Patent Grant
11434743
At the outset of a drilling operation, drillers typically establish a drilling plan that includes a target location and a drilling path to the target location. Once drilling commences, the bottom hole assembly is directed or “steered” from a vertical drilling path in any number of directions, to follow the proposed drilling plan. For example, to recover an underground hydrocarbon deposit, a drilling plan might include a vertical well to a point above the reservoir, then a directional or horizontal well that penetrates the deposit. The operator may then steer the drill through both the vertical and horizontal aspects in accordance with the plan.
In some embodiments, such directional drilling requires accurate orientation of a bent segment of the downhole motor that drives the bit. In such embodiments, rotating the drill string changes the orientation of the bent segment and the toolface. To effectively steer the assembly, the operator must first determine the current toolface orientation, such as via a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) apparatus. Thereafter, if the drilling direction needs adjustment, the operator must rotate the drill string to change the toolface orientation. In other embodiments, such as rotary steerable systems, the operator still must determine the current toolface orientation.
During drilling, a “survey” identifying locational and directional data of a BHA in a well is obtained at various intervals or other times. Each survey yields a measurement of the inclination and azimuth (or compass heading) of a location in a well (typically the total depth at the time of measurement). In directional wellbores, particularly, the position of the wellbore must be known with reasonable accuracy to ensure the correct wellbore path. The measurements themselves include inclination from vertical and the azimuth of the wellbore. In addition to the toolface data, and inclination, and azimuth, the data obtained during each survey may also include hole depth data, pipe rotational data, hook load data, delta pressure data (across the downhole drilling motor), and modeled dogleg data, for example.
These measurements may be made at discrete points in the well, and the approximate path of the wellbore may be computed from these discrete points. Conventionally, a standard survey is conducted at each drill pipe connection to obtain an accurate measurement of inclination and azimuth for the new survey position. However, if directional drilling operations call for one or more transitions between sliding and rotating within the span of a single drill pipe joint or connection, the driller cannot rely on the most recent survey to accurately assess the progress or effectiveness of the operation. For example, the driller cannot utilize the most recent survey data to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of a “slide” that is initiated after the survey was obtained. The conventional use of surveys does not provide the directional driller with any feedback on the progress or effectiveness of operations that are performed after the most recent survey measurements are obtained.
When deviation from the planned drilling path occurs, drillers must consider the factors available to them to try to direct the drill back to the original path. This typically requires the operator to manipulate the drawworks brake, and rotate the rotary table or top drive quill to find the precise combinations of hook load, mud motor differential pressure, and drill string torque, to properly position the toolface. This can be difficult, time consuming, and complex. Each adjustment has different effects on the toolface orientation, and each must be considered in combination with other drilling requirements to drill the hole. Thus, reorienting the toolface in a bore is very complex, labor intensive, and often inaccurate. A more efficient, reliable method for steering a BHA is needed.
In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of drilling to a target location. The method includes receiving an input comprising a planned drilling path to a target location and determining a projected location of a bottom hole assembly of a drilling system. The projected location of the bottom hole assembly is compared to the planned drilling path, and a modified drilling path to the target location is created. Drilling rig control signals, typically at the surface of the well, are generated that steer the bottom hole assembly of the drilling system to the target location along the modified drilling path.
In one aspect, creating a modified drilling path to the target location includes calculating curves from the projected location of the bottom hole assembly that intersect the planned drilling path. In another aspect, creating a modified drilling path to the target location includes calculating a new planned drilling path that does not intersect the planned drilling path and that is directed from the projected location of the bottom hole assembly to the target location, the method further including again determining a projected location of a bottom hole assembly of the drilling system. The projected location of the bottom hole assembly is compared to the new modified drilling path and a second modified drilling path to the target location is created. One or more drilling rig control signals are automatically and electronically generated at the well surface that steer the bottom hole assembly of the drilling system along the second modified drilling path to the target location.
In one aspect, determining a projected location of the bottom hole assembly includes determining a projected location of a bit of the bottom hole assembly, and determining a projected location of the bit includes considering data from one or more survey results.
In one aspect, creating a modified drilling path based upon whether the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a threshold includes creating a modified drilling path that intersects the planned drilling path if the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a first threshold amount of deviation, and creating a modified drilling path that does not intersect the planned drilling path if the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a second threshold amount of deviation. The method may include receiving a user-initiated input indicating whether to create a new planned path to the target that does not intersect the planned drilling path when the bottom hole assembly exceeds the second threshold amount of deviation from the planned path.
In one aspect, the planned drilling path includes a tolerance zone and creating the modified drilling path occurs when the projected location of the bottom hole assembly intersects the tolerance zone boundary and does not occur when the projected location of the bottom hole assembly is within the tolerance zone. In another aspect, the method includes calculating a toolface inclination value and a measured depth required to steer the bottom hole assembly to the target location.
In one aspect, creating a modified drilling path to the target location includes calculating a first 3D curve, calculating a hold section, and optionally calculating a second 3D curve. The first and optional second 3D curves may be a portion of the modified drilling path. The optional second 3D curve may merge the modified path with the original planned drilling path at a location prior to the target location. In a preferred embodiment herein, all curve calculations are achieved electronically, such as with a computer or other suitable logic device as described herein.
In one aspect, the method includes defining a tolerance zone, an intervention zone, and a correction zone about the planned drilling path. Comparing the projected location of the bottom hole assembly to the planned drilling path includes determining which zone contains the determined projection of the bottom hole assembly. After creating a modified drilling path to the target location, defining a new tolerance zone, a new intervention zone, and a new correction zone about the modified drilling path.
In one aspect, determining a projected location of a bottom hole assembly includes using a real-time survey projection as a directional trend. The real-time projection is performed using a method comprising at least one of: a minimum curvature arc, direction trends, and a straight line. The real-time projection may include a toolface orientation input.
In one aspect, the method includes creating a modified drilling path to the target location includes calculating a first 3D curve, a hold section, and an optional second 3D curve that directs the bottom hole assembly along the planned drilling path. The first and optional second 3D curves may be calculated, preferably electronically, by calculating any curves required to intersect the planned drilling path at the target location, calculating any curves required to intersect the planned drilling path at a first location before the target location. Each curve may have an acceptable rate of curvature for the BHA. The curves may be further calculated, preferably electronically, by calculating any curves required to intersect the planned drilling path at a second location before the first location, the curves each having an acceptable rate of curvature, the first and second location being separated by a selected measurement distance, and selecting the calculated curves to intersect the planned path at the first location before reaching the target location.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system for drilling to a target location. The system includes a receiving device adapted to receive an input comprising a planned drilling path to a target location, a sensory device adapted to determine a projected location of a bottom hole assembly of a drilling system, and a logic device adapted to compare the projected location of the bottom hole assembly to the planned drilling path to determine a deviation amount from the planned path. The second logic device is adapted to create a modified drilling path to the target location as selected based on the amount of deviation from the planned drilling path. A drilling rig control signal generator is adapted to automatically and electronically generate one or more drilling rig control signals at the surface of the well that steer the bottom hole assembly of the drilling system to the target location along the modified drilling path.
In one aspect, the system includes a drawworks drive, a top drive, and a mudpump. The control signal generator transmits the one or more signals to control the drawworks, the top drive, and the mudpump to change a direction of the bottom hole assembly as drilling proceeds. In one aspect, the second logic device creates a modified drilling path based upon whether the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a threshold. It includes means for creating a modified drilling path that intersects the planned drilling path if the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a first threshold amount of deviation from the planned path and means for creating a modified drilling path that does not intersect the planned drilling path if the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a second threshold amount of deviation from the planned path.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of directionally steering a bottom hole assembly during a drilling operation from a drilling rig to an underground target location. The method includes the steps of: generating a drilling plan having a drilling path and an acceptable margin of error as a tolerance zone; receiving data indicative of one or more directional trends and a projection to bit depth; determining the actual location of the bottom hole assembly based on the one or more directional trends and the projection to bit depth; and determining whether the bit is within the tolerance zone. The method also includes comparing the actual location of the bottom hole assembly to the planned drilling path to identify an amount of deviation from the planned path of the bottom hole assembly from the actual drilling path and creating a modified drilling path based on the amount of deviation from the planned path. This includes creating a modified drilling path that intersects the planned drilling path if the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a first threshold amount of deviation from the planned path, and creating a modified drilling path to the target location that does not intersect the planned drilling path if the amount of deviation from the planned path exceeds a second threshold amount of deviation from the planned path. The method further includes determining a desired tool face orientation to steer the bottom hole assembly along the modified drilling path; automatically and electronically generating one or more drilling rig control signals at the well surface at a directional steering controller; and outputting the one or more drilling rig control signals to a drawworks and a top drive to steer the bottom hole assembly along the modified drilling path.
The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
It is to be understood that the present disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.
The systems and methods disclosed herein provide increased control of BHAs, resulting in increased BHA responsiveness and faster BHA operations compared to conventional systems that require significantly more manual input or pauses to provide for input. The invention can advantageously achieve this through the use of data feedback and location detection, processing received data, and optimizing a drilling path based on the projected actual bit location. Prior to drilling, a target location is typically identified and an optimal wellbore profile or planned path is established. Such proposed drilling paths are generally based upon the most efficient or effective path to the target location or locations. As drilling proceeds, the BHA might begin to deviate from the optimal pre-planned drilling path for one or more of a variety of factors. The systems and methods disclosed herein are adapted to detect the deviation from the planned path and generate corrections to return the BHA to the drilling path or if more effective, generate an alternative drilling path to the target location, each preferably in the most efficient manner possible while preferably avoiding over-correction.
Referring to
Apparatus 100 includes a mast 105 supporting lifting gear above a rig floor 110. The lifting gear includes a crown block 115 and a traveling block 120. The crown block 115 is coupled at or near the top of the mast 105, and the traveling block 120 hangs from the crown block 115 by a drilling line 125. One end of the drilling line 125 extends from the lifting gear to drawworks 130, which is configured to reel out and reel in the drilling line 125 to cause the traveling block 120 to be lowered and raised relative to the rig floor 110. The other end of the drilling line 125, known as a dead line anchor, is anchored to a fixed position, possibly near the drawworks 130 or elsewhere on the rig.
A hook 135 is attached to the bottom of the traveling block 120. A top drive 140 is suspended from the hook 135. A quill 145 extending from the top drive 140 is attached to a saver sub 150, which is attached to a drill string 155 suspended within a wellbore 160. Alternatively, the quill 145 may be attached to the drill string 155 directly.
The term “quill” as used herein is not limited to a component which directly extends from the top drive, or which is otherwise conventionally referred to as a quill. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure, the “quill” may additionally or alternatively include a main shaft, a drive shaft, an output shaft, and/or another component which transfers torque, position, and/or rotation from the top drive or other rotary driving element to the drill string, at least indirectly. Nonetheless, albeit merely for the sake of clarity and conciseness, these components may be collectively referred to herein as the “quill.”
The drill string 155 includes interconnected sections of drill pipe 165, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) 170, and a drill bit 175. The bottom hole assembly 170 may include stabilizers, drill collars, and/or measurement-while-drilling (MWD) or wireline conveyed instruments, among other components. The drill bit 175, which may also be referred to herein as a tool, is connected to the bottom of the BHA 170 or is otherwise attached to the drill string 155. One or more pumps 180 may deliver drilling fluid to the drill string 155 through a hose or other conduit 185, which may be connected to the top drive 140.
The downhole MWD or wireline conveyed instruments may be configured for the evaluation of physical properties such as pressure, temperature, torque, weight-on-bit (WOB), vibration, inclination, azimuth, toolface orientation in three-dimensional space, and/or other downhole parameters. These measurements may be made downhole, stored in solid-state memory for some time, and downloaded from the instrument(s) at the surface and/or transmitted real-time to the surface. Data transmission methods may include, for example, digitally encoding data and transmitting the encoded data to the surface, possibly as pressure pulses in the drilling fluid or mud system, acoustic transmission through the drill string 155, electronic transmission through a wireline or wired pipe, and/or transmission as electromagnetic pulses. The MWD tools and/or other portions of the BHA 170 may have the ability to store measurements for later retrieval via wireline and/or when the BHA 170 is tripped out of the wellbore 160.
In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 may also include a rotating blow-out preventer (BOP) 158, such as if the well 160 is being drilled utilizing under-balanced or managed-pressure drilling methods. In such embodiment, the annulus mud and cuttings may be pressurized at the surface, with the actual desired flow and pressure possibly being controlled by a choke system, and the fluid and pressure being retained at the well head and directed down the flow line to the choke by the rotating BOP 158. The apparatus 100 may also include a surface casing annular pressure sensor 159 configured to detect the pressure in the annulus defined between, for example, the wellbore 160 (or casing therein) and the drill string 155.
In the exemplary embodiment depicted in
The apparatus 100 also includes a controller 190 configured to control or assist in the control of one or more components of the apparatus 100. For example, the controller 190 may be configured to transmit operational control signals to the drawworks 130, the top drive 140, the BHA 170 and/or the pump 180. The controller 190 may be a stand-alone component installed near the mast 105 and/or other components of the apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 190 includes one or more systems located in a control room proximate the apparatus 100, such as the general purpose shelter often referred to as the “doghouse” serving as a combination tool shed, office, communications center, and general meeting place. The controller 190 may be configured to transmit the operational control signals to the drawworks 130, the top drive 140, the BHA 170, and/or the pump 180 via wired or wireless transmission means which, for the sake of clarity, are not depicted in
The controller 190 is also configured to receive electronic signals via wired or wireless transmission means (also not shown in
It is noted that the meaning of the word “detecting,” in the context of the present disclosure, may include detecting, sensing, measuring, calculating, and/or otherwise obtaining data. Similarly, the meaning of the word “detect” in the context of the present disclosure may include detect, sense, measure, calculate, and/or otherwise obtain data.
The apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively include a shock/vibration sensor 170b that is configured for detecting shock and/or vibration in the BHA 170. The apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively include a mud motor delta pressure (ΔP) sensor 172a that is configured to detect a pressure differential value or range across one or more motors 172 of the BHA 170. The one or more motors 172 may each be or include a positive displacement drilling motor that uses hydraulic power of the drilling fluid to drive the bit 175, also known as a mud motor. One or more torque sensors 172b may also be included in the BHA 170 for sending data to the controller 190 that is indicative of the torque applied to the bit 175 by the one or more motors 172.
The apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively include a toolface sensor 170c configured to detect the current toolface orientation. The toolface sensor 170c may be or include a conventional or future-developed magnetic toolface sensor which detects toolface orientation relative to magnetic north or true north. Alternatively, or additionally, the toolface sensor 170c may be or include a conventional or future-developed gravity toolface sensor which detects toolface orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field. The toolface sensor 170c may also, or alternatively, be or include a conventional or future-developed gyro sensor. The apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively include a WOB sensor 170d integral to the BHA 170 and configured to detect WOB at or near the BHA 170.
The apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively include a torque sensor 140a coupled to or otherwise associated with the top drive 140. The torque sensor 140a may alternatively be located in or associated with the BHA 170. The torque sensor 140a may be configured to detect a value or range of the torsion of the quill 145 and/or the drill string 155 (e.g., in response to operational forces acting on the drill string). The top drive 140 may additionally or alternatively include or otherwise be associated with a speed sensor 140b configured to detect a value or range of the rotational speed of the quill 145.
The top drive 140, draw works 130, crown or traveling block, drilling line or dead line anchor may additionally or alternatively include or otherwise be associated with a WOB sensor 140c (WOB calculated from a hook load sensor that can be based on active and static hook load) (e.g., one or more sensors installed somewhere in the load path mechanisms to detect and calculate WOB, which can vary from rig-to-rig) different from the WOB sensor 170d. The WOB sensor 140c may be configured to detect a WOB value or range, where such detection may be performed at the top drive 140, draw works 130, or other component of the apparatus 100.
The detection performed by the sensors described herein may be performed once, continuously, periodically, and/or at random intervals. The detection may be manually triggered by an operator or other person accessing a human-machine interface (HMI), or automatically triggered by, for example, a triggering characteristic or parameter satisfying a predetermined condition (e.g., expiration of a time period, drilling progress reaching a predetermined depth, drill bit usage reaching a predetermined amount, etc.). Such sensors and/or other detection means may include one or more interfaces which may be local at the well/rig site or located at another, remote location with a network link to the system.
Referring to
The method 200a includes a step 210 during which the current toolface orientation TFM is measured. The TFM may be measured using a conventional or future-developed magnetic toolface sensor which detects toolface orientation relative to magnetic north or true north. Alternatively, or additionally, the TFM may be measured using a conventional or future-developed gravity toolface sensor which detects toolface orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field. In an exemplary embodiment, the TFM may be measured using a magnetic toolface sensor when the end of the wellbore is less than about 7° from vertical, and subsequently measured using a gravity toolface sensor when the end of the wellbore is greater than about 7° from vertical. However, gyros and/or other means for determining the TFM are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
In a subsequent step 220, the TFM is compared to a desired toolface orientation TFD. If the TFM is sufficiently equal to the TFD, as determined during decisional step 230, the method 200a is iterated and the step 210 is repeated. “Sufficiently equal” may mean substantially equal, such as varying by no more than a few percentage points, or may alternatively mean varying by no more than a predetermined angle, such as about 5°. Moreover, the iteration of the method 200a may be substantially immediate, or there may be a delay period before the method 200a is iterated and the step 210 is repeated.
