Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080210467 | USE OF CUTTINGS TANKS FOR RECYCLING OIL BASED MUD AND WATER - A system for recycling a drilling fluid that includes a first cuttings storage vessel, a second cuttings storage vessel, and a module fluidly connected to the first and second cuttings storage vessels, the module having a valve configured to fluidly connect the first and second cuttings storage vessels. The module further includes a filter system configured to fluidly connect to at least the second cuttings storage vessel, and at least one pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid between the first and second cuttings storage vessels. Also, a module for use at a drilling location that includes a valve for directing drilling fluid between at least a first cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module and a second cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module. The module further includes a filter system for filtering the drilling fluid and at least one pump for facilitating the flow of the fluid between at least the first and second cuttings storage vessels. | 09-04-2008 |
20080245569 | Apparatus and Methods to Perform Focused Sampling of Reservoir Fluid - Apparatus and methods to perform focused sampling of reservoir fluid are described. An example method couples a sampling probe to a subterranean formation and, while the sampling probe is coupled to the subterranean formation, varies a pumping ratio of at least two displacement units to reduce a contamination level of a formation flu id extracted via the sampling probe from the subterranean formation. | 10-09-2008 |
20090044976 | Arrangement and method for controlling drilling parameters - The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling drilling parameters when rock drilling. The arrangement is arranged such that a drill tool is connectable to a drilling machine by means of one or more drill string components, wherein the arrangement comprises means for rotating the drill tool during rock drilling and for providing a tightening torque for tightening joints between one or more from the group: drill tool, one or more drill string components and drilling machine. The arrangement is arranged to control the rotational speed of the drill tool based on available tightening torque. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044977 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DRILLING SYSTEM FOR DRILLING A BOREHOLE IN AN EARTH FORMATION - This disclosure relates in general to a method and system for controlling a drilling system for drilling a borehole in an earth formation. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for controlling dynamic interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole being drilled to steer the drilling system to directionally drill the borehole. In another embodiment of the present invention, data regarding the functioning of the drilling system as it drills the borehole may be sensed and interactions between the drilling system for drilling the borehole and an inner surface of the borehole may be controlled in response to the sensed data to control the drilling system as the borehole is being drilled. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044978 | STOCHASTIC BIT NOISE CONTROL - A drill bit direction system and method is disclosed that modifies or biases the stochastic movement of the drill bit and/or stochastic interactions between the drill bit and an inner-wall of a borehole being drilled by a drilling system to change the direction of drilling of the drilling system. The direction of the drill bit is monitored to determine if the direction happens to align in some way with a preferred direction. If the direction isn't close enough to a preferred direction, a biasing mechanism modifies the stochastic movement in an attempt to modify the direction closer to the preferred direction. Any of a number of biasing mechanisms can be used. Some embodiments can resort to conventional steering mechanisms to supplement the biasing mechanism. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044979 | DRILL BIT GAUGE PAD CONTROL - The present specification describes a drill bit for drilling a cavity. The drill bit may include a chassis, a plurality of gauge pad sets, and at least one gauge pad structure. The chassis may be configured to rotate about an axis. The plurality of gauge pad sets may each include at least one gauge pad. The at least one gauge pad structure may moveably couple at least one of the gauge pads of at least one of the plurality of gauge pad sets with the chassis. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044980 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIRECTIONAL DRILLING A BOREHOLE WITH A ROTARY DRILLING SYSTEM - This disclosure relates in general to a method and a system for directionally drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, methods and system provide for controlling motion of the rotary drilling system in the borehole when a side force is applied to the drilling system to bias or focus the motion so that the drilling system directionally drills the borehole through an earth formation. In certain aspects, side cutting of a sidewall of the borehole by a drill bit under an applied side force is controlled by a geostationary element to provide for directional side cutting and, as a result, directional drilling of the borehole through the earth formation. In other aspects, a non-concentrically coupled gauge pad assembly may rotate with the drilling system and bias or focus the applied side force. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044981 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STEERING A DIRECTIONAL DRILLING SYSTEM - A drill bit direction system and method is disclosed that modifies or biases the stochastic movement of the drill bit to change a drilling direction of a drilling system. The direction of the drill bit is monitored to determine if the direction happens to align in some way with a preferred direction. If the direction isn't close enough to a preferred or desired direction, stochastic motion of the drill bit in the borehole may be controlled and/or motion of the drill bit under a side force acting on the drill bit to direct the drilling may be focused or biased to modify the direction of drilling closer to the preferred direction. Any of a number of stochastic motion control mechanisms or biasing mechanisms can be used. Some embodiments can resort to conventional steering mechanisms to supplement the stochastic motion control or side force biasing mechanisms. | 02-19-2009 |
20090090553 | Command and Control for Boring System - A system having a number of land units [ | 04-09-2009 |
20090090554 | CLOSED-LOOP PHYSICAL CALIPER MEASUREMENTS AND DIRECTIONAL DRILLING METHOD - Aspects of this invention include a downhole tool and method for making a physical caliper measurement of a subterranean borehole. The tool is configured to make the physical borehole caliper measurement only when the measured pressure in each of three or more outwardly extendable blades is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure. Blade positions are measured and the borehole caliper calculated only when the pressure in each of the blades exceeds the threshold. Exemplary embodiments of the invention enable physical caliper measurements to be made with increased accuracy with each of the blades making firm contact with the borehole wall. Methods in accordance with the invention are especially well suited for use in directional drilling applications in that they tend to enable accurate caliper measurements to be made without repositioning the steering tool in the borehole. | 04-09-2009 |
20090095526 | Method and Apparatus for Managing Rod Changes in Horizontal Directional Drill - This disclosure concerns methods and apparatuses for managing drill rods in horizontal direction drilling, among other things. Various embodiments concern a horizontal directional drilling machine comprising a rack frame, a carriage longitudinally movable along the rack frame, a mechanical arrangement coupled to the carriage and the rack frame, the mechanical arrangement controlling relative movement between the carriage and the rack frame, a thrust motor coupled to the carriage such that thrust or pullback output from the thrust motor moves the carriage relative to the rack frame, a gearbox mounted on the carriage, the gearbox longitudinally translatable along the carriage, the gearbox comprising a rotation motor, a spindle attached to the gearbox, the spindle rotatable by the rotation motor and having a distal end coupling, the distal end coupling configured to attach to the proximal end of a drill rod, a vise assembly mounted on the rack frame, the vise assembly comprising a proximal vise linearly and rotationally moveable with respect to the rack frame, the proximal vise comprising a clamping mechanism configured to secure the drill rod by clamping onto the drill rod, a rotation encoder sensor configured to output a rotation encoder signal indicative of rotation of the spindle, a rack encoder sensor configured to output a rack encoder signal indicative of relative movement between the carriage and the rack frame, a float sensor configured to output a float signal indicative of relative movement between the carriage and the gearbox, and control circuitry comprising a processor and memory, the processor configured to execute program instructions stored in memory, processor execution of the stored program instructions causing the control circuitry to determine the relative positioning of the gearbox relative to the proximal vise based on the rack encoder signal and the float signal, position the drill rod within the proximal vise using the determined relative positioning of the gearbox and the thrust motor, determine a state of threaded coupling between the drill rod and a drill string based on the rotation encoder signal and the float signal, and rotate the drill rod using the spindle rotated by the rotation motor based on the determined state of the threaded coupling. | 04-16-2009 |
20090101410 | AC POWERED SERVICE RIG - An electrically-powered service rig utilizes an engine-driven generator to power a propulsion system, a drawworks system and a sandline system, all mounted on a single mobile platform. The rig utilizes lightweight permanent magnet motors to enable integration of the systems onto a single mobile platform which meets transport regulations. The rig's power plant is capable of powering other on-site equipment such as mud pump motors through use of umbilicals connected to the engine-driven generator. | 04-23-2009 |
20090152005 | OILFIELD WELL PLANNING AND OPERATION - The invention relates to a system for performing a drilling operation for an oilfield. The system includes a drilling system for advancing a drilling tool into a subterranean formation, a repository storing multiple survey factors for at least one wellsite of the oilfield and multiple drilling factors corresponding to at least one section of a planned trajectory of the at least one wellsite, and a processor and memory storing instructions when executed by the processor. The instructions include functionality to configure a drilling model for each of the at least one wellsite based on the plurality of survey factors and the plurality of drilling factors and selectively adjust the drilling model with respect to a plurality of drilling scenarios to generate an optimal drilling plan. | 06-18-2009 |
20090166085 | DOWNHOLE FLUID ANALYSIS - A method that uses downhole fluid analysis in order to selectively collect and retain formation fluid samples in a drilling environment, as well as, control drilling using downhole fluid analysis. | 07-02-2009 |
20090173538 | Tripping Indicator For MWD Systems - A method for surveying a formation includes conveying a survey instrument into the wellbore; measuring one or more parameters of interest relating to a wellbore tubular in the wellbore; and operating the survey instrument after the measured parameter of interest indicates that the wellbore tubular is being tripped out of the wellbore. | 07-09-2009 |
20090188717 | METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF A ROCK DRILLING MACHINE - A method for the directional control of a rock-drilling ma-chine, the drilling unit ( | 07-30-2009 |
20090194330 | SYSTEM, PROGRAM PRODUCTS, AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING DRILLING FLUID PARAMETERS - Embodiments of systems, program products, and methods for controlling drilling fluid parameters are provided. These embodiments, for example, provide dynamic density control with highly adaptive, real-time, process-control and are scalable to any rig, large or small, on land or water. Combined static and dynamic stresses and displacements can be determined continuously at strategic locations in and around the wellbore of a well so that insitu and operational induced pressure window limitations at specific weak-points or other locations of interest are controlled. | 08-06-2009 |
20090205867 | Real Time Misalignment Correction of Inclination and Azimuth Measurements - A method for determining wellbore trajectory includes determining survey parameters in the wellbore; measuring force parameter(s) in the wellbore; and correcting the survey parameters using the measured force parameter(s). The downhole measured force parameters may include forces associated with an operation of a steering device such as an internal reaction force, and/or a bending moment. In variants, the method may include measuring a wellbore temperature; measuring a wellbore parameter in addition to the temperature; and correcting a survey parameter using the measured parameter and the measured temperature. These methods may include correcting survey parameters using measured wellbore diameters. Also, a processor in the wellbore may be programmed to perform the correction while in the wellbore and/or control a steering device using measurements provided by a sensor for measuring internal reaction forces. | 08-20-2009 |
