Automated Tubular Identification via Hookload and Block Position Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual identification of tubular connections during drilling operations is prone to errors, leading to misidentification and inefficient optimization of machine sequences in tripping and drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize operational data from sensors and databases to accurately identify tubular connections by analyzing hookload and block position data, enabling precise measurement and optimization of machine sequences through modules such as tripping identification, tubular connection identification, and operation optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual identification of tubular connections is used during drilling operations, then operational simplicity is maintained, but identification accuracy deteriorates leading to errors and misidentification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubular connection identification accuracyVSAvoididentification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with an automated system that uses sensors to detect hookload and block position data, processes this data through a processor to identify tubular connections, and eliminates human error in the identification process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that measure physical parameters (hookload and block position) and a processor as an intermediary that analyzes this data to determine tubular connections, serving as a mediator between the drilling operation and the identification outcome

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automated sensor-based identification is implemented, then identification accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubular connection identification reliabilityVSAvoididentification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where sensors serve both to monitor drilling parameters and identify tubular connections, and where the processor both analyzes operational data and determines connection events, reducing the need for separate dedicated identification equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing operational data from sensors that are already part of the drilling operation to automatically identify tubular connections without requiring additional manual intervention or separate identification procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual recording of tubular types is used during tripping operations, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetripping operation efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual recording processes with automated data processing that continuously analyzes sensor data to identify tubular connections and types, eliminating the time-consuming manual recording step and accelerating the tripping operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously processes sensor data throughout the tripping operation to identify tubular connections in real-time, eliminating interruptions for manual recording and maintaining continuous productive action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If automated identification systems are deployed, then operational efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling operation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system operates autonomously by automatically collecting sensor data, processing this data through algorithms, identifying tubular connections, and providing results without requiring operator intervention in the identification process itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback by analyzing sensor data and identifying tubular connections in real-time, giving operators immediate information about connection events to optimize drilling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10802899B2Drilling tubular identification

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 TRANSOCEAN SEDCO FOREX VENTURES LTD

AI summary

A tubular connection made during various oil and/or gas operations such as a tripping operation can be identified based on received data such as hookload and/or block position data. A type of tubular connected can also identified by comparing hookload and/or block position data to a tubular specification database. The identification of the tubular connection and/or type of tubular connected can be used to measure a machine sequence, such as a tripping sequence. The measurement of the machine sequence can be used to optimize an operation such as a tripping or drilling operation.