A drilling system may have a drilling rig with a drill string including a BHA with a drill bit. The method may include determining a current BHA location and a future BHA location based on the current BHA location and a current trajectory of the BHA and comparing the future BHA location to a target drilling path. When the future BHA location is a predetermined distance from the target drilling path, then a plurality of geometric convergence paths may be generated, each providing a convergence solution from the current BHA location toward the target drilling path. The method may include determining (i) a distance to drill, (ii) an overall curvature, and (iii) a time required for drilling, of each of the geometric convergence paths and selecting a geometric convergence path responsive to the above. The wellbore may be drilled in accordance with the selected one of the plurality of geometric convergence paths.
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
G06Q 10/063 - Operations research, analysis or management
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/0637 - Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisationPlanning actions based on goalsAnalysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
Systems and methods for drilling a wellbore in accordance with an event occurrence, which may comprise receiving an indication of an event occurrence, the indication is based at least in part on data related to drilling operations associated with a wellbore; determining a predicted impact of the event occurrence, the predicted impact based at least in part on data related to drilling parameters and the event occurrence; and modifying the drilling parameters based at least in part on the predicted impact of the event occurrence. The method may further comprise sending the modified drilling parameters to a control system of a drilling rig to drill the wellbore based at least in part on the modified drilling parameters responsive to a deviation between the modified drilling parameters and the drilling parameters being below a predetermined value therefor.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
3.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING DRILLING BASED ON ESTIMATED POSITION OF BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLY
BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM (USA)
Inventor
Benson, Todd W.
Chen, Teddy
Bhaduri, Sashmit
Abstract
A method and a system for estimating a position of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) during drilling of a wellbore is described. The method includes receiving, by a control system, toolface information and non-survey sensor information from downhole sensors during drilling of the wellbore. Based on the non-survey sensor information, an estimated amount of progress made by the drill bit since a prior estimate of the location of the BHA located in the wellbore is calculated. An estimated location of the BHA is calculated using the toolface information and the estimated amount of progress of the drill bit. The method further includes determining whether survey data has been received. In response to receiving the survey data, the estimated location of the BHA can be updated. Responsive to the estimated location of the BHA, one or more drilling parameters can be adjusted.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/026 - Determining slope or direction of penetrated ground layers
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
In at least one embodiment, a control system may include a processor coupled to the database. The control system may include a memory accessible to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor for: during slide drilling, detecting an increase to a first differential pressure (ΔP) that is greater than a first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to detecting the first ΔP, determining a time duration for which the first ΔP exceeds the first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to the first ΔP exceeding the first threshold pressure for less than a first threshold time, continuing the slide drilling without modifying a drilling parameter.
System and method for determining an updated location of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) during drilling of a well are provided. During drilling, a computer system may receive tool face updates and may determine build rate estimates and a borehole depth increase during a toolface update period. The computer system may also calculate an updated estimate of the borehole position.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/026 - Determining slope or direction of penetrated ground layers
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
6.
SURFACE STEERABLE DRILLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH ROTARY STEERABLE SYSTEM
A method for drilling including determining, by a rotary steerable system in a borehole during drilling of the borehole, a projected build rate corresponding to a tortuosity of a portion of a borehole to be drilled according to a well plan for the borehole as well as calculating, by the rotary steerable system, a plurality of convergence paths if the projected build rate corresponding to the tortuosity of the borehole is above a predetermined threshold therefor, wherein each of the plurality of convergence paths defines a path from a current location of the rotary steerable system in the borehole to a location corresponding to the well plan for the borehole. The method may also include selecting, by the rotary steerable system, a convergence plan that satisfies a set of target parameters from the plurality of convergence plans. The method may further include producing, by the rotary steerable system, a set of control parameters for drilling the selected convergence plan, as well as transmitting, by the rotary steerable system, one or more commands to one or more rotary steering components to actuate the one or more rotary steering components, to drill the portion of the borehole in accordance with the set of control parameters. The method may also include drilling the portion of the borehole based on the set of control parameters.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
7.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED SLIDE DRILLING
A system and method for drilling are provided. The method may comprise receiving well plan and BHA information; determining the BHA is approaching a first zone in which a first slide drilling operation is to occur; and receiving first zone characteristics. The method may further comprise determining an on bottom time to orient the BHA in the first zone; determining an additional time for the first slide drilling operation; and determining an off bottom time to orient the BHA prior to reaching the first zone. The method may further comprise comparing the additional time for the first slide drilling operation in the first zone to the off bottom time to orient the BHA prior to reaching the first zone, and sending one or more control signals to orient the BHA either prior to reaching or at the first zone based at least in part on the comparison.
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
8.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WELL DRILLING CONTROL BASED ON BOREHOLE CLEANING
Systems and methods for controlling drilling of a borehole. A control system may receive information associated with hole cleaning effectiveness of a borehole during drilling and determine a value for the hole cleaning effectiveness. The control system may further determine whether the value for the hole cleaning effectiveness falls below a threshold therefor. Responsive to the control system determining that the value for the hole cleaning effectiveness falls below the threshold, the control system may automatically adjust at least one drilling parameter in order to control drilling. Such steps may be repeated a plurality of times during drilling of the borehole.
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
A drilling system may have a drilling rig with a drill string including a BHA with a drill bit. The method may include determining a current BHA location and a future BHA location based on the current BHA location and a current trajectory of the BHA and comparing the future BHA location to a target drilling path. When the future BHA location is a predetermined distance from the target drilling path, then a plurality of geometric convergence paths may be generated, each providing a convergence solution from the current BHA location toward the target drilling path. The method may include determining (i) a distance to drill, (ii) an overall curvature, and (iii) a time required for drilling, of each of the geometric convergence paths and selecting a geometric convergence path responsive to the above. The wellbore may be drilled in accordance with the selected one of the plurality of geometric convergence paths.
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
G06Q 10/063 - Operations research, analysis or management
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/0637 - Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisationPlanning actions based on goalsAnalysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, and may tally pipe in the drill string and monitor equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and may automatically take corrective action as may be needed. The computer vision system may detect and identify one or more markings, such as symbols, letters, numbers, or other identifying features, on the pipe. Such features may be encoded on the pipe, such as by being etched or engraved or otherwise marked on the pipe, and may uniquely identify each pipe. The system can monitor and record the drilling conditions to which each pipe is exposed during drilling, which can be used to determine, among other things, whether and to what extent the pipe can be expected to have a useful life.
