Computer Vision Pipe Tallying for Accurate Drill String Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern drilling operations face challenges in accurately measuring and counting drill pipes due to reliance on human-in-the-loop techniques, which are prone to errors and inefficient, and classical instrumentation is either time-consuming or unsuitable for harsh down-well conditions.
Innovation Solution
An automated computer vision system using multiple cameras and processors to detect, localize, and track drill pipes, providing real-time pipe tallying and alarming for discrepancies, reducing manual intervention and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human-in-the-loop techniques are used for pipe tallying, then the system is simple to implement, but errors occur and significant disruptions to drilling activities result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human counting and classical instrumentation with an automated computer vision system using multiple cameras and image processing algorithms. The system automatically detects, tracks, and counts drill pipes as they enter or leave the wellbore, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through software-based automation.
2Productivity
If classical instrumentation is used for pipe tallying, then the system is reliable, but it is time-consuming and not suitable for harsh down-well conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces classical mechanical instrumentation with an optical computer vision system that uses cameras positioned above the wellbore to automatically track pipes. This system operates reliably in harsh down-well conditions by using non-contact optical detection, preventing contamination and mechanical failure while maintaining high drilling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computer vision technology as an intermediary between the physical pipe handling process and the tallying system. The cameras and image processing algorithms serve as a mediator that detects pipe characteristics remotely without direct contact, enabling reliable operation in harsh environments while maintaining high-speed productivity.
3Measurement precision
If manual measurement of each pipe is performed, then the system is simple to implement, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated measurement using multiple cameras that continuously capture images of pipes as they move through the wellbore. The system processes images in real-time to measure pipe lengths and diameters continuously, eliminating the time loss associated with manual measurement while maintaining high precision through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated measurement and documentation of pipe characteristics as pipes enter or leave the wellbore. By capturing and analyzing pipe data immediately during the handling process, the system eliminates subsequent manual measurement steps, saving time while maintaining measurement precision through automated optical detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for locating, measuring, counting or aiding in the handling of drill pipes 106. The system 100 comprises at least one camera 102 capable of gathering visual data 150 regarding detecting, localizing or both, pipes 106, roughnecks 116, elevators 118 and combinations thereof. The system 100 further comprises a processor 110 and a logging system 114 for recording the gathered visual data 150. The method 200 comprises acquiring visual data 150 using a camera 106, analyzing the acquired data 150, and recording the acquired data 150.