20090205868 | Devices and Methods for Horizontal Directional Drilling with a Boring Tool Library - Various embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for horizontal directional drilling with a tool library. Various methods include storing a plurality of operational tool profiles in memory, the operational tool profiles of the plurality respectively associated with a plurality of boring tools attachable to a drill string for HHD and each of the operational tool profiles of the plurality including operating parameters for the boring tool of the plurality with which the operational profile is associated, and selectively displaying the operational tool profiles on a display screen based on user input. | 08-20-2009 |
20090236145 | ANALYSIS REFRACTED ACOUSTIC WAVES MEASURED IN A BOREHOLE - Methods and related systems are described for measuring and analyzing refracted acoustic energy. A plurality of receivers mounted are on a downhole tool, and are arranged and adapted to receive refracted acoustic energy from a downhole formation. Measurements of refracted acoustic energy is analyzed such that information relating to an azimuthal direction relative to the downhole tool of an interface within the downhole formation can be estimated. The receivers can be mounted on a drill collar as part of a LWD tool and steering of the drilling trajectory can be based in part on the estimated formation information. | 09-24-2009 |
20090242273 | DRILL RIG AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A FAN THEREIN - A method for controlling at least one fan ( | 10-01-2009 |
20090250263 | Adaptive user interface for rock drilling rig - The invention relates to a control apparatus for controlling a multi-phase rock drilling event carried out with a rock drilling rig. In a display of the rock drilling rig or a control unit thereof, a first section is settable for substantially invariable information sources and a second section for information sources to be changed according to the rock drilling situation, and a definition is set rock drilling situation-specifically in the control apparatus about at least one information source, information relating to which is to be displayed in said rock drilling situation. The working phase of the rock drilling event is checked, and an information source suitable for said phase is selected on the basis of said definition. Information relating to the at least one selected information source is displayed in said display part during execution of the rock drilling phase. | 10-08-2009 |
20090255729 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING A DOWNHOLE SAMPLE - Apparatus and methods for collecting a downhole sample are provided. The method may include monitoring a flow path parameter, introducing a sealant to a borehole wall when the flow path parameter satisfies a first predetermined condition, and collecting a downhole sample when the flow path parameter satisfies a second predetermined condition. An apparatus may include a formation sampling tool having a flow path, an inhibitor coupled to the formation sampling tool, a sampler coupled to the formation sampling tool, and a selector that selects one or more of the inhibitor and the sampler when a parameter of the flow path satisfies a predetermined condition. | 10-15-2009 |
20090260876 | Multiple Distributed Force Measurements - Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Forces are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the forces is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured force. | 10-22-2009 |
20090321133 | ROCK DRILLING APPARATUS AND METHDO FOR CONTROLLING ROCK DRILLING APPARATUS - A rock drilling apparatus with several actuator units, a user interface control unit, and at least one control means connected to the user interface control unit for controlling the functions of the rock drilling apparatus, and for each actuator unit, a control element connected under the control of the user interface control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator unit in accordance with control signals provided by the user interface control unit, and a method for controlling the rock drilling apparatus. When the control element of an actuator unit of the rock drilling apparatus turns faulty, the control element of another actuator unit is connected to control the first actuator unit when the other actuator unit need not be controlled. | 12-31-2009 |
20100006337 | APPARATUS FOR DRILLING MACHINE ALIGNMENT - Apparatus for controlling a drilling machine to drill a series of parallel holes, where the drilling machine comprises a carrier vehicle movable over the terrain, a boom mounted on the vehicle for movement side to side on the vehicle, a mast carried on an outer end of the boom and movable about two separate axes relative to the end of the boom, includes a first sensor responsive to an azimuth angle relative to the earth's magnetic north direction and two additional sensors, which are used to measure the two inclinations relative to two vertical planes transverse to and longitudinal of the boom. The sensor system is mounted in an housing on the mast close to the longitudinal center of the mast and offset to the side. A controller calculates from the sensed values of the azimuth and inclination angles required target angles for the mast for drilling each hole. | 01-14-2010 |
20100012376 | Monolithic movable rotary well drilling rig - A monolithic well drilling rig for drilling either on-shore or off-shore new in-line arranged oil, gas, mineral and water wells or for servicing in-line not productive said wells with well heads emerging from ground by at least three meters, said rig including a drilling mast supporting a vertically upward and downward movable drilling rotary head, to said drilling mast being operatively associated a plurality of operating means including at least pipe and drilling bit and stabilizer container means, pipe gripping and loader means, drilling bit and stabilizer element gripping and loader means, motor driving means, a control operator cab and auxiliary servicing means, characterized in that said drilling mast/derrick and all said operating means associated with said drilling mast/derrick are operatively supported either on a ground movable substructure or on a water surface floating platform. | 01-21-2010 |
20100025106 | Method and device - The present invention relates to a method for controlling a rock drilling process, in which an impulse-generating device comprising an impact element transmits a shock wave to a tool connected to the impulse-generating device, whereby a portion of the energy of the shock wave is transmitted to the rock by means of the tool and a portion of the energy of the shock wave is reflected and brought back to the impulse-generating device as reflected energy. The method comprises steps of generating at least one parameter value representing the reflected energy, and regulating the interaction of said impact element with said tool at least partially based on said value or values to control the rise time and/or length of said shock wave. The invention also relates to a regulation device, an impulse-generating device and a drilling rigg. | 02-04-2010 |
20100025107 | ADAPTIVE POSITIVE FEED DRILLING SYSTEM - A method, apparatus, and computer program product for a drilling operation. In one advantageous embodiment, the drilling operation may comprise a motor, a rotary sensor, and a controller connected to the rotary sensor. The rotary sensor may be capable of generating a signal in response to rotary movement of the drill motor. The controller may be capable of monitoring a speed of the air motor from the signal generated by the rotary sensor and may be capable of identifying a change from a current layer in a stackup to a new layer in the stackup using the signal. | 02-04-2010 |
20100025108 | METHOD FOR DRILLING ROCK - The invention relates to a method for drilling rock, wherein holes to be drilled are determined prior to drilling as a drilling pattern wherein for each hole, a starting place, direction and hole depth for drilling are determined with respect to the rock to be drilled. In the invention, hole-type-specific drilling parameters are determined for the holes to be drilled, and during a drilling phase a drill rig automatically selects drilling parameters for each hole to be drilled on the basis of the hole type of the particular hole. | 02-04-2010 |
20100025109 | Apparatus and Method for Generating Formation Textural Feature Images - Apparatus and methods for providing an image of a formation textural feature are disclosed, which in one aspect may include defining a plurality of sectors for a wellbore, obtaining wellbore image data corresponding to each sector over a wellbore depth, obtaining a gray level co-occurrence matrix from the wellbore image data for a selected textural feature of the formation, and generating from the gray scale co-occurrence matrix an image of the selected textural feature over the wellbore depth. | 02-04-2010 |
20100038134 | Drilling fluid pump systems and methods - A system for pumping fluid (e.g., but not limited to, drilling fluid), the system having pump apparatus; including a plurality of removable pump modules; and, in certain aspects, removable valve cartridges for such modules. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). | 02-18-2010 |
20100038135 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATION OF STRUCTURE-BORN SOUND - A system for evaluation of conditions in a borehole in an earth formation includes: a downhole tool configured to be disposed in the borehole, the downhole tool forming a portion of a drillstring; at least one sensor associated with the downhole tool for recording sound generated in the borehole by the downhole tool and generating data representative of the recorded sound, the recorded sound having a frequency selected from at least one of an audible frequency, a near audible frequency and an ultrasonic frequency; and a processor in operable communication with the at least one sensor, the processor configured to receive the sound data and identify at least one downhole condition selected from at least one of i) a drilling condition, ii) a characteristic of the earth formation and iii) an integrity of the downhole tool, by comparing the recorded sound data to exemplary data patterns. | 02-18-2010 |
20100044107 | DESIGNING DRILLING PATTERN FOR EXCAVATING ROCK CAVERN - The invention relates to a method and a software product for designing a drilling pattern for excavating a rock cavern. The invention further relates to a rock-drilling rig, in whose control unit the software product and the method are executable. During designing of the drilling pattern, drill hole bottom locations are placed at a blast plane at the bottom of a round. A drilling pattern design program determines the missing properties of the drill holes viewed from the bottom of the round towards a navigation plane. The program is able to determine a starting location for a drill hole based on the location and the direction of the bottom. The program also performs blasting calculation on the drill holes positioned. | 02-25-2010 |
20100044108 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF POSITION OF A COMPONENT IN AN EARTH FORMATION - An apparatus for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a transmitter configured to emit a first magnetic field into the earth formation and induce an electric current in the component, the transmitter having a first magnetic dipole extending in a first direction; and a receiver for detecting a second magnetic field generated by the component in response to the first magnetic field, the receiver having a second magnetic dipole extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A method and computer program product for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is also disclosed. Apparatus and methods are also disclosed for estimating a position of a second borehole being drilled relative to an existing first borehole. | 02-25-2010 |
20100059278 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE DRILLING PARAMETER FOR ROCK DRILLING - The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling at least one drill parameter when drilling in rock with a drilling machine. During drilling, an impulse-generating device uses an impact means to induce shock waves in a tool working against the rock, a pressure level for a shock-wave-generating pressure is controlled during the drilling, and said drilling machine includes a damping chamber that can be pressurized. The contact of the drilling machine against the rock is affected at least partially by the pressure prevailing in said damping chamber. When the pressure in said damping chamber exceeds said first level and is below said second level, the percussion pressure is controlled as a function of the pressure in said damping chamber. | 03-11-2010 |
