Automated Wellbore Risk Assessment System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well planning systems lack effective integration of interdependencies in wellbore design, leading to subjective risk assessment and inefficient cost estimation, relying heavily on human judgment and manual processes, which are prone to bias and inconsistency.

Innovation Solution

An automated software system that integrates wellbore construction planning with geological and geomechanical models, using logical expressions to rank and display individual risks, enabling quick screening and economic evaluation of prospects, and providing probabilistic time and cost estimates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual risk assessment processes are used, then flexibility in human judgment is maintained, but time consumption increases and consistency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk assessment consistencyVSAvoidtime for risk assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical risk assessment processes with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms and data processing to evaluate drilling risks. The system automatically processes well design parameters, geological data, and equipment specifications to generate consistent risk assessments without human intervention, thereby eliminating variability in judgment while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The risk assessment system performs self-service by automatically evaluating its own inputs and generating results without requiring human analysts. The system self-processes data from well designs, geological models, and equipment catalogs to produce risk evaluations, thereby eliminating the need for manual analysis while maintaining consistent methodology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If integrated automated system is implemented, then risk assessment accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk assessment accuracyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex risk assessment system into distinct functional modules: well design parameter processing, geological model integration, equipment specification evaluation, and risk calculation components. Each module handles specific aspects of risk assessment independently, making the overall system more manageable while maintaining high accuracy through specialized processing at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional platform that handles diverse risk assessment tasks within a single integrated framework. The same core system processes various well design scenarios, geological conditions, and equipment configurations, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools while maintaining accuracy across different assessment types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual processes are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewell planning speedVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing and storing well design parameters, geological data, and equipment specifications in structured databases before actual risk assessment is needed. This preparation allows the system to rapidly evaluate risks without requiring manual data collection or preparation during the assessment process, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated data retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7630914B2Method and apparatus and program storage device adapted for visualization of qualitative and quantitative risk assessment based on technical wellbore design and earth properties
Publication Date: 2009.12.08 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP
  • US7630914B2 patent drawing
  • US7630914B2 patent drawing
  • US7630914B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed for determining and displaying risk information in response to a plurality of input data, the input data including a plurality of input data calculation results, comprising the steps of: comparing each calculation result of the plurality of input data calculation results of the input data with each logical expression of a plurality of logical expressions; ranking by the logical expression the calculation result; and generating a plurality of ranked individual risks in response to the ranking step, each of the plurality of ranked individual risks representing an input data calculation result that has been ranked by the logical expression as having either a high risk severity or a medium risk severity or a low risk severity; generating the risk information in response to the plurality of ranked individual risks; and displaying the risk information, the displaying step including displaying the risk information on a risk information display.