Automated Well Construction Control for Abnormal Event Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well construction systems rely heavily on human operators to coordinate and respond to abnormal events during drilling operations, which limits speed, efficiency, and safety due to the lack of communication and automation between subsystems.
Innovation Solution
An automated control system that includes sensors and an equipment controller capable of receiving sensor data, detecting abnormal downhole events, and outputting control data to mitigate these events by selecting and executing appropriate operational sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual control by rig personnel is used, then flexibility in decision-making is maintained, but speed and efficiency of response to abnormal events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically detecting abnormal downhole events through sensors and executing predetermined operational sequences without requiring human intervention. The system monitors itself and responds autonomously to maintain well construction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores predetermined operational sequences in advance that are automatically selected and executed when abnormal events are detected. This preliminary preparation enables rapid response without delay for human decision-making and command transmission.
2Productivity
If manual coordination between subsystems is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but coordination efficiency and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple subsystems are merged into a unified automated control system that receives sensor data from all subsystems and coordinates their operations through a single control processor. This integration eliminates the need for separate communication channels between subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors sensor data from all subsystems, detects abnormal events, selects appropriate operational sequences, and coordinates responses across subsystems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex inter-subsystem communication protocols.
3Reliability
If human operators monitor and control operations, then adaptability to unique situations is maintained, but reliability and safety are reduced due to human error and limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring well construction operations and automatically adjusts operational sequences based on detected conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation while maintaining simplicity through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for automating well construction operations based on detected abnormal events. A method may comprise commencing operation of an equipment controller of a control system for monitoring and controlling a well construction system. The well construction system may comprise well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations. Commencing operation of the equipment controller may cause the equipment controller to receive sensor data from a sensor, detect an abnormal downhole event based on the sensor data, select an operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment based on the abnormal downhole event, and output control data to cause the well construction equipment to perform the operational sequence thereby mitigating the abnormal downhole event.