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestriansBody parts, e.g. hands
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
G08B 21/02 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
A system and method for geosteering comprising receiving at least a portion of a well plan comprising planned markers associated with one or more geological formations; and receiving, from a marker archive, baseline markers associated with the geological formations having a wellbore previously drilled therein, where each planned marker is associated to at least one baseline marker. Further comprising receiving formation information during drilling of a well; identifying a marker from the formation information by comparing the planned markers to the formation information for a match; comparing the identified marker to a baseline marker associated with the planned marker to determine a difference between the identified marker and the baseline marker; and responsive to the difference falling outside of a threshold range, automatically sending one or more control signals to one or more drilling rig control systems to adjust drilling of the well in accordance with the baseline marker.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
G01V 5/12 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using gamma- or X-ray sources
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may be used during drilling of a well to monitor the drilling equipment and personnel on the drilling site to provide safer drilling operations. The results from the computer vision drilling system may be used to cause corrective actions to be performed if a safety condition arises. In addition, computer vision systems and methods are provided to automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, such as by tallying pipe in the drill string and by monitoring equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and automatically taking corrective action as may be needed.
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestriansBody parts, e.g. hands
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
G08B 21/02 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
13.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING TRACKING FUNCTIONS FOR DRILLING CONTROL
System and method for controlling drilling rig operations where a control system coupled to a drilling rig obtains performance information during drilling of a well. Using the performance information obtained during drilling of the well, historical data regarding performance information relating to wells previously drilled, and a well plan, the control system can predict the time required to complete drilling of one or more subsequent portions of the well and the cost associated with the time. The control system can compare the cost associated with the time to a target value. If the difference between the cost associated with the time and the target value exceeds a threshold, then the control system can generate an updated drilling path and control information can be sent to drill the well according to said updated drilling path.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
Downhole display systems and methods. A display of one or more portions of a well log of a well during drilling may be displayed together with a display of one or more portions of one or more reference well logs, which may be presented as projected onto one or more planes, respectively. The logs may be segmented and correlated, with the segments or correlated portions displayed in different colors. A user may manipulate the display of the logs or log segments to assist in correlating them. The user may also manipulate the display so that the view provided of the wellbore and the projected logs changes in any one or all of three dimensions. In addition, the user may manipulate the display by navigating along the length of the borehole to view the projected logs at any point along the well path.
A system for drilling a well may be adapted to process signals received from a fiber optic cable located in the casing of a previously drilled well or wells. The fiber optic cable may act as a distributed sensor receiving acoustic signals generated during the drilling of the well, and the system may be programmed to process the signals from the fiber optic cable to locate the borehole of the well being drilled, including its location relative to the previously drilled well or well. The system may be used to automatically update a well plan for the well being drilled responsive to information about the location of the borehole and also may be used to automatically adjust one or more drilling parameters or drilling operations responsive to the location of the second well borehole.
A system and method for drilling are provided. Responsive to receipt of information, the system determines an estimated position of a drill bit in a borehole and whether the estimated position is within a defined margin of error on the planned path. If the estimated position is not within the defined margin of error, the system calculates a first plurality of convergence plans, each defining a path from the estimated position to the planned path or from a projected position of the drill bit. The system defines a second plurality of convergence plans defining a subset of the first plurality, each falling within a window of correction. The system selects a convergence plan from the second plurality that optimizes target parameters and produces control parameters associated with drilling the selected plan. The system drills at least a portion of the borehole based on the produced control parameters.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
17.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A MODE OF DRILLING
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
In at least one embodiment, a control system may include a processor coupled to the database. The control system may include a memory accessible to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor for: during slide drilling, detecting an increase to a first differential pressure (ΔP) that is greater than a first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to detecting the first ΔP, determining a time duration for which the first ΔP exceeds the first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to the first ΔP exceeding the first threshold pressure for less than a first threshold time, continuing the slide drilling without modifying a drilling parameter.
An automated slide drilling system (ASDS) may be used with a drilling rig system to control slide drilling. The ASDS may autonomously control slide drilling without user input during the slide drilling. The ASDS may further support a transition from rotary drilling to slide drilling to rotary drilling without user input during the transitions. The ASDS may also support user input and user notifications for various steps to enable manual or semi-manual control of slide drilling by a driller or an operator.
E21B 19/00 - Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrickApparatus for feeding the rods or cables
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
20.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRILLING MUD ANALYSIS, LOGGING AND DRILLING CONTROL
Analysis and logging of drilling mud using a mud analysis system and controlling drilling operations responsive to the mud analysis and logging. The system and methods may automatically sample and analyze drilling mud and control the drilling of a well responsive to the mud analysis. The mud analysis system may acquire measurements on a sample of the drilling mud during drilling and may send signals indicative of the drilling mud to a steering control system enabled to control the drilling.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
E21B 21/01 - Arrangements for handling drilling fluids or cuttings outside the borehole, e.g. mud boxes
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, and may tally pipe in the drill string and monitor equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and may automatically take corrective action as may be needed. The computer vision system may detect and identify one or more markings, such as symbols, letters, numbers, or other identifying features, on the pipe. Such features may be encoded on the pipe, such as by being etched or engraved or otherwise marked on the pipe, and may uniquely identify each pipe. The system can monitor and record the drilling conditions to which each pipe is exposed during drilling, which can be used to determine, among other things, whether and to what extent the pipe can be expected to have a useful life.
In at least one embodiment, a control system may include a processor coupled to the database. The control system may include a memory accessible to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor for: during slide drilling, detecting an increase to a first differential pressure (ΔP) that is greater than a first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to detecting the first ΔP, determining a time duration for which the first ΔP exceeds the first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to the first ΔP exceeding the first threshold pressure for less than a first threshold time, continuing the slide drilling without modifying a drilling parameter.