20100065329 | DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A telemetry tool is placed in a drill string adjacent to a drill bit. The telemetry tool includes position and direction sensors, a power supply, a signal receiver and a signal emitter. An external base unit, may be mounted on the surface at some distance from the wellhead. The external base unit generates, and transmits into the geological formation, a carrier signal. The carrier signal may be a DC carrier signal, and it may be a variable DC signal. | 03-18-2010 |
20100078215 | DESIGNING DRILLING PATTERN FOR EXCAVATING ROCK CAVERN - A method and a storage device including a software product for designing a drilling pattern, and further a rock drilling rig, in the control unit of which a software product may be executed for designing the drilling pattern. For a group of holes of the drilling pattern, at least one master hole can be determined which comprises at least one dominating factor. The properties of at least one other drill hole are determined on the basis of the dominating properties of the master hole. A master hole may be a hole location master, hole depth master or hole direction master. | 04-01-2010 |
20100084191 | COMBINING BELIEF NETWORKS TO GENERATE EXPECTED OUTCOMES - A method is described for determining an oilfield parameter for a drilling operation in an oilfield, the oilfield having a well site with a drilling tool advanced into a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. A first set of decision factors and a second set of decision factors about the drilling operation are identified. Each of the first set of decision factors is contained within a first set of nodes, and each of the second set of decision factors is contained within a second set of nodes. Both the first set of nodes and the second set of nodes contain a set of common nodes, which are common to both the first and second sets. The first set of nodes is associated to create a first belief network and the second set of nodes is associated to create a second belief network. Then, the set of common nodes of the first belief network is associated with the set of common nodes of the second belief network to form a multinet belief network. Oilfield parameter can be generated from the multinet belief network. | 04-08-2010 |
20100108380 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ESTIMATING DRILL BIT CUTTING EFFECTIVENESS - A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation includes a plurality of cutting elements and a shank extending from a bit body. A set of accelerometers disposed in the drill bit include a radial accelerometer and a tangential accelerometer. An annular chamber is formed within the shank. A data evaluation module is disposed in the annular chamber and includes a processor, a memory, and a communication port. The data evaluation module is configured for performing a bit acceleration analysis. The analysis includes sampling acceleration information from the radial accelerometer and the tangential accelerometer over an analysis period and storing the acceleration information in the memory to generate an acceleration history. The acceleration history is analyzed to determine a cutting effectiveness of the cutting elements responsive to changes in the acceleration history. The cutting effectiveness is reported through the communication port. | 05-06-2010 |
20100108381 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE DRILLING PARAMETER FOR ROCK DRILLING - The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling drilling parameters when drilling into rock with a drilling machine. During drilling, an impulse-generating device using an impact means is arranged to induce shock waves in a tool held against the rock, the said impulse-generating device being displaceable in the drilling direction relative to a supporting means, wherein a pressure level of a shock-wave-generating pressure is controlled during the drilling operation. A drilling speed of the said drilling is determined by determining a movement of the impulse-generating device with respect to the said supporting means, and the said shock-wave-generating pressure is controlled as a function of the said drilling speed that has been determined. | 05-06-2010 |
20100108382 | Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Steerable Drilling Tool - A rotary steerable apparatus is provided having an actuator for pushing the bit or pointing the bit that includes a shape memory alloy. An elongated form of the alloy, such as a wire or rod, is employed in a mechanism that applies force in a direction transverse to the wellbore in response to a change in length of the alloy. Temperature of the alloy is controlled to change shape and produce the desired force on pads for operating the apparatus. The apparatus may be used with downhole power generation and control electronics to steer a bit, either in response to signals from the surface or from downhole instruments. | 05-06-2010 |
20100126769 | METHOD OF MODIFYING DRILLING PATTERN, ROCK DRILLING RIG, AND SOFTWARE PRODUCT - A method and a storage device including a software product for modifying a drilling pattern, and a rock drilling rig. One or more holes whose location is to be changed may be selected from a drilling pattern prior to drilling. The hole is assigned a new location by means of a drilling unit and, subsequently, the drilling pattern is updated. | 05-27-2010 |
20100133006 | DOWNHOLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - The invention provides downhole communication devices and methods of using downhole communication devices. One aspect of the invention provides a downhole communication device including: a first energy harvesting device; a downhole transceiver in communication with the first energy harvesting device; an accumulator in communication with the energy harvesting device; and a microcontroller. The microcontroller manages communication between the first energy harvesting device, transceiver, and accumulator. | 06-03-2010 |
20100147588 | Device and Method Providing Redundant Automatic Clutch Release and Engine Shut Down on a Drilling or Production Rig - A drilling rig control system adapted for easy interface between a compressed air supply and a drilling rig clutch and brake. Both manual and automatic controls are provided to initiate the device to interrupt and vent the compressed air supply to the clutch and concurrently communicate compressed air to the brake to cause it to engage the drum winding the cable for the rig. Over-pull sensors monitor cable tension and initiate valves in the control system to initiate the compressed air interruption and rerouting upon any sense of over-pull. | 06-17-2010 |
20100163306 | Modeling Vibration Effects Introduced By Mud Motor - Torsional, axial and lateral vibrations introduced when a mud motor is used with a drilling tool to drill a borehole are calculated using a model. The model includes different computational modules for each of three distinct motor sections: power, transmission and bearing. The resulting calculated vibration effects are used to enhance the drilling tool and drilling operation. | 07-01-2010 |
20100163307 | Drill Bits With a Fluid Cushion For Reduced Friction and Methods of Making and Using Same - A drill bit is disclosed that in one configuration may include at least one cutter on a face section of the bit and at least one opening proximate the at least one cutter configured to discharge fluid under pressure onto the formation to create a fluid cushion between the drill bit and the formation during a drilling operation. An actuation device associated with the drill bit may be utilized to provide fluid under pressure to the at least one opening. | 07-01-2010 |
20100175922 | DIRECTIONAL DRILLING CONTROL DEVICES AND METHODS - The instant invention provides apparatus and methods for directional drilling. One embodiment of the invention provides a drill control system including an uphole control device and a downhole control device. The uphole control device is configured to: transmit a reference trajectory to the downhole control device and receive information about an actual trajectory from the downhole control device. The downhole control device is configured to: receive the reference trajectory from the uphole control device, measure the actual trajectory, correct deviations between the reference trajectory and the actual trajectory, and transmit information about the actual trajectory to the uphole control device. | 07-15-2010 |
20100282508 | IDENTIFYING A TRAJECTORY FOR DRILLING A WELL CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION - To control well drilling, information relating to a trajectory of a well is received, and fluid flow in the well is simulated according to the received information. Simulating the fluid production comprises simulating production flow assurance that seeks to reduce occurrence of mixtures of different types of fluids that reduce production of a target fluid. In response to results of the simulating, a further trajectory for further drilling of the well is identified. | 11-11-2010 |
20100300753 | MULTIPLE INPUT SCALING AUTODRILLER - A wellbore drilling system is disclosed herein, in which the system includes a weight on bit controller configured to generate a normalized weight on bit output, a drilling torque controller configured to generate a normalized toque on bit output, and a differential pressure controller configured to generate a normalized differential pressure output. The system further includes a rate of penetration controller that is configured to multiply a rate of penetration setpoint with the normalized weight on bit output, the normalized torque on pit output, and the normalized differential pressure output to generate a rate of penetration output. | 12-02-2010 |
20110073367 | COMBINING BELIEF NETWORKS TO GENERATE EXPECTED OUTCOME - A computer usable medium including computer usable program code for determining an oilfield parameter for a drilling operation. The computer usable program code when executed causing a processor to identify first decision factors and second decision factors about the drilling operation, where each of the first decision factors is contained within first nodes, and where each of the second decision factors is contained within second nodes, where the first and second nodes contain common nodes. The computer usable program code further causing the processor to associate the first nodes to create a first belief network and associate the second nodes to create a second belief network, associate the common nodes of the first belief network with the common nodes of the second belief network to form a multinet belief network, and generate at least one oilfield parameter from the multinet belief network. | 03-31-2011 |
20110100711 | METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR DISPLAYING DRILL HOLES AND METHOD FOR DIRECTING DRILL ROD WHEN HOLES ARE DRILLED INTO ROCK - A method and equipment for displaying holes to be drilled when drilling holes into rock with a rock-drilling rig having control equipment and a display belonging thereto and measuring means for defining the direction and position of a drill rod, by using a pre-designed drilling plan defined in a three-dimensional coordinate system, in which a starting point ( | 05-05-2011 |
20110108323 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING BOREHOLES - A system for drilling a borehole according includes a drill rig and a control system. The control system receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine. | 05-12-2011 |
20110108324 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING BOREHOLES - A system for drilling a borehole according includes a drill rig and a control system. The control system receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine. | 05-12-2011 |
20110132663 | WELLBORE STEERING BASED ON ROCK STRESS DIRECTION - A method of steering a drilling operation of a well using rock stress measurements. The method includes obtaining well data from at least one logging while drilling tool in the well, where the well data includes stress direction information, generating, using a central processing unit (CPU), a well trajectory using survey data from the well, where the well trajectory includes a borehole direction, determining, using the CPU, a direction of minimum horizontal stress using the well data, and comparing, using the CPU, the direction of minimum horizontal stress to the borehole direction to determine that a directional criteria is not satisfied. The method further includes in response to determining that the directional criteria is not satisfied, generating an updated well trajectory that satisfies the directional criteria and adjusting the drilling operation using the updated well trajectory. | 06-09-2011 |
20110155461 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING THE DRILLING OF A WELL - A system for directing the drilling of a well at a drill-site includes an instructing unit, an instructed unit, and a central unit. The instructed unit receives drilling instruction from an instructing driller, sends drilling instructions to the central unit, and presents to the instructing driller drilling instructions and instruction confirmations received from the central unit. The instructed unit receives instruction confirmations from an instructed driller, sends instruction confirmations to the central unit, and presents to the instructed driller drilling instructions received from the central unit. The central unit stores and forwards drilling instructions and instruction confirmations to the instructing unit and instructed unit, and generates and stores slide sheet information from the drilling instructions. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155462 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATING EXPLORATION OR PRODUCTION OF SUBTERRANEAN RESOURCE - A method and system for automating exploration and production of subterranean resources, using data collected from exploration and production activities, including drilling rig data and/or the like is described. The method and system include the use of a knowledge representation containing representation of uncertainty in the exploration and production operations. | 06-30-2011 |
