1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a communication system, and more particularly, to a communication system between rig locations and the command center.
2. Description of the Related Art
Complex industrial equipment can generally be found at wellsites, platforms, nuclear and fossil fuel power generating plants, oil refineries, petroleum and chemical processing plants, and manufacturing facilities. Because profits associated with such complex systems may run into the millions of dollars per day, the pressure to keep the systems operating continuously and efficiently is often immense. As a consequence, specialized service personnel are immediately dispatched when malfunctions or failures occur within the equipment, particularly when such malfunction or failure has slowed or shut down a major or important part of an overall operation. Further, many of these complex industrial equipment typically require periodic inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting by service personnel.
Due to the complexity of the equipment involved, however, many service personnel often face technical problems in performing the tasks at hand. Accordingly, support personnel at the command center, such as engineers, technicians, specialists, and consultants, are often called upon to interact with the service personnel on the rig location. Such intervention often requires the support personnel to travel to the rig location, while the service personnel waits at the rig location until the support personnel arrives, which creates unnecessary delay in the repair or maintenance of the equipment.
Therefore, a need exists in the art for a method and system for communicating information between the command center and a rig location that improves the maintenance, repair and operation of equipment on the rig location.
One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for communicating information between a rig location and a computer network. The system includes the computer network disposed on a location remote from the rig location and a computer disposed on the rig location, wherein the computer is communicably linked to the computer network through a communication link.
One or more embodiments of the invention are also directed to a method for communicating information between a rig location and a computer network disposed on a location remote from the rig location. The method includes sending a signal to a computer within the computer network to request information, receiving the information from the computer within the computer network, and displaying the information at the rig location.
One or more embodiments of the invention are also directed to a method for displaying a graph indicating pressure difference between bottomhole pressure of a wellbore and formation pressure surrounding the wellbore. The method includes: receiving a bottomhole pressure inside the wellbore at a predetermined depth, comparing the bottomhole pressure with a formation pressure surrounding the wellbore at the predetermined depth, and displaying a graphical element indicating a pressure difference between the bottomhole pressure and the formation pressure.
One or more embodiments of the invention are also directed to a display for generating a graphical user interface. The display includes one or more graphical elements. Each graphical element indicates a pressure difference between a bottomhole pressure of a wellbore at a predetermined depth and a formation pressure surrounding the wellbore. At least one of the graphical elements represents at least one of an underbalanced condition, a balanced condition and an overbalanced condition.
One or more embodiments of the invention are also directed to a method for controlling a drilling operation. The method includes reviewing a display of one or more graphical elements. Each graphical element indicates a pressure difference between a bottomhole pressure of a wellbore at a predetermined depth and a formation pressure surrounding the wellbore. The method further includes identifying a trend on the graphical elements and generating a set of instructions based on the trend.
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
The communication network 110 may be a wireless network, a fiber optic network, or a satellite network. In an embodiment in which the communication network 110 is a satellite network, the communication network 110 may include a communications satellite, a link connecting the command center 120 to the satellite, and another link connecting the rig location 130 to the communications satellite. The communications satellite may be a geostationary satellite or a low earth orbit satellite (LEOS). Other details of the communications satellite may be found in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,785 (Attorney Docket No. WEAT/0042), filed Sep. 22, 2000, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH SERVICE AND SUPPORT PERSONS, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The command center 120 may include a computer 125, which may be a general-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a micro-controller, or any other known type of computer. Computer 125 may include at least one central processing unit (CPU), support circuits, and memory. The CPU may include one or more conventionally available microprocessors. The support circuits may be well known circuits that include cache, power supplies, input/output interface circuitry and the like. The memory may include random access memory, read only memory, removable disk memory, flash memory, and various combinations of these types of memory. The memory may sometimes be referred to as main memory and may in part be used as cache memory. The memory may store an operating system and various software applications. The operating system maybe used to manage the operation of computer 125. Examples of the operating system include Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Apple OS X, and the like.
