Automated Steerable Motor Control for Directional Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current directional drilling methods using steerable drilling motors lack automation in transitioning from rotary to slide drilling and often experience motor stalling due to excessive axial loading.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically control the rotation of the drill string and drilling fluid pressure to maintain a selected torque range, allowing for controlled transitions between rotary and slide drilling, and reducing motor stalling by optimizing the rate of drill string release and fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated control of drill string rotation and fluid pressure is implemented, then drilling efficiency and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated directional drilling system continuously monitors drilling parameters including torque, axial load, and fluid pressure, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust drill string rotation speed and direction, as well as fluid pressure, to maintain optimal drilling conditions and prevent motor stalling
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the transition between rotary and slide drilling modes without requiring manual operator intervention, using real-time parameter monitoring to self-regulate drilling operations and maintain selected trajectory direction
2Productivity
If manual operation of drill string rotation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator input errors increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from torque and axial load sensors to automatically adjust drilling parameters, eliminating manual operation errors and improving drilling efficiency through precise automated control of the steerable motor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control systems that monitor drilling parameters and automatically adjust drill string rotation and fluid pressure, reducing human error and improving productivity
3Force
If excessive axial loading is applied to the drilling motor, then drilling force is improved, but motor stalling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors axial load on the drilling motor and automatically adjusts drill string rotation and fluid pressure in real-time to maintain optimal drilling force while preventing excessive loading that would cause motor stalling
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts drilling parameters including rotation speed, rotation direction, and fluid pressure based on real-time motor load conditions, allowing the drilling force to be optimized without causing motor stalling through continuous adaptive control
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for directional drilling of a wellbore includes automatically rotating a drill string having a steerable drilling motor at an end thereof in a first direction so that a measured torque related parameter thereon reaches a first value. The drill string is automatically rotated in a second direction so that the measured torque related parameter reaches a second value lower than the first value. A rate of release of the drill string is automatically controlled so that at least one of selected drilling fluid pressure and a range thereof is maintained.