If the TFM is not sufficiently equal to the TFD, as determined during decisional step 230, the method 200a continues to a step 240 during which the quill is rotated by the drive system by, for example, an amount about equal to the difference between the TFM and the TFD. However, other amounts of rotational adjustment performed during the step 240 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. After step 240 is performed, the method 200a is iterated and the step 210 is repeated. Such iteration may be substantially immediate, or there may be a delay period before the method 200a is iterated and the step 210 is repeated.
Referring to
The method 200b includes steps 210, 220, 230 and 240 described above with respect to method 200a and shown in
Each of the steps of the methods 200a and 200b may be performed automatically. For example, the controller 190 of
Referring to
The user-interface 305 and the controller 325 may be discrete components that are interconnected via wired or wireless means. Alternatively, the user-interface 305 and the controller 325 may be integral components of a single system or controller 327, as indicated by the dashed lines in
The user-interface 305 includes means 330 for user-input of one or more toolface set points, and may also include means for user-input of other set points, limits, and other input data. The data input means 330 may include a keypad, voice-recognition apparatus, dial, button, switch, slide selector, toggle, joystick, mouse, data base and/or other conventional or future-developed data input device. Such data input means may support data input from local and/or remote locations. Alternatively, or additionally, the data input means 330 may include means for user-selection of predetermined toolface set point values or ranges, such as via one or more drop-down menus. The toolface set point data may also or alternatively be selected by the controller 325 via the execution of one or more database look-up procedures. In general, the data input means 330 and/or other components within the scope of the present disclosure support operation and/or monitoring from stations on the rig site as well as one or more remote locations with a communications link to the system, network, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, satellite-link, and/or radio, among other means.
The user-interface 305 may also include a display 335 for visually presenting information to the user in textual, graphic, or video form. The display 335 may also be utilized by the user to input the toolface set point data in conjunction with the data input means 330. For example, the toolface set point data input means 330 may be integral to or otherwise communicably coupled with the display 335.
The BHA 310 may include an MWD casing pressure sensor 340 that is configured to detect an annular pressure value or range at or near the MWD portion of the BHA 310, and that may be substantially similar to the pressure sensor 170a shown in
The BHA 310 may also include an MWD shock/vibration sensor 345 that is configured to detect shock and/or vibration in the MWD portion of the BHA 310, and that may be substantially similar to the shock/vibration sensor 170b shown in
The BHA 310 may also include a mud motor ΔP sensor 350 that is configured to detect a pressure differential value or range across the mud motor of the BHA 310, and that may be substantially similar to the mud motor ΔP sensor 172a shown in
The BHA 310 may also include a magnetic toolface sensor 355 and a gravity toolface sensor 360 that are cooperatively configured to detect the current toolface, and that collectively may be substantially similar to the toolface sensor 170c shown in
The BHA 310 may also include an MWD torque sensor 365 that is configured to detect a value or range of values for torque applied to the bit by the motor(s) of the BHA 310, and that may be substantially similar to the torque sensor 172b shown in
The BHA 310 may also include an MWD WOB sensor 370 that is configured to detect a value or range of values for WOB at or near the BHA 310, and that may be substantially similar to the WOB sensor 170d shown in
The drawworks 320 includes a controller 390 and/or other means for controlling feed-out and/or feed-in of a drilling line (such as the drilling line 125 shown in
The drive system 315 includes a surface torque sensor 375 that is configured to detect a value or range of the reactive torsion of the quill or drill string, much the same as the torque sensor 140a shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the drive system 315, controller 385, and/or other component of the apparatus 300 may include means for accounting for friction between the drill string and the wellbore. For example, such friction accounting means may be configured to detect the occurrence and/or severity of the friction, which may then be subtracted from the actual “reactive” torque, perhaps by the controller 385 and/or another control component of the apparatus 300.
The controller 325 is configured to receive one or more of the above-described parameters from the user interface 305, the BHA 310, and/or the drive system 315, and utilize such parameters to continuously, periodically, or otherwise determine the current toolface orientation. The controller 325 may be further configured to generate a control signal, such as via intelligent adaptive control, and provide the control signal to the drive system 315 and/or the drawworks 320 to adjust and/or maintain the toolface orientation. For example, the controller 325 may execute the method 202 shown in
Moreover, as in the exemplary embodiment depicted in
Referring to
The apparatus 400a also includes or is otherwise associated with a plurality of sensors 430. The plurality of sensors 430 includes a bit torque sensor 430a, a quill torque sensor 430b, a quill speed sensor 430c, a quill position sensor 430d, a mud motor ΔP sensor 430e, and a toolface orientation sensor 430f. Other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, however, may utilize additional or alternative sensors 430. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of sensors 430 may be located at the surface of the wellbore, and not located downhole proximate the bit, the bottom hole assembly, and/or any measurement-while-drilling tools. In other embodiments, however, one or more of the sensors 430 may not be surface sensors. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the quill torque sensor 430b, the quill speed sensor 430c, and the quill position sensor 430d may be surface sensors, whereas the bit torque sensor 430a, the mud motor ΔP sensor 430e, and the toolface orientation sensor 430f may be downhole sensors (e.g., MWD sensors). Moreover, individual ones of the sensors 430 may be substantially similar to corresponding sensors shown in
The apparatus 400a also includes or is associated with a quill drive 440. The quill drive 440 may form at least a portion of a top drive or another rotary drive system, such as the top drive 140 shown in
The toolface controller 420a may compare the actual torque of the quill to the quill torque positive limit received from the corresponding user input 410a. The actual torque of the quill may be determined utilizing data received from the quill torque sensor 430b. For example, if the actual torque of the quill exceeds the quill torque positive limit, then the quill drive control signal may direct the quill drive 440 to reduce the torque being applied to the quill. In an exemplary embodiment, the toolface controller 420a may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the actual torque of the quill, such as by maximizing the actual torque of the quill without exceeding the quill torque positive limit.
The toolface controller 420a may alternatively or additionally compare the actual torque of the quill to the quill torque negative limit received from the corresponding user input 410b. For example, if the actual torque of the quill is less than the quill torque negative limit, then the quill drive control signal may direct the quill drive 440 to increase the torque being applied to the quill. In an exemplary embodiment, the toolface controller 420a may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the actual torque of the quill, such as by minimizing the actual torque of the quill while still exceeding the quill torque negative limit.
The toolface controller 420a may alternatively or additionally compare the actual speed of the quill to the quill speed positive limit received from the corresponding user input 410c. The actual speed of the quill may be determined utilizing data received from the quill speed sensor 430c. For example, if the actual speed of the quill exceeds the quill speed positive limit, then the quill drive control signal may direct the quill drive 440 to reduce the speed at which the quill is being driven. In an exemplary embodiment, the toolface controller 420a may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the actual speed of the quill, such as by maximizing the actual speed of the quill without exceeding the quill speed positive limit.
The toolface controller 420a may alternatively or additionally compare the actual speed of the quill to the quill speed negative limit received from the corresponding user input 410d. For example, if the actual speed of the quill is less than the quill speed negative limit, then the quill drive control signal may direct the quill drive 440 to increase the speed at which the quill is being driven. In an exemplary embodiment, the toolface controller 420a may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the actual speed of the quill, such as by minimizing the actual speed of the quill while still exceeding the quill speed negative limit.
The toolface controller 420a may alternatively or additionally compare the actual orientation (azimuth) of the quill to the quill oscillation positive limit received from the corresponding user input 410e. The actual orientation of the quill may be determined utilizing data received from the quill position sensor 430d. For example, if the actual orientation of the quill exceeds the quill oscillation positive limit, then the quill drive control signal may direct the quill drive 440 to rotate the quill to within the quill oscillation positive limit, or to modify quill oscillation parameters such that the actual quill oscillation in the positive direction (e.g., clockwise) does not exceed the quill oscillation positive limit. In an exemplary embodiment, the toolface controller 420a may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the actual oscillation of the quill, such as by maximizing the amount of actual oscillation of the quill in the positive direction without exceeding the quill oscillation positive limit.
The toolface controller 420a may alternatively or additionally compare the actual orientation of the quill to the quill oscillation negative limit received from the corresponding user input 410f. For example, if the actual orientation of the quill is less than the quill oscillation negative limit, then the quill drive control signal may direct the quill drive 440 to rotate the quill to within the quill oscillation negative limit, or to modify quill oscillation parameters such that the actual quill oscillation in the negative direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) does not exceed the quill oscillation negative limit. In an exemplary embodiment, the toolface controller 420a may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the actual oscillation of the quill, such as by maximizing the actual amount of oscillation of the quill in the negative direction without exceeding the quill oscillation negative limit.
The toolface controller 420a may alternatively or additionally compare the actual neutral point of quill oscillation to the desired quill oscillation neutral point input received from the corresponding user input 410g. The actual neutral point of the quill oscillation may be determined utilizing data received from the quill position sensor 430d. For example, if the actual quill oscillation neutral point varies from the desired quill oscillation neutral point by a predetermined amount, or falls outside a desired range of the oscillation neutral point, then the quill drive control signal may direct the quill drive 440 to modify quill oscillation parameters to make the appropriate correction.
The toolface controller 420a may alternatively or additionally compare the actual orientation of the toolface to the toolface orientation input received from the corresponding user input 410h. The toolface orientation input received from the user input 410h may be a single value indicative of the desired toolface orientation. This may be directly input or derived from the survey data files 410p and the planned drilling path 410q using, for example, the process described in
In each of the above-mentioned comparisons and/or calculations performed by the toolface controller, the actual mud motor ΔP, and/or the actual bit torque may also be utilized in the generation of the quill drive signal. The actual mud motor ΔP may be determined utilizing data received from the mud motor ΔP sensor 430e, and/or by measurement of pump pressure before the bit is on bottom and tare of this value, and the actual bit torque may be determined utilizing data received from the bit torque sensor 430a. Alternatively, the actual bit torque may be calculated utilizing data received from the mud motor ΔP sensor 430e, because actual bit torque and actual mud motor ΔP are proportional.
One example in which the actual mud motor ΔP and/or the actual bit torque may be utilized is when the actual toolface orientation cannot be relied upon to provide accurate or fast enough data. For example, such may be the case during “blind” drilling, or other instances in which the driller is no longer receiving data from the toolface orientation sensor 430f. In such occasions, the actual bit torque and/or the actual mud motor ΔP can be utilized to determine the actual toolface orientation. For example, if all other drilling parameters remain the same, a change in the actual bit torque and/or the actual mud motor ΔP can indicate a proportional rotation of the toolface orientation in the same or opposite direction of drilling. For example, an increasing torque or ΔP may indicate that the toolface is changing in the opposite direction of drilling, whereas a decreasing torque or ΔP may indicate that the toolface is moving in the same direction as drilling. Thus, in this manner, the data received from the bit torque sensor 430a and/or the mud motor ΔP sensor 430e can be utilized by the toolface controller 420 in the generation of the quill drive signal, such that the quill can be driven in a manner which corrects for or otherwise takes into account any change of toolface, which is indicated by a change in the actual bit torque and/or actual mud motor ΔP.
Moreover, under some operating conditions, the data received by the toolface controller 420 from the toolface orientation sensor 430f can lag the actual toolface orientation. For example, the toolface orientation sensor 430f may only determine the actual toolface periodically, or a considerable time period may be required for the transmission of the data from the toolface to the surface. In fact, it is not uncommon for such delay to be 30 seconds or more in the systems of the prior art. Consequently, in some implementations within the scope of the present disclosure, it may be more accurate or otherwise advantageous for the toolface controller 420a to utilize the actual torque and pressure data received from the bit torque sensor 430a and the mud motor ΔP sensor 430e in addition to, if not in the alternative to, utilizing the actual toolface data received from the toolface orientation sensor 430f. However, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, real-time survey projections as disclosed in
As shown in
As described above, the toolface controller 420a is configured to generate a quill drive control signal utilizing data received from ones of the user inputs 410 and the sensors 430, and subsequently provide the quill drive control signal to the quill drive 440, thereby controlling the toolface orientation by driving the quill orientation and speed. Thus, the quill drive control signal is configured to control (at least partially) the quill orientation (e.g., azimuth) as well as the speed and direction of rotation of the quill (if any).
The drawworks controller 420b is configured to generate a drawworks drum (or brake) drive control signal also utilizing data received from ones of the user inputs 410 and the sensors 430. Thereafter, the drawworks controller 420b provides the drawworks drive control signal to the drawworks drive 450, thereby controlling the feed direction and rate of the drawworks. The drawworks drive 450 may form at least a portion of, or may be formed by at least a portion of, the drawworks 130 shown in
The apparatus 400a also includes a comparator 420c which compares current hook load data with the WOB tare to generate the current WOB. The current hook load data is received from the hook load sensor 430g, and the WOB tare is received from the corresponding user input 410i.
The drawworks controller 420b compares the current WOB with WOB input data. The current WOB is received from the comparator 420c, and the WOB input data is received from the corresponding user input 410l. The WOB input data received from the user input 410l may be a single value indicative of the desired WOB. For example, if the actual WOB differs from the WOB input by a predetermined amount, then the drawworks drive control signal may direct the drawworks drive 450 to feed cable in or out an amount corresponding to the necessary correction of the WOB. However, the WOB input data received from the user input 410l may alternatively be a range within which it is desired that the WOB be maintained. For example, if the actual WOB is outside the WOB input range, then the drawworks drive control signal may direct the drawworks drive 450 to feed cable in or out an amount necessary to restore the actual WOB to within the WOB input range. In an exemplary embodiment, the drawworks controller 420b may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the WOB, such as by maximizing the actual WOB without exceeding the WOB input value or range.
The apparatus 400a also includes a comparator 420d which compares mud pump pressure data with the mud motor ΔP tare to generate an “uncorrected” mud motor ΔP. The mud pump pressure data is received from the mud pump pressure sensor 430h, and the mud motor ΔP tare is received from the corresponding user input 410j.
The apparatus 400a also includes a comparator 420e which utilizes the uncorrected mud motor ΔP along with bit depth data and casing pressure data to generate a “corrected” or current mud motor ΔP. The bit depth data is received from the bit depth sensor 430i, and the casing pressure data is received from the casing pressure sensor 430j. The casing pressure sensor 430j may be a surface casing pressure sensor, such as the sensor 159 shown in
The drawworks controller 420b compares the current mud motor ΔP with mud motor ΔP input data. The current mud motor ΔP is received from the comparator 420e, and the mud motor ΔP input data is received from the corresponding user input 410m. The mud motor ΔP input data received from the user input 410m may be a single value indicative of the desired mud motor ΔP. For example, if the current mud motor ΔP differs from the mud motor ΔP input by a predetermined amount, then the drawworks drive control signal may direct the drawworks drive 450 to feed cable in or out an amount corresponding to the necessary correction of the mud motor ΔP. However, the mud motor ΔP input data received from the user input 410m may alternatively be a range within which it is desired that the mud motor ΔP be maintained. For example, if the current mud motor ΔP is outside this range, then the drawworks drive control signal may direct the drawworks drive 450 to feed cable in or out an amount necessary to restore the current mud motor ΔP to within the input range. In an exemplary embodiment, the drawworks controller 420b may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the mud motor ΔP, such as by maximizing the mud motor ΔP without exceeding the input value or range.
The drawworks controller 420b may also or alternatively compare actual ROP data with ROP input data. The actual ROP data is received from the ROP sensor 430k, and the ROP input data is received from the corresponding user input 410k. The ROP input data received from the user input 410k may be a single value indicative of the desired ROP. For example, if the actual ROP differs from the ROP input by a predetermined amount, then the drawworks drive control signal may direct the drawworks drive 450 to feed cable in or out an amount corresponding to the necessary correction of the ROP. However, the ROP input data received from the user input 410k may alternatively be a range within which it is desired that the ROP be maintained. For example, if the actual ROP is outside the ROP input range, then the drawworks drive control signal may direct the drawworks drive 450 to feed cable in or out an amount necessary to restore the actual ROP to within the ROP input range. In an exemplary embodiment, the drawworks controller 420b may be configured to optimize drilling operation parameters related to the ROP, such as by maximizing the actual ROP without exceeding the ROP input value or range.