The computer 125 may be connected to a database 128 for storing information, such as desired information pertaining to various tools, machines and components used on the rig location 130 and instructional information for operating those tools, machines and components. Such desired information may include schematic diagrams, critical dimensions, calibration measurements, weights, shapes, parts checklists, and any other information that may be useful to a service personnel using the various tools, machines or components on the rig location 130. Instructional information may include images and video clips illustrating the operation of the tools, machines or components. Other details of desired information and instructional information may be found in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,785 (Attorney Docket No. WEAT/0042), filed Sep. 22, 2000, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH SERVICE AND SUPPORT PERSONS, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The computer network 105 may further include a plurality of service computers 109a, 109b and 109c connected to the computer 125. Although three service computers are shown, any number may be used, and each service computer may be located at a different geographic location. The computer 125 may be connected to the service computers 109a, 109b, and 109c through a communication network 106, which may include the Internet or Intranet. Service personnel (not shown) may access the system 100 via any one of the service computers 109a, 109b, and 109c. Like the computer 125, each service computer 109 may be a general-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a micro-controller, or any other known type of computer. Each service computer 109 may include at least one central processing unit (CPU), support circuits, and memory. The CPU may include one or more conventionally available microprocessors. The support circuits may be well known circuits that include cache, power supplies, input/output interface circuitry and the like. The memory may include random access memory, read only memory, removable disk memory, flash memory, and various combinations of these types of memory. The memory may store an operating system and various software applications.
The rig location 130 may include a computer 140, which is generally configured to control various operations on the rig location 130. The computer 140 may be a general-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a micro-controller, or any other known type of computer. The computer 140 may include at least one central processing unit (CPU), support circuits, and memory. The CPU may include one or more conventionally available microprocessors. The support circuits may be well known circuits that include cache, power supplies, input/output interface circuitry and the like. The memory may include random access memory, read only memory, removable disk memory, flash memory, and various combinations of these types of memory. The memory may sometimes be referred to as main memory and may in part be used as cache memory. The memory may store an operating system and various software applications.
The computer 140 is connected to a portable computer, such as a handheld computer or personal digital assistant (“PDA”) 160. The computer 140 is connected to the PDA 160 through a wireless communication network, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. The computer 140 may be connected to the computer 125 at the command center 120 through the communication network 110. In one embodiment, the PDA 160 is connected to the computer 125 at the command center 120 through the communication network 110. In another embodiment, the PDA 160 is connected to the computer 125 through the computer 140. A PDA 160 is generally a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networking features. A typical PDA 160 can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, Web browser and personal organizer. In one embodiment, the PDA 160 is intrinsically safe, e.g., explosion proof.
The PDA 160 may be connected to a camera 150, a heads up display 170 and one or more sensors 180. The camera 150 may be a conventional analog camera or a digital camera. The camera 150 may have the capability of capturing video information. The camera 150 may be used to capture an image or a video of a part, tool or machine in question. In one embodiment, the PDA 160 may include the camera 150. The heads up display 170 provides a hands free access to information, including images and the Internet. The heads up display 170 may also include an audio device for listening to audio information. The camera 150 and the heads up display 170 may be attached to a hard hat using an attaching means, such as a removable clip, epoxy, fastener, adhesive, or VELCRO™ fabric. Other details of the hard hat may be found in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,785 (Attorney Docket No. WEAT/0042), filed Sep. 22, 2000, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH SERVICE AND SUPPORT PERSONS, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In one embodiment, the PDA 160, the camera 150 and the heads up display 170 may be used as part of a wireless video conference equipment. As such, the communication system 100 may be used to provide real time communication between the service personnel on the rig location 130 and the support personnel at the command center 120.
The sensors 180 are configured to capture temperature, pressure, flow, torque and turn information. As such, each sensor 180 may be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor or a flow meter. In one embodiment, the sensors 180 are connected to the PDA 160 through a wireless transceiver 175. The camera 150, the heads up display 170 and the sensors 180 may communicate with the PDA 160 through a wireless network, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. In one embodiment, the camera 150, the heads up display 170 and the sensors 180 may communicate with the PDA 160 through the computer 140.