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may be used during drilling of a well to monitor the drilling equipment and personnel on the drilling site to provide safer drilling operations. The results from the computer vision drilling system may be used to cause corrective actions to be performed if a safety condition arises. In addition, computer vision systems and methods are provided to automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, such as by tallying pipe in the drill string and by monitoring equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and automatically taking corrective action as may be needed.
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestriansBody parts, e.g. hands
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
G08B 21/02 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
24.
Apparatus and methods for determining information from a well
A system for drilling a well may be adapted to process signals received from a fiber optic cable located in the casing of a previously drilled well or wells. The fiber optic cable may act as a distributed sensor receiving acoustic signals generated during the drilling of the well, and the system may be programmed to process the signals from the fiber optic cable to locate the borehole of the well being drilled, including its location relative to the previously drilled well or well. The system may be used to automatically update a well plan for the well being drilled responsive to information about the location of the borehole and also may be used to automatically adjust one or more drilling parameters or drilling operations responsive to the location of the second well borehole.
BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM (USA)
Inventor
Benson, Todd W.
Chen, Teddy
Bhaduri, Sashmit
Abstract
In a drilling system, a control system coupled to a drilling rig controls a bottom hole assembly (BHA) to drill a borehole through a geological formation along a drilling path. The control system determines a present position of the BHA and calculates a toolface vector to create a convergence path from the present position of the BHA to a desired target path. The control system also receives geological information and compensates the toolface vector to account for an estimated geologic formation drift. The control system causes at least one control parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the BHA based on the calculated toolface vector and transmits the at least one control parameter to the drilling rig to target the BHA in accordance with the calculated toolface vector. The control system iteratively performs this process until convergence with the desired target path is achieved.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/026 - Determining slope or direction of penetrated ground layers
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
Provided is a method for selecting one of a plurality of convergence paths that may be drilled by a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising identifying, by a computer system, a plurality of geometric convergence paths, wherein each of the geometric convergence paths provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target drilling path of a well plan. An offset distance is calculated for drilling by the BHA each of the geometric convergence paths connecting the BHA location to the target drilling path. A drill path curvature associated with drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. A time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. An optimal geometric convergence path of the plurality of geometric convergence paths is determined responsive to the offset distance for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths, the drill path curvature associated with each of the geometric convergence paths and the time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths. The determined optimal geometric convergence path is fed to a controller associated with a display of a drilling rig and used to control the display of the drilling rig to display the determined optimal geometric convergence path.
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
G06Q 10/063 - Operations research, analysis or management
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/0637 - Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisationPlanning actions based on goalsAnalysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
System and method for controlling the drilling of a second wellbore in close proximity to a first well bore. A computer system obtains information regarding a previously drilled wellbore, as well as information regarding a second wellbore being drilled. Using information obtained from one or more magnetic sensors, the computer system determines an optimal target path for continued drilling of the second wellbore and may issue one or more control signals to one or more control systems coupled to a drilling rig to automatically drill in accordance with the selected path. The computer system can generate a plurality of potential paths using one or more cost curves and/or value curves to determine the optimal path for the second wellbore.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
Downhole display systems and methods. A display of one or more portions of a well log of a well during drilling may be displayed together with a display of one or more portions of one or more reference well logs, which may be presented as projected onto one or more planes, respectively. The logs may be segmented and correlated, with the segments or correlated portions displayed in different colors. A user may manipulate the display of the logs or log segments to assist in correlating them. The user may also manipulate the display so that the view provided of the wellbore and the projected logs changes in any one or all of three dimensions. In addition, the user may manipulate the display by navigating along the length of the borehole to view the projected logs at any point along the well path.
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, and may tally pipe in the drill string and monitor equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and may automatically take corrective action as may be needed. The computer vision system may detect and identify one or more markings, such as symbols, letters, numbers, or other identifying features, on the pipe. Such features may be encoded on the pipe, such as by being etched or engraved or otherwise marked on the pipe, and may uniquely identify each pipe. The system can monitor and record the drilling conditions to which each pipe is exposed during drilling, which can be used to determine, among other things, whether and to what extent the pipe can be expected to have a useful life.
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestriansBody parts, e.g. hands
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
G08B 21/02 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
H04N 23/90 - Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
30.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMATION MECHANICAL ANALYSIS
A method for determining geological formation characteristics involves driving a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a borehole. At least one mechanical drilling parameter generated is detected responsive to operation of the BHA in the borehole. At least one geological formation characteristic is identified responsive to the detected at least one mechanical drilling parameter. The identified at least one geological formation characteristic is provided to a surface steerable drilling system. Operation of the surface steerable drilling system is controlled responsive to the at least one geological formation characteristic.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A method for determining a total vertical depth (TVD) for a well plan involves measuring differences between a projected BHA position at a depth of a survey station and a calculated BHA position based upon a minimum curvature method at the depth of the survey station. The differences are accumulated at each survey station with respect to the BHA position. Real time TVD corrected gamma logs are generated responsive to the accumulated differences of the BHA position.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
G01V 5/12 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using gamma- or X-ray sources
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
A system and apparatus for displaying toolface orientation data including a surface steerable system for controlling drilling direction of a bottom hole assembly (BHA). The surface steerable system configured to receive toolface orientation data from the BHA and generate display data responsive thereto. A circular chart display is generated responsive to the display data responsive to the display data from the surface steerable system, the circular chart display representing current and historical toolface orientation data. The current and historical toolface orientation data is represented as an arc indicator defined on the circular chart illustrating a range in degrees of the current and historical toolface orientations.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
Systems and methods for obtaining and using information regarding drilling equipment performance. Drilling equipment performance data can be stored in a database and then accessed by a computer system, which can also access information regarding a well plan and information regarding the drilling of a well. The drilling information for the drilling equipment from previously drilled wells can be normalized, such as based on drilling parameters, formation information, and, once normalized, can be compared. Responsive to the comparison of the normalized information, one or more items of drilling equipment can be selected and used for drilling a well.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
35.
System and method for determining the location of a bottom hole assembly
System and method for determining the location of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) during drilling of a well are provided. During drilling, a computer system determines an increase in measured depth during a time interval, and adjusts the determined measured depth to account for tensile and compressive forces, which may stretch or compress, respectively, the length of the drillstring. The computer system also determines a curvature projection of the drillstring responsive to a plane of arc and a build rate estimate, and uses the curvature projection to determine a position of the BHA.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 47/026 - Determining slope or direction of penetrated ground layers
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
36.