The drawworks controller 420b may also utilize data received from the toolface controller 420a when generating the drawworks drive control signal. Changes in the actual WOB can cause changes in the actual bit torque, the actual mud motor ΔP, and the actual toolface orientation. For example, as weight is increasingly applied to the bit, the actual toolface orientation can rotate opposite the direction of bit rotation (due to reactive torque), and the actual bit torque and mud motor pressure can proportionally increase. Consequently, the toolface controller 420a may provide data to the drawworks controller 420b indicating whether the drawworks cable should be fed in or out, and perhaps a corresponding feed rate, as necessary to bring the actual toolface orientation into compliance with the toolface orientation input value or range provided by the corresponding user input 410h. In an exemplary embodiment, the drawworks controller 420b may also provide data to the toolface controller 420a to rotate the quill clockwise or counterclockwise by an amount and/or rate sufficient to compensate for increased or decreased WOB, bit depth, or casing pressure.
As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the drawworks controller 420b may also provide data to the toolface controller 420a to cause the toolface controller 420a to rotate the quill, such as by an amount, direction, and/or rate sufficient to compensate for the pull limit being reached or exceeded. The toolface controller 420a may also provide data to the drawworks controller 420b to cause the drawworks controller 420b to increase or decrease the WOB, or to adjust the drill string feed, such as by an amount, direction, and/or rate sufficient to adequately adjust the toolface orientation.
Referring to
Like the apparatus 400a, the apparatus 400b includes the plurality of user inputs 410 and the at least one steering module 420. The at least one steering module 420 includes the toolface controller 420a and the drawworks controller 420b, described above, and also a mud pump controller 420c. The apparatus 400b also includes or is otherwise associated with the plurality of sensors 430, the quill drive 440, and the drawworks drive 450, like the apparatus 400a. The apparatus 400b also includes or is otherwise associated with a mud pump drive 460, which is configured to control operation of a mud pump, such as the mud pump 180 shown in
The mud pump controller 420c is configured to generate a mud pump drive control signal utilizing data received from ones of the user inputs 410 and the sensors 430. Thereafter, the mud pump controller 420c provides the mud pump drive control signal to the mud pump drive 460, thereby controlling the speed, flow rate, and/or pressure of the mud pump. The mud pump controller 420c may form at least a portion of, or may be formed by at least a portion of, the controller 190 shown in
As described above, the mud motor ΔP may be proportional or otherwise related to toolface orientation, WOB, and/or bit torque. Consequently, the mud pump controller 420c may be utilized to influence the actual mud motor ΔP to assist in bringing the actual toolface orientation into compliance with the toolface orientation input value or range provided by the corresponding user input. Such operation of the mud pump controller 420c may be independent of the operation of the toolface controller 420a and the drawworks controller 420b. Alternatively, as depicted by the dual-direction arrows 462 shown in
The controllers 420a, 420b, and 420c shown in
As indicated above, a drilling plan includes a wellbore profile or planned drilling path. This is the pre-selected pathway for the wellbore to be drilled, typically until conditions require a change in the drilling plan. It typically specifies key points of inflection along the wellbore and optimum rates of curvature to be used to arrive at the wellbore positional objective or objectives, referred to as target locations. To the extent possible, the main controller 402 controls the drilling rig to steer the BHA toward the target location along the planned drilling path within a specified tolerance zone.
The calculation engine 404 is a controller or a part of a controller configured to calculate a control drilling path for the BHA. This path adheres to the planned wellbore drilling path within an acceptable margin of error known as a tolerance zone, (also referred to herein as a “tolerance cylinder” merely for exemplary purposes). Based upon locational and other feedback, and based upon the original planned drilling path, the toolface calculation engine 404 will either produce a recommended toolface angular setting between 0 and 360 degrees and a distance to drill in feet or meters on this toolface setting, or produce a recommendation to continue to drill ahead in rotary drilling mode. Preferably, the angular setting is as minimally different from the drilled section as possible to minimize drastic curvatures that can complicate insertion of casing. These recommendations ensure that the BHA travels in the desired direction to arrive at the target location in an efficient and effective manner.
The toolface calculation engine 404 makes its recommendations based on a number of factors. For example, the toolface calculation engine 404 considers the original control drilling path, it considers directional trends, and it considers real time projection to bit depth. In some embodiments, this engine 404 considers additional information that helps identify the location and direction of the BHA. In others, the engine 404 considers only the directional trends and the original drilling path.
The original control drilling path may have been directly entered by a user or may have been calculated by the toolface calculation engine 404 based upon parameters entered by the user. The directional trends may be determined based upon historical or existing locational data from the periodic or real-time survey results to predict bit location. This may include, for example, the rates of curvature, or dogleg severity, generated over user specified drilling intervals of measured depths. These rates can be used as starting points for the next control curve to be drilled, and can be provided from an analysis of the current drilling behavior from the historical drilling parameters. The calculation of normal plane distance to the planned target location can be carried out from a real-time projection to the bit position. This real-time projection to bit depth may be calculated by the toolface calculation engine 404 or the steering module 420 based upon static and/or dynamic information obtained from the sensors 430. If calculated by the steering module 420, the values may be fed to the toolface calculation engine 404 for additional processing. These projection to bit depth values may be calculated using any number of methods, including, for example, the minimum curvature arc method, the directional trend method, and the straight line method. Once the position is calculated, it is used as the start point for the normal plane clearance calculation and any subsequent control path or correction path calculations.
Using these inputs, the toolface calculation engine 404 makes a determination of where the actual drilling path lies relative to the planned or control drilling path. Based on its findings, the toolface calculation engine 404 creates steering instructions to help keep the actual drilling path aligned with the planned drilling path, i.e., within the tolerance zone. These instructions may be output as toolface orientation instructions, which may be used in input 410h in
In
At step 504, the toolface calculation engine 404 considers the current desired drilling path, directional trends, and projection to bit depth. As discussed above, the directional trends are based on prior survey readings and the projection to bit depth or bit position is determined by the toolface calculation engine 404, the steering module 420, or other controller or module in the main controller 402. This information is conveyed from the calculating component to the toolface calculation engine 404 and includes a dogleg severity value that is used to calculate corrective curves when needed, as discussed below. Here, as a first iteration, the current desired drilling path may correspond to the control or planned drilling path defined in the drill plan received in step 502.
At step 506, the toolface calculation engine 404 determines the actual drilling path based upon the directional trends and the projection to bit depth. As indicated above, additional data may be used to determine the actual drilling path and in some embodiments, the directional trends may be used to estimate the actual drilling path if the actual drilling path measurement is suspect or the needed sensory input for the calculation is limited. At step 508, the toolface calculation engine 404 determines whether the actual path is within a tolerance zone defined by the current desired drilling path. A tolerance zone or drill-ahead zone is shown and described with reference to
If at step 508, the toolface calculation engine 404 determines that the actual drilling path is outside the tolerance cylinder 532 shown in
Returning now to
This corrected direction path, as one or more steering signals, is then output to the steering module 420 at step 514. Accordingly, one or more of the controllers 420a, b, f in
From here, the process returns to step 504 where the toolface calculation engine 404 considers the current planned path, directional trends, and projection to bit depth. Here, the current planned path is now modified by the curved section path calculated at step 512. Accordingly during the next iteration, the drilling path considered the “planned” drilling path is now the corrective path.
If at step 510, the actual drilling path is not within the intervention zone 534, then the toolface calculation engine 404 determines that the actual drilling path must then be in the correction zone 536 and determines whether the planned path is a critical drilling path at step 516. A critical drilling path is typically one where reasons exist that limit the desirability of creating a new planned drilling path to the target location. For example, a critical drilling path may be one where a path is chosen to avoid underground rock formations and the region outside the intervention zone 534 includes the rock formation. Of course, designation of a planned drilling path as a critical path may be made for any reason.
If the planned drilling path is not a critical path at step 516, then the toolface calculation engine 404 generates a new planned path from the projected current location of the bit to the target location. This new planned path may be independent of, or might not intersect with, the original planned path and may be generated based on, for example, the most efficient or effective path to the target from the current location. For example, the new path may include the minimum amount of curvature required from the projected current bit location to the target. The new planned path might show measured depth (“MD”), inclination, azimuth, North-South and East-West, toolface, and dogleg severity (“DLS”) or curvature, at regular station intervals of about 100 feet or 30 meters, for example. The path, toolface orientation data, and other data may be output to the steering module 420 so that the steering module 420 can steer the BHA to follow the new path as closely as possible. This output may include the calculated toolface advisory angle and distance to drill. Again the process returns to step 504 where the toolface calculation engine 404 considers the current planned path, directional trends, and projection to bit depth. Now the current planned path is the new planned path calculated at step 518.
If the planned path is determined to be a critical path at step 516, however, the toolface calculation engine 404 creates a path that steers the bit to intersect with the original planned path for continued drilling. To do this, as indicated at step 520, the toolface calculation engine 404 calculates at least a first 3D curved section path (an “intersection path”) from the projected bit position toward the planned drilling path or toward the target. Optionally, the toolface calculation engine 404 can additionally calculate a second 3D curved section path to merge the BHA into the planned path from the intersection path before reaching the target. These curved section paths may be divided by a hold, or straight section, depending on how far into the correction zone the BHA has strayed. Of course, if the intersection path is planned without a second 3D curved section path, the revised plan will be a hold, or straight section, from the deviation to the new target, either the ultimate target or a location on the original planned path.
The toolface calculation engine 404 outputs the revised steering path including the newly generated curve(s) as one or more steering signals to the steering module 420 at step 514. As above, the revised planned path might include measured depth (MD), inclination, azimuth, North-South and East-West, toolface, and DLS at regular station intervals of about 100 feet or 30 meters, for example. During the next iteration, the toolface calculation engine 404 considers the current planned path, directional trends, and projection to bit depth with the current planned path being the corrected planned path at step 504.
The method 500 iterates during the drilling process to seek to maintain the actual drilling path with the planned path, and to adjust the planned path as circumstances require. In some embodiments, the process occurs continuously in real-time. This can advantageously permit expedited drilling without need for stopping to rely on human consultation of a well plan or to evaluate survey data. In other embodiments, the process iterates after a preset drilling period or interval, such as, for example, about 90 seconds, about five minutes, about ten minutes, about thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the iteration may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, the process may be iterated when the existing wellbore is extended about five feet, about ten feet, about fifty feet, or some other depth. The process interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the process may include drilling for at least about thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended about ten feet. In another example, the interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended up to about twenty feet, but no longer than about ninety minutes. Of course, the above-described time and depth values for the interval are merely examples, and many other values are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
Once calculated by the toolface calculation engine 404, typically electronically, the correction path to the original drilling plan and the correction path to the target location are passed to the control components of the rigsite control system. After calculating a correction, the toolface calculation engine 404 or other rigsite control component, including the steering module 420, make tool face recommendations or commands that can be carried out on the rig.
In some embodiments, a user may selectively control whether the toolface calculation engine 404 creates a new planned path to target or creates a corrected planned path to the original plan when the actual drilling path is in the correction zone 536. For example, a user may select a default function that instructs the correction option to calculate a path to “target” or to “original plan.” In some embodiments, the default may be active during only designated portions of the original drilling path.
Because directional control decisions are based on the amount of deviation of the drilling well from the planned path, after each survey, a normal plan proximity scan to the planned well can be carried out. If the drilling position is in the intervention zone, a nudge of the drilling well back towards the plan will typically be recommended. If the well continues to diverge from the plan and enters the correction zone, a re-planned path will typically be calculated as a correction to target or correction to original plan.
Some embodiments consider one or more variables in addition to, or in place of, the real time projection to bit depth or directional trends. Input variables may vary for each calculation. In addition, the dogleg severity, or rate of curvature, may be used to calculate a suitable curve that limits the amount of oscillation and avoids drilling path overshoot. Referring to
When creating a modified drill plan that returns the BHA to the original bit path, as when the projected bit location is within the intervention zone 534 or when the planned drilling path has deviated significantly and is a critical path, the goal is to return to the original planned drilling path prior to arriving at the target location. The curve profile is still a consideration, however, as the curve profile can influence friction, oscillation, and other factors. The dogleg severity value may be used to calculate one or both curve calculations as before—the first curve 1206 turning the bit toward the original planned path or to the target, and the optional second curve 1208 permitting the BHA to more rapidly align with and follow the planned path with a limited amount, or no amount of overshoot or overcorrection. One method of determining a curve profile includes calculating a curve-hold or a curve-hold-curve profile to the final point or target location 1210 in the original plan, and then re-running the calculation on the final target-minus-1 point, survey time period, or distance calculation, or other period. The calculating is preferably achieved electronically. This continues on, going to the final-minus-2 point and so on, until the calculation fails. The last successful calculation of the profile can be arranged to produce one or two arcs having the smallest acceptable rates of curvature with associated drilled lengths, such as seen in acceptable curves 1206 and 1208. These values determine the tool face advisory information for the first correction curve that is used to develop the new drilling path and that is used to steer the BHA. When the actual drilling path reaches the final curve to intersect the original drill plan, in the optional embodiment where a second, final curve back to the original drill plan is used, this final curve is drilled at the second calculated drilled length and rate of curvature.
It should be noted that, although the tolerance cylinder 532 and the intervention zone 534 are shown as cylinders without a circular cross-section, they may have other shapes, including without limitation, oval, conical, parabolic or others, for example, or may be non-concentric about the planned drilling path 530. Alternative shapes may, e.g., permits the bit to stray more in one direction than another from the planned path, such as depending on geological deposits on one side of the planned path. Furthermore, although the example described includes three zones (the tolerance zone, the intervention zone, and the correction zone), this is merely for sake of explanation. In other embodiments, additional zones may be included, and additional factors may be weighed when considering whether to create a path that intersects with the original planned path, whether to create a path that travels directly to the target location without intersecting the original planned drilling path, or how gentle the DLS can be on the corrective curve(s).
In some exemplary embodiments, a driller can increase or decrease the size of the tolerance on the fly while drilling by inputting data to the toolface calculation engine 404. This may help minimize or avoid overcorrection, or excessive oscillation, in the drilling path.
Once calculated, data output from the toolface calculation engine 404 may act as the input to the steering module 420 in
In some embodiments, an alerts module may be used to alert drillers and/or a well monitoring station of a deviation of the bit from the planned drilling path, of any potential problem with the drilling system, or of other information requiring attention. When drillers are not at the drilling rig, i.e., the driller(s) are remotely located from the rig, the alerts module may be associated with the toolface calculation engine 404 in a manner that when the toolface calculation engine 404 detects deviation of the bit from the planned drilling path, the alerts module signals the driller, and in some cases, can be arranged to await manual user intervention, such as an approval, before steering the bit along a new path. This alert may occur on the drilling rig through any suitable means, and may appear on the display 472 as a visual alert. Alternatively, it may be an audible alert or may trigger transmission of an alert signal via an RF signal to designated locations or individuals.
In addition to communicating the alert to the display 472 or other location about the drilling rig, the alert module may communicate the alert to an offsite location. This may permit offsite monitoring and may allow a driller to make remote adjustments. These alerts may be communicated via any suitable transmission link. For example, in some embodiments where the alert module sends the alert signal to a remote location, the alert may be through a satellite communication system. More particularly, one or more orbital (generally fixed position) satellites may be used to relay communication signals (potentially bi-directional) between a well monitoring station and the alerts module on the offshore platform. Alternatively, radio, cellular, optical, or hard wired signal transmission methods may be used for communication between the alerts module and the drillers or the well monitoring station. In situations where the oil drilling location is an offshore platform, a satellite communications system may be used, as cellular, hard wire, and ship to shore-type systems are in some situations impractical or unreliable. It should be noted that offsite monitoring and adjustments may be made without specific alerts, but through using the remote access systems described.
A centralized well monitoring station may generally be a computer or server configured to interface with a plurality of alerts modules each positioned at a different one of a plurality of well platforms. The well monitoring station may be configured to receive various types of signals (satellite, RF, cellular, hard wired, optical, ship to shore, and telephone, for example) from a plurality of well drilling locations having an alerts module thereon. The well monitoring station may also be configured to transmit selected information from the alerts module to a specific remote user terminal of a plurality of remote user terminals in communication with the alerts module. The well monitoring station may also receive information or instructions from the remote user terminal. The remote user terminal, via the well monitoring station and the alerts module, is configured to display drilling or production parameters for the well associated with the alerts module.
The well monitoring station may generally be positioned at a central data hub, and may be in communication with the alerts module at the drilling site via a satellite communications link, for example. The monitoring station may be configured to allow users to define alerts based on information and data that is gathered from the drilling site(s) by various data replication and synchronization techniques. As such, received data may not be truly real time in every embodiment of the invention, as the alerts depend upon data that has been transmitted from a drilling site to the central data hub over a radio or satellite communications medium (which inherently takes some time to accomplish).
In one embodiment, an exemplary alerts module monitors one, two, or more specific applications or properties. The operation section and the actual values that the alert is setup against are also generally database and metadata driven, and therefore, when the property is of a particular data type, then the appropriate operations may be made available for the user to select.