20110168444 | Rotary Steerable Tool Employing a Timed Connection - A downhole steering tool includes distinct hydraulic and electronics modules deployed about a shaft. The hydraulics module includes a plurality of hydraulically actuated blades. The electronics module includes electronic circuitry configured to control blade actuation. The hydraulics and electronics modules are physically and electrically connected to one another via a timed connection. | 07-14-2011 |
20110174538 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS - The present application is directed to a system providing automatic and manual control of a brake lever on band brake drawworks of a wellbore drilling rig. The system comprises a pneumatic cylinder attached to the brake lever; and a control means in fluid communication with the pneumatic cylinder, the control means being operationally configured to run the pneumatic cylinder in response to information obtained by the control means concerning one or more drilling parameters and operationally configured to disable the pneumatic cylinder. | 07-21-2011 |
20110232966 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING STICK-SLIP - A method and apparatus for damping stick-slip oscillations in a drill string. In one embodiment a method includes damping the stick-slip oscillations using a drilling mechanism at the top of said drill string. The speed of rotation of the drilling mechanism is controlled using a PI controller. The control is characterised by tuning the PI controller so that the drilling mechanism absorbs most torsional energy from the drill string at a frequency that is at or near a frequency of the stick-slip oscillations. | 09-29-2011 |
20110278064 | ELECTRONICALLY ACTIVATED UNDERREAMER AND CALLIPER TOOL - An electronically activated tool ( | 11-17-2011 |
20110284288 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR WELLBORE CHARACTERIZATION - An apparatus and a process for wellbore characterization are disclosed, including: separating, in a separation vessel, drilling mud from gas produced during drilling of a wellbore; transporting the separated produced gas from the separation vessel to a downstream process; and measuring at least one of a temperature, a pressure, a mass flow rate, and a volumetric flow rate of the separated produced gas during transport using one or more sensors. Properties of the gas separated from the mud may be used to determine characteristics of a wellbore. | 11-24-2011 |
20110290559 | SURFACE REAL-TIME PROCESSING OF DOWNHOLE DATA - A method and apparatus for controlling oil well drilling equipment is disclosed. One or more sensors are distributed in the oil well drilling equipment. Each sensor produces a signal. A surface processor coupled to the one or more sensors via a high speed communications medium receives the signals from the one or more sensors via the high speed communications medium. The surface processor is situated on or near the earth's surface. The surface processor includes a program to process the received signals and to produce one or more control signals. The system includes one or more controllable elements distributed in the oil well drilling equipment. The one or more controllable elements respond to the one or more control signals. | 12-01-2011 |
20110308858 | FLEX JOINT FOR DOWNHOLE DRILLING APPLICATIONS - A technique facilitates drilling applications by providing a unique flex joint. In one embodiment, the flex joint has an adjustable bending stiffness while being much more compact than conventional flex joints. The flex joint also may be designed to de-couple bending moments from the tool joints and, in some applications, can operate as an active vibration and shock control sub by incorporating suitable sensors and a hydraulic actuator system. The design also enables incorporation of other features, such as electrical insulation features disposed above and/or below the flex joint. In some applications, the flex joint also may have an electrical feed through. | 12-22-2011 |
20120018218 | Method and apparatus for directional drilling - A bottom-hole assembly for directional drilling incorporates a torque generator with a drive shaft connected to a drill string. The torque generator generates a torque that counters a reactive torque when a drill bit of the bottom-hole assembly is driven. When the drill string is rotated at a static drive speed, a drill tool face of the bottom-hole assembly is stabilized to drill a nonlinear bore segment. When the drill string is rotated at a rotational speed other than the static drive speed the bottom-hole assembly is rotated to drill a linear bore segment. | 01-26-2012 |
20120118636 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED DRILLING OF A BOREHOLE IN A SUBSURFACE FORMATION - Apparatus and method for automated drilling of a borehole in a subsurface formation. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting at least one control variable. A drilling performance objective having a value that is influenced by drilling of the borehole using the at least one control variable is defined. A first interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a first value. A second interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a second value. A third interval of the borehole is drilled maintaining the at least one control variable at a third value. The third value is selected based on a comparison of the values of the drilling performance objective while drilling the first interval and the second interval to a predetermined optimal value of the drilling performance objective. | 05-17-2012 |
20120118637 | Drilling Advisory Systems And Methods Utilizing Objective Functions - Methods and systems for controlling drilling operations include using a statistical model to identify at least one controllable drilling parameter having significant correlation to an objective function incorporating two or more drilling performance measurements. The methods and systems further generate operational recommendations for at least one controllable drilling parameter based at least in part on the statistical model. The operational recommendations are selected to optimize the objective function. | 05-17-2012 |
20120255775 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING BOREHOLES - A system for drilling a borehole according to the present invention includes a drill rig and a control system. The control system receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine. | 10-11-2012 |
20120261190 | MECHANICAL SPECIFIC ENERGY DRILLING SYSTEM - A mechanical specific energy downhole drilling assembly having a bottomhole assembly including drill pipe and a drill bit, a weight on bit and torque sub for sensing torque, weight on bit and revolutions per minute of the drill bit; a command and control sub for receiving input from the weight on bit and torque sub for determining instantaneous mechanical specific energy of the downhole drilling assembly and an anti-stall tool responsive to real time mechanical specific energy information from the command and control sub to adjust the weight on the drill bit to maximize rate of penetration of the drill bit. | 10-18-2012 |
20120273270 | Look Ahead Advance Formation Evaluation Tool - Evaluation which investigates the formation or formation characteristic in advance of the drill-bit before the formation or formation feature of interest has been penetrated or traversed. | 11-01-2012 |
20130008716 | Rock Drilling Rig and Method for Positioning the Same - The invention relates to method for positioning a rock drilling rig and to a rock drilling rig. The rock drilling rig is moved using combustion-engine-free drive equipment with an electric drive motor. The torque is transmitted from the drive motor to the traction wheels over a mechanical anti-slip transmission connection. The ratio between the drive motor rotation rate and the traction wheel rotation rate is kept constantly the same during positioning. The drive motor is not only used for moving but also for stopping. | 01-10-2013 |
20130025937 | Systems and Methods for Continuous and Near Continuous Drilling - The present disclosure provides drilling and tripping equipment packages and control schemes and methods using two or more lifting systems that operate simultaneously and continuously in a synchronized manner such that the feeding of tubular into or out of a well bore is achieved with continuous or near continuous movement, without the need for periodic interruptions. The drilling and tripping equipment packages and control schemes are also able to rotate the tubular in the well bore with continuous speed and torque sufficient for both drilling and back-reaming operations. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is additionally able to circulate drilling fluid into the internal bore of the tubular with sufficient pressure and flow to facilitate both drilling and back-reaming operations, with minimal interruption to circulation. | 01-31-2013 |
20130032401 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING - A method of steering a drill bit to form an opening in a subsurface formation, comprises a) determining a distance from design of a well, and b) determining an angle offset from design of the well wherein angle offset from design is the difference between the inclination and azimuth of the hole and the inclination and azimuth of plan, c) wherein at least one distance from design and at least one angle offset from design are determined in real time based, at least in part, on a position of the hole at the last survey, a position at a projected current location of the bit, and a projected position of the bit. | 02-07-2013 |
20130037324 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING DRILL STRING COMPONENTS AND DRILL RIG - A device for handling drill string components for a drill rig. A slide is arranged displaceable on a longitudinal guide. A grip unit is swingable between a first position for receiving and delivering of drill string components beside the drill rig and a second position for assembling and disassembling of drill string components in the drill rig. The grip unit includes a rotator unit for rotation of a gripped drill string component. A rotational actuator supported by the slide has a rotational axis forming an angle with the length guide. A swing unit includes a first link portion that is connected to the rotational axis. A second link portion is connected to the grip unit and a swing joint portion. | 02-14-2013 |
20130062122 | HIGH TEMPERATURE DRILLING WITH LOWER TEMPERATURE RATED TOOLS - A method of maintaining a desired temperature at a location in a well can include adjusting fluid circulation parameters, thereby reducing a difference between an actual temperature at the location and the desired temperature. A well system can include at least one sensor, an output of the sensor being used for determining a temperature at a location in a well, and a hydraulics model which determines a desired change in fluid circulation through the well, in response to the temperature at the location being different from a desired temperature at the location. Another method of maintaining a desired temperature at a location in a well can include adjusting a density, solids content and/or flow rate of a fluid circulated through the well, thereby urging a temperature at the location toward the desired temperature. | 03-14-2013 |
20130087385 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AND MITIGATING DRILLING INEFFICIENCIES - Present embodiments are directed to a drilling system and method for evaluating energy consumption to determine the onset of drilling issues and identify mitigation strategies for more efficient drilling. The drilling system receives drilling parameter values and a drilling performance value from sensors located on a drilling rig, and calculates an energy value based on the drilling parameter values and drilling performance value. The drilling system determines a deviation of the calculated energy value from a desired energy value and identifies one drilling parameter that significantly correlates with the deviation. Further, the drilling system determines an adjustment to the one drilling parameter that, when applied, causes the calculated energy value to approach the desired energy value. The drilling system then indicates the desired adjustment to the drilling operator so that appropriate actions may be taken to mitigate the drilling issue. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087386 | EXPANDABLE APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087387 | METHOD FOR MANAGING DRILLING PIPES, DRILLING TOOLS, WELL TUBING, AND THE LIKE IN GROUND DRILLING - A method for managing drilling rods, drilling tools, well—tubing and the like for ground drilling, particularly for exploring deposits of fossil fuels or geothermal reservoirs. An electronic data processing system stores information regarding the inventory and the present storage location of parts to be inserted into the well, such as drilling rods, drilling pipes, lining tubing, intermediate parts, drill bits, and the like, with additional information being saved in the computing system regarding the installation position and/or installation sequence of all parts inserted into the well so that the computing system can indicate to a user when and from where which part shall be fed to the well hole—supply system and/or to what location which part shall be returned to for storage when it must be removed from the well, and/or the computing system controls an automatic storage, supply, and restorage device. | 04-11-2013 |
