Automated Drilling Control System for Real-Time Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling operations in subsurface formations are inefficient due to reliance on manual control and monitoring, leading to variability in drilling performance and increased costs, as well as limitations in real-time data from downhole instrumentation, which can result in stale information and reduced drilling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An automated drilling system that uses a control system to monitor and control drilling parameters, including fluid flow rates and pressure, to maintain steady state conditions and automatically adjust the drill bit's position based on differential pressure measurements, allowing for continuous and precise control of drilling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual control and monitoring are used in drilling operations, then personnel can adjust drilling parameters based on experience and instincts, but drilling performance becomes variable and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling performance adaptabilityVSAvoiddrilling performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors drilling parameters including differential pressure, flow rates, and torque in real-time, and automatically adjusts drilling operations based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures consistent drilling performance by maintaining optimal parameters without relying on variable human judgment, while still adapting to changing formation conditions through automated response to sensor data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If downhole instrumentation is used to monitor drilling operations, then data can be collected from the bottom hole assembly, but data transmission is limited to periodic snapshots and information becomes stale

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling data availabilityVSAvoiddata freshness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous monitoring of drilling parameters through sensors in the drilling fluid circulation system, providing uninterrupted real-time data on differential pressure, flow rates, and other critical parameters. This eliminates the periodic gaps in data availability and ensures information remains current for immediate drilling decisions, as the monitoring operates continuously throughout the drilling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If drilling operations are stopped or drill bit is pulled off bottom for mode changes, then transition between rotary and slide drilling can be performed, but overall drilling rate and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling mode flexibilityVSAvoiddrilling rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between rotary and slide drilling modes by continuously adjusting drilling parameters including flow rate, weight on bit, and rotary speed based on real-time formation conditions and drilling objectives. This allows seamless mode changes without stopping the drill bit, maintaining continuous drilling operation and maximizing productivity while adapting to varying geological conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If automated control systems are implemented, then drilling efficiency and consistency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated control system integrates multiple functions including parameter monitoring, real-time data processing, automated decision-making, and actuation control within a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach improves drilling efficiency through comprehensive automation while managing system complexity by consolidating control functions rather than using separate systems for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances drilling efficiency by reducing manual intervention, improving the consistency of drilling performance across different formations and rigs, and providing real-time data to optimize drilling parameters, thereby increasing overall drilling rate and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring and controlling a flow rate of fluid into the drill string to be substantially the same as a flowrate of fluid out of the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow monitoring and control:

Implementation Method 2

allowing a fluid pressure to reach a relatively steady state, comprising allowing a standpipe pressure to be in a steady state within predetermined set point limits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure stabilization:

Implementation Method 3

automatically moving the drill bit towards the bottom of the opening at a selected rate of advance until a consistent increase in measured differential pressure indicates that the drill bit is at the bottom of the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP2558673B1Methods and systems for drilling

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ BV

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AI summary

Systems and methods for automatically drilling in subsurface formations.