Turning now to
The method 600a includes a step 602 during which parameters for calculating mechanical specific energy (MSE) are detected, collected, or otherwise obtained. These parameters may be referred to herein as MSE parameters and may be used as input in
The MSE parameters may be obtained substantially or entirely automatically, with little or no user input required. For example, during the first iteration through the steps of the method 600a, the static MSE parameters may be retrieved via automatic query of a database. Consequently, during subsequent iterations, the static MSE parameters may not require repeated retrieval, such as where the drill bit type or formation data has not changed from the previous iteration of the method 600a. Therefore, execution of the step 602 may, in many iterations, require only the detection of the dynamic MSE parameters. The detection of the dynamic MSE parameters may be performed by or otherwise in association with a variety of sensors, such as the sensors shown in
A subsequent step 604 in the method 600a includes calculating MSE. In an exemplary embodiment, MSE is calculated according to the following formula:
MSE=MER×[(4×WOB)/(π×DIA2)+(480×RPM×TOR)/(ROP×DIA2)]
MER may also be referred to as a drill bit efficiency factor. In an exemplary embodiment, MER equals 0.35. However, MER may change based on one or more various conditions, such as the bit type, formation type, and/or other factors.
The method 600a also includes a decisional step 606, during which the MSE calculated during the previous step 604 is compared to an ideal MSE. The ideal MSE used for comparison during the decisional step 606 may be a single value, such as 100%. Alternatively, the ideal MSE used for comparison during the decisional step 606 may be a target range of values, such as 90-100%. Alternatively, the ideal MSE may be a range of values derived from an advanced analysis of the area being drilled that accounts for the various formations that are being drilled in the current operation.
If it is determined during step 606 that the MSE calculated during step 604 equals the ideal MSE, or falls within the ideal MSE range, the method 600a may be iterated by proceeding once again to step 602. However, if it is determined during step 606 that the calculated MSE does not equal the ideal MSE, or does not fall within the ideal MSE range, an additional step 608 is performed. During step 608, one or more operating parameters are adjusted with the intent of bringing the MSE closer to the ideal MSE value or within the ideal MSE range. For example, referring to
Each of the steps of the method 600a may be performed automatically. For example, automated detection of dynamic MSE parameters and database look-up of static MSE parameters have already been described above with respect to step 602. The controller 190 of
The user-interface 692 and the controller 698 may be discrete components that are interconnected via wired or wireless means. However, the user-interface 692 and the controller 698 may alternatively be integral components of a single system 699, as indicated by the dashed lines in
The user-interface 692 includes means 692a for user-input of one or more predetermined efficiency data (e.g., MER) values and/or ranges, and means 692b for user-input of one or more predetermined bit diameters (e.g., DIA) values and/or ranges. Each of the data input means 692a and 692b may include a keypad, voice-recognition apparatus, dial, button, switch, slide selector, toggle, joystick, mouse, data base (e.g., with offset information) and/or other conventional or future-developed data input device. Such data input means may support data input from local and/or remote locations. Alternatively, or additionally, the data input means 692a and/or 692b may include means for user-selection of predetermined MER and DIA values or ranges, such as via one or more drop-down menus. The MER and DIA data may also or alternatively be selected by the controller 698 via the execution of one or more database look-up procedures. In general, the data input means and/or other components within the scope of the present disclosure may support system operation and/or monitoring from stations on the rig site as well as one or more remote locations with a communications link to the system, network, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, and/or radio, among other means.
The user-interface 692 may also include a display 692c for visually presenting information to the user in textual, graphical or video form. The display 692c may also be utilized by the user to input the MER and DIA data in conjunction with the data input means 692a and 692b. For example, the predetermined efficiency and bit diameter data input means 692a and 692b may be integral to or otherwise communicably coupled with the display 692c.
The draw-works 694 includes an ROP sensor 694a that is configured for detecting an ROP value or range, and may be substantially similar to the ROP sensor 130a shown in
The drive system 696 includes a torque sensor 696a that is configured for detecting a value or range of the reactive torsion of the drill string (e.g., TOR), much the same as the torque sensor 140a and drill string 155 shown in
The controller 698 is configured to receive the above-described MSE parameters from the user interface 692, the draw-works 694, and the drive system 696 and utilize the MSE parameters to continuously, periodically, or otherwise calculate MSE. The controller 698 is further configured to provide a signal to the draw-works 694 and/or the drive system 696 based on the calculated MSE. For example, the controller 6980 may execute the method 200a shown in
Referring to
During a step 612 of the method 600b, a baseline MSE is determined for optimization of drilling efficiency based on MSE by varying WOB. Because the baseline MSE determined in step 612 will be utilized for optimization by varying WOB, the convention MSEBLWOB will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 614, the WOB is changed. Such change can include either increasing or decreasing the WOB. The increase or decrease of WOB during step 614 may be within certain, predefined WOB limits. For example, the WOB change may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined WOB limits. The WOB may be manually changed via operator input, or the WOB may be automatically changed via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. As above, such signals may be via remote control from another location.
Thereafter, during a step 616, drilling continues with the changed WOB during a predetermined drilling interval ΔWOB. The ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 616 may include continuing drilling operation with the changed WOB until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The ΔWOB interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the ΔWOB interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the ΔWOB interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes. Of course, the above-described time and depth values for the ΔWOB interval are merely examples, and many other values are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
After continuing drilling operation through the ΔWOB interval with the changed WOB, a step 618 is performed to determine the MSEΔWOB resulting from operating with the changed WOB during the ΔWOB interval. In a subsequent decisional step 620, the changed MSEΔWOB is compared to the baseline MSEBLWOB. If the changed MSEΔWOB is desirable relative to the MSEBLWOB, the method 600b continues to a step 622. However, if the changed MSEΔWOB is not desirable relative to the MSEBLWOB, the method 600b continues to a step 624 where the WOB is restored to its value before step 614 was performed, and the method then continues to step 622.
The determination made during decisional step 620 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the MSEΔWOB to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the MSEBLWOB. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 620.
During step 622 of the method 600b, a baseline MSE is determined for optimization of drilling efficiency based on MSE by varying the bit rotational speed, RPM. Because the baseline MSE determined in step 622 will be utilized for optimization by varying RPM, the convention MSEBLRPM will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 626, the RPM is changed. Such change can include either increasing or decreasing the RPM. The increase or decrease of RPM during step 626 may be within certain, predefined RPM limits. For example, the RPM change may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined RPM limits. The RPM may be manually changed via operator input, or the RPM may be automatically changed via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 628, drilling continues with the changed RPM during a predetermined drilling interval ΔRPM. The ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 628 may include continuing drilling operation with the changed RPM until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The ΔRPM interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the ΔRPM interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the ΔRPM interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes. Of course, the above-described time and depth values for the ΔRPM interval are merely examples, and many other values are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
After continuing drilling operation through the ΔRPM interval with the changed RPM, a step 630 is performed to determine the MSEΔRPM resulting from operating with the changed RPM during the ΔRPM interval. In a subsequent decisional step 632, the changed MSEΔRPM is compared to the baseline MSEBLRPM. If the changed MSEΔRPM is desirable relative to the MSEBLRPM, the method 600b returns to step 612. However, if the changed MSEΔRPM is not desirable relative to the MSEBLRPM, the method 600b continues to step 634 where the RPM is restored to its value before step 626 was performed, and the method then continues to step 612.
The determination made during decisional step 632 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the MSEΔRPM to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the MSEBLRPM. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 632.
Moreover, after steps 632 and/or 634 are performed, the method 600b may not immediately return to step 612 for a subsequent iteration. For example, a subsequent iteration of the method 600b may be delayed for a predetermined time interval or drilling progress depth. Alternatively, the method 600b may end after the performance of steps 632 and/or 634.
Referring to
During a step 640 of the method 600c, a baseline MSE is determined for optimization of drilling efficiency based on MSE by decreasing WOB. Because the baseline MSE determined in step 640 will be utilized for optimization by decreasing WOB, the convention MSEBL−WOB will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 642, the WOB is decreased. The decrease of WOB during step 642 may be within certain, predefined WOB limits. For example, the WOB decrease may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined WOB limits. The WOB may be manually decreased via operator input, or the WOB may be automatically decreased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 644, drilling continues with the decreased WOB during a predetermined drilling interval −ΔWOB. The −ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the −ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 644 may include continuing drilling operation with the decreased WOB until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The −ΔWOB interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the −ΔWOB interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the −ΔWOB interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes. Of course, the above-described time and depth values for the −ΔWOB interval are merely examples, and many other values are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
After continuing drilling operation through the −ΔWOB interval with the decreased WOB, a step 646 is performed to determine the MSE−ΔWOB resulting from operating with the decreased WOB during the −ΔWOB interval. In a subsequent decisional step 648, the decreased MSE−ΔWOB is compared to the baseline MSEBL−WOB. If the decreased MSE−ΔWOB is desirable relative to the MSEBL−WOB, the method 600c continues to a step 652. However, if the decreased MSE−ΔWOB is not desirable relative to the MSEBL−WOB, the method 600c continues to a step 650 where the WOB is restored to its value before step 642 was performed, and the method then continues to step 652.
The determination made during decisional step 648 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the MSE−ΔWOB to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the MSEBL−WOB. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 648.
During step 652 of the method 600c, a baseline MSE is determined for optimization of drilling efficiency based on MSE by increasing the WOB. Because the baseline MSE determined in step 652 will be utilized for optimization by increasing WOB, the convention MSEBL+WOB will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 654, the WOB is increased. The increase of WOB during step 654 may be within certain, predefined WOB limits. For example, the WOB increase may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined WOB limits. The WOB may be manually increased via operator input, or the WOB may be automatically increased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 656, drilling continues with the increased WOB during a predetermined drilling interval +ΔWOB. The +ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the +ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 656 may include continuing drilling operation with the increased WOB until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The +ΔWOB interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the +ΔWOB interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the +ΔWOB interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes.
After continuing drilling operation through the +ΔWOB interval with the increased WOB, a step 658 is performed to determine the MSE+ΔWOB resulting from operating with the increased WOB during the +ΔWOB interval. In a subsequent decisional step 660, the changed MSE+ΔWOB is compared to the baseline MSEBL+WOB. If the changed MSE+WOB is desirable relative to the MSEBL+WOB, the method 600c continues to a step 664. However, if the changed MSE+ΔWOB is not desirable relative to the MSEBL+WOB, the method 600c continues to a step 662 where the WOB is restored to its value before step 654 was performed, and the method then continues to step 664.
The determination made during decisional step 660 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the MSE+ΔWOB to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the MSEBL+WOB. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 660.
During step 664 of the method 600c, a baseline MSE is determined for optimization of drilling efficiency based on MSE by decreasing the bit rotational speed, RPM. Because the baseline MSE determined in step 664 will be utilized for optimization by decreasing RPM, the convention MSE−RPM will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 666, the RPM is decreased. The decrease of RPM during step 666 may be within certain, predefined RPM limits. For example, the RPM decrease may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined RPM limits. The RPM may be manually decreased via operator input, or the RPM may be automatically decreased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 668, drilling continues with the decreased RPM during a predetermined drilling interval −ΔRPM. The −ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the −ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 668 may include continuing drilling operation with the decreased RPM until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The −ΔRPM interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the −ΔRPM interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the −ΔRPM interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes.
After continuing drilling operation through the −ΔRPM interval with the decreased RPM, a step 670 is performed to determine the MSE−ΔRPM resulting from operating with the decreased RPM during the −ΔRPM interval. In a subsequent decisional step 672, the decreased MSE−ΔRPM is compared to the baseline MSEBL−RPM. If the changed MSE−ΔRPM is desirable relative to the MSEBL−RPM, the method 600c continues to a step 676. However, if the changed MSE−ΔRPM is not desirable relative to the MSEBL−RPM, the method 600c continues to a step 674 where the RPM is restored to its value before step 666 was performed, and the method then continues to step 676.
The determination made during decisional step 672 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the MSE−ΔRPM to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the MSEBL−RPM. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 672.
During step 676 of the method 600c, a baseline MSE is determined for optimization of drilling efficiency based on MSE by increasing the bit rotational speed, RPM. Because the baseline MSE determined in step 676 will be utilized for optimization by increasing RPM, the convention MSEBL+RPM will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 678, the RPM is increased. The increase of RPM during step 678 may be within certain, predefined RPM limits. For example, the RPM increase may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined RPM limits. The RPM may be manually increased via operator input, or the RPM may be automatically increased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 680, drilling continues with the increased RPM during a predetermined drilling interval +ΔRPM. The +ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the +ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 680 may include continuing drilling operation with the increased RPM until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The +ΔRPM interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the +ΔRPM interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the +ΔRPM interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes.
After continuing drilling operation through the +ΔRPM interval with the increased RPM, a step 682 is performed to determine the MSE+ΔRPM resulting from operating with the increased RPM during the +ΔRPM interval. In a subsequent decisional step 684, the increased MSE+ΔRPM is compared to the baseline MSEBL+RPM. If the changed MSE+ΔRPM is desirable relative to the MSEBL+RPM, the method 600c continues to a step 688. However, if the changed MSE+ΔRPM is not desirable relative to the MSEBL+RPM, the method 600c continues to a step 686 where the RPM is restored to its value before step 678 was performed, and the method then continues to step 688.
The determination made during decisional step 684 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the MSE+ΔRPM to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the MSEBL+RPM. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 684.
Step 688 includes awaiting a predetermined time period or drilling depth interval before reiterating the method 600c by returning to step 640. However, in an exemplary embodiment, the interval may be as small as 0 seconds or 0 feet, such that the method returns to step 640 substantially immediately after performing steps 684 and/or 686. Alternatively, the method 600c may not require iteration, such that the method 600c may substantially end after the performance of steps 684 and/or 686.
Moreover, the drilling intervals −ΔWOB, +ΔWOB, −ΔRPM and +ΔROM may each be substantially identical within a single iteration of the method 600c. Alternatively, one or more of the intervals may vary in duration or depth relative to the other intervals. Similarly, the amount that the WOB is decreased and increased in steps 642 and 654 may be substantially identical or may vary relative to each other within a single iteration of the method 600c. The amount that the RPM is decreased and increased in steps 666 and 678 may be substantially identical or may vary relative to each other within a single iteration of the method 600c. The WOB and RPM variances may also change or stay the same relative to subsequent iterations of the method 600c.
As described above, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized for drilling operation or control based on MSE. However, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may additionally or alternatively be utilized for drilling operation or control based on ΔT. That is, as described above, during drilling operation, torque is transmitted from the top drive or other rotary drive to the drill string. The torque required to drive the bit may be referred to as the Torque On Bit (TOB), and may be monitored utilizing a sensor such as the torque sensor 140a shown in
The drill string undergoes various types of vibration during drilling, including axial (longitudinal) vibrations, bending (lateral) vibrations, and torsional (rotational) vibrations. The torsional vibrations are caused by nonlinear interaction between the bit, the drill string, and the wellbore. As described above, this torsional vibration can include stick-slip vibration, characterized by alternating stops (during which the BHA “sticks” to the wellbore) and intervals of large angular velocity of the BHA (during which the BHA “slips” relative to the wellbore).
The stick-slip behavior of the BHA causes real-time variations of TOB, or ΔT. This ΔT may be utilized to support a Stick Slip Alarm (SSA) according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. For example, a ΔT or SSA parameter may be displayed visually with a “Stop Light” indicator, where a green light may indicate an acceptable operating condition (e.g., SSA parameter of 0-15), an amber light may indicate that stick-slip behavior is imminent (e.g., SSA parameter of 16-25), and a red light may indicate that stick-slip behavior is likely occurring (e.g., SSA parameter above 25). However, these example thresholds may be adjustable during operation, as they may change with the drilling conditions. The ΔT or SSA parameter may alternatively or additionally be displayed graphically (e.g., showing current and historical data), audibly (e.g., via an annunciator), and/or via a meter or gauge display. Combinations of these display options are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the above-described “Stop Light” indicator may continuously indicate the SSA parameter regardless of its value, and an audible alarm may be triggered if the SSA parameter exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 25).
A drilling operation controller or other apparatus within the scope of the present disclosure may have integrated therein one or more aspects of drilling operation or control based on ΔT or the SSA parameter as described above. For example, a controller such as the controller 190 shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the ΔT or SSA-enabled controller may be further configured to automatically reduce WOB if stick slip is severe, such as may be due to an excessively high target WOB. Such automatic WOB reduction may include a single adjustment or incremental adjustments, whether temporary or long-term, and which may be sustained until the ΔT or SSA parameter indicates that the stick-slip operation has been halted.
The ΔT or SSA-enabled controller may be further configured to automatically increase WOB, such as to find the upper WOB stick-slip limit. For example, if all other possible drilling parameters are optimized or adjusted to within corresponding limits, the controller may automatically increase WOB incrementally until the ΔT or SSA parameter nears or equals its upper limit (e.g., 25).