20130118807 | Methods For Geosteering A Drill Bit In Real Time Using Drilling Acoustic Signals - Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for steering a drill bit within a pay zone in a lateral well. The method includes receiving acoustic signature data from a downhole processor assembly. The acoustic signature data includes an amplitude spectrum and one or more acoustic characteristics evaluated from an acoustic signal provided by a sensor arranged adjacent to a drill bit and generated in real-time as a result of rotational contact of the drill bit with encountered rock in the lateral well during drilling. The method further includes comparing the received real-time acoustic signature data to predetermined acoustic signatures determined for a plurality of rock samples, and identifying a lithology type of the rock being encountered by the drill bit based on the comparison. Further, the method includes steering the drill bit in a predefined direction, in real-time, based on the identified lithology type of the rock, for maintaining the drill bit within the pay zone of the lateral well. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118808 | Methods For Geosteering A Drill Bit In Real Time Using Surface Acoustic Signals - Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for steering a drill bit within a pay zone in a lateral well. The method includes receiving acoustic signature data from an acoustic signal analyzing apparatus. The acoustic signature data includes an amplitude spectrum and one or more acoustic characteristics evaluated from an acoustic signal provided by a sensor attached to at least one of a drive shaft and a packing box of a drill rig, and generated in real-time as a result of rotational contact of the drill bit with encountered rock in the lateral well during drilling. The method further includes comparing the received real-time acoustic signature data to predetermined acoustic signatures determined for a plurality of rock samples, and identifying a lithology type of the rock being encountered by the drill bit based on the comparison. Further, the method includes steering the drill bit in a predetermined direction, in real-time, based on the identified lithology type of the rock, for maintaining the drill bit within the pay zone of the lateral well. | 05-16-2013 |
20130126239 | Directional Drilling Attitude Hold Controller - An attitude hold controller method includes receiving at a navigable apparatus a demand inclination and a demand azimuth with respect to a global coordinate system and determining at the navigable apparatus a demand attitude vector according to the received demand inclination and the demand azimuth. Determining at the navigable apparatus a current navigable apparatus attitude vector. Evaluating a control law using the current navigable apparatus vector and the navigable apparatus demand attitude to derive a control law tool face, converting the control law tool face to an equivalent tool face, and applying the equivalent tool face with the navigable apparatus to control the navigable apparatus attitude. | 05-23-2013 |
20130133948 | USE OF DOWNHOLE PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS WHILE DRILLING TO DETECT AND MITIGATE INFLUXES - A well drilling system can include a hydraulics model which determines a modeled fluid friction pressure and a calibration factor applied to the modeled friction pressure, and a flow control device which is automatically controlled in response to a change in the calibration factor. A well drilling method can include drilling a wellbore, a fluid circulating through the wellbore during the drilling, determining a calibration factor which is applied to a modeled fluid friction pressure, and controlling the drilling based at least in part on a change in the calibration factor. | 05-30-2013 |
20130146356 | ADVANCED UNDERGROUND HOMING SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD - A boring tool that is moved by a drill string to form an underground bore. A transmitter transmits a time varying dipole field as a homing field from the boring tool. A pitch sensor detects a pitch orientation of the boring tool. A homing receiver is positionable at a target location for detecting the homing field to produce a set of flux measurements. A processing arrangement uses the pitch orientation and flux measurements with a determined length of the drill string to determine a vertical homing command for use in controlling depth in directing the boring tool to the target location such that the vertical homing command is generated with a particular accuracy at a given range between the transmitter and the homing receiver and which would otherwise be generated with the particular accuracy for a standard range, different from the particular range. An associated system and method are described. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146357 | System and Method for Managed Pressure Drilling - A method for controlling a downhole pressure during drilling comprises continually sensing in real-time at least one real-time fluid property of an input fluid to a well and of a return fluid from the well. A wellhead setpoint pressure is calculated in real-time that results in a predetermined downhole pressure at a predetermined location in the well, where the calculation based, at least in part, on the at least one continually sensed real-time fluid property. The flow of the return fluid is controllably regulated to maintain the calculated wellhead setpoint pressure. | 06-13-2013 |
20130161095 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A POWER SOURCE AT A ROCK DRILLING APPARATUS AND ROCK DRILLING APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a method for controlling a power source ( | 06-27-2013 |
20130199844 | Rotary Steerable Tool Actuator Tool Face Control - A technique facilitates controlling the direction of drilling when using a rotary steerable system to drill a borehole. The method comprises processing parameters related to operation of a rotatable collar of the rotary steerable system. The parameters are used in cooperation with characteristics of actuators to control the positioning of an actuator tool face which, in turn, controls the drilling orientation of the rotary steerable system. | 08-08-2013 |
20130206477 | Well Prog Execution Facilitation System and Method - A prog analysis and execution system and method. The system includes a computer control system, an interface engine in communication with the computer control system, the interface engine being configured to receive prog information, and an action item development engine in communication with the control system, the action item development engine being configured to analyze received prog information and to determine corresponding action items. The system further includes a sensor engine in communication with the computer control system, the sensor engine being configured to receive input from at least one sensor for use in controlling a well drilling operation, and an operational equipment engine in communication with the computer control system, the operational equipment engine being configured to receive input from the computer control system and to control the well drilling operation in accordance with the determined action items in the prog. | 08-15-2013 |
20130228373 | Apparatus Including Load Driven By a Motor Coupled to an Alternator - An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes a load, a motor coupled to the load to provide electrical power to the load and an alternator directly coupled to the motor driving the motor. In one aspect, the apparatus further includes a switch between the alternator and the motor that in a first position connects the alternator to the motor in a first configuration that rotates the motor in the clockwise direction and in a second configuration that rotates the motor in the counterclockwise direction. | 09-05-2013 |
20130228374 | AUTOMATED SURVEY ACCEPTANCE IN DYNAMIC PHASE MACHINE AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the automation of an oil & gas process, e.g., a drilling process, through the use of a dynamic phase machine incorporating multiple autonomous agents. An agent may be used to perform automated acceptance of a survey performed by a downhole survey device, e.g., so that an oil & gas drilling process may proceed for an accepted survey. | 09-05-2013 |
20130248247 | DOWNHOLE WHIRL DETECTION WHILE DRILLING - A method for making downhole whirl measurements in a drill string includes rotating a sensor set in a borehole. The sensor set is deployed in the drill string and includes at least one cross-axial accelerometer and at least one cross-axial magnetometer. Sensor measurements, including a plurality of accelerometer measurements and a plurality of magnetometer measurements made at predetermined measurement intervals, may be obtained while drilling and used to compute a whirl magnitude. | 09-26-2013 |
20130248248 | SENSOR-BASED CONTROL OF VIBRATIONS IN SLENDER CONTINUA, SPECIFICALLY TORSIONAL VIBRATIONS IN DEEP-HOLE DRILL STRINGS - Control device ( | 09-26-2013 |
20130256031 | DOWN HOLE TOOL WITH ADJUSTABLE FLUID VISCOSITY - A down hole tool includes a tool body, a fluid cavity, a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the fluid cavity, and an electrical control unit in communication with the MR fluid. The electrical control unit is configured to adjust a viscosity of the MR fluid by varying a magnetic field. | 10-03-2013 |
20130270005 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING - A method of controlling a direction of drilling of the drill string used to form an opening in a subsurface formation, comprises varying a speed of the drill string during rotational drilling such that the drill string is at a first speed during a first portion of the rotational cycle and at a second speed during a second portion of the rotational cycle wherein the first speed is higher than the second speed, and wherein operating at the second speed in the second portion of the rotational cycle causes the drill string to change the direction of drilling. | 10-17-2013 |
20130270006 | DRILLING RIG WITH CONTINUOUS GAS ANALYSIS - A drilling rig having continuous gas analysis can include a substructure, base, mast, pipe handler, mud pump, drilling rig power source, drawworks, cabling, rotating head, blowout preventer, drill string, and drill bit. A rig server of the drilling rig can have a rig processor and rig data storage for implementing rig operations. Piping can be in fluid communication between the blowout preventer and a gas analyzer system for real-time measurement of a concentration of gases in a drilling fluid. The gas analyzer system can include a sample chamber, means for agitating and creating a vortex, gas capturing chamber for receiving liberated fluid, gas analyzer for providing real-time gas speciation of the liberated fluid, suction pump for pulling the liberated fluid, filtration means, exhaust port, and exhaust line for flowing non-analyzed fluid to a drilling fluid storage chamber, drilling fluid conduit, or both. | 10-17-2013 |
20130277110 | CONTROLLING VIBRATIONS IN A DRILLING SYSTEM - A method for controlling vibrations in a drilling system, the drilling system including an elongate body extending from surface into a borehole formed in an earth formation, and an associated drive system for driving the elongate body, the drive system comprising a torque controller, the method comprising obtaining a model of the drilling system; obtaining at least one input parameter for the model that relates to an uphole parameter of the drilling system; operating the drive system to provide a drive torque to the elongated body; obtaining at least one output parameter from applying the model using the at least one input parameter, the at least one output parameter including at least one modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion; using the modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion in the torque controller for determining an adjustment to the drive torque, so as to control vibrations; as well as a drilling system comprising a torque controller, which torque controller is adapted to use the modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion for determining an adjustment to the drive torque. | 10-24-2013 |
20130292175 | DRILLING ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING EXPANDABLE REAMERS AND EXPANDABLE STABILIZERS, AND RELATED METHODS - A drilling assembly for drilling a subterranean wellbore includes an expandable reamer and an expandable stabilizer. The expandable reamer and the expandable stabilizer each have a tubular body with a longitudinal axis and a drilling fluid flow path extending therethrough. A plurality of blades is carried by the reamer and a plurality of bearing pads is carried by the stabilizer. The blades and bearing pads are outwardly movable from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the longitudinal axes of the reamer and stabilizer, respectively. The reamer and stabilizer each include an actuation device for moving the blades and bearing pads, respectively, from the retracted position to the extended position. | 11-07-2013 |
