Rotating Control Device WOB Adjustment for Drilling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
During oil and gas drilling, the axial motion of the drill string encounters resistance as it passes through a Rotating Control Device (RCD) due to friction, leading to perceived and actual changes in drilling parameters, which can result in drill bit dysfunction and increased risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjust the weight-on-bit (WOB) setpoint by determining when the pipe joint enters and exits the RCD, increasing WOB as it enters to maintain downhole weight-on-bit (DWOB) and decreasing WOB as it exits to prevent sudden increases, while also managing the rate of penetration (ROP) setpoint to mitigate these effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drill string passes through the RCD seal during axial motion, then the drilling operation continues, but friction between the pipe joint and seal causes resistance that changes drilling parameters and may damage the drill bit
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects when a pipe joint is approaching the RCD seal using block height measurements and proactively adjusts the WOB setpoint before the joint contacts the seal. This preliminary action prevents sudden parameter changes and maintains stable drilling conditions throughout the pipe joint's passage through the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors block height and measured WOB to detect pipe joint position and friction effects. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the WOB setpoint to compensate for friction-induced parameter changes, maintaining constant DWOB despite the presence of the RCD seal.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the WOB setpoint is increased to maintain DWOB during pipe joint entry, then drilling stability is maintained, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses readily available block height measurements from the existing drilling control system to detect pipe joint position and trigger WOB adjustments. By leveraging existing sensors and control infrastructure, the solution maintains drilling stability without requiring additional complex hardware or sensors.
3Productivity
If the ROP setpoint is adjusted to compensate for friction, then drilling efficiency is maintained, but the risk of excessive WOB application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors measured WOB and block height to detect when a pipe joint is approaching or passing through the RCD seal. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the WOB setpoint to compensate for friction-induced parameter changes, maintaining constant DWOB despite the presence of the RCD seal.
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 helps maintain a constant DWOB, reducing the likelihood of drill bit damage and dysfunction, such as whirl, and prevents excessive downhole weight application, thereby improving drilling stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
resistance to axial motion increases as a result of friction between the increased diameter of the pipe joint and the pliable seal of the RCD
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method of controlling a drilling operation. A pipe joint is determined to be entering a rotating control device (RCD). In response to determining that the pipe joint is entering the RCD, a weight-on-bit (WOB) setpoint is increased so as to increase a measured WOB. After increasing the WOB setpoint, the pipe joint is determined to be exiting the RCD. In response to determining that the pipe joint is exiting the RCD, the WOB setpoint is decreased so as to decrease the measured WOB.