In an exemplary embodiment, ΔT-based drilling operation or control according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may function according to one or more aspects of the following pseudo-code:
where Process_Time is the time elapsed since monitoring of the ΔT or SSA parameter commenced, Minimum_Torque is the minimum TOB which occurred during Process_Time, Maximum_Torque is the maximum TOB which occurred during Process_Time, Realtime_Torque is current TOB, Average_Torque is the average TOB during Process_Time, and SSA is the Stick-Slip Alarm parameter.
As described above, the ΔT or SSA parameter may be utilized within or otherwise according to the method 200a shown in
Referring to
The method 700a includes a step 702 during which current ΔT parameters are measured. In a subsequent step 704, the ΔT is calculated. If the ΔT is sufficiently equal to the desired ΔT or otherwise ideal, as determined during decisional step 706, the method 700a is iterated and the step 702 is repeated. “Ideal” may be as described above. The iteration of the method 700a may be substantially immediate, or there may be a delay period before the method 700a is iterated and the step 702 is repeated. If the ΔT is not ideal, as determined during decisional step 706, the method 700a continues to a step 708 during which one or more drilling parameters (e.g., WOB, RPM, etc.) are adjusted in attempt to improve the ΔT. After step 708 is performed, the method 700a is iterated and the step 702 is repeated. Such iteration may be substantially immediate, or there may be a delay period before the method 700a is iterated and the step 702 is repeated.
Referring to
During a step 712 of the method 700b, a baseline ΔT is determined for optimization based on ΔT by varying WOB. Because the baseline ΔT determined in step 712 will be utilized for optimization by varying WOB, the convention ΔTBLWOB will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 714, the WOB is changed. Such change can include either increasing or decreasing the WOB. The increase or decrease of WOB during step 714 may be within certain, predefined WOB limits. For example, the WOB change may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined WOB limits. The WOB may be manually changed via operator input, or the WOB may be automatically changed via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. As above, such signals may be via remote control from another location.
Thereafter, during a step 716, drilling continues with the changed WOB during a predetermined drilling interval ΔWOB. The ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 716 may include continuing drilling operation with the changed WOB until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The ΔWOB interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the ΔWOB interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the ΔWOB interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes. Of course, the above-described time and depth values for the ΔWOB interval are merely examples, and many other values are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
After continuing drilling operation through the ΔWOB interval with the changed WOB, a step 718 is performed to determine the ΔTΔWOB resulting from operating with the changed WOB during the ΔWOB interval. In a subsequent decisional step 720, the changed ΔTΔWOB is compared to the baseline ΔTBLWOB. If the changed ΔTΔWOB is desirable relative to the ΔTBLWOB, the method 700b continues to a step 722. However, if the changed ΔTΔWOB is not desirable relative to the ΔTBLWOB, the method 700b continues to a step 724 where the WOB is restored to its value before step 714 was performed, and the method then continues to step 722.
The determination made during decisional step 720 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the ΔTΔWOB to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the ΔTBLWOB. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 720.
During step 722 of the method 700b, a baseline ΔT is determined for optimization based on ΔT by varying the bit rotational speed, RPM. Because the baseline ΔT determined in step 722 will be utilized for optimization by varying RPM, the convention ΔTBLRPM will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 726, the RPM is changed. Such change can include either increasing or decreasing the RPM. The increase or decrease of RPM during step 726 may be within certain, predefined RPM limits. For example, the RPM change may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined RPM limits. The RPM may be manually changed via operator input, or the RPM may be automatically changed via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 728, drilling continues with the changed RPM during a predetermined drilling interval ΔRPM. The ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 728 may include continuing drilling operation with the changed RPM until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The ΔRPM interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the ΔRPM interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the ΔRPM interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes. Of course, the above-described time and depth values for the ΔRPM interval are merely examples, and many other values are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
After continuing drilling operation through the ΔRPM interval with the changed RPM, a step 730 is performed to determine the ΔTΔRPM resulting from operating with the changed RPM during the ΔRPM interval. In a subsequent decisional step 732, the changed ΔTΔRPM is compared to the baseline ΔTBLRPM. If the changed ΔTΔRPM is desirable relative to the ΔTBLRPM, the method 700b returns to step 712. However, if the changed ΔTΔRPM is not desirable relative to the ΔTBLRPM, the method 700b continues to step 734 where the RPM is restored to its value before step 726 was performed, and the method then continues to step 712.
The determination made during decisional step 732 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the ΔTΔRPM to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the ΔTBLRPM. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 732.
Moreover, after steps 732 and/or 734 are performed, the method 700b may not immediately return to step 712 for a subsequent iteration. For example, a subsequent iteration of the method 700b may be delayed for a predetermined time interval or drilling progress depth. Alternatively, the method 700b may end after the performance of steps 732 and/or 734.
Referring to
During a step 740 of the method 700c, a baseline ΔT is determined for optimization based on ΔT by decreasing WOB. Because the baseline ΔT determined in step 740 will be utilized for optimization by decreasing WOB, the convention ΔTBL−WOB will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 742, the WOB is decreased. The decrease of WOB during step 742 may be within certain, predefined WOB limits. For example, the WOB decrease may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined WOB limits. The WOB may be manually decreased via operator input, or the WOB may be automatically decreased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 744, drilling continues with the decreased WOB during a predetermined drilling interval −ΔWOB. The −ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the −ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 744 may include continuing drilling operation with the decreased WOB until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The −ΔWOB interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the −ΔWOB interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the −ΔWOB interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes. Of course, the above-described time and depth values for the −ΔWOB interval are merely examples, and many other values are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
After continuing drilling operation through the −ΔWOB interval with the decreased WOB, a step 746 is performed to determine the ΔT−ΔWOB resulting from operating with the decreased WOB during the −ΔWOB interval. In a subsequent decisional step 748, the decreased ΔT−ΔWOB is compared to the baseline ΔTBL−WOB. If the decreased ΔT−ΔWOB is desirable relative to the ΔTBL−WOB, the method 700c continues to a step 752. However, if the decreased ΔT−ΔWOB is not desirable relative to the ΔTBL−WOB, the method 700c continues to a step 750 where the WOB is restored to its value before step 742 was performed, and the method then continues to step 752.
The determination made during decisional step 748 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the ΔT−ΔWOB to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the ΔTBL−WOB. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 748.
During step 752 of the method 700c, a baseline ΔT is determined for optimization based on ΔT by increasing the WOB. Because the baseline ΔT determined in step 752 will be utilized for optimization by increasing WOB, the convention ΔTBL+WOB will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 754, the WOB is increased. The increase of WOB during step 754 may be within certain, predefined WOB limits. For example, the WOB increase may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined WOB limits. The WOB may be manually increased via operator input, or the WOB may be automatically increased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 756, drilling continues with the increased WOB during a predetermined drilling interval +ΔWOB. The +ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the +ΔWOB interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 756 may include continuing drilling operation with the increased WOB until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The +ΔWOB interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the +ΔWOB interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the +ΔWOB interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes.
After continuing drilling operation through the +ΔWOB interval with the increased WOB, a step 758 is performed to determine the ΔT+ΔWOB resulting from operating with the increased WOB during the +ΔWOB interval. In a subsequent decisional step 760, the changed ΔT+ΔWOB is compared to the baseline ΔTBL+WOB. If the changed ΔT+ΔWOB is desirable relative to the ΔTBL+WOB, the method 700c continues to a step 764. However, if the changed ΔT+ΔWOB is not desirable relative to the ΔTBL+WOB, the method 700c continues to a step 762 where the WOB is restored to its value before step 754 was performed, and the method then continues to step 764.
The determination made during decisional step 760 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the ΔT+ΔWOB to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the ΔTBL+WOB. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 760.
During step 764 of the method 700c, a baseline ΔT is determined for optimization based on ΔT by decreasing the bit rotational speed, RPM. Because the baseline ΔT determined in step 764 will be utilized for optimization by decreasing RPM, the convention ΔTBL−RPM will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 766, the RPM is decreased. The decrease of RPM during step 766 may be within certain, predefined RPM limits. For example, the RPM decrease may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined RPM limits. The RPM may be manually decreased via operator input, or the RPM may be automatically decreased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 768, drilling continues with the decreased RPM during a predetermined drilling interval −ΔRPM. The −ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the −ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 768 may include continuing drilling operation with the decreased RPM until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The −ΔRPM interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the −ΔRPM interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the −ΔRPM interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes.
After continuing drilling operation through the −ΔRPM interval with the decreased RPM, a step 770 is performed to determine the ΔT−ΔRPM resulting from operating with the decreased RPM during the −ΔRPM interval. In a subsequent decisional step 772, the decreased ΔT−ΔRPM is compared to the baseline ΔTBL−RPM. If the changed ΔT−ΔRPM is desirable relative to the ΔTBL_RPM, the method 700c continues to a step 776. However, if the changed ΔT−ΔRPM is not desirable relative to the ΔTBL−RPM, the method 700c continues to a step 774 where the RPM is restored to its value before step 766 was performed, and the method then continues to step 776.
The determination made during decisional step 772 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the ΔT−ΔRPM to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the ΔTBL−RPM. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 772.
During step 776 of the method 700c, a baseline ΔT is determined for optimization based on ΔT by increasing the bit rotational speed, RPM. Because the baseline ΔT determined in step 776 will be utilized for optimization by increasing RPM, the convention ΔTBL+RPM will be used herein.
In a subsequent step 778, the RPM is increased. The increase of RPM during step 778 may be within certain, predefined RPM limits. For example, the RPM increase may be no greater than about 10%. However, other percentages are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including where such percentages are within or beyond the predefined RPM limits. The RPM may be manually increased via operator input, or the RPM may be automatically increased via signals transmitted by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus.
Thereafter, during a step 780, drilling continues with the increased RPM during a predetermined drilling interval +ΔRPM. The +ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined time period, such as five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or some other duration. Alternatively, the +ΔRPM interval may be a predetermined drilling progress depth. For example, step 780 may include continuing drilling operation with the increased RPM until the existing wellbore is extended five feet, ten feet, fifty feet, or some other depth. The +ΔRPM interval may also include both a time and a depth component. For example, the +ΔRPM interval may include drilling for at least thirty minutes or until the wellbore is extended ten feet. In another example, the +ΔRPM interval may include drilling until the wellbore is extended twenty feet, but no longer than ninety minutes.
After continuing drilling operation through the +ΔRPM interval with the increased RPM, a step 782 is performed to determine the ΔT+ΔRPM resulting from operating with the increased RPM during the +ΔRPM interval. In a subsequent decisional step 784, the increased ΔT+ΔRPM is compared to the baseline ΔTBL+RPM. If the changed ΔT+ΔRPM is desirable relative to the ΔTBL+RPM, the method 700c continues to a step 788. However, if the changed ΔT+ΔRPM is not desirable relative to the ΔTBL+RPM, the method 700c continues to a step 786 where the RPM is restored to its value before step 778 was performed, and the method then continues to step 788.
The determination made during decisional step 784 may be performed manually or automatically by a controller, control system, and/or other component of the drilling rig and associated apparatus. The determination may include finding the ΔT+ΔRPM to be desirable if it is substantially equal to and/or less than the ΔTBL+RPM. However, additional or alternative factors may also play a role in the determination made during step 784.
Step 788 includes awaiting a predetermined time period or drilling depth interval before reiterating the method 700c by returning to step 740. However, in an exemplary embodiment, the interval may be as small as 0 seconds or 0 feet, such that the method returns to step 740 substantially immediately after performing steps 784 and/or 786. Alternatively, the method 700c may not require iteration, such that the method 700c may substantially end after the performance of steps 784 and/or 786.
Moreover, the drilling intervals −ΔWOB, +ΔWOB, −ΔRPM and +ΔROM may each be substantially identical within a single iteration of the method 700c. Alternatively, one or more of the intervals may vary in duration or depth relative to the other intervals. Similarly, the amount that the WOB is decreased and increased in steps 742 and 754 may be substantially identical or may vary relative to each other within a single iteration of the method 700c. The amount that the RPM is decreased and increased in steps 766 and 778 may be substantially identical or may vary relative to each other within a single iteration of the method 700c. The WOB and RPM variances may also change or stay the same relative to subsequent iterations of the method 700c.
Referring to
The apparatus 800 includes a plurality of manual or automated data inputs, collectively referred to herein as inputs 802. The apparatus also includes a plurality of controllers, calculators, detectors, and other processors, collectively referred to herein as processors 804. Data from the various ones of the inputs 802 is transmitted to various ones of the processors 804, as indicated in
The apparatus 800 may also include, be connected to, or otherwise be associated with a display 810, which may be driven by or otherwise receive data from one or more of the processors 804, if not also from other components of the apparatus 800. The display 810 may also be referred to herein as a human-machine interface (HMI), although such HMI may further include one or more of the inputs 802 and/or processors 804.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The bottom hole pressure input 802a may indicate a value of the maximum desired pressure of the gaseous and/or other environment at the bottom end of the wellbore. Alternatively, the bottom hole pressure input 802a may indicate a range within which it is desired that the pressure at the bottom of the wellbore be maintained. Such pressure may be expressed as an absolute pressure or a gauge pressure (e.g., relative to atmospheric pressure or some other predetermined pressure).
The choke position reference input 802b may be a set point or value indicating the desired choke position. Alternatively, the choke position reference input 802b may indicate a range within which it is desired that the choke position be maintained. The choke may be a device having an orifice or other means configured to control fluid flow rate and/or pressure. The choke may be positioned at the end of a choke line, which is a high-pressure pipe leading from an outlet on the BOP stack, whereby the fluid under pressure in the wellbore can flow out of the well through the choke line to the choke, thereby reducing the fluid pressure (e.g., to atmospheric pressure). The choke position reference input 802b may be a binary indicator expressing the choke position as either “opened” or “closed.” Alternatively, the choke position reference input 802b may be expressed as a percentage indicating the extent to which the choke is partially opened or closed.
The ΔP limit input 802c may be a value indicating the maximum or minimum pressure drop across the mud motor. Alternatively, the ΔP limit input 802c may indicate a range within which it is desired that the pressure drop across the mud motor be maintained. The ΔP reference input 802d may be a set point or value indicating the desired pressure drop across the mud motor. In an exemplary embodiment, the ΔP limit input 802c is a value indicating the maximum desired pressure drop across the mud motor, and the ΔP reference input 802d is a value indicating the nominal desired pressure drop across the mud motor.
The drawworks pull limit input 802e may be a value indicating the maximum force to be applied to the drawworks by the drilling line (e.g., when supporting the drill string off-bottom or pulling on equipment stuck in the wellbore). For example, the drawworks pull limit input 802e may indicate the maximum hook load that should be supported by the drawworks during operation. The drawworks pull limit input 802e may be expressed as the maximum weight or drilling line tension that can be supported by the drawworks without damaging the drawworks, drilling line, and/or other equipment.
The MSE limit input 802f may be a value indicating the maximum or minimum MSE desired during drilling. Alternatively, the MSE limit input 802f may be a range within which it is desired that the MSE be maintained during drilling. As discussed above, the actual value of the MSE is at least partially dependent upon WOB, bit diameter, bit speed, drill string torque, and ROP, each of which may be adjusted according to aspects of the present disclosure to maintain the desired MSE. The MSE target input 802g may be a value indicating the desired MSE, or a range within which it is desired that the MSE be maintained during drilling. In an exemplary embodiment, the MSE limit input 802f is a value or range indicating the maximum and/or minimum MSE, and the MSE target input 802g is a value indicating the desired nominal MSE.
The mud flow set point input 802h may be a value indicating the maximum, minimum, or nominal desired mud flow rate output by the mud pump. Alternatively, the mud flow set point input 802h may be a range within which it is desired that the mud flow rate be maintained. The pump pressure tare input 802i may be a value indicating the current, desired, initial, surveyed, or other mud pump pressure tare. The mud pump pressure tare generally accounts for the difference between the mud pressure and the casing or wellbore pressure when the drill string is off bottom.
The quill negative amplitude input 802j may be a value indicating the maximum desired quill rotation from the quill oscillation neutral point in a first angular direction, whereas the quill positive amplitude input 802k may be a value indicating the maximum desired quill rotation from the quill oscillation neutral point in an opposite angular direction. For example, during operation of the top drive to oscillate the quill, the quill negative amplitude input 802j may indicate the maximum desired clockwise rotation of the quill past the oscillation neutral point, and the quill positive amplitude input 802k may indicate the maximum desired counterclockwise rotation of the quill past the oscillation neutral point.
The ROP set point input 802l may be a value indicating the maximum, minimum, or nominal desired ROP. Alternatively, the ROP set point input 802l may be range within which it is desired that the ROP be maintained.
The pump input 802m may be a value indicating a maximum, minimum, or nominal desired flow rate, power, speed (e.g., strokes-per-minute), and/or other operating parameter related to operation of the mud pump. For example, the mud pump may actually include more than one pump, and the pump input 802m may indicate a desired maximum or nominal aggregate pressure, flow rate, or other parameter of the output of the multiple mud pumps, or whether a pump system is operating in conjunction with the multiple mud pumps.
