Portable UWB Rig Positioning for Collision Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety systems in the oil and gas industry, such as camera-based and GPS systems, face challenges in accurately tracking personnel and equipment positions due to obstructions and extreme weather, and are not suitable for temporary rig equipment, leading to potential collisions and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A portable local positioning system using Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) radio frequency Real Time Location System (RTLS) to track the real-time 3D coordinates of personnel and equipment with high accuracy, enabling automatic control and interlocks to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera-based systems are used to monitor position, then real-time tracking capability is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates when views are obstructed or in extreme weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical detection with radio frequency (RF) identification technology. Instead of using cameras to visually track personnel and equipment, the system employs RFID tags and readers that communicate via radio waves, eliminating the problem of visual obstructions and weather interference. The RFID system uses electromagnetic fields rather than line-of-sight optical detection, fundamentally substituting the detection mechanism to achieve reliable tracking in all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary devices attached to personnel and equipment. These tags act as mediators between the tracking system and the objects being monitored, enabling indirect detection through radio frequency communication. This intermediary approach allows the system to track positions without requiring direct visual contact or line-of-sight, solving the obstruction problem inherent in camera-based systems.
2Area of stationary object
If GPS systems are used for positioning, then wide area coverage is achieved, but resolution deteriorates to tens of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a local positioning system using multiple RFID readers positioned throughout the rig environment. Instead of relying on a single global satellite system, the system creates localized tracking zones where each reader provides precise position data. By deploying readers at strategic locations and using trilateration algorithms, the system achieves high-resolution positioning (centimeter to meter level) within the local rig area while maintaining continuous coverage through the network of readers.
3Device complexity
If RFID tags are used for tracking, then system simplicity is achieved, but position resolution deteriorates to tens of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into multiple distributed RFID readers rather than using a single centralized system. Each reader independently tracks tags within its coverage zone, and the central controller aggregates data from multiple readers to calculate precise positions using trilateration. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at the tag level while achieving high resolution through the coordinated network of readers, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and position precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional RFID gate detection (simply detecting presence/absence) to three-dimensional position tracking by implementing multiple readers at different locations and heights. By adding spatial dimensions to the RFID detection network, the system can triangulate positions and achieve precise 3D location data, transforming the capability from simple proximity detection to accurate position determination while maintaining RFID technology's inherent simplicity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If permanently installed rig equipment is used, then system stability is achieved, but adaptability deteriorates when temporary equipment needs to be added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where RFID tags can be easily attached and detached from personnel and equipment as needed. The system automatically recognizes new tags when they enter the monitoring zone and adapts its tracking parameters accordingly. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate changing rig configurations, temporary equipment additions, and personnel movements without requiring permanent installations or system reconfiguration, while maintaining stable and reliable tracking throughout.
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
The system provides accurate and reliable tracking of personnel and equipment, preventing collisions and ensuring safety by enabling real-time monitoring and control of movements, even in dynamic and adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A portable local positioning system using Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) radio frequency Real Time Location System (RTLS) to track the real-time 3D coordinates of personnel and equipment
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for mitigating collision occurrences on a drilling rig, of which an example of the method includes associating ultra wide band (UWB) tags with pieces of rig equipment and rig personnel. The tags (100A-D) are configured to communicate with one or more anchors (200A-C). The method also includes determining interlock rules associated with each of the pieces of rig equipment, monitoring positions of the pieces of rig equipment and the rig personnel using the tags, in real-time, determining that one or more of the interlock rules are violated by a position of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment, rig personnel, or both, and, in response to determining that the one or more of the interlock rules are violated, at least partially disabling operation of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment.