Offboard Drilling Fluid Supply Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling systems face challenges in efficiently managing drilling fluid supply, particularly in scenarios where trenching or excavating is impractical, such as under existing structures or bodies of water, due to limitations in fluid circulation and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a horizontal directional drilling machine and a separate offboard fluid supply system with a pump, fluid link, and control system that can operate in both local and remote modes, allowing for flexible fluid distribution and management through a fluid supply control system and drill control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate offboard fluid supply system is used, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system is divided into separate offboard components (fluid supply system) and drilling components (horizontal directional drilling machine), connected via a fluid link. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each subsystem and enables flexible deployment configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid link (hose or conduit) serves as an intermediary element connecting the offboard fluid supply system to the drill string. This intermediary enables flexible fluid transmission while allowing independent positioning of the fluid supply equipment away from the drilling operation.
2Ease of operation
If remote control mode is implemented, then ease of operation in challenging terrains is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control system acts as an intermediary control interface, allowing the operator to control the fluid supply system from a remote location. This intermediary control system enables operation in challenging terrains where direct access to the fluid supply equipment may be difficult or unsafe.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system replaces direct mechanical operation with remote electronic control. The fluid supply system can be controlled remotely through electronic signals rather than requiring direct mechanical interaction, enabling operation from protected or remote locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual mode control (local and remote) is provided, then adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both local mode (direct control at the fluid supply location) and remote mode (control from remote location). This universal control architecture allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between local and remote modes based on operational requirements. The ability to transition between control modes provides adaptability to changing conditions while maintaining a unified control architecture that manages the complexity through standardized interfaces.
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
Enables efficient circulation and lubrication of drilling fluids, minimizing environmental impact by allowing for remote operation of the fluid supply system, enhancing drilling efficiency and flexibility, especially in challenging terrains and structures.
Implementation Method 1
a pump interposed in the fluid link
Implementation Method 2
Enables efficient circulation and lubrication of drilling fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an offboard fluid supply system. The fluid supply system has mud supply pump which may be controlled by a local control system disposed at the fluid supply system. The mud supply pump may also be controlled by a remote control system disposed on a drilling rig. The mud supply pump provides fluid through a conduit to a drill string on the drilling rig. The local control system and the remote control system are paired such that only one of each is connected at one time. While paired, information from both the fluid supply system and drilling rig may be displayed by either control system.