Well Construction Workflow Control for Real-Time Field Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field operations in resource extraction, such as oil and gas drilling, face challenges in efficiently managing and controlling the complex processes involved in well construction, including data acquisition, equipment control, and real-time decision-making, leading to inefficiencies and potential operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling field equipment through a control system that receives and analyzes information related to tiered well construction activities, generating workflows, and transmitting signals to perform specific tasks, utilizing a processor-based system with memory and executable instructions to manage and coordinate drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control methods are used for field equipment, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operational efficiency and real-time decision-making capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system with interface as an intermediary between operators and field equipment. This intermediary automates information processing and control signal transmission, improving operational efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an automated control system that processes information and transmits control signals electronically. This substitution eliminates manual intervention in routine control tasks, significantly improving productivity.
2Reliability
If comprehensive data acquisition is implemented, then decision-making quality improves, but system complexity and data processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control system with interface serves multiple functions: acquiring data from field equipment, analyzing information, generating control signals, and coordinating operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity while comprehensively acquiring necessary data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data acquisition, information analysis, and control signal generation into a single integrated control system. This consolidation improves decision-making quality by ensuring all data processing functions work together coherently while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
3Reliability
If real-time control is implemented, then operational safety and efficiency improve, but information processing requirements and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements real-time feedback by continuously acquiring data from field equipment, analyzing the information, and adjusting control signals accordingly. This feedback loop ensures operational safety through immediate response to changing conditions while the systematic information processing prevents information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling field equipment can include receiving information via an interface of a control system; analyzing the information by the control system with respect to tiered well construction activities; based on the analyzing, generating a workflow that includes at least a series of tiered well construction activities; and transmitting a signal from the control system to the field equipment to control the field equipment to perform at least one of the series of tiered well construction activities.