The toolface position input 802n may be a value indicating the desired orientation of the toolface. Alternatively, the toolface position input 802n may be a range within which it is desired that the toolface be maintained. The toolface position input 802n may be expressed as one or more angles relative to a fixed or predetermined reference. For example, the toolface position input 802n may represent the desired toolface azimuth orientation relative to true North and/or the desired toolface inclination relative to vertical. As discussed above, in some embodiments, this is input directly, or may be based upon a planned drilling path. While drilling using the method in
The top drive RPM input 802o may be a value indicating a maximum, minimum, or nominal desired rotational speed of the top drive. Alternatively, the top drive RPM input 802o may be a range within which it is desired that the top drive rotational speed be maintained. The top drive torque limit input 802p may be a value indicating a maximum torque to be applied by the top drive.
The WOB reference input 802q may be a value indicating a maximum, minimum, or nominal desired WOB resulting from the weight of the drill string acting on the drill bit, although perhaps also taking into account other forces affecting WOB, such as friction between the drill string an the wellbore. Alternatively, the WOB reference input 802q may be a range in which it is desired that the WOB be maintained. The WOB tare input 802r may be a value indicating the current, desired, initial, survey, or other WOB tare, which takes into account the hook load and drill string weight when off bottom.
One or more of the inputs 802 may include a keypad, voice-recognition apparatus, dial, joystick, mouse, data base and/or other conventional or future-developed data input device. One or more of the inputs 802 may support data input from local and/or remote locations. One or more of the inputs 802 may include means for user-selection of predetermined set points, values, or ranges, such as via one or more drop-down menus. One or more of the inputs 802 may also or alternatively be configured to enable automated input by one or more of the processors 804, such as via the execution of one or more database look-up procedures. One or more of the inputs 802, possibly in conjunction with other components of the apparatus 800, may support operation and/or monitoring from stations on the rig site as well as one or more remote locations. Each of the inputs 802 may have individual means for input, although two or more of the inputs 802 may collectively have a single means for input. One or more of the inputs 802 may be configured to allow human input, although one or more of the inputs 802 may alternatively be configured for the automatic input of data by computer, software, module, routine, database lookup, algorithm, calculation, and/or otherwise. One or more of the inputs 802 may be configured for such automatic input of data but with an override function by which a human operator may approve or adjust the automatically provided data.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The block position sensor 808a may be or include an optical sensor, a radio-frequency sensor, an optical or other encoder, or another type of sensor configured to sense the relative or absolute vertical position of the block. The block position sensor 808a may be coupled to or integral with the block, the crown, the drawworks, and/or another component of the apparatus 800 or rig.
The casing pressure sensor 808b is configured to detect the pressure in the annulus defined between the drill string and the casing or wellbore, and may be or include one or more transducers, strain gauges, and/or other devices for detecting pressure changes or otherwise sensing pressure. The casing pressure sensor 808b may be coupled to the casing, drill string, and/or another component of the apparatus 800 or rig, and may be positioned at or near the wellbore surface, slightly below the surface, or significantly deeper in the wellbore.
The choke position sensor 808c is configured to detect whether the choke is opened or closed, and may be further configured to detect the degree to which the choke is partially opened or closed. The choke position sensor 808c may be coupled to or integral with the choke, the choke actuator, and/or another component of the apparatus 800 or rig. The choke may alternatively maintain a set pressure or steady mass flow, e.g., based on a casing pressure. This can be measured with an optional mass flow meter 808s.
The dead-line anchor load sensor 808d is configured to detect the tension in the drilling line at or near the anchored end. It may include one or more transducers, strain gauges, and/or other sensors coupled to the drilling line.
The drawworks encoder 808e is configured to detect the rotational position of the drawworks spools around which the drilling line is wound. It may include one or more optical encoders, interferometers, and/or other sensors configured to detect the angular position of the spool and/or any change in the angular position of the spool. The drawworks encoder 808e may include one or more components coupled to or integral with the spool and/or a stationary portion of the drawworks.
The mud pressure sensor 808f is configured to detect the pressure of the hydraulic fluid output by the mud motor, and may be or include one or more transducers, strain gauges, and/or other devices for detecting fluid pressure. It may be coupled to or integral with the mud pump, and thus positioned at or near the surface opening of the wellbore.
The MWD toolface gravity sensor 808g is configured to detect the toolface orientation based on gravity. The MWD toolface magnetic sensor 808h is configured to detect the toolface orientation based on magnetic field. These sensors 808g and 808h may be coupled to or integral with the MWD assembly, and are thus positioned downhole.
The return line flow sensor 808i is configured to detect the flow rate of mud within the return line, and may be expressed in gallons/minute. The return line mud weight sensor 808j is configured to detect the weight of the mud flowing within the return line. These sensors 808i and 808j may be coupled to the return flow line, and may thus be positioned at or near the surface opening of the wellbore.
The top drive encoder 808k is configured to detect the rotational position of the quill. It may include one or more optical encoders, interferometers, and/or other sensors configured to detect the angular position of the quill, and/or any change in the angular position of the quill, relative to the top drive, true North, or some other fixed reference point. The top drive torque sensor 808l is configured to detect the torque being applied by the top drive, or the torque necessary to rotate the quill or drill string at the current rate. These sensors 808k and 808l may be coupled to or integral with the top drive.
The choke actuator 808m is configured to actuate the choke to configure the choke in an opened configuration, a closed configured, and/or one or more positions between fully opened and fully closed. It may be hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, or combinations thereof.
The drawworks drive 808n is configured to provide an electrical signal to the drawworks motor 808o for actuation thereof. The drawworks motor 808o is configured to rotate the spool around which the drilling line is wound, thereby feeding the drilling line in or out.
The mud pump drive 808p is configured to provide an electrical signal to the mud pump, thereby controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of the mud pump output. The top drive drive 808q is configured to provide an electrical signal to the top drive motor 808r for actuation thereof. The top drive motor 808r is configured to rotate the quill, thereby rotating the drill string coupled to the quill.
The devices 808 may (things applicable to most of the sensors)
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The choke controller 804a is configured to receive the bottom hole pressure setting from the bottom hole pressure input 802a, the casing pressure 806b from the casing pressure sensor 808b, the choke position 806c from the choke position sensor 808c, and the mud weight 806g from the return line mud weight sensor 808j. The choke controller 804a may also receive bottom hole pressure data from the pressure calculator 804k. Alternatively, the processors 804 may include a comparator, summing, or other device which performs an algorithm utilizing the bottom hole pressure setting received from the bottom hole pressure input 802a and the current bottom hole pressure received from the pressure calculator 804k, with the result of such algorithm being provided to the choke controller 804a in lieu of or in addition to the bottom hole pressure setting and/or the current bottom hole pressure. The choke controller 804a is configured to process the received data and generate the choke actuation signal 806l, which is then transmitted to the choke actuator 808.
For example, if the current bottom hole pressure is greater than the bottom hole pressure setting, then the choke actuation signal 806l may direct the choke actuator 808m to further open, thereby increasing the return flow rate and decreasing the current bottom hole pressure. Similarly, if the current bottom hole pressure is less than the bottom hole pressure setting, then the choke actuation signal 806l may direct the choke actuator 808m to further close, thereby decreasing the return flow rate and increasing the current bottom hole pressure. Actuation of the choke actuator 808m may be incremental, such that the choke actuation signal 806l repeatedly directs the choke actuator 808m to further open or close by a predetermined amount until the current bottom hole pressure satisfactorily complies with the bottom hole pressure setting. Alternatively, the choke actuation signal 806l may direct the choke actuator 808m to further open or close by an amount proportional to the current discord between the current bottom hole pressure and the bottom hole pressure setting.
The drum controller 804b is configured to receive the ROP set point from the ROP set point input 802l, as well as the current ROP from the ROP calculator 804l. The drum controller 804b is also configured to receive WOB data from a comparator, summing, or other device which performs an algorithm utilizing the WOB reference point from the WOB reference input 802g and the current WOB from the WOB calculator 804n. This WOB data may be modified based current MSE data. Alternatively, the drum controller 804b is configured to receive the WOB reference point from the WOB reference input 802g and the current WOB from the WOB calculator 804n directly, and then perform the WOB comparison or summing algorithm itself. The drum controller 804b is also configured to receive ΔP data from a comparator, summing, or other device which performs an algorithm utilizing the ΔP reference received from the ΔP reference input 802d and a current ΔP received from one of the processors 804 that is configured to determine the current ΔP. The current ΔP may be corrected to take account the casing pressure 806b.
The drum controller 804b is configured to process the received data and generate the drawworks actuation signal 806m, which is then transmitted to the drawworks drive 808n. For example, if the current WOB received from the WOB calculator 804n is less than the WOB reference point received from the WOB reference input 802q, then the drawworks actuation signal 806m may direct the drawworks drive 808n to cause the drawworks motor 808o to feed out more drilling line. If the current WOB is less than the WOB reference point, then the drawworks actuation signal 806m may direct the drawworks drive 808n to cause the drawworks motor 808o to feed in the drilling line.
If the current ROP received from the ROP calculator 804l is less than the ROP set point received from the ROP set point input 802l, then the drawworks actuation signal 806m may direct the drawworks drive 808n to cause the drawworks motor 808o to feed out more drilling line. If the current ROP is greater than the ROP set point, then the drawworks actuation signal 806m may direct the drawworks drive 808n to cause the drawworks motor 808o to feed in the drilling line.
If the current ΔP is less than the ΔP reference received from the ΔP reference input 802d, then the drawworks actuation signal 806m may direct the drawworks drive 808n to cause the drawworks motor 808o to feed out more drilling line. If the current ΔP is greater than the ΔP reference, then the drawworks actuation signal 806m may direct the drawworks drive 808n to cause the drawworks motor 808o to feed in the drilling line.
The mud pump controller 804c is configured to receive the mud pump stroke/phase data 806f, the mud pressure 806e from the mud pressure sensor 808f, the current ΔP, the current MSE from the MSE calculator 804i, the current ROP from the ROP calculator 804l, a stick/slip indicator from the stick/slip detector 804o, the mud flow rate set point from the mud flow set point input 802h, and the pump data from the pump input 802m. The mud pump controller 804c then utilizes this data to generate the mud pump actuation signal 806n, which is then transmitted to the mud pump 808p.
The oscillation controller 804d is configured to receive the current quill position 806h, the current top drive torque 806k, the stick/slip indicator from the stick/slip detector 804o, the current ROP from the ROP calculator 804l, and the quill oscillation amplitude limits from the inputs 802j and 802k. The oscillation controller 804d then utilizes this data to generate an input to the quill position controller 804e for use in generating the top drive actuation signal 806o. For example, if the stick/slip indicator from the stick/slip detector 804o indicates that stick/slip is occurring, then the signal generated by the oscillation controller 804d will indicate that oscillation needs to commence or increase in amplitude.
The quill position controller 804e is configured to receive the signal from the oscillation controller 804d, the top drive RPM setting from the top drive RPM input 802o, a signal from the toolface controller 804f, the current WOB from the WOB calculator 804n, and the current toolface 806j from at least one of the MWD toolface sensors 808g and 808h. The quill position controller 804e may also be configured to receive the top drive torque limit setting from the top drive torque limit input 802p, although this setting may be adjusted by a comparator, summing, or other device to account for the current MSE, where the current MSE is received from the MSE calculator 804i. The quill position controller 804e may also be configured to receive a stick/slip indicator from the stick/slip detector 804o. The quill position controller 804e then utilizes this data to generate the top drive actuation signal 806o.
For example, the top drive actuation signal 806o causes the top drive drive 808q to cause the top drive motor 808r to rotate the quill at the speed indicated by top drive RPM input 802o. However, this may only occur when other inputs aren't overriding this objective. For example, if so directed by the signal from the oscillation controller 804d, the top drive actuation signal 806o will also cause the top drive drive 808q to cause the top drive motor 808r to rotationally oscillate the quill. Additionally, the signal from the toolface controller 804d may override or otherwise influence the top drive actuation signal 806o to rotationally orient the quill at a certain static position or set a neutral point for oscillation.
The toolface controller 804f is configured to receive the toolface position setting from the toolface position input 802n, as well as the current toolface 806j from at least one of the MWD toolface sensors 808g and 808h. The toolface controller 804f may also be configured to receive ΔP data. The toolface controller 804f then utilizes this data to generate a signal which is provided to the quill position controller 804e.
The d-exponent calculator 804g is configured to receive the current ROP from the ROP calculator 804l, the current ΔP and/or other pressure data, the bit diameter, the current WOB from the WOB calculator 804n, and the current mud weight 806g from the return line mud weight sensor 808j. The d-exponent calculator 804g then utilizes this data to calculate the d-exponent, which is a factor for evaluating ROP and detecting or predicting abnormal pore pressure zones. Assuming all other parameters are constant, the d-exponent should increase with depth when drilling in a normal pressure section, whereas a reversal of this trend is an indication of drilling into potential overpressures. The signal from the d-exponent calculator 804g is optionally provided to the display 810, as well as to the toolface calculation engine 404. Consequently, the steering module 420 can cease drilling or adjust the planned path by treating an area causing increased values from the d-exponent calculator 804g as a deviation from the planned path outside the tolerance zone. This can advantageously automatically direct the main controller to drill in a different direction to avoid drilling into the potential overpressure area. The d-exponent calculator is simply another suitable method, or algorithm, for analyzing ROP and is another calculation that can be accomplished similar to that for MSE.
The d-exponent-corrected calculator 804h may be configured to receive substantially the same data as received by the d-exponent calculator 804g. Alternatively, the d-exponent-corrected calculator 804h is configured to receive the current d-exponent as calculated by the d-exponent calculator 804g. The d-exponent-corrected calculator 804h then utilizes this data to calculate the corrected d-exponent, which corrects the d-exponent value for mud weight and which can be related directly to formation pressure rather than to differential pressure. The signal from the d-exponent calculator 804g is provided, e.g., to the display 810.
The MSE calculator 804i is configured to receive current RPM data from the top drive RPM input 802o, the top drive torque 806k from the top drive torque sensor 808l, and the current WOB from the WOB calculator 804n. The MSE calculator 804i then utilizes this data to calculate the current MSE, which is then transmitted to the drum controller 804b, the quill position controller 804e, and the mud pump controller 804c. The MSE calculator 804i may also be configured to receive the MSE limit setting from the MSE limit input 802f, in which case the MSE calculator 804i may also be configured to compare the current MSE to the MSE limit setting and trigger an alert if the current MSE exceeds the MSE limit setting. The MSE calculator 804i may also be configured to receive the MSE target setting from the MSE target input 802g, in which case the MSE calculator 804i may also be configured to generate a signal indicating the difference between the current MSE and the MSE target. This signal may be utilized by one or more of the processors 804 to correct adjust various data values utilized thereby, such as the adjustment to the current or reference WOB utilized by the drum controller 804b, and/or the top drive torque limit setting utilized by the quill position controller 804e, as described above.
The pressure calculator 804k is configured to receive the casing pressure 806b from the casing pressure sensor 808b, the mud pressure 806e from the mud pressure sensor 808f, the mud weight 806g from the return line mud weight sensor 808j, and the true vertical depth from the true depth calculator 804m. The pressure calculator 804k then utilizes this data to calculate the current bottom hole pressure, which is then transmitted to choke controller 804a. However, before being sent to the choke controller 804a, the current bottom hole pressure may be compared to the bottom hole pressure setting received from the bottom hole pressure input 802a, in which case the choke controller 804a may utilize only the difference between the current bottom home pressure and the bottom hole pressure setting when generating the choke actuation signal 806l. This comparison between the current bottom hole pressure and the bottom hole pressure setting may be performed by the pressure calculator 804k, the choke controller 804a, or another one of the processors 804.
The ROP calculator 804l is configured to receive the block position 806a from the block position 808a and then utilize this data to calculate the current ROP. The current ROP is then transmitted to the true depth calculator 804m, the drum controller 804b, the mud pump controller 804c, and the oscillation controller 804d.
The true depth calculator 804m is configured to receive the current toolface 806j from at least one of the MWD toolface sensors 808g and 808h, the survey log 804p, and the current measured depth that is calculated from the current ROP received from the ROP calculator 804l. The true depth calculator 804m then utilizes this data to calculate the true vertical depth, which is then transmitted to the pressure calculator 804k.
The WOB calculator 804n is configured to receive the stick/slip indicator from the stick/slip detector 804o, as well as the current hook load 806d from the dead-line anchor load sensor 808d. The WOB calculator 804n may also be configured to receive an off-bottom string weight tare, which may be the difference between the WOB tare received from the WOB tare input 802r and the current hook load 806d received from the dead-line anchor load sensor 808d. In any case, the WOB calculator 804n is configured to calculate the current WOB based on the current hook load, the current string weight, and the stick-slip indicator. The current WOB is then transmitted to the quill position controller 804e, the d-exponent calculator 804g, the d-exponent-corrected calculator 804h, the MSE calculator 804i, and the drum controller 804b.
