Slide Drilling Control via Reciprocating Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
During slide drilling in well construction, the reduced weight-on-bit due to axial friction between the drill string and the wellbore sidewall results in a lower rate of penetration (ROP), limiting the efficiency of directional drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotation sensor, an electrical device for torque measurement, and a processing device that determines a reference rotational distance based on these measurements, enabling the top drive to alternate the drill string's rotation direction, thereby reducing axial friction and increasing weight transfer to the drill bit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slide drilling is performed with the drill string sliding along the wellbore sidewall, then directional control is improved, but the rate of penetration deteriorates due to reduced weight-on-bit
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic rotation of the drill string in alternating directions during slide drilling operations. The controller commands the top drive to rotate the drill string a predetermined number of degrees in one direction, then reverse and rotate in the opposite direction, creating a reciprocating motion pattern that prevents the drill string from continuously sliding against the wellbore sidewall and maintains weight-on-bit
2Manufacturing precision
If the drill string slides along the wellbore sidewall during directional drilling, then directional accuracy is improved, but weight transfer to the drill bit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic reciprocating rotation prevents continuous contact between the drill string and wellbore sidewall by alternating the direction of rotation before the drill string can slide significantly, thereby maintaining weight-on-bit while still allowing directional control through controlled positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotation direction and magnitude based on real-time feedback from rotation sensors and torque measurements, adapting the drill string motion to maintain optimal weight-on-bit while achieving directional drilling objectives
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing slide drilling and for determining operational parameters to be utilized during slide drilling. An example method includes commencing operation of a processing device, whereby the processing device determines a reference rotational distance of a top drive to be utilized during slide drilling. The processing device outputs a control command to the top drive to cause the top drive to rotate a drill string. The processing device also determines the reference rotational distance based on rotational distance measurements indicative of rotational distance achieved by the top drive and torque measurements indicative of torque applied to the drill string by the top drive.