Each platform 212 is typically associated with a plurality of wells 214, wherein each well 214 is divided into a plurality of separate production zones 216. Each production zone isolates specific areas of a well for purposes of producing selected fluids, preventing blowouts, and avoiding water intake. Such zones 216 may be positioned in a single vertical well, or result when portions of different wells are located in a common region. The oilfield depicted in
At step 320, the information requested at step 310 is received. The information may include audio, video or text, such as an assembly drawing of a part or machine, critical dimensions of the part of the machine, a video of an installation procedure, a training session, or whatever information is necessary to assist the service personnel to perform the task at hand.
At step 330, the information requested is displayed through a portable display, e.g., the heads up display 170 or the PDA 160.
In addition to providing a means for service personnel at the rig location 130 to have access to the computer network 105, the communication system 100 may also be used to gather information from the rig location 130. For instance, the sensors 180 may be used to obtain temperature, pressure, flow, torque and turn information, which may be forwarded to the computer 125 at the command center 120 through the PDA 160 and the communication network 110. In response, the support personnel at the command center 120 may use the gathered information in determining a set of instructions for the service personnel at the rig location 130. In one embodiment, the gathered information may be used to generate a graph that will assist the support personnel analyze a particular operation. For instance, if the gathered information is bottomhole pressure of a wellbore, the information may be used to generate a graph or display that indicates pressure difference between the bottomhole pressure and the formation pressure surrounding the wellbore. This display may then be used to formulate a set of instructions to assist the service personnel with the particular operation.
Bottomhole pressure is generally defined as the pressure at the bottom of a wellbore. Bottomhole pressure may be measured by bottomhole sensors during drilling, such as measurements-while-drilling (MWD). Bottomhole pressure may also be calculated using various parameters, such as mud weight in pounds per gallon, fluid column, mud column, depth and the like. Although one or more embodiments of the invention are described with reference to bottomhole pressure, other embodiments may contemplate other wellbore pressure, including dynamic friction pressure.
Formation pressure may include pore pressure and fracture pressure. Formation pressure may depend on hydrostatic pressure. Although one or more embodiments of the invention are described with reference to formation pressure, other embodiments may contemplate other types of pressure associated with formations surrounding a wellbore.
The display 400 has depth as the vertical axis and pressure as the horizontal axis. In one embodiment, the depth increases in a downward direction, while the pressure increases in a rightward direction. The display 400 provides an indication of pressure difference between the bottomhole pressure of a wellbore and the formation pressure surrounding the wellbore from a depth of about 3000 feet and 4000 feet. More specifically, the display 400 illustrates a bottomhole pressure curve 410 with an indication at each depth as to whether the bottomhole pressure is less than, substantially equal to, or greater than the formation pressure. As shown in
As known by persons with ordinary skill in the art, a bottomhole pressure that is less than the formation pressure indicates an underbalanced condition, a bottomhole pressure that is substantially equal to the formation pressure indicates a balanced condition and a bottomhole pressure that is greater than the formation pressure indicates an overbalanced condition. In one embodiment, a green graphical element indicates an underbalanced condition, a yellow graphical element indicates a balanced condition and a red graphical element indicates an overbalanced condition. Due to the black and white color limitation in the drawings, the color green is illustrated as black, the color yellow is illustrated as white and the color red is illustrated with cross hatchings. Although one or more embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the color green, white and red, other embodiments contemplate other colors to indicate the various conditions.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the display 400 may also include additional colors to provide additional granularity for each condition. For instance, an underbalanced condition with a pressure difference greater than a predetermined pressure may be represented by a dark green graphical element, while an underbalanced condition with a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure may be represented by a light green graphical element. Similarly, an overbalanced condition with a pressure difference greater than a predetermined pressure may be represented by a dark red graphical element, while an overbalanced with a pressure difference less than the predetermined pressure may be represented by a pink graphical element. The various colors described herein are used for illustrative purposes only. One or more embodiments of the invention contemplate other colors to illustrate the varying pressure differences between bottomhole pressure and formation pressure.
