Anomaly Detection Using Combined Surface and Downhole Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mathematical models for detecting operational anomalies in wellbore operations rely solely on surface data, which may not accurately identify issues due to differences in operational parameters between surface and downhole equipment, leading to potential equipment failures and production losses.

Innovation Solution

The use of machine-learning models that combine surface and downhole measurement data to predict equipment malfunctions, trained on historical data and updated in real-time, to identify anomalies in operational parameters such as pressure, temperature, force, torque, and vibrations, enabling early detection of equipment irregularities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional mathematical models rely solely on surface data for anomaly detection, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of anomaly detection deteriorate due to differences in operational parameters between surface and downhole equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanomaly detection accuracyVSAvoiddata processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines surface data and downhole data into a unified machine learning model for anomaly detection. The system integrates multiple data sources (surface operational parameters and downhole operational parameters) to improve detection accuracy while managing complexity through automated processing pipelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mathematical models with machine learning models that can automatically learn and adapt to the complex relationships between surface and downhole operational parameters, substituting traditional physics-based approaches with data-driven algorithms that handle multi-source data more effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If machine-learning models combine surface and downhole measurement data, then the reliability of equipment anomaly detection is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment anomaly detection reliabilityVSAvoidoperational parameter monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning model performs self-training and automatic adaptation to the specific operational conditions. The system learns from historical data and continuously improves its detection capabilities without requiring manual recalibration or complex configuration, reducing the operational burden despite the sophisticated underlying technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where detection results and operational outcomes are fed back into the machine learning model to continuously improve its accuracy. This automated feedback mechanism enhances reliability while reducing the need for manual intervention in the complex detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If real-time machine-learning models are used for anomaly detection, then the productivity and response time are improved, but the use of energy and computational resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies machine learning models selectively to detect anomalies rather than continuously processing all data at maximum capacity. The model processes data in real-time only when needed for anomaly detection, reducing overall computational energy consumption while maintaining high productivity during critical detection events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11261719B2Use of surface and downhole measurements to identify operational anomalies
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • US11261719B2 patent drawing
  • US11261719B2 patent drawing
  • US11261719B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosed technology provides solutions for performing equipment anomaly detection. In particular, a process of the disclosed technology includes steps for receiving surface data from one or more surface sensors, receiving downhole data from one or more downhole sensors, and analyzing a combination of the surface data and the downhole data to determine if an operational anomaly is detected with respect to the surface equipment devices or the downhole equipment devices. Systems and computer-readable media are also provided.