20130292176 | DOWNHOLE DRILLING UTILIZING MEASUREMENTS FROM MULTIPLE SENSORS - A system and method for controlling a downhole portion of a drill string is provided. The method includes receiving signals from a first sensor package mounted at a first position to the downhole portion, the signals indicative of an orientation of the first sensor package. The method also includes receiving signals from a second sensor package mounted at a second position to the downhole portion, the signals indicative of an orientation of the second sensor package. The method further includes calculating a first amount of bend between the first and second sensor packages in response to the signals and transmitting control signals to an actuator which responds by adjusting the downhole portion to have a second amount of bend between the first and second sensor packages. | 11-07-2013 |
20130306373 | ELECTRONICALLY ACTIVATED UNDERREAMER AND CALLIPER TOOL - An electronically activated tool ( | 11-21-2013 |
20130319764 | DRILLING SYSTEM, BIASING MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR DIRECTIONALLY DRILLING A BOREHOLE - A drilling system for directional drilling of a borehole includes a biasing mechanism having a pivot associated with a lower bearing assembly, an offset mechanism associated with an upper radial bearing assembly, and a toolface controller, whereby the angular relationship of a drill bit and its toolface angle may be actively managed. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319765 | Rock drilling rig and method of driving compressor - A rock drilling rig and a method of driving a compressor, wherein the rock drilling rig is operated by a combustion engine and is provided with a flushing system including a compressor for producing pressurized air. The compressor is driven by an electric drive motor. The combustion engine is connected to drive a generator, which produces electric energy that is stored in an energy storage. The stored electric energy can be utilized in driving the compressor. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319766 | Devices and Methods for Horizontal Directional Drilling with a Boring Tool Library - Various embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for horizontal directional drilling with a tool library. Various methods include storing a plurality of operational tool profiles in memory, the operational tool profiles of the plurality respectively associated with a plurality of boring tools attachable to a drill string for HHD and each of the operational tool profiles of the plurality including operating parameters for the boring tool of the plurality with which the operational profile is associated, and selectively displaying the operational tool profiles on a display screen based on user input. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319767 | TELEMETRY OPERATED CIRCULATION SUB - A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string extending into the wellbore from surface and rotating a drill bit of the drill string. The drill string further includes a circulation sub having a port closed during drilling. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to the surface via an annulus formed between an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes after drilling at least a portion of the wellbore: halting drilling; sending a wireless instruction signal from the surface to a downhole portion of the drill string by articulating the drill string, acoustic signal, or mud pulse, thereby opening the port; and injecting drilling fluid through the drill string and into the annulus via the open port. | 12-05-2013 |
20130333946 | CLOSED LOOP WELL TWINNING METHODS - Closed loop methods for drilling twin wells are disclosed. The disclosed method make use of a bottom hole assembly including a rotary steerable tool. An electrical current is induced in the target well. The corresponding magnetic field about the target well is measured in the twin well and used to guide drilling of the twin well. | 12-19-2013 |
20130341089 | Control system and method for a well completion system - A control system and method for operating a well completion system utilizing at least one computer programmed in one embodiment to automatically operate the movement of pipe from a pipe tub to the mast and into the well and/or for movement of the pipe out of the well and/or back into the pipe tub. In one embodiment, the computer is programmed and/or configured to coordinate operation of a top drive, and/or a pipe tong, and/or a pipe moving member for moving pipe into and out of a mast, and/or a pipe transfer system for moving pipe to the pipe moving member. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one computer is mounted within a control van which may be positioned so that an operator within the control van can oversee operation of the well completion system. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341090 | Detecting Stick-Slip Using A Gyro While Drilling - A method for drilling operation in a subterranean formation, including calculating, by a hardware processor and in response to determining that an magnitude of gyro data representing rotations of a drill bit in a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a time derivative of the gyro data are within a pre-determined range, a drift parameter of the gyro data, analyzing, by the hardware processor, the gyro data based on the drift parameter to generate a stick-slip alert, and presenting the stick-slip alert. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341091 | Drilling Speed and Depth Computation for Downhole Tools - A method for managing a drilling operation, including generating, by a first sensor and a second sensor of a bottom hole assembly (BHA), a first time based data log and a second time based data log, respectively, representing a borehole parameter along a drilling trajectory, determining, by a computer processor of the BHA and during the drilling operation, a time shift by comparing the first time based data log and the second time based data log, where offsetting the first and second time based data logs by the time shift maximizes a correlation factor of the first and second time based data logs, and determining, within a pre-determined time period from generating the first and second time based data logs, a drilling speed based on the time shift and a pre-determined distance between the first sensor and the second sensor. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341092 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DRILLING A WELL - A system for drilling at least one well of interest proximate a reference well comprises at least one sensor in a drill string in the at least one well of interest to detect at least one parameter of interest related to a distance and a direction to the reference well. A controller is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor to determine the distance and the direction from the sensor to the reference well based at least in part on the at least one detected parameter of interest. A steerable assembly is operatively coupled to the controller to receive commands from the controller to adjust the path of the at least one well of interest being drilled based at least in part on the distance and direction from the sensor to the reference well. | 12-26-2013 |
20140000964 | CLOUD COMPUTING METHOD FOR GEOSTEERING DIRECTIONAL DRILLING APPARATUS | 01-02-2014 |
20140008125 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR KICKING-OFF A ROTARY STEERABLE - A method and system for steering a rotary steerable tool in a borehole. A method includes determining an azimuthal angle between a reference direction and a reference point on a direction determination component of a tool string. The direction control component is remote from the rotary steerable tool. The azimuthal angle and a time at which the angle was determined are communicated to a rotary steerable tool direction control system. A steerable shaft of the rotary steerable tool is deflected based on the azimuthal angle and the time at which the angle was determined, thereby directing the rotary steerable tool in a predetermined direction. | 01-09-2014 |
20140034386 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING STICK-SLIP - A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided. | 02-06-2014 |
20140041941 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING - A method of assessing hole cleaning effectiveness of drilling comprises a) determining a mass of cuttings removed from a well wherein determining the mass of cuttings removed from a well comprises: i) measuring a total mass of fluid entering a well; ii) measuring a total mass of fluid exiting the well; and iii) determining a difference between the total mass of fluid exiting the well and total mass of fluid entering the well; b) determining a mass of rock excavated in the well; and c) determining a mass of cuttings remaining in the well wherein determining the mass of cuttings remaining in the well comprises: determining a difference between the determined mass of rock excavated in the well and the determined mass of cuttings removed from the well. | 02-13-2014 |
20140083765 | AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DRILLING TOOL CHANGER APPARATUS - A control system for an automatic drilling tool changer apparatus for use with a drilling rig includes a drilling control device programmed with a control scheme for controlling the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus, and a user interface coupled to the drilling control device for initiating actions of the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus and for interactively monitoring a status of the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus. The control scheme includes steps for an automatic drilling tool change-out operation, and the drilling control device and the user interface are configured to communicate with the automatic drilling tool changer apparatus over a network. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083766 | Single Trip Multi-Zone Completion Systems and Methods - Disclosed are systems and methods of producing from multiple production zones with a single trip multi-zone completion system. One single trip multi-zone completion system includes an outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout and a flow control device movably disposed within the at least one sand screen between an open position and a closed position, and an insert string arranged within the outer completion string and having at least one control and data acquisition module disposed thereon, the at least one control and data acquisition module having one or more mechanical coupling mechanisms extending therefrom and configured to locate and move the flow control device between the open and closed positions. | 03-27-2014 |
20140102790 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR LUBRICATION PRESSURE RELIEF FOR A ROLLER CONE DRILL BIT - According to one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a roller cone drill bit including a bit body having at least one support arm extending therefrom, a cone assembly containing bearings or retaining balls and rotatably mounted on a journal extending from each support arm, a lubricant reservoir disposed in each support arm, a lubricant chamber disposed in each support arm and fluidly coupled to the bearings or retaining balls, a bore disposed in each support arm to communicate lubricant between the lubricant reservoir and the lubricant chamber, and a pressure release mechanism disposed within the bore. The pressure release mechanism may be operable to relieve lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the lubricant chamber when lubricant pressure within the lubricant reservoir exceeds pressure of the lubricant in the lubricant chamber. According to another embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods of relieving lubricant in such a bit. | 04-17-2014 |
20140110167 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREDICTING A DRILL STRING STUCK PIPE EVENT - Predicting a drill string stuck pipe event. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: receiving a plurality of drilling parameters from a drilling operation; applying the plurality of drilling parameters to an ensemble prediction model comprising at least three machine-learning algorithms operated in parallel, each machine-learning algorithm predicting a probability of occurrence of a future stuck pipe event based on at least one of the plurality of drilling parameters, the ensemble prediction model creates a combined probability based on the probability of occurrence of the future stuck pipe event of each machine-learning algorithm; and providing an indication of a likelihood of a future stuck pipe event to a drilling operator, the indication based on the combined probability. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110168 | Mining vehicle and method of moving boom - The disclosure relates to a mining vehicle and a method of moving a boom of a mining vehicle. The boom is provided with several boom joints and there is a mining work device at a distal end of the boom. One or more boom joint positions are determined and stored in a memory medium. A control unit of the mining vehicle may automatically move the boom to a predetermined transport position. | 04-24-2014 |
