Surface Steerable Drilling System Path Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face challenges in accurately navigating complex boreholes, particularly with directional drilling, leading to errors that increase costs and reduce well output due to the inability to effectively realign the drill bit with the planned path.
Innovation Solution
A rotary steerable system that calculates convergence plans based on financial cost parameters and real-time drilling operation information, using a network interface, processor, and memory to adjust the drilling path through rotary steering components, ensuring the drill bit aligns with the planned path while optimizing for cost and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surface steering systems are used to enable drilling operations, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment required at the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs surface-based actuators that apply forces to the BHA through the drill string, acting as an intermediary mechanism to achieve steering without complex downhole equipment. The surface actuator system mediates between the control system and the BHA, applying controlled forces to redirect the borehole path
2Productivity
If real-time calculation and modification of drilling parameters is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous computing and control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the optimal borehole path and required drilling parameters before actual drilling operations. By pre-calculating the convergence path and determining target drilling parameters in advance, the system reduces the need for continuous real-time computing during drilling, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining high productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If convergence path calculation based on forecasted forces is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase to accurately detect geological formations and BHA position
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual BHA position and geological formation data, compares it with the forecasted convergence path, and provides feedback to adjust drilling parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve high borehole path precision by compensating for measurement uncertainties and deviations through iterative correction
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method for drilling and a surface steerable system for use with a drilling rig are described, wherein the method comprises: receiving, by a surface steerable system coupled to a drilling rig, bottom hole assembly (BHA) information associated with a rotary steerable BHA at a first location in a borehole, wherein the rotary steerable BHA further comprises a pad on an exterior surface of the rotary steerable BHA or a bent main shaft; receiving, by the surface steerable system, geological information associated with a geological formation through which the borehole extends; calculating, by the surface steerable system, forecasted information including torsional and spatial forces that are predicted to act on a drill bit attached to the rotary steerable BHA, wherein the torsional and spatial forces are predicted to be caused by actuator forces associated with the pad or the bent main shaft, and wherein the forecasted information is calculated using the BHA information and the geological information; calculating, by the surface steerable system, a first vector representing a convergence path from the first location of the rotary steerable BHA to a target drilling path based on the forecasted information; causing, by the surface steerable system, at least one drilling parameter to be modified in order to enable drilling using the rotary steerable BHA according to the first vector, wherein the drilling rig is enabled for the drilling according to the at least one drilling parameter using the rotary steerable BHA; and drilling the borehole using the rotary steerable BHA according to the at least one drilling parameter.