Systems and methods for oilfield drilling operations using computer vision
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may be used during drilling of a well to monitor the drilling equipment and personnel on the drilling site to provide safer drilling operations. The results from the computer vision drilling system may be used to cause corrective actions to be performed if a safety condition arises. In addition, computer vision systems and methods are provided to automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, such as by tallying pipe in the drill string and by monitoring equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and automatically taking corrective action as may be needed.
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
An automated slide drilling system (ASDS) may be used with a drilling rig system to control slide drilling. The ASDS may autonomously control slide drilling without user input during the slide drilling. The ASDS may further support a transition from rotary drilling to slide drilling to rotary drilling without user input during the transitions. The ASDS may also support user input and user notifications for various steps to enable manual or semi-manual control of slide drilling by a driller or an operator.
E21B 19/00 - Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrickApparatus for feeding the rods or cables
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
In at least one embodiment, a control system may include a processor coupled to the database. The control system may include a memory accessible to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor for: during slide drilling, detecting an increase to a first differential pressure (ΔP) that is greater than a first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to detecting the first ΔP, determining a time duration for which the first ΔP exceeds the first threshold pressure. In at least one embodiment, the control system may responsive to the first ΔP exceeding the first threshold pressure for less than a first threshold time, continuing the slide drilling without modifying a drilling parameter.
Provided is a method for selecting one of a plurality of convergence paths that may be drilled by a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising identifying, by a computer system, a plurality of geometric convergence paths, wherein each of the geometric convergence paths provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target drilling path of a well plan. An offset distance is calculated for drilling by the BHA each of the geometric convergence paths connecting the BHA location to the target drilling path. A drill path curvature associated with drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. A time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. An optimal geometric convergence path of the plurality of geometric convergence paths is determined responsive to the offset distance for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths, the drill path curvature associated with each of the geometric convergence paths and the time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths. The determined optimal geometric convergence path is fed to a controller associated with a display of a drilling rig and used to control the display of the drilling rig to display the determined optimal geometric convergence path.
A method for drilling, comprising receiving, by a surface steerable system coupled to a drilling rig, BHA information from a rotary steerable bottom hole assembly (BHA) located in a borehole, calculating, by the surface steerable system, torsional and spatial forces acting on the rotary steerable BHA at a first location of the rotary steerable BHA with respect to a target drilling path responsive to the BHA information, calculating, by the surface steerable system, a first vector to create a convergence path from the first location of the rotary steerable BHA to the target drilling path that accounts for the torsional and the spatial forces acting on the rotary steerable BHA, causing, by the surface steerable system, at least one drilling parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the rotary steerable BHA based on the calculated first vector, transmitting the at least one drilling parameter to the drilling rig to target the rotary steerable BHA in accordance with the first vector, and drilling the borehole using the rotary steerable BHA in response to the at least one drilling parameter.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
Downhole display systems and methods. A display of one or more portions of a well log of a well during drilling may be displayed together with a display of one or more portions of one or more reference well logs, which may be presented as projected onto one or more planes, respectively. The logs may be segmented and correlated, with the segments or correlated portions displayed in different colors. A user may manipulate the display of the logs or log segments to assist in correlating them. The user may also manipulate the display so that the view provided of the wellbore and the projected logs changes in any one or all of three dimensions. In addition, the user may manipulate the display by navigating along the length of the borehole to view the projected logs at any point along the well path.
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
G06N 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Downhole display systems and methods. A display of one or more portions of a well log of a well during drilling may be displayed together with a display of one or more portions of one or more reference well logs, which may be presented as projected onto one or more planes, respectively. The logs may be segmented and correlated, with the segments or correlated portions displayed in different colors. A user may manipulate the display of the logs or log segments to assist in correlating them. The user may also manipulate the display so that the view provided of the wellbore and the projected logs changes in any one or all of three dimensions. In addition, the user may manipulate the display by navigating along the length of the borehole to view the projected logs at any point along the well path.
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G06N 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Downhole display systems and methods. A display of one or more portions of a well log of a well during drilling may be displayed together with a display of one or more portions of one or more reference well logs, which may be presented as projected onto one or more planes, respectively. The logs may be segmented and correlated, with the segments or correlated portions displayed in different colors. A user may manipulate the display of the logs or log segments to assist in correlating them. The user may also manipulate the display so that the view provided of the wellbore and the projected logs changes in any one or all of three dimensions. In addition, the user may manipulate the display by navigating along the length of the borehole to view the projected logs at any point along the well path.
An automated slide drilling system (ASDS) may be used with a drilling rig system to control slide drilling. The ASDS may autonomously control slide drilling without user input during the slide drilling. The ASDS may further support a transition from rotary drilling to slide drilling to rotary drilling without user input during the transitions. The ASDS may also support user input and user notifications for various steps to enable manual or semi-manual control of slide drilling by a driller or an operator.
E21B 19/00 - Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrickApparatus for feeding the rods or cables
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
45.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING INFORMATION FROM A WELL
A system for drilling a well may be adapted to process signals received from a fiber optic cable located in the casing of a previously drilled well or wells. The fiber optic cable may act as a distributed sensor receiving acoustic signals generated during the drilling of the well, and the system may be programmed to process the signals from the fiber optic cable to locate the borehole of the well being drilled, including its location relative to the previously drilled well or well. The system may be used to automatically update a well plan for the well being drilled responsive to information about the location of the borehole and also may be used to automatically adjust one or more drilling parameters or drilling operations responsive to the location of the second well borehole.
A system for drilling a well may be adapted to process signals received from a fiber optic cable located in the casing of a previously drilled well or wells. The fiber optic cable may act as a distributed sensor receiving acoustic signals generated during the drilling of the well, and the system may be programmed to process the signals from the fiber optic cable to locate the borehole of the well being drilled, including its location relative to the previously drilled well or well. The system may be used to automatically update a well plan for the well being drilled responsive to information about the location of the borehole and also may be used to automatically adjust one or more drilling parameters or drilling operations responsive to the location of the second well borehole.
