Well Construction Control Network for Real-Time Subsystem Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well construction systems rely on manual coordination between subsystems, leading to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and safety risks due to the lack of communication and automation in controlling wellsite equipment.
Innovation Solution
An integrated well construction system (IWCS) with a centralized communication network and control workstation that automates the control of integrated subsystems, enabling real-time data analysis and automated operation sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple wellsite operators manually monitor and control different equipment subsystems via control panels, then each operator can independently control their assigned equipment, but the cost increases and the speed, efficiency, and safety of well construction operations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent control functions into a single integrated control system. The control workstation consolidates control of rig subsystems, fluid circulation subsystems, tubular handling subsystems, and well control subsystems into one unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate control panels and operators while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control workstation is designed as a universal control device that can operate multiple different subsystems through a single interface. It provides multi-functional control capabilities including automated drilling sequences, real-time monitoring, and coordination of various well construction equipment, replacing multiple specialized control stations.
2Reliability
If multiple wellsite operators are deployed to monitor and manually control wellsite equipment, then comprehensive monitoring coverage is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control workstation enables automated monitoring and control operations that perform functions previously requiring human operators. The system self-monitors subsystem status, detects anomalies, and executes control actions automatically, reducing dependence on human operators while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operators physically monitoring equipment with an automated electronic control system. The control workstation uses software-based monitoring and control mechanisms to supervise all well construction subsystems, eliminating the need for multiple human operators.
3Device complexity
If there is no communication between equipment subsystems and their controllers, then each subsystem operates independently with simple control architecture, but coordination between subsystems must be manually initiated by operators
Solution Approach 1:
The control workstation serves as an intermediary device that establishes communication between previously isolated subsystems. It acts as a central mediator that receives data from all subsystems, processes information, and coordinates control actions across the entire well construction system, enabling automated coordination without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control workstation implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring subsystem status and using this information to automatically adjust control actions. The system receives real-time data from sensors and subsystem controllers, processes this feedback information, and makes coordinated control decisions across multiple subsystems without requiring manual operator input.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated well construction system (IWCS) operable for constructing a well via integrated control of integrated control devices that collectively control integrated subsystems of the IWCS. The IWCS includes an IWCS communication network, the integrated control devices (each directly connected with the IWCS communication network), the integrated subsystems, and a control workstation directly connected with the IWCS communication network and operable to control each of the integrated control devices to thereby control the integrated subsystems. During operation of the IWCS, data associated with the well construction operation is automatically collected and analyzed in real-time to determine parameters based on the data, and at least some of the determined parameters are used for controlling the well construction operation.