Supervisory Rig Control for Automated Well Construction Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well construction operations rely heavily on human intervention for coordinating and controlling various subsystems, which limits speed, efficiency, and safety due to lack of communication and automation between surface and subterranean equipment.
Innovation Solution
A supervisory control system is introduced, comprising a supervisory controller connected to the rig control system, enabling automated control and coordination of well construction equipment through a processing device and memory storing executable program code, which selects operational sequences based on equipment status and plans, and includes a human-machine interface for personnel control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human operators manually control and coordinate well construction equipment, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operational speed and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisory controller automatically monitors equipment status, selects operational sequences, and controls well construction equipment without continuous human intervention. The system serves itself by making autonomous decisions based on sensor data and pre-programmed logic, thereby increasing operational speed while reducing manual control dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system. The supervisory controller uses sensors, processors, and communication networks to substitute human operators in coordinating equipment, achieving faster and more consistent operational responses.
2Reliability
If multiple standalone controllers are used for different subsystems, then system modularity and ease of repair are improved, but coordination and communication between subsystems deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisory controller merges the functions of multiple standalone controllers into a single integrated system. It consolidates coordination and communication tasks across all subsystems, ensuring reliable inter-subsystem coordination while managing complexity through unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The supervisory controller performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors equipment status, selects operational sequences, controls various well construction equipment, and coordinates between subsystems. This multi-functionality improves reliability by centralizing control while the modular design maintains ease of repair.
3Productivity
If automated control systems are implemented, then operational efficiency and safety are improved, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system is segmented into modular components: supervisory controller, rig control system, well construction equipment, and human-machine interface. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing functions into discrete, manageable modules while maintaining operational efficiency through their coordinated interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A supervisory control system for a well construction rig operable to perform well construction operations to construct a planned well at a wellsite. The supervisory control system may be installable in association with the well construction rig. The supervisory control system may comprise a supervisory controller communicatively connectable with a central controller of a rig control system of the well construction rig. The rig control system may be communicatively connected with and operable to control well construction equipment of the well construction rig. The supervisory controller may be operable to control the well construction equipment via the rig control system to cause the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations. The central controller may be operable as an I/O interface for matching inputs and outputs of the supervisory controller with corresponding inputs and outputs of at least one piece of the well construction equipment.