Universal Rig Control Interface for Legacy Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older oil and gas rigs lack automated control systems, preventing the implementation of advanced control features like stick-slip mitigation and drilling optimization, making them less competitive compared to modern rigs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a universal rig control interface that includes mechanical, analog, pneumatic, and digital control interfaces, allowing an automated rig control system to manipulate legacy control handles and signals, enabling the implementation of advanced control features on older rigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automated rig control system is introduced to older rigs, then advanced control features and drilling efficiency are improved, but device complexity and integration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs interface systems as intermediaries between the automated rig control system and legacy rig tools. These interface systems include mechanical control interfaces with actuators, analog signal interfaces, pneumatic interfaces, and digital communication interfaces. The intermediary translates automated control signals into forms compatible with legacy equipment, enabling integration without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal interface capabilities that can handle multiple types of control signals and mechanisms. The interface systems can manipulate various types of control handles (mechanical, electrical, pneumatic) and communicate through different protocols (analog, digital, pneumatic signals), making the automated control system adaptable to diverse legacy equipment configurations.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical control interfaces with actuators are used to manipulate legacy control handles, then ease of operation and automation capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated actuators that can be controlled electronically. The actuators mechanically move control handles from one position to another based on signals from the automated rig control system, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining compatibility with mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is divided into separate modular components: the automated rig control system, interface systems with multiple specialized interfaces, and actuators. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, maintained, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables older rigs to adopt advanced control features, enhancing their competitiveness by automating operations and providing automated control over tools like draw works, rotary tables, and pumps, thereby improving drilling efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
An electric motor is connected to the coupler
Implementation Method 2
A position of the control handle is measured by a sensor coupled to the control handle
Data Source
AI summary
A rig control interface includes a plurality of interface systems. Each of the interface systems is configured to manipulate a rig control based on a signal received from an automated rig control system. The interface systems includes a mechanical control interface. The mechanical control interface includes an actuator configured to mechanically move a control handle from a first position to a second position responsive to the signal.