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may be used during drilling of a well to monitor the drilling equipment and personnel on the drilling site to provide safer drilling operations. The results from the computer vision drilling system may be used to cause corrective actions to be performed if a safety condition arises. In addition, computer vision systems and methods are provided to automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, such as by tallying pipe in the drill string and by monitoring equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and automatically taking corrective action as may be needed.
Computer vision drilling systems and methods may be used with a drilling rig. The computer vision systems and methods may be used during drilling of a well to monitor the drilling equipment and personnel on the drilling site to provide safer drilling operations. The results from the computer vision drilling system may be used to cause corrective actions to be performed if a safety condition arises. In addition, computer vision systems and methods are provided to automatically monitor the drilling site and drilling operations, such as by tallying pipe in the drill string and by monitoring equipment for anomalous drilling conditions, and automatically taking corrective action as may be needed.
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
During slide drilling, certain transient variances in differential pressure may indicate that a subsequent and temporary variance in a toolface angle error does not indicate that drilling should be interrupted. The transient variances in the differential pressure may be within a range of particular threshold pressures.
Board of Regents, The University of Texas System (USA)
Inventor
Benson, Todd W.
Chen, Teddy
Bhaduri, Sashmit
Abstract
In a drilling system, a control system coupled to a drilling rig controls a bottom hole assembly (BHA) to drill a borehole through a geological formation along a drilling path. The control system determines a present position of the BHA and calculates a toolface vector to create a convergence path from the present position of the BHA to a desired target path. The control system also receives geological information and compensates the toolface vector to account for an estimated geologic formation drift. The control system causes at least one control parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the BHA based on the calculated toolface vector and transmits the at least one control parameter to the drilling rig to target the BHA in accordance with the calculated toolface vector. The control system iteratively performs this process until convergence with the desired target path is achieved.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
51.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WELL DRILLING CONTROL BASED ON BOREHOLE CLEANING
Systems and methods for determining the cleaning effectiveness of a well borehole during drilling. A control system may monitor various parameters, including the volume of drilling mud and any materials entering a borehole, including by a flow rate, and the volume of fluids and materials (such as drilling mud and rock) exiting a borehole, including by a flow rate, and determining if there is a difference, the value of any such difference, whether the value is within one or more target ranges, falls below a threshold therefor, or exceeds a threshold therefor. If the control system determines that the value of the difference in volumes indicates that corrective action is appropriate, then taking such corrective action by modifying one or more drilling parameters.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
52.
System and method for well drilling control based on borehole cleaning
Systems and methods for determining the cleaning effectiveness of a well borehole during drilling. A control system may monitor various parameters, including the volume of drilling mud and any materials entering a borehole, including by a flow rate, and the volume of fluids and materials (such as drilling mud and rock) exiting a borehole, including by a flow rate, and determining if there is a difference, the value of any such difference, whether the value is within one or more target ranges, falls below a threshold therefor, or exceeds a threshold therefor. If the control system determines that the value of the difference in volumes indicates that corrective action is appropriate, then taking such corrective action by modifying one or more drilling parameters.
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
53.
System and method for analysis and control of drilling mud and additives
Analysis and control of drilling mud and additives is disclosed using a mud analysis system and a mud additive system that may automatically monitor and control the drilling mud during drilling of a well. The mud analysis system may acquire measurements on a sample of the drilling mud during drilling, and may send signals indicative of the drilling mud to a steering control system enabled to control the drilling. The steering control system may receive user input or may make decisions regarding additives to be added to the drilling mud and the timing thereof. The mud additive system may be enabled to receive commands from the steering control system and mix and add additives to the drilling mud.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 21/01 - Arrangements for handling drilling fluids or cuttings outside the borehole, e.g. mud boxes
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
54.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF DRILLING MUD AND ADDITIVES
Analysis and control of drilling mud and additives is disclosed using a mud analysis system and a mud additive system that may automatically monitor and control the drilling mud during drilling of a well. The mud analysis system may acquire measurements on a sample of the drilling mud during drilling, and may send signals indicative of the drilling mud to a steering control system enabled to control the drilling. The steering control system may receive user input or may make decisions regarding additives to be added to the drilling mud and the timing thereof. The mud additive system may be enabled to receive commands from the steering control system and mix and add additives to the drilling mud.
E21B 21/06 - Arrangements for treating drilling fluids outside the borehole
E21B 43/12 - Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
55.
System and method for detecting a mode of drilling
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
56.
System and method for determining the location of a bottom hole assembly
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives toolface information for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and non-survey sensor information corresponding to a location of the BHA in a borehole. The system calculates an amount of incremental progress made by the BHA based on the non-survey sensor information and calculates an estimate of the location based on the toolface information and the amount of incremental progress. The system repeats the steps of receiving toolface information and non-survey sensor information and calculating an amount of incremental progress to calculate an estimate of a plurality of locations representing a path of the BHA from a first survey point towards a second sequential survey point.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
An automated slide drilling system (ASDS) may be used with a drilling rig system to control slide drilling. The ASDS may autonomously control slide drilling without user input during the slide drilling. The ASDS may further support a transition from rotary drilling to slide drilling to rotary drilling without user input during the transitions. The ASDS may also support user input and user notifications for various steps to enable manual or semi -manual control of slide drilling by a driller or an operator.
E21B 44/04 - Automatic control of the tool feed in response to the torque of the drive
E21B 44/06 - Automatic control of the tool feed in response to the flow or pressure of the motive fluid of the drive
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
59.
Apparatus and methods for automated slide drilling
An automated slide drilling system (ASDS) may be used with a drilling rig system to control slide drilling. The ASDS may autonomously control slide drilling without user input during the slide drilling. The ASDS may further support a transition from rotary drilling to slide drilling to rotary drilling without user input during the transitions. The ASDS may also support user input and user notifications for various steps to enable manual or semi-manual control of slide drilling by a driller or an operator.
E21B 19/00 - Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrickApparatus for feeding the rods or cables
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
60.