In another embodiment, in addition to having a particular color (e.g., green), each bar graphical element may be illustrated with a slope. For instance, a bar with a slope less than zero indicates an underbalanced condition, a bar with a slope equal to zero indicates a substantially balanced condition and a bar with a slope greater than zero indicates an overbalanced condition. Further, the steepness of the slope may indicate the extent of the pressure difference between the bottomhole pressure and the formation pressure, i.e., the greater the pressure difference, the steeper the slope.
At step 520, the bottomhole pressure at the first depth is compared with the formation pressure at the first depth. The formation pressure may be previously measured or calculated using geological or stratographical information acquired during an exploration phase. The formation pressure values may be stored in the database 128.
At step 530, a graphical element representing the difference between the bottomhole pressure and the formation pressure at the first depth is illustrated. If the bottomhole pressure at the first depth is less than the formation pressure, then the graphical element is illustrated with a green color, indicating an underbalanced condition. If the bottomhole pressure at the first depth is equal to the formation pressure, then the graphical element is illustrated with a yellow color, indicating a balanced condition. If the bottomhole pressure at the first depth is greater than the formation pressure, then the graphical element is illustrated with a red color, indicating an overbalanced condition.
In one embodiment, the graphical element that has a shape of a bar may have a slope. If the bottomhole pressure is substantially equal to the formation pressure, then the bar has a zero slope, indicating a substantially balanced condition. If the bottomhole pressure is less than the formation pressure, then the bar has a negative slope, indicating an underbalanced condition. If the bottomhole pressure is greater than the formation pressure, then the bar has a positive slope, indicating an overbalanced condition. Further, the steepness of the slope may vary depending on the amount of the difference between the bottomhole pressure and the formation pressure. Thus, the greater the difference between the bottomhole pressure and the formation pressure, the steeper the slope will be.
In another embodiment, graphical elements representing varying amounts of pressure difference may be illustrated with different colors. For instance, a graphical element representing a pressure difference greater than a predetermined amount may have a darker color than a graphical element representing a pressure difference less than the predetermined amount. Details of the various color configuration are described above with reference to
At step 540, a determination is made as to whether processing should continue at the next depth. If the answer is in the affirmative, then processing returns to step 510, at which the bottomhole pressure at the next depth is received. In one embodiment, method 500 continues until the underbalanced operation, e.g., drilling, of the wellbore is completed.
At step 620, the display is reviewed. The display may be reviewed by the support personnel at the command center or the service personnel on the rig location. The display may be viewed on a display associated with the computer 125 or the PDA 160.
At step 630, a trend is identified on the display. In one embodiment, the trend is identified based on the color and the slope of each bar representing the pressure difference. As mentioned above, a bar with a green color and a negative slope may indicate an underbalanced condition, a bar with a yellow color and a zero slope may indicate a balanced condition, and a bar with a red color and a positive slope may indicate an overbalanced condition. A trend may be identified within an underbalanced condition or an overbalanced condition by reviewing the slope of each bar. A decreasing slope within an underbalanced condition may indicate a change of condition from underbalanced to balanced or overbalanced. For instance, as bar 402 transitions to bar 403, the slope of bar 403 decreases from the slope of bar 402. (See
At step 640, a set of instructions is generated based on the identified trend. The set of instructions may be a corrective action that a support personnel at the command center issues to a service personnel on the rig location. For instance, the set of instructions may include making a number of adjustments to the drilling equipment to avoid a balanced or overbalanced condition.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
This application claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,785 (Attorney Docket No. WEAT/0042), filed Sep. 22, 2000, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH SERVICE AND SUPPORT PERSONS and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/936,438 (Attorney Docket No. WEAT/0291P1), filed Sep. 8, 2004, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING WELLBORE EQUIPMENT. Each of the aforementioned related patent applications is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 09668785 | Sep 2000 | US |
Child | 10977506 | Oct 2004 | US |
Parent | 10936438 | Sep 2004 | US |
Child | 10977506 | Oct 2004 | US |