automated control of drill string parameters is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single automated control mechanism that performs multiple tasks: recording toolface values, calculating unwind amounts based on breakover torque, adjusting drill string rotation, and coordinating the transition sequence. This universal control system manages complex parameters while maintaining bit contact with the wellbore bottom to minimize shock and vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transitioning from rotary to slide drilling while maintaining a bit of a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”) on a wellbore bottom includes (a) recording a first toolface value of the BHA that is coupled to a drill string; (b) identifying a correlation between the first toolface value and a first quill position of a quill coupled to the drill string; (c) identifying a breakover torque for the drill string; (d) performing rotary drilling; (e) recording a second toolface value while the bit remains on the wellbore bottom; (f) receiving, while the bit remains on the wellbore bottom, a target toolface value; (g) calculating, while the bit remains on the wellbore bottom, an unwind amount to unwind the drill string; and (h) unwinding the drill string by the unwind amount to bring the second toolface value closer to the target toolface value while the bit remains on the bottom.