Apparatus and methods for automated slide drilling
An automated slide drilling system (ASDS) may be used with a drilling rig system to control slide drilling. The ASDS may autonomously control slide drilling without user input during the slide drilling. The ASDS may further support a transition from rotary drilling to slide drilling to rotary drilling without user input during the transitions. The ASDS may also support user input and user notifications for various steps to enable manual or semi-manual control of slide drilling by a driller or an operator.
E21B 19/00 - Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrickApparatus for feeding the rods or cables
E21B 21/08 - Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
61.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED SLIDE DRILLING
An automated slide drilling system (ASDS) may be used with a drilling rig system to control slide drilling. The ASDS may autonomously control slide drilling without user input during the slide drilling. The ASDS may further support a transition from rotary drilling to slide drilling to rotary drilling without user input during the transitions. The ASDS may also support user input and user notifications for various steps to enable manual or semi -manual control of slide drilling by a driller or an operator.
E21B 44/04 - Automatic control of the tool feed in response to the torque of the drive
E21B 44/06 - Automatic control of the tool feed in response to the flow or pressure of the motive fluid of the drive
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
A system and apparatus for displaying toolface orientation data including a surface steerable system for controlling drilling direction of a bottom hole assembly (BHA). The surface steerable system configured to receive toolface orientation data from the BHA and generate display data responsive thereto. A circular chart display is generated responsive to the display data responsive to the display data from the surface steerable system, the circular chart display representing current and historical toolface orientation data. The current and historical toolface orientation data is represented as an arc indicator defined on the circular chart illustrating a range in degrees of the current and historical toolface orientations.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Computer software for use in oil and gas drilling systems, namely, software for use in managing, operating and overseeing drilling activities; computer software for use in oil and gas drilling, namely, software used to provide drilling guidance, turn-by-turn drill bit guidance, and real time evaluation and feedback on drilling performance
A method for determining a total vertical depth (TVD) for a well plan involves measuring differences between a projected BHA position at a depth of a survey station and a calculated BHA position based upon a minimum curvature method at the depth of the survey station. The differences are accumulated at each survey station with respect to the BHA position. Real time TVD corrected gamma logs are generated responsive to the accumulated differences of the BHA position.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
A method for determining a total vertical depth (TVD) for a well plan involves measuring differences between a projected BHA position at a depth of a survey station and a calculated BHA position based upon a minimum curvature method at the depth of the survey station. The differences are accumulated at each survey station with respect to the BHA position. Real time TVD corrected gamma logs are generated responsive to the accumulated differences of the BHA position.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
Provided is a method for selecting one of a plurality of convergence paths that may be drilled by a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising identifying, by a computer system, a plurality of geometric convergence paths, wherein each of the geometric convergence paths provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target drilling path of a well plan. An offset distance is calculated for drilling by the BHA each of the geometric convergence paths connecting the BHA location to the target drilling path. A drill path curvature associated with drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. A time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. An optimal geometric convergence path of the plurality of geometric convergence paths is determined responsive to the offset distance for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths, the drill path curvature associated with each of the geometric convergence paths and the time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths. The determined optimal geometric convergence path is fed to a controller associated with a display of a drilling rig and used to control the display of the drilling rig to display the determined optimal geometric convergence path.
A method for determining a total vertical depth (TVD) for a well plan involves measuring differences between a projected BHA position at a depth of a survey station and a calculated BHA position based upon a minimum curvature method at the depth of the survey station. The differences are accumulated at each survey station with respect to the BHA position. Real time TVD corrected gamma logs are generated responsive to the accumulated differences of the BHA position.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
G01V 5/12 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using gamma- or X-ray sources
A method for controlling drilling direction of a bore hole assembly (BHA) while laterally drilling through a formation involves accessing, by a surface steerable system, recent TVD corrected logging history data from a bore hole estimator, iteratively determining, by the surface steerable system, a formation bed dip of the formation being laterally drilled through, repeating the steps of accessing the recent TVD corrected logging history data and iteratively determining the formation bed dip of the formation responsive to additional well information, determining, by the surface steerable system, a most probable statistical match of a well bore positions to predicated well bore positions based on the accessed recent TVD corrected logging history data, the determined formation bed dip and the additional well information and providing, by the surface steerable system, geosteering feedback responsive to the determined most probable statistical match.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
G01V 5/12 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging using primary nuclear radiation sources or X-rays using gamma- or X-ray sources
An apparatus associated with a drilling rig includes a surface steerable system for controlling drilling direction of a bottom hole assembly (BHA). The surface steerable system is configured to receive drilling rig parameters from the BHA. A database stores historical data related to the drilling rig. The historical data relates to previously tracked operations of the drilling rig. The surface steerable system is further configured to perform a plurality of tracking functions with respect to the drilling rig parameters. The plurality of tracking functions cause the surface steerable system to track drilling rig parameters from sensors associated with the drilling rig, access the database of the historical data relating to previously tracked operations of the drilling rig and control operating functions of the drilling rig responsive to at least one of the drilling rig parameters from the sensors associated with the drilling rig and the historical data from the database.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A method for drilling, comprising receiving, by a surface steerable system coupled to a drilling rig, BHA information from a rotary steerable bottom hole assembly (BHA) located in a borehole, calculating, by the surface steerable system, torsional and spatial forces acting on the rotary steerable BHA at a first location of the rotary steerable BHA with respect to a target drilling path responsive to the BHA information, calculating, by the surface steerable system, a first vector to create a convergence path from the first location of the rotary steerable BHA to the target drilling path that accounts for the torsional and the spatial forces acting on the rotary steerable BHA, causing, by the surface steerable system, at least one drilling parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the rotary steerable BHA based on the calculated first vector, transmitting the at least one drilling parameter to the drilling rig to target the rotary steerable BHA in accordance with the first vector, and drilling the borehole using the rotary steerable BHA in response to the at least one drilling parameter.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
72.
System and method for dynamic formation detection using dynamic depth warping
In one example, a system and method for correlating first well log data with a previously generated well with second well log data from an actively drilling well. A identifying a starting depth is identified above a geological formation. The first well log data is dynamically gain adjusted to the second well log data. The gain adjusted first well log data is dynamically depth warped to the second well log data to correlate the first well log data with the second well log data.