20140116776 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED DRILLING OPERATIONS USING REAL-TIME AND HISTORICAL DRILLING DATA - Methods and systems are described for improved drilling operations through the use of real-time drilling data to predict bit wear, lithology, pore pressure, a rotating friction coefficient, permeability, and cost in real-time and to adjust drilling parameters in real-time based on the predictions. The real-time lithology prediction is made by processing the real-time drilling data through a multilayer neural network. The real-time bit wear prediction is made by using the real-time drilling data to predict a bit efficiency factor and to detect changes in the bit efficiency factor over time. These predictions may be used to adjust drilling parameters in the drilling operation in real-time, subject to override by the operator. The methods and systems may also include determining various downhole hydraulics parameters and a rotary friction factor. Historical data may be used in combination with real-time data to provide expert system assistance and to identify safety concerns. | 05-01-2014 |
20140116777 | RESONANCE ENHANCED ROTARY DRILLING MODULE - Provided is apparatus for use in resonance enhanced rotary drilling, which apparatus comprises:
| 05-01-2014 |
20140124264 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXPERT SYSTEMS FOR WELL COMPLETION USING BAYESIAN DECISION NETWORKS - Systems and methods are provided for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision networks to determine well completion recommendations. The well completion expert system includes a well completion Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well completion BDN model includes a treatment fluids section, a packer section, a junction classification section, a perforation section, a lateral completion section, and an open hole gravel packing section. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124265 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXPERT SYSTEMS FOR UNDERBALANCED DRILLING OPERATIONS USING BAYESIAN DECISION NETWORKS - Systems and methods are provided for an underbalanced drilling (UBD) expert system that provides underbalanced drilling recommendations, such as best practices. The UBD expert system may include one or more Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receive inputs and output recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The BDN models may include: a general UBD BDN model, a flow UBD BDN model, a gaseated (i.e., aerated) UBD BDN model, a foam UBD BDN model, a gas (e.g., air or other gases) UBD BDN model, a mud cap UBD BDN model, an underbalanced liner drilling (UBLD) BDN model, an underbalanced coil tube (UBCT) BDN model, and a snubbing and stripping BDN model. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124266 | Magnetically Initiated Actuation Mechanism - The present invention provides a mechanism to remotely initiate actuation of a device positioned in a borehole. The disclosure includes a magnetically initiated actuation mechanism. | 05-08-2014 |
20140151120 | DRILLING MACHINE POWER PACK WHICH INCLUDES A CLUTCH - A drilling machine includes a compressor coupled to a prime mover through a hydraulic clutch, wherein the hydraulic clutch is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged conditions. The compressor is allowed to provide air and is restricted from providing air in response to the hydraulic clutch being in the engaged and disengaged conditions, respectively. The hydraulic clutch is moveable between the engaged and disengaged conditions during operation of the prime mover. | 06-05-2014 |
20140158427 | Directional Drilling Tool - A directional drilling tool is provided, which comprises a first end ( | 06-12-2014 |
20140166361 | Systems and Methods for Real Time Drilling Fluid Management - Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring drilling fluid components in real time. One system includes solids control equipment fluidly coupled to a borehole and configured to receive drilling fluid from the borehole, the solids control equipment having a first optical computing device arranged adjacent the inlet and configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid as it enters the solids control equipment and thereby generate a first output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the drilling fluid, a second optical computing device arranged adjacent the outlet and configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid as it exits the solids control equipment and thereby generate a second output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the drilling fluid, and a signal processor communicably coupled to the first and second optical computing devices and configured to receive the first and second output signals and provide a resulting output signal. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166362 | Implement Pose Control System and Method - An implement pose control system and method is provided for a machine. The system and method include determining an actual implement pose having a first actual angle component relative to the first implement rotational axis and a second actual angle component relative to the second implement rotational axis. A desired implement pose may be determined that has first and second desired angle components relative to the first and second implement rotational axes. First and second axis errors may be determined, and the first and second actuators may be automatically operated in response to the error signals. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166363 | AUTOMATED DIRECTIONAL DRILLING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING STEERABLE MOTORS - A method for directional drilling of a wellbore includes automatically rotating a drill string having a steerable drilling motor at an end thereof in a first direction so that a measured torque related parameter thereon reaches a first value. The drill string is automatically rotated in a second direction so that the measured torque related parameter reaches a second value lower than the first value. A rate of release of the drill string is automatically controlled so that at least one of selected drilling fluid pressure and a range thereof is maintained. | 06-19-2014 |
20140190746 | Unmanned Unattended Mineral Exploration Drilling and Sample Return System - The invention is a system and methods for conducting automated, unmanned and unattended drilling operations. The system comprises an unmanned and unattended landing and launch vehicle capable of navigating to a location and reversibly coupled to an automated drilling platform. The automated drilling platform can autonomously conduct drilling operations, such as, collecting core samples. Automated drilling operations may comprise deploying a core drilling rigid mast that autonomously feeds pipe sections onto the rigid mast proportional to depths drilled, then extracting the pipe sections containing core samples sequentially from the mast head, securing the core samples in the launch and landing vehicle, retracting the mast head from the bore line and securing it in the launch and landing vehicle. Once drilling is complete, the automated drilling platform may be de-coupled from the landing and launch vehicle before re-launching the vehicle and returning the samples to an accessible terrain or location. | 07-10-2014 |
20140209382 | AUTOMATED ROD MANIPULATOR - An automated rod manipulator system for moving a drill rod section from a storage magazine to a drill rig and connecting the drill rod to a drill string of the drill rig without manual manipulation of any parts. The automated rod manipulator system may comprise a magazine to store and dispense a plurality of drill rod sections, a carriage to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from the magazine to a transfer position; and a gripping arm coupled to a drill rig mast of a drilling rig, the gripping arm operable to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from a transfer position to a position aligned with a spindle center line of the drilling rig. The automated rod manipulator may also include a control system and an alignment assembly for aligning the drill rod section on a spindle centerline of the drill rig. | 07-31-2014 |
20140231136 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ROTARY STEERING - A method and system for steering a rotary steerable tool in a borehole. A method includes rotating a deflection sleeve about a steerable shaft. A deflection ramp is aligned to deflect the shaft in a predetermined direction by the rotating. The deflection sleeve is axially displaced along the steerable shaft. The steerable shaft is deflected by the displacing. | 08-21-2014 |
20140231137 | DRILLING APPARATUS WITH DRILL GUIDE - An apparatus for use in connection using a drill having a drilling element for forming a borehole in a face of a mine passage includes a drill guide for engaging the drilling element while permitting the drilling element to move toward the face for forming the borehole. The drill guide includes a keeper for keeping the drilling element in a desired position, which keeper is biased for pivoting movement upon the application of a manual force between an active position for capturing the drilling element and a retracted position for releasing the drilling element. A low profile drill guide is also disclosed, as is a guard for a drill guide, and also related methods. | 08-21-2014 |
20140231138 | Remote Controlled Drilling Rig - A remote controlled drilling rig that is fully functional includes a drilling rig, an electrical assembly, and a remote. The drilling rig includes a truck for towing a semi-trailer on which is positioned a derrick and a drilling assembly. The electrical assembly is positioned within the drilling rig and includes a battery for powering components of the drilling rig, in addition to a receiver and circuit board for receiving and processing command signals respectively. The receiver is communicably coupled to a transmitter housed within a casing of the remote. A plurality of controls is used to send input commands to the transmitter, which are in turn transmitted to the receiver in order to control functions of the drilling rig, such as raising and lowering the derrick. A draw-works assembly allows for raising and lowering a traveling block within the derrick by winding and unwinding a drilling cable connected between. | 08-21-2014 |
20140246234 | DRILLING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A drilling apparatus including a drill bit and a nutation device. The drilling apparatus is configured to enable the drill bit to be rotated at a rotation frequency while the nutation device simultaneously nutates the drill bit at a nutation frequency. The nutation device may include a vibrating device for imposing vibrations upon the drilling apparatus at a vibration frequency, thereby causing nutation of the drill bit at the nutation frequency. The drilling apparatus may include a tuning mechanism for tuning the vibration frequency of the vibrating device. A method including rotating a drill bit at a rotation frequency and simultaneously nutating the drill bit at a nutation frequency. | 09-04-2014 |
20140262507 | ROTARY STEERABLE SYSTEM FOR VERTICAL DRILLING - A rotary steerable drilling system that is operable to drill vertical wellbores and automatically maintain a vertical wellbore drilling path. The system includes a control module for operating solenoid valves that control an amount of fluid pressure applied to bias pad piston/cylinders. The control module is operable to determine when the system is deviating from vertical, in what direction the system is deviating, and where the bias pads are in relation to the direction of deviation. Based on these determinations, the control module actuates the requisite bias pads by controlling the amount of fluid pressure applied to the bias pad piston/cylinders to direct the system back to the vertical drilling path. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262508 | UNDERREAMER FOR INCREASING A WELLBORE DIAMETER - An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. A mandrel is disposed within the bore of the body and has a port formed radially therethrough. A sleeve is disposed radially-outward from the mandrel. The sleeve blocks fluid flow through the port in the mandrel when the sleeve is in a first position, and the sleeve is axially-offset from the port in the mandrel when the sleeve is in a second position. A flow tube is coupled to the mandrel. The sleeve moves from the first position to the second position when fluid flows through the flow tube and through a channel disposed in the mandrel. A cutter block is movably coupled to the body and is responsive to fluid flow from the axial bore through the port in the mandrel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140284103 | Monitoring System for Drilling Instruments - Drilling instruments may include a flexible portion, such as a flexible conduit and/or a universal joint. Sensors may be utilized to detect the position of various portions of the drilling instrument, such as the flexible conduit, the universal joint, and/or a drill bit assembly. | 09-25-2014 |
20140291023 | MONITORING OF DRILLING OPERATIONS WITH FLOW AND DENSITY MEASUREMENT - A system includes one or more sensors configured to sense at least one characteristic of fluid entering a well, one or more sensors configured to sense at least one characteristic of fluid exiting a well; and one or more control systems that receive data from at least one of the sensors. | 10-02-2014 |