The stick/slip detector 804o is configured to receive the current top drive torque 806k and utilize this data to generate the stick/slip indicator, which is then provided to the mud pump controller 804c, the oscillation controller 804d, and the quill position controller 804e. The stick/slip detector 804o measures changes in the top drive torque 806k relative to time, which is indicative of whether the bit may be exhibiting stick/slip behavior, indicating that the top drive torque and/or WOB should be reduced or the quill oscillation amplitude should be modified.
The processors 804 may be collectively implemented as a single processing device, or as a plurality of processing devices. Each processor 804 may include one or more software or other program product modules, sub-modules, routines, sub-routines, state machines, algorithms. Each processor 804 may additional include one or more computer memories or other means for digital data storage. Aspects of one or more of the processors 804 may be substantially similar to those described herein with reference to any controller or other data processing apparatus. Accordingly, the processors 804 may include or be composed of at least a portion of controller 190 in
The system control module 812 includes an HMI module 814, a data transmission module 816, and a master drilling control module 818. The HMI module 814 includes a manual data input module 814a and a display module 814b. The master drilling control module 818 includes a sensed data module 818a, a control signal transmission module 818b, a BHA control module 818c, a drawworks control module 420b, a top drive control module 420a, a mud pump control module 420f, an ROP optimization module 818g, a bit life optimization module 818h, an MSE-based optimization module 818i, a d-exponent-based optimization module 818j, a d-exponent-corrected-based optimization module 818k, -, and a BHA optimization module 818m.
The manual data input module 814a is configured to facilitate user-input of various set points, operating ranges, formation conditions, equipment parameters, and/or other data, including a drilling plan or data for determining a drilling plan. For example, the manual data input module 814a may enable the inputs 802 shown in
The master drilling control module 818 is configured to receive data input by the user from the HMI module 814, which in some embodiments is communicated via the data transmission module 816 as in the exemplary embodiment depicted in
The sensed data module 818a of the master drilling control module 818 also receives sensed or detected data from various sensors, detectors, encoders, and other such devices associated with the various equipment and components of the rig. Examples of such sensing and information obtaining devices include the devices 430 in
The control signal transmission module 718b interfaces between the control modules of the master drilling control module 818 and the actual working systems. For example, it sends and receives control signals to the drawworks 130, the top drive 140, the mud pump 180, and in some embodiments, the BHA 170 in
The drawworks control module 420b, the top drive control module 420a, and the mud pump control module 420f are used to generate control signals sent via the control signal transmission module 718b to the drawworks, the top drive, and the mud pump. These may correspond to the controllers shown in
In some embodiments, the master drilling control module 818 may include less than all the optimization modules 818g-m shown, with each of the optimization modules being separately purchasable by a user. Accordingly, some embodiments may include only one of the optimization modules while other embodiments include more than one of the optimization modules. Thus, the master drilling control module 818 may be configured so that the available modules cooperate to arrive at optimization values considering all the optimization modules available in the master drilling control module. This is further discussed below with reference to
Still referring to
The bit life optimization module 818h may consider data received from the sensed data module 430 as well as toolface orientation data, including azimuth, inclination toolface orientation data, time in drilling, to determine the most effective way to preserve bit life without compromising effectiveness or productivity. After considering these or other factors, the bit life optimization module communicates with the control modules 818c, 420a, 420b, and 420f so that the control modules can determine whether steering changes would preserve bit life in a way that maximizes productivity and effectiveness.
The MSE-based optimization module 818i performs the MSE based optimization processes discussed above with reference to
The d-exponent-based optimization module 818j may include the d-exponent calculator 804g to determine the d-exponent and evaluate ROP while detecting or predicting abnormal pore pressure zones. Accordingly, as the d-exponent module detects variance in normal pressure, the d-exponent module can communicate with the control modules 818c, 420a, 420b, and 420f to consider making any steering changes necessary for efficient and effective drilling.
The d-exponent-corrected-based optimization module 818k may include the d-exponent-corrected calculator 804h. Using the data received, the optimization module 818k corrects the d-exponent value for mud weight which can be related directly to formation pressure rather than to differential pressure. This corrected value also can be communicated to the control modules 818c, 420a, 420b, and 420f to consider making any steering changes necessary for efficient and effective drilling.
The BHA optimization module 818m may consider data received from the sensed data module 430, data input at the manual data input module 714a, and other obtainable data to determine optimization profiles for the BHA. In some embodiments, the BHA optimization module 818m processes information received from other modules in the master drilling control module 718. Using this information, the BHA optimization module 818m outputs data to the control modules 818c, 420a, 420b, and 420f to consider making any steering changes to the BHA necessary to optimize the BHA.
As the drawworks control module 420b, the top drive control module 420a, and the mud pump control module 420f receive information from the optimization modules, they process the data to determine whether the interaction of the recommended changes would positively or negatively affect the overall productivity of the well system, and generate control signals instructing the drawworks 130, the top drive 140, and the mudpump 180 of
The method 830 includes steps that appear in parallel, and are not necessarily done in series. In some embodiments, these parallel method paths are alternative paths and may be implemented based upon the configuration of the master drilling control module and/or the availability of the optimization modules. For example, from step 832, the method 830 continues to steps 834, 840, 846, 852, and 858. These are each discussed below.
Referring to
Using this information and data, the optimization modules in the master drilling control module 818 calculate or otherwise process data using algorithms to determine optimization values for any number of factors affecting drilling efficiency or productivity, including ROP. In some embodiments, the alternative paths in
In alternative embodiments, the master drilling control module 818 performs all the steps of the method rather than treating them as alternative steps as described above. Accordingly, although the master drilling control module includes a plurality of optimization modules, it still considers the ROP optimization module 818g independently at step 834, considers one of the other optimization modules independently at step 840, and so on with steps 846, 852, and 858.
In the circumstances where only the ROP optimization module 818g is included in the master drilling control module 818, or the master control module 818 is configured to consider only the ROP optimization module 818g, at step 834, the ROP optimization module 818g determines drilling parameter changes that optimize drilling operation based on ROP using the manual inputs and/or sensed data. These drilling parameter changes are communicated to the BHA control module 818c, the drawworks control module 420b, the top drive control module 420a, and/or the mud pump control module 420f. At step 836, these control modules modify the one or more control signals being sent to the BHA, the drawworks, the top drive, and or the mudpump to change the drilling parameter(s) necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on ROP.
In the circumstances where only one optimization module is included in the master drilling control module 818, or the master control module 818 is configured to consider only one optimization module, at step 840, using the MSE-based optimization module 818i, the d-exponent-based optimization module 818j, the d-exponent-corrected-based optimization module 818k, and the BHA optimization module 818m, the master drilling control module 818 can calculate one of MSE, d-exp, d-exp-corrected, and BHA optimization values based on data received from the sensed data module and/or the manual data input module 814a. Based on this data, at step 842, the master drilling control module 818 can determine the drilling parameter changes necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on the calculated one of MSE, d-exp, d-exp-corrected, and BHA optimization values. These drilling parameter changes are communicated to the BHA control module 818c, the drawworks control module 420b, the top drive control module 420a, and/or the mud pump control module 420f. At step 844, these control modules modify the control signals being sent to the BHA, the drawworks, the top drive, and or the mudpump to change the drilling parameters necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on the calculated value.
In the circumstances where more than one optimization module is included in the master drilling control module, at step 846 using the optimization modules 818i, 818j, 818k, 818l, and 818m, the master drilling control module 818 preferably calculates more than one (typically, at least two) of MSE, d-exp, d-exp-corrected, and BHA optimization values based on data received form the sensed data module and/or the manual data input module 814a. Based on this data, at step 848, the master drilling control module 818 can determine the drilling parameter changes necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on the plurality of calculated values. These drilling parameter changes are communicated to the BHA control module 818c, the drawworks control module 420b, the top drive control module 420a, and/or the mud pump control module 420f and at step 850, these control modules modify the control signals being sent to the BHA, the drawworks, the top drive, and or the mudpump to change the drilling parameters necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on the plurality of calculated values.
In the circumstances where the ROP optimization module 818g and only one other optimization module are included in the master drilling control module 818, or the master control module 818 is configured to consider only the ROP optimization module 818g and only one other optimization module, at step 854, the master drilling control module 818 preferably determines the drilling parameter changes necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on the one calculated value and the ROP optimization value. These values are communicated to the control modules and at step 856, these control modules can modify the control signals being sent to the BHA, the drawworks, the top drive, and or the mudpump to change the drilling parameters necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on the calculated value.
In the circumstances where the ROP optimization module and more than one additional optimization module are included in the master drilling control module, at step 858, using the optimization modules 818i, 818j, 818k, 818l, and 818m the master drilling control module 818 calculates more than one of MSE, d-exp, d-exp-corrected, and BHA optimization values based on data received from the sensed data module and/or the manual data input module 814a. Here, the master drilling control module 818 considers ROP when determining the drilling parameter changes necessary to optimize the drilling operation. Accordingly the master drilling control module 818 can consider the plurality of calculated values from the optimization modules, including the ROP, to determine the optimized drilling parameter changes. These drilling parameter changes are communicated to the control modules 818c, 420b, 420a, and/or 420f and at step 862, these control modules modify the control signals being sent to the BHA, the drawworks, the top drive, and/or the mudpump to change the drilling parameters necessary to optimize the drilling operation based on the plurality of calculated values.
Regardless of which path is used, after modified control signals are sent from the master drilling control module, the display module 814b preferably updates the optional but preferred HMI display at step 838 to reflect these new changed control signals. The HMI display is discussed further herein and as incorporated.
In some instances, the master drilling control module 818 performs all or some of the steps 834, 840, 846, 852, and 858 at the same time, or in sufficiently rapid succession so as to appear simultaneous, and the control signals are modified based on multiple inputs from the system.
Referring first to
The method 900 includes a step 910 during which real-time toolface, hole depth, pipe rotation, hook load, delta pressure, and/or other data are received by a controller or other processing device (e.g., any of the controller 190, 325, 420, 402, 698, 804, 812 or others discussed herein). The data may be obtained from various rig instruments and/or sensors configured for such measurement (such as the sensors shown in
In an exemplary embodiment within the scope of the present disclosure, the method 900 then repeats, such that the method flow goes back to step 910 and begins again. Iteration of the method 900 may be utilized to characterize the performance of the bottom hole assembly. Moreover, iteration may allow the real-time survey projection calculation model to refine itself each time a survey is received. Use of the method 900 may, at least in some embodiments, assist the directional driller in the drilling operation by applying build and turn rates to the slide sections and projections across sections drilled by rotating.
As described above, the conventional approach entails conducting a standard survey at each drill pipe connection to obtain a measurement of inclination and azimuth for the new survey position. Thus, the prior art makes measurements after the hole is drilled. In contrast, with the method 900 and others within the scope the present disclosure, real-time measurements are made ahead of the last standard survey, and can give the directional driller feedback on the progress and effectiveness of a slide or rotation procedure.
Referring to
In a subsequent step 960, these measurements are utilized with modeled or calculated data from previous surveys (e.g., including build rates, doglegs, etc.) to track the progress of the hole by calculating a real-time survey projection and comparing the projection to the well plan. Steps 910 and 960 are then repeated, perhaps at rates or intervals which yield high granularity. Step 960 may also include averaging the received data across depth intervals (e.g., averaging most recently received data with previously received data). Consequently, the data received during step 910 and processed during step 960 may provide precise resolution, perhaps on a foot-by-foot basis during a slide operation, and may demonstrate how a particular drilling operation will be or is being affected by how precise a particular toolface is being maintained.
A high resolution view of the current hole versus the well plan is often key to tracking the effectiveness of a slide operation. For example, within the span of a single joint, a directional driller may be required (e.g., by the well plan) to perform a 20 foot slide, 50 feet of rotary drilling, and then another 20 foot slide. Conventionally, the driller would not know the effectiveness of this section until he receives his next survey, which is performed after the slide-rotate-slide procedure is attempted. However, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the driller can calculate utilize realtime surveys projections throughout the slide-rotate-slide procedure to show the projected well path of the bit. Thus, the accuracy with which the slide-rotate-slide procedure is performed may be dramatically increased, and when used to perform the method in
The HMI 100 is used by the directional driller while drilling to monitor the BHA in three-dimensional space. The control system or computer which drives one or more other human-machine interfaces during drilling operation may be configured to also display the HMI 1000. Alternatively, the HMI 1000 may be driven or displayed by a separate control system or computer, and may be displayed on a computer display (monitor) other than that on which the remaining drilling operation screens are displayed.
The control system or computer driving the HMI 1000 includes a “survey” or other data channel, or otherwise includes means for receiving and/or reading sensor data relayed from the BHA, a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) assembly, and/or other drilling parameter measurement means, where such relay may be via the Wellsite Information Transfer Standard (WITS), WITS Markup Language (WITSML), and/or another data transfer protocol. Such electronic data may include gravity-based toolface orientation data, magnetic-based toolface orientation data, azimuth toolface orientation data, and/or inclination toolface orientation data, among others. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic data includes magnetic-based toolface orientation data when the toolface orientation is less than about 7° relative to vertical, and alternatively includes gravity-based toolface orientation data when the toolface orientation is greater than about 7° relative to vertical. In other embodiments, however, the electronic data may include both gravity- and magnetic-based toolface orientation data. The azimuth toolface orientation data may relate the azimuth direction of the remote end of the drill string relative to true North, wellbore high side, and/or another predetermined orientation. The inclination toolface orientation data may relate the inclination of the remote end of the drill string relative to vertical.
As shown in
The symbols 1010, 1015, 1020 may indicate only the most recent toolface (1010, 1015) and quill position (120) measurements. However, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in
The HMI 1000 may also include a data legend 1025 linking the shapes, colors, and/or other parameters of the data symbols 1010, 1015, 1020 to the corresponding data represented by the symbols. The HMI 1000 may also include a textual and/or other type of indicator 1030 of the current toolface mode setting. For example, the toolface mode may be set to display only gravitational toolface data, only magnetic toolface data, or a combination thereof (perhaps based on the current toolface and/or drill string end inclination). The indicator 1030 may also indicate the current system time. The indicator 1030 may also identify a secondary channel or parameter being monitored or otherwise displayed by the HMI 1000. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in
The HMI 1000 may also include a textual and/or other type of indicator 1035 displaying the current or most recent toolface orientation. The indicator 1035 may also display the current toolface measurement mode (e.g., gravitational vs. magnetic). The indicator 1035 may also display the time at which the most recent toolface measurement was performed or received, as well as the value of any parameter being monitored by a second channel at that time. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in
The HMI 1000 may also include a textual and/or other type of indicator 1040 displaying the current or most recent inclination of the remote end of the drill string. The indicator 1040 may also display the time at which the most recent inclination measurement was performed or received, as well as the value of any parameter being monitored by a second channel at that time. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in
The HMI 1000 may also include a textual and/or other type of indicator 1045 displaying the current or most recent azimuth orientation of the remote end of the drill string. The indicator 1045 may also display the time at which the most recent azimuth measurement was performed or received, as well as the value of any parameter being monitored by a second channel at that time. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, the HMI 1000 includes data corresponding to the planned drilling path and the actual drilling path discussed with reference to
Referring to
As also shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In view of the above, the Figures, and the references incorporated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art should readily understand that the present disclosure introduces a method of visibly demonstrating a relationship between toolface orientation and quill orientation, such method including: (1) receiving electronic data on an on-going basis, wherein the electronic data includes quill orientation data and at least one of gravity-based toolface orientation data and magnetic-based toolface orientation data; and (2) displaying the electronic data on a user-viewable display in a historical format depicting data resulting from a most recent measurement and a plurality of immediately prior measurements. The electronic data may further include toolface azimuth data, relating the azimuth orientation of the drill string near the bit. The electronic data may further include toolface inclination data, relating the inclination of the drill string near the bit. The quill position data may relate the orientation of the quill, top drive, Kelly, and/or other rotary drive means to the bit and/or toolface. The electronic data may be received from MWD and/or other downhole sensor/measurement means.
The method may further include associating the electronic data with time indicia based on specific times at which measurements yielding the electronic data were performed. In an exemplary embodiment, the most current data may be displayed textually and older data may be displayed graphically, such as a dial- or target-shaped representation. The graphical display may include time-dependent or time-specific symbols or other icons, which may each be user-accessible to temporarily display data associated with that time (e.g., pop-up data). The icons may have a number, text, color, or other indication of age relative to other icons. The icons may be oriented by time, newest at the dial edge, oldest at the dial center. The icons may depict the change in time from (1) the measurement being recorded by a corresponding sensor device to (2) the current computer system time. The display may also depict the current system time.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus including: (1) means for receiving electronic data on an on-going basis, wherein the electronic data includes quill orientation data and at least one of gravity-based toolface orientation data and magnetic-based toolface orientation data; and (2) means for displaying the electronic data on a user-viewable display in a historical format depicting data resulting from a most recent measurement and a plurality of immediately prior measurements.
Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may offer certain advantages over the prior art. For example, when toolface and quill position data are combined on a single visual display, it may help an operator or other human personnel to understand the relationship between toolface and quill position. Combining toolface and quill position data on a single display may also or alternatively aid understanding of the relationship that reactive torque has with toolface and/or quill position.
Referring to
A computer system typically includes at least hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, as well as software for executing acts (typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired result. In addition, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems.
Hardware generally includes at least processor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, PDAs, and personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). Furthermore, hardware typically includes any physical device that is capable of storing machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. Other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example. Hardware may also include, at least within the scope of the present disclosure, multi-modal technology, such as those devices and/or systems configured to allow users to utilize multiple forms of input and output—including voice, keypads, and stylus—interchangeably in the same interaction, application, or interface.
Software may include any machine code stored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, machine code stored on other devices (such as floppy disks, CDs or DVDs, for example), and may include executable code, an operating system, as well as source or object code, for example. In addition, software may encompass any set of instructions capable of being executed in a client machine or server—and, in this form, is often called a program or executable code.
Hybrids (combinations of software and hardware) are becoming more common as devices for providing enhanced functionality and performance to computer systems. A hybrid may be created when what are traditionally software functions are directly manufactured into a silicon chip—this is possible since software may be assembled and compiled into ones and zeros, and, similarly, ones and zeros can be represented directly in silicon. Typically, the hybrid (manufactured hardware) functions are designed to operate seamlessly with software. Accordingly, it should be understood that hybrids and other combinations of hardware and software are also included within the definition of a computer system herein, and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.
Computer-readable mediums may include passive data storage such as a random access memory (RAM), as well as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk or DVD. In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer and effectively transform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine.
Data structures are defined organizations of data that may enable an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, a data structure may provide an organization of data or an organization of executable code (executable software). Furthermore, data signals are carried across transmission mediums and store and transport various data structures, and, thus, may be used to transport an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted in the discussion herein that acts with like names may be performed in like manners, unless otherwise stated.
The controllers and/or systems of the present disclosure may be designed to work on any specific architecture. For example, the controllers and/or systems may be executed on one or more computers, Ethernet networks, local area networks, wide area networks, internets, intranets, hand-held and other portable and wireless devices and networks.
In view of all of the above and
The present disclosure also introduces a method of using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string, the method including: monitoring an actual toolface orientation of a tool driven by the hydraulic motor by monitoring a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between the actual toolface orientation and a desired toolface orientation; and adjusting a position of the quill by an amount that is dependent upon the monitored drilling operation parameter. The amount of quill position adjustment may be sufficient to compensate for the difference between the actual and desired toolface orientations. Adjusting the quill position may include adjusting a rotational position of the quill relative to the wellbore, a vertical position of the quill relative to the wellbore, or both. Monitoring the drilling operation parameter indicative of the difference between the actual and desired toolface orientations may include monitoring a plurality of drilling operation parameters each indicative of the difference between the actual and desired toolface orientations, and the amount of quill position adjustment may be further dependent upon each of the plurality of drilling operation parameters.
Monitoring the drilling operation parameter may include monitoring data received from a toolface orientation sensor, and the amount of quill position adjustment may be dependent upon the toolface orientation sensor data. The toolface sensor may include a gravity toolface sensor and/or a magnetic toolface sensor.
The drilling operation parameter may include a weight applied to the tool (WOB), a depth of the tool within the wellbore, and/or a rate of penetration of the tool into the wellbore (ROP). The drilling operation parameter may include a hydraulic pressure differential across the hydraulic motor (ΔP), and the ΔP may be a corrected ΔP based on monitored pressure of fluid existing in an annulus defined between the wellbore and the drill string.
In an exemplary embodiment, monitoring the drilling operation parameter indicative of the difference between the actual and desired toolface orientations includes monitoring data received from a toolface orientation sensor, monitoring a weight applied to the tool (WOB), monitoring a depth of the tool within the wellbore, monitoring a rate of penetration of the tool into the wellbore (ROP), and monitoring a hydraulic pressure differential across the hydraulic motor (ΔP). Adjusting the quill position may include adjusting the quill position by an amount that is dependent upon the monitored toolface orientation sensor data, the monitored WOB, the monitored depth of the tool within the wellbore, the monitored ROP, and the monitored ΔP.
Monitoring the drilling operation parameter and adjusting the quill position may be performed simultaneously with operating the hydraulic motor. Adjusting the quill position may include causing a drawworks to adjust a weight applied to the tool (WOB) by an amount dependent upon the monitored drilling operation parameter. Adjusting the quill position may include adjusting a neutral rotational position of the quill, and the method may further include oscillating the quill by rotating the quill through a predetermined angle past the neutral position in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
The present disclosure also introduces a system for using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes means for monitoring an actual toolface orientation of a tool driven by the hydraulic motor, including means for monitoring a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between the actual toolface orientation and a desired toolface orientation; and means for adjusting a position of the quill by an amount that is dependent upon the monitored drilling operation parameter.
The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between an actual toolface orientation of a tool driven by the hydraulic motor and a desired toolface orientation of the tool; and a toolface controller configured to adjust the actual toolface orientation by generating a quill drive control signal directing a quill drive to adjust a rotational position of the quill based on the monitored drilling operation parameter.
The present disclosure also introduces a method of using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes monitoring a hydraulic pressure differential across the hydraulic motor (ΔP) while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, and adjusting a toolface orientation of the hydraulic motor by adjusting a rotational position of the quill based on the monitored ΔP. The monitored ΔP may be a corrected ΔP that is calculated utilizing monitored pressure of fluid existing in an annulus defined between the wellbore and the drill string. The method may further include monitoring an existing toolface orientation of the motor while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, and adjusting the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored toolface orientation. The method may further include monitoring a weight applied to a bit of the hydraulic motor (WOB) while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, and adjusting the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored WOB. The method may further include monitoring a depth of a bit of the hydraulic motor within the wellbore while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, and adjusting the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored depth of the bit. The method may further include monitoring a rate of penetration of the hydraulic motor into the wellbore (ROP) while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, and adjusting the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored ROP. Adjusting the toolface orientation may include adjusting the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored WOB and the monitored ROP. Alternatively, adjusting the toolface orientation may include adjusting the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored WOB, the monitored ROP and the existing toolface orientation. Adjusting the toolface orientation of the hydraulic motor may further include causing a drawworks to adjust a weight applied to a bit of the hydraulic motor (WOB) based on the monitored ΔP. The rotational position of the quill may be a neutral position, and the method may further include oscillating the quill by rotating the quill through a predetermined angle past the neutral position in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
The present disclosure also introduces a system for using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes means for detecting a hydraulic pressure differential across the hydraulic motor (ΔP) while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, and means for adjusting a toolface orientation of the hydraulic motor, wherein the toolface orientation adjusting means includes means for adjusting a rotational position of the quill based on the detected ΔP. The system may further include means for detecting an existing toolface orientation of the motor while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, wherein the quill rotational position adjusting means may be further configured to adjust the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored toolface orientation. The system may further include means for detecting a weight applied to a bit of the hydraulic motor (WOB) while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, wherein the quill rotational position adjusting means may be further configured to adjust the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored WOB. The system may further include means for detecting a depth of a bit of the hydraulic motor within the wellbore while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, wherein the quill rotational position adjusting means may be further configured to adjust the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored depth of the bit. The system may further include means for detecting a rate of penetration of the hydraulic motor into the wellbore (ROP) while simultaneously operating the hydraulic motor, wherein the quill rotational position adjusting means may be further configured to adjust the rotational position of the quill based on the monitored ROP. The toolface orientation adjusting means may further include means for causing a drawworks to adjust a weight applied to a bit of the hydraulic motor (WOB) based on the detected ΔP.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus for using a quill to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore in a direction having a horizontal component, wherein the quill and the hydraulic motor are coupled to opposing ends of a drill string. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure sensor configured to detect a hydraulic pressure differential across the hydraulic motor (ΔP) during operation of the hydraulic motor, and a toolface controller configured to adjust a toolface orientation of the hydraulic motor by generating a quill drive control signal directing a quill drive to adjust a rotational position of the quill based on the detected ΔP. The apparatus may further include a toolface orientation sensor configured to detect a current toolface orientation, wherein the toolface controller may be configured to generate the quill drive control signal further based on the detected current toolface orientation. The apparatus may further include a weight-on-bit (WOB) sensor configured to detect data indicative of an amount of weight applied to a bit of the hydraulic motor, and a drawworks controller configured to cooperate with the toolface controller in adjusting the toolface orientation by generating a drawworks control signal directing a drawworks to operate the drawworks, wherein the drawworks control signal may be based on the detected WOB. The apparatus may further include a rate-of-penetration (ROP) sensor configured to detect a rate at which the wellbore is being elongated, wherein the drawworks control signal may be further based on the detected ROP.
Methods and apparatus within the scope of the present disclosure include those directed towards automatically obtaining and/or maintaining a desired toolface orientation by monitoring drilling operation parameters which previously have not been utilized for automatic toolface orientation, including one or more of actual mud motor ΔP, actual toolface orientation, actual WOB, actual bit depth, actual ROP, actual quill oscillation. Exemplary combinations of these drilling operation parameters which may be utilized according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure to obtain and/or maintain a desired toolface orientation include:
In an exemplary embodiment, a desired toolface orientation is provided (e.g., by a user, computer, or computer program), and apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure will subsequently track and control the actual toolface orientation, as described above. However, while tracking and controlling the actual toolface orientation, drilling operation parameter data may be monitored to establish and then update in real-time the relationship between: (1) mud motor ΔP and bit torque; (2) changes in WOB and bit torque; and (3) changes in quill position and actual toolface orientation; among other possible relationships within the scope of the present disclosure. The learned information may then be utilized to control actual toolface orientation by affecting a change in one or more of the monitored drilling operation parameters.
Thus, for example, a desired toolface orientation may be input by a user, and a rotary drive system according to aspects of the present disclosure may rotate the drill string until the monitored toolface orientation and/or other drilling operation parameter data indicates motion of the downhole tool. The automated apparatus of the present disclosure then continues to control the rotary drive until the desired toolface orientation is obtained. Directional drilling then proceeds. If the actual toolface orientation wanders off from the desired toolface orientation, as possibly indicated by the monitored drill operation parameter data, the rotary drive may react by rotating the quill and/or drill string in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, according to the relationship between the monitored drilling parameter data and the toolface orientation. If an oscillation mode is being utilized, the apparatus may alter the amplitude of the oscillation (e.g., increasing or decreasing the clockwise part of the oscillation) to bring the actual toolface orientation back on track. Alternatively, or additionally, a drawworks system may react to the deviating toolface orientation by feeding the drilling line in or out, and/or a mud pump system may react by increasing or decreasing the mud motor ΔP. If the actual toolface orientation drifts off the desired orientation further than a preset (user adjustable) limit for a period longer than a preset (user adjustable) duration, then the apparatus may signal an audio and/or visual alarm. The operator may then be given the opportunity to allow continued automatic control, or take over manual operation.
This approach may also be utilized to control toolface orientation, with knowledge of quill orientation before and after a connection, to reduce the amount of time required to make a connection. For example, the quill orientation may be monitored on-bottom at a known toolface orientation, WOB, and/or mud motor ΔP. Slips may then be set, and the quill orientation may be recorded and then referenced to the above-described relationship(s). The connection may then take place, and the quill orientation may be recorded just prior to pulling from the slips. At this point, the quill orientation may be reset to what it was before the connection. The drilling operator or an automated controller may then initiate an “auto-orient” procedure, and the apparatus may rotate the quill to a position and then return to bottom. Consequently, the drilling operator may not need to wait for a toolface orientation measurement, and may not be required to go back to the bottom blind. Consequently, aspects of the present disclosure may offer significant time savings during connections.
Moreover, methods within the scope of the present disclosure may be local or remote in nature. These methods, and any controllers discussed herein, may be achieved by one or more intelligent adaptive controllers, programmable logic controllers, artificial neural networks, and/or other adaptive and/or “learning” controllers or processing apparatus. For example, such methods may be deployed or performed via PLC, PAC, PC, one or more servers, desktops, handhelds, and/or any other form or type of computing device with appropriate capability.
As used herein, the term “substantially” means that a numerical amount is within about 20 percent, preferably within about 10 percent, and more preferably within about 5 percent of a stated value. In a preferred embodiment, these terms refer to amounts within about 1 percent, within about 0.5 percent, or even within about 0.1 percent, of a stated value.
The term “about,” as used herein, should generally be understood to refer to both numbers in a range of numerals. For example, “about 1 to 2” should be understood as “about 1 to about 2.” Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer, or 1/10 of an integer, within the range.
The present disclosure also incorporates herein in its entirety by express reference thereto each of the following references:
The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those of ordinary-skill in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary-skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those of ordinary-skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/705,393, filed Sep. 15, 2017, now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0003026, published Jan. 4, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/174,522, filed Feb. 6, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,784,089, issued Sep. 10, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,584, filed Sep. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,055, which is a (1) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/859,378, filed Sep. 21, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,823,655, issued Nov. 2, 2010; (2) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/952,511, filed Dec. 7, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,197, issued May 10, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/859,378, filed Sep. 21, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,823,655, issued Nov. 2, 2010 and which claims the benefit of (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/869,047, filed Dec. 7, 2006, and (ii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/985,869, filed Nov. 6, 2007; (3) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/847,048, filed Aug. 29, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,410,418; (4) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/668,388, filed Jan. 29, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,215,417, issued Jul. 10, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/886,259, filed Jan. 23, 2007; and (5) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/747,110, filed May 10, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,860,593, issued Dec. 28, 2010; and (6) which claims the benefit of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/985,869, filed Nov. 6, 2007; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/016,093, filed Dec. 21, 2007; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/026,323, filed Feb. 5, 2008. The disclosure of each of the foregoing patent applications is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by express reference thereto.
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| Defendant Omron Oilfield and Marine, Inc's Patent Rule 3-4 Disclosures; Case 6:09-cv-00414-LED; Mar. 25, 2010. |
| Helmerich & Payne, Inc.'s First Amended Answer and Counterclaims to Plaintiff's Original Complaint; Case 6:09-cv-00414-LED; Doc 55; Mar. 25, 2010. |
| Canrig's Answers to Omron Oilfield and Marine, Inc.'s First Set of Interrogatories, Civil Action No. 6:09-cv-00414, May 7, 2010. |
| Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.'s Objections and Responses to Helmerick & Payne's First Set of Interrogatories, Civil Action No. 6:09-cv-00414, Aug. 23, 2010. |
| The International Searching Authority, “Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority,” PCT/US2010/024105, dated Sep. 14, 2010. |
| Defendant's Joint Preliminary Claim Construction and Extrinsic Evidence, Civil Action No. 6:09-cv-004141LED, Sep. 24, 2010. |
| Joint Claim Construction Statement, Civil Action No. 6:09-cv-00414LED, Oct. 25, 2010. |
| Plaintiffs Original Complaint; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Document 1; Oct. 14, 2020. |
| Exhibits Filed with Plaintiffs Original Complaint; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Oct. 14, 2020. |
| Defendants' Answer and Counterclaims; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Document 19; Nov. 9, 2020. |
| Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Document 37; Nov. 30, 2020. |
| Plaintiffs Answer to Defendants' Counterclaims; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Document 38; Nov. 30, 2020. |
| Defendants' Answer to Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint and Defendants' First Amended Counterclaims; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Document 48; Dec. 14, 2020. |
| Defendants' Answer to Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint and Defendants' Second Amended Counterclaims; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Document 54; Jan. 8, 2021. |
| Plaintiffs Answer to Defendants' Counterclaims; Case NDTX-3-20-cv-03126; Document 59; Jan. 29, 2021. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210324724 A1 | Oct 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61026323 | Feb 2008 | US | |
| 61016093 | Dec 2007 | US | |
| 60985869 | Nov 2007 | US | |
| 60886259 | Jan 2007 | US | |
| 60869047 | Dec 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15705393 | Sep 2017 | US |
| Child | 17360799 | US | |
| Parent | 14174522 | Feb 2014 | US |
| Child | 15705393 | US | |
| Parent | 12234584 | Sep 2008 | US |
| Child | 14174522 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11952511 | Dec 2007 | US |
| Child | 12234584 | US | |
| Parent | 11859378 | Sep 2007 | US |
| Child | 11952511 | US | |
| Parent | 11859378 | Sep 2007 | US |
| Child | 11859378 | US | |
| Parent | 11847048 | Aug 2007 | US |
| Child | 11859378 | US | |
| Parent | 11747110 | May 2007 | US |
| Child | 11847048 | US | |
| Parent | 11668388 | Jan 2007 | US |
| Child | 11747110 | US |