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
Provided is a method for selecting one of a plurality of convergence paths that may be drilled by a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising identifying, by a computer system, a plurality of geometric convergence paths, wherein each of the geometric convergence paths provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target drilling path of a well plan. An offset distance is calculated for drilling by the BHA each of the geometric convergence paths connecting the BHA location to the target drilling path. A drill path curvature associated with drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. A time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths by the BHA is determined by the computer system. An optimal geometric convergence path of the plurality of geometric convergence paths is determined responsive to the offset distance for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths, the drill path curvature associated with each of the geometric convergence paths and the time required for drilling each of the geometric convergence paths. The determined optimal geometric convergence path is fed to a controller associated with a display of a drilling rig and used to control the display of the drilling rig to display the determined optimal geometric convergence path.
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives toolface information for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and non-survey sensor information corresponding to a location of the BHA in a borehole. The system calculates an amount of incremental progress made by the BHA based on the non-survey sensor information and calculates an estimate of the location based on the toolface information and the amount of incremental progress. The system repeats the steps of receiving toolface information and non-survey sensor information and calculating an amount of incremental progress to calculate an estimate of a plurality of locations representing a path of the BHA from a first survey point towards a second sequential survey point.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
76.
System and method for controlling a drilling path based on drift estimates
Board of Regents, The University of Texas System (USA)
Inventor
Benson, Todd W.
Chen, Teddy
Bhaduri, Sashmit
Abstract
A surface steerable system coupled to a drilling rig receives BHA information from a bottom hole assembly (BHA) located in a borehole. The BHA information corresponds to a first location of the BHA with respect to a target drilling path and geological formation drift information. The surface steerable system calculates a toolface vector to create a convergence path from the first location of the BHA to the target drilling path that accounts for geological formation drift defined by the geological formation drift information such that the BHA will converge with the target drilling path by drilling in accordance with the toolface vector. The surface steerable system causes at least one control parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the BHA based on the calculated toolface vector and transmits the at least one control parameter to the drilling rig to target the BHA in accordance with the calculated toolface vector.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
E21B 47/026 - Determining slope or direction of penetrated ground layers
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
A system and apparatus for displaying toolface orientation data including a surface steerable system for controlling drilling direction of a bottom hole assembly (BHA). The surface steerable system configured to receive toolface orientation data from the BHA and generate display data responsive thereto. A circular chart display is generated responsive to the display data responsive to the display data from the surface steerable system, the circular chart display representing current and historical toolface orientation data. The current and historical toolface orientation data is represented as an arc indicator defined on the circular chart illustrating a range in degrees of the current and historical toolface orientations.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/10 - Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
78.
System and method for formation detection and evaluation
A method for locating planned markers within a log containing borehole data parses log data to locate an uncertainty region for a planned marker. A fingerprint match is located for the planned marker in the located uncertainty region. The located fingerprint match is saved. A determination is made if additional planned markers are present and returns to the step of parsing for a next planned marker if additional planned markers are present.
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G01B 21/18 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring depth
G01V 1/40 - SeismologySeismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for well-logging
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
G01V 5/04 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity specially adapted for well-logging
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 7/00 - Special methods or apparatus for drilling
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
79.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SURFACE STEERABLE DRILLING TO PROVIDE FORMATION MECHANICAL ANALYSIS
A method for determining geological formation characteristics involves driving a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a borehole. At least one mechanical drilling parameter generated is detected responsive to operation of the BHA in the borehole. At least one geological formation characteristic is identified responsive to the detected at least one mechanical drilling parameter. The identified at least one geological formation characteristic is provided to a surface steerable drilling system. Operation of the surface steerable drilling system is controlled responsive to the at least one geological formation characteristic.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration
E21B 47/022 - Determining slope or direction of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
80.
SURFACE STEERABLE DRILLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH ROTARY STEERABLE SYSTEM
A method for rotary steerable drilling, comprising calculating a first plurality of convergence plans if an estimated position of a drill bit is not within a defined margin of error of a desired point along a planned path for a borehole, calculating a second plurality of convergence plans if the estimated position of the drill bit is not within the margin of error, selecting a convergence plan that best satisfies a set of target parameters from the first and second plurality of convergence plans, producing a set of control parameters representing the selected convergence plan, transmitting one or more commands to one or more rotary steering components to actuate the one or more rotary steering components, in order to alter the planned path for the borehole in accordance with the set of control parameters, and drilling at least a portion of the borehole based on the set of control parameters.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A method for rotary steerable drilling, comprising calculating a first plurality of convergence plans if an estimated position of a drill bit is not within a defined margin of error of a desired point along a planned path for a borehole, calculating a second plurality of convergence plans if the estimated position of the drill bit is not within the margin of error, selecting a convergence plan that best satisfies a set of target parameters from the first and second plurality of convergence plans, producing a set of control parameters representing the selected convergence plan, transmitting one or more commands to one or more rotary steering components to actuate the one or more rotary steering components, in order to alter the planned path for the borehole in accordance with the set of control parameters, and drilling at least a portion of the borehole based on the set of control parameters.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives feedback information from a drilling rig and calculates an estimated position of a drill bit in a formation based on the feedback information. The system compares the estimated position to a desired position along a planned path of a borehole. The system calculates multiple solutions if the comparison indicates that the estimated position is outside a defined margin of error relative to the desired position. Each solution defines a path from the estimated position to the planned path. The system calculates a cost of each solution and selects one of the solutions based at least partly on the cost. The system produces control information representing the selected solution and outputs the control information for the drilling rig.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A method for rotary steerable drilling, comprising calculating a first plurality of convergence plans if an estimated position of a drill bit is not within a defined margin of error of a desired point along a planned path for a borehole, calculating a second plurality of convergence plans if the estimated position of the drill bit is not within the margin of error, selecting a convergence plan that best satisfies a set of target parameters from the first and second plurality of convergence plans, producing a set of control parameters representing the selected convergence plan, transmitting one or more commands to one or more rotary steering components to actuate the one or more rotary steering components, in order to alter the planned path for the borehole in accordance with the set of control parameters, and drilling at least a portion of the borehole based on the set of control parameters.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
E21B 47/024 - Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
A method for determining geological formation characteristics involves driving a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a borehole. At least one mechanical drilling parameter generated is detected responsive to operation of the BHA in the borehole. At least one geological formation characteristic is identified responsive to the detected at least one mechanical drilling parameter. The identified at least one geological formation characteristic is provided to a surface steerable drilling system. Operation of the surface steerable drilling system is controlled responsive to the at least one geological formation characteristic.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
85.
