Multi-Function Drilling Rig Segmentation for Wellbore Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling methods for oil and gas wellbores require moving the drilling rig between each wellbore, resulting in inefficiencies and increased time spent on rig relocation rather than actual drilling, especially when multiple wellbores need to be drilled close to each other.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function drilling rig system that allows multiple machines (drilling, tripping, cementing, and heater installation) to be moved around a single rig, enabling the drilling and completion of multiple wellbores from a single location without relocating the entire rig, with machines positioned on a non-rectangular periphery and a driller's cabin for centralized monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drilling rig is moved to drill each wellbore sequentially, then the rig can access each wellbore location, but the time and cost increase significantly due to repeated rig relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig is divided into multiple independent machine units (drilling machine, tripping machine, cementing machine, heater installation machine) that can be moved and positioned separately. Each machine can be independently relocated to different wellbore locations without moving the entire rig system, enabling parallel operations at multiple wells simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic positioning where machines can be moved around the rig platform to different locations as needed. The machines are mounted on movable supports or tracks that allow them to be repositioned between wellbore locations, transforming the static rig structure into a dynamic, adaptable system that can respond to multiple drilling operations concurrently.
2Productivity
If multiple machines are deployed for simultaneous wellbore operations, then drilling efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each machine unit in the system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various drilling and completion tasks. The drilling machine can perform both drilling and conductor hole drilling functions, and the same machine can be relocated to different wellbore locations. This universal design reduces the need for specialized equipment for each function, managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a hierarchical structure where smaller machine units are mounted on a larger rig platform. The machines are positioned on movable supports or tracks within the rig framework, creating a nested arrangement where individual machines can be independently moved within the overall rig structure. This nesting allows multiple machines to operate simultaneously without requiring separate independent rigs for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rig is designed for single wellbore drilling, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot efficiently drill multiple close-spaced wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The rig structure is segmented into multiple independent machine units that can be separately positioned and operated. Each machine unit is mounted on its own movable support or track system, allowing it to be independently relocated to different wellbore locations. This segmentation enables the rig to handle multiple close-spaced wellbores without requiring a complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point drilling approach to a multi-point distributed architecture. Machines are arranged in multiple dimensions on the rig platform, with movable supports that allow positioning in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables simultaneous access to multiple wellbore locations that are close together, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
A multi-function multi-hole rig (600) is disclosed which, in certain aspects, includes multiple machines for accomplishing rig functions, e.g. drilling machine(s) (DMl, DM2), tripping machine(s) (TMl), casing machine(s), and/or cementing machine(s) (CMl), for producing multiple usable wellbores one after the other. This abstract is provided to allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.