Robotic Diversion-Line Connection for Continuous Drilling Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling operations face challenges in maintaining continuous circulation of fluids during the process of attaching new piping or material to a drill string, leading to interruptions and potential instability in wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a robotic arm and end effector is used to automate the connection and disconnection of a diversion flow line, enabling continuous circulation by diverting fluid flow without manual intervention, using a sensing device for precise alignment and a set of tools for seamless integration with the drill string components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used to attach new piping to drill string, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but continuous circulation is interrupted and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-alignment using sensing devices to detect the drill string position and automatically adjusts its components to maintain proper connection, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while preserving continuous circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, actuators, and control systems to perform the connection and disconnection of drill string components, thereby maintaining continuous circulation without human intervention
2Stability of the object's composition
If diversion flow line is connected to maintain continuous circulation, then borehole stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into modular components including end effectors, sensing devices, actuators, and control systems that can independently perform specific functions, allowing the complex task of maintaining continuous circulation to be broken down into manageable segments
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion flow line acts as an intermediary component that allows fluid to bypass the drill string connection point, enabling continuous circulation to be maintained while new piping is attached, thus preserving borehole stability without requiring direct manual intervention
3Productivity
If robotic system is used for automated connection, then human error is minimized and productivity increases, but initial complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functional end effectors that can perform multiple operations including connecting and disconnecting drill string components, aligning with sensing devices, and controlling diversion flow lines, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and justifying the initial complexity through versatile functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a continuous circulation subcomponent, a robotic device, and a control system. The subcomponent can include a receiving area and can be associated with a drilling operation for forming a wellbore. The robotic device can include an end effector that can include a sensing device and tools corresponding to operations to facilitate continuous circulation in the wellbore. The control system can cause the robotic device to perform operations. The robotic device can align the end effector with the receiving area. The robotic device can determine whether a leak is present at the receiving area. The robotic device can connect, disconnect, or a combination thereof the diversion line with the receiving area to allow the continuous circulation during the drilling operation.