System and method for remotely controlled surface steerable drilling
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives feedback information from a drilling rig and calculates an estimated position of a drill bit in a formation based on the feedback information. The system compares the estimated position to a desired position along a planned path of a borehole. The system calculates multiple solutions if the comparison indicates that the estimated position is outside a defined margin of error relative to the desired position. Each solution defines a path from the estimated position to the planned path. The system calculates a cost of each solution and selects one of the solutions based at least partly on the cost. The system produces control information representing the selected solution and outputs the control information for the drilling rig.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A method for using markers with a drilling plan uses a first log file of a first well in order to identify and store one or more markers that have a name, a true vertical depth (TVD) and a waveform. Second well log data generated while a second well is being drilled is monitored in real time. The second well log data is compared to the one or more markers to located a match to at least one marker in a predetermined TVD range. An estimated TVD value and an uncertainty range value are assigned to each of the at least one planned marker. When a matching marker is located for one of the one or more markers in the predetermined TVD range a report is generated.
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G01B 21/18 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring depth
G01V 1/40 - SeismologySeismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for well-logging
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
E21B 47/12 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
87.
System and method for defining a drilling path based on cost
Provided are a system and method for calculating and selecting a convergence path based on cost. In one example, the method includes identifying multiple geometric convergence paths that each provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target path. A total monetary cost is calculated for each of the geometric convergence paths using an offset cost based on a distance of the geometric convergence path from the target path, a curvature cost based on an amount of curvature of the geometric convergence path, and a time cost based on an estimated amount of time needed to drill the geometric convergence path. The total monetary costs of the geometric convergence paths are compared and one of the geometric convergence paths is selected based on the total monetary cost of that geometric convergence path relative to the total monetary costs of the other geometric convergence paths.
Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
Provided are a system and method for calculating and selecting a convergence path based on cost. In one example, the method includes identifying multiple geometric convergence paths that each provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target path. A total monetary cost is calculated for each of the geometric convergence paths using an offset cost based on a distance of the geometric convergence path from the target path, a curvature cost based on an amount of curvature of the geometric convergence path, and a time cost based on an estimated amount of time needed to drill the geometric convergence path. The total monetary costs of the geometric convergence paths are compared and one of the geometric convergence paths is selected based on the total monetary cost of that geometric convergence path relative to the total monetary costs of the other geometric convergence paths.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
Provided are a system and method for calculating and selecting a convergence path based on cost. In one example, the method includes identifying multiple geometric convergence paths that each provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target path. A total monetary cost is calculated for each of the geometric convergence paths using an ofTset cost based on a distance of the geometric convergence path from the target path, a curvature cost based on an amount of curvature of the geometric convergence path, and a time cost based on an estimated amount of time needed to drill the geometric convergence path. The total monetary costs of the geometric convergence paths are compared and one of the geometric convergence paths is selected based on the total monetary cost of that geometric convergence path relative to the total monetary costs of the other geometric convergence paths.
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
G06Q 10/0637 - Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisationPlanning actions based on goalsAnalysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
92.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMATION DETECTION AND EVALUATION
Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
Provided are a system and method for calculating and selecting a convergence path based on cost. In one example, the method includes identifying multiple geometric convergence paths that each provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target path. A total monetary cost is calculated for each of the geometric convergence paths using an offset cost based on a distance of the geometric convergence path from the target path, a curvature cost based on an amount of curvature of the geometric convergence path, and a time cost based on an estimated amount of time needed to drill the geometric convergence path. The total monetary costs of the geometric convergence paths are compared and one of the geometric convergence paths is selected based on the total monetary cost of that geometric convergence path relative to the total monetary costs of the other geometric convergence paths.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
94.
System and method for formation detection and evaluation
Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G01B 21/18 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring depth
G01V 1/40 - SeismologySeismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for well-logging
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
96.
System and method for formation detection and evaluation
Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
E21B 47/09 - Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wellsIdentifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
G01B 21/18 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring depth
G01V 1/40 - SeismologySeismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting specially adapted for well-logging
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives toolface information for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and non-survey sensor information corresponding to a location of the BHA in a borehole. The system calculates an amount of incremental progress made by the BHA based on the non-survey sensor information and calculates an estimate of the location based on the toolface information and the amount of incremental progress. The system repeats the steps of receiving toolface information and non-survey sensor information and calculating an amount of incremental progress to calculate an estimate of a plurality of locations representing a path of the BHA from a first survey point towards a second sequential survey point.
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives toolface information for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and non-survey sensor information corresponding to a location of the BHA in a borehole. The system calculates an amount of incremental progress made by the BHA based on the non-survey sensor information and calculates an estimate of the location based on the toolface information and the amount of incremental progress. The system repeats the steps of receiving toolface information and non-survey sensor information and calculating an amount of incremental progress to calculate an estimate of a plurality of locations representing a path of the BHA from a first survey point towards a second sequential survey point.
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives feedback information from a drilling rig and calculates an estimated position of a drill bit in a formation based on the feedback information. The system compares the estimated position to a desired position along a planned path of a borehole. The system calculates multiple solutions if the comparison indicates that the estimated position is outside a defined margin of error relative to the desired position. Each solution defines a path from the estimated position to the planned path. The system calculates a cost of each solution and selects one of the solutions based at least partly on the cost. The system produces control information representing the selected solution and outputs the control information for the drilling rig.
E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
100.
System and method for determining incremental progression between survey points while drilling
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives toolface information for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and non-survey sensor information corresponding to a location of the BHA in a borehole. The system calculates an amount of incremental progress made by the BHA based on the non-survey sensor information and calculates an estimate of the location based on the toolface information and the amount of incremental progress. The system repeats the steps of receiving toolface information and non-survey sensor information and calculating an amount of incremental progress to calculate an estimate of a plurality of locations representing a path of the BHA from a first survey point towards a second sequential survey point.