20140299376 | LOW MAINTENANCE IRON ROUGHNECK SYSTEM WITH REPLACEABLE MODULAR COMPONENTS THEREOF - An automated roughneck system is described which includes a base module, a removable spinner module for spinning pipe to connect or disconnect drill pipes at threaded interfaces, which automatically self-centers itself around a drill pipe and automatically adjusts to a varied range of drill pipe diameters, a removable torque module for torqueing drill pipe and which automatically self-centers itself around a drill pipe and automatically adjusts to a varied range of drill pipe diameters, an extension module including a first plurality of extension arms that extend between a central hub of the extension module and the base module, and a second plurality of extension arms that extend between the central hub and supporting structure that supports the spinner and torque modules thereon, with each of the base, extension, spinner, and torque modules being hydraulically powered, and being controlled by controls at the remote operator control console. | 10-09-2014 |
20140326505 | WELL DRILLING METHODS WITH AUDIO AND VIDEO INPUTS FOR EVENT DETECTION - A well drilling method can include sensing at least one of audio and optical signals, generating a parameter signature during a drilling operation, the parameter signature being based at least in part on the sensing, and detecting a drilling event by comparing the parameter signature to an event signature indicative of the drilling event. A well drilling system can include a control system which compares a parameter signature for a drilling operation to an event signature indicative of a drilling event, the parameter signature being based at least in part on an output of at least one audio and/or optical sensor, and a controller which controls the drilling operation in response to the drilling event being indicated by at least a partial match between the parameter signature and the event signature. | 11-06-2014 |
20140338973 | AUTOMATIC DRILL PIPE ADD AND REMOVE SYSTEM - A drilling rig carousel assembly includes a drilling rig carousel comprising a plurality of slots for holding drill components, a first actuator coupled to the drilling rig carousel and configured to axially rotate the drilling rig carousel, a second actuator coupled to the drilling rig carousel and configured to move the drilling rig carousel between a first position and a second position, and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a rotation sensor configured to monitor an axial rotation of the drilling rig carousel, and a position sensor configured to provide a signal representative of whether the drilling rig carousel is in the first position or the second position. | 11-20-2014 |
20140345940 | INFLUX DETECTION AT PUMPS STOP EVENTS DURING WELL DRILLING - An automated system for detecting fluid influx into a wellbore during the transient conditions that occur after pumps stopped. The system comprises at least one sensor normally employed on a drilling rig for measuring at least one parameter, and a processor for receiving a signal indicative of the parameter from the sensor. The processor is programmed to analyze a plurality of values of the parameter measured during a plurality of previous events so as to generate a predetermined threshold value, compare the received signal to the predetermined threshold value, and provide an output signal indicative of fluid influx when the received signal is beyond the predetermined threshold value. | 11-27-2014 |
20140353032 | EXPANDABLE APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated. | 12-04-2014 |
20140360779 | System and Method for Reducing Drillstring Oscillations - A drillstring with a bit is characterized by controllable variables of vertical and rotational speeds and response variables of axial tension force and torque, referenced to the top of the drillstring. A method of reducing or avoiding at least an axial or a torsional oscillation mode in the drillstring includes:
| 12-11-2014 |
20150014056 | DYNAMIC RESPONSE APPARATUS AND METHODS TRIGGERED BY CONDITIONS - A pre-defined custom profile that specifies a potential condition, such as of a drilling rig site, is generated. One or more operational parameters at the drilling rig site are monitored to determine an actual condition of the drilling rig site. A dynamic response is made when it is detected that the actual condition of the drilling rig site matches the potential condition of the drilling rig site, as specified by the pre-defined custom profile. According to one aspect, one or more operations at the drilling rig site are automatically controlled based on the actual condition of the drilling rig site. According to another aspect, a report is automatically generated, the report including data corresponding to the actual condition at the drilling rig site. | 01-15-2015 |
20150014057 | MINING DRILL WITH GRADIENT SENSING - A drill for excavating a bore in the earth includes a steerable boring tool configured to excavate a bore and sensors coupled to the boring tool. The sensors are spaced apart from one another at multiple azimuthal locations around the steerable boring tool and the sensors are configured to detect a mineral property in the earth adjacent the steerable boring tool. | 01-15-2015 |
20150053482 | RIG CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS - Apparatus, systems, and methods for controlling activities on a drilling rig are described. The methods include installing a control system operably coupled to the drilling rig and having a user interface, receiving operational guidelines from the user interface that include a plurality of control limits associated with operational parameters of the rig, monitoring current values of the operational parameters, and automatically applying the control limits to the operational parameters during operation of the rig. | 02-26-2015 |
20150083492 | Drilling System and Associated System and Method for Monitoring, Controlling, and Predicting Vibration in an Underground Drilling Operation - A drilling system and associated systems and methods for monitoring, controlling, and predicting vibration of a drilling operation. The vibration information can include axial, lateral or torsional vibration of a drill string. | 03-26-2015 |
20150101863 | DOWNHOLE TOOL FOR SIDETRACKING - A downhole tool for drilling a sidetracked borehole. The downhole tool includes a body having an axial bore formed at least partially therethrough. At least one magnetometer is within the body. The magnetometer is configured to measure a magnetic field. A processor may be in communication with the at least one magnetometer. The processor may be configured to receive measurements from the at least one magnetometer, determine an orientation of the downhole tool based upon the received measurements, and selectively maintain the orientation of the downhole tool or change the orientation of the downhole tool based upon the determined orientation. | 04-16-2015 |
20150107897 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING STICK-SLIP - A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided. | 04-23-2015 |
20150292266 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR A RUG PLOT FOR GEOSTEERING APPLICATIONS - A system utilized to geosteer a downhole assembly provides a real-time, 3-Dimensional (“3D”) visualization of the downhole assembly and surrounding formation as it moves through the formation. The 3D visualization, or model, may be updated in real-time and may display real-time data related to various downhole conditions and geologic characteristics. | 10-15-2015 |
20150308253 | ELECTRONICALLY MONITORING DRILLING CONDITIONS OF A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE DURING DRILLING OPERATIONS - In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a drilling system comprises a rotating control device (RCD). A plurality of sensors included in or in proximity to the RCD are configured to detect drilling conditions associated with the RCD during a drilling operation. A control system is configured to determine an adjustment to a drilling parameter based on the drilling conditions. | 10-29-2015 |
20150337599 | MONITORING A CONDITION OF A COMPONENT IN A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE OF A DRILLING SYSTEM USING EMBEDDED SENSORS - In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a drilling system comprises a drill string and a rotating control device (RCD) associated with the drill string. The RCD includes a seal element composed of an elastomeric material. A sensor is embedded in the seal element and detects a drilling condition associated with the RCD during a drilling operation. A control system determines wear of the seal element based on the drilling condition. | 11-26-2015 |
20150361743 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR FEEDING FLUSHING FLUID - The present disclosure relates to a flushing system and a method of controlling the feeding of flushing fluid. The flushing system includes a pump unit for feeding pressurized flushing fluid to a feed duct connected to a rock drilling machine. The flow rate of the flushing fluid to be fed is controlled by controlling the pumping of the flushing fluid. The flow rate is determined by one or more sensing devices. | 12-17-2015 |
20150377004 | Closed Loop Control of Drilling Toolface - A downhole closed loop method for controlling a drilling toolface includes measuring first and second attitudes of the subterranean borehole at corresponding first and second upper and lower survey stations. The first and second attitudes are processed downhole while drilling to compute an angle change of the subterranean borehole between the upper and lower survey stations. The computed angle change is compared with a predetermined threshold. This process may be continuously repeated while the angle change is less than the threshold. The first and second attitudes are further processed downhole to compute a toolface angle when the angle change of the subterranean borehole is greater than or equal to the threshold. The toolface angle may then be further processed to control a direction of drilling of the subterranean borehole. | 12-31-2015 |
20160002989 | DRILL ROD TALLYING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus and method automatically tally drill string rods for use with a drilling machine. The machine comprises a rack and a rotary drive configured for longitudinal displacement between first and second longitudinal positions. A sensor system is configured to monitor the machine to detect a clamping force applied to rotationally immobilize the drill string and to detect a break-out torque generated by the rotary drive, detect a first longitudinal position of the rotary drive whereat the break-out torque is generated, and detect a second longitudinal position of the rotary drive whereat a make-up torque is generated by the rotary drive. A controller is configured to prevent release of the clamping force until the make-up torque is detected, and automatically enable release of the clamping force after the make-up torque is detected and, concordantly, to update a drill rod tally only when the first and second longitudinal positions are different. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003009 | A method of generating a drill hole sequence plan and drill hole sequence planning equipment - Drill hole sequence planning equipment ( | 01-07-2016 |
20160010392 | DRIVING DEVICE FOR DRIVING DRILL PIPES AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A DRIVING DEVICE | 01-14-2016 |
20160017674 | PIPE HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHODS - A pipe handling system comprises a carriage having an upper surface adapted to support a tubular. The carriage comprises a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are pivotally coupled together for rotation about a pivot axis. The carriage is movable relative to a base and configured such that the leading end of the carriage is elevated as the carriage is advanced. An actuator is coupled between the first and second sections. The actuator is operable to pivot the second section relative to the first section about the pivot axis. In some embodiments the carriage is configured with a positive kink to deliver tubulars to a rig floor and with a negative kink to deliver tubulars to an online or offline stand building system. In some embodiments a live surface on the carriage is controllable to reduce or eliminate swinging of tubulars as they are transferred to or from the drill rig. | 01-21-2016 |
20160024847 | 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. | 01-28-2016 |
20160032705 | 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. | 02-04-2016 |
20160040491 | FLUID COUPLING DRIVE SYSTEM FOR A DRILL RIG AIR COMPRESSOR - A drill rig includes a base, a drill tower coupled to and extending from the base, a drill pipe coupled to and supported by the drill tower, an air compressor coupled to the base, a prime mover coupled to the air compressor, and a fluid coupling disposed between and coupled to both the prime mover and the air compressor. | 02-11-2016 |
20160053564 | Systems and Methods for Core Recovery - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining the retraction rate of a coring bit based on sensed environmental factors associated with coring operations. In certain embodiments, a downhole tool is positioned in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, coring operations are commenced by rotating a coring bit of the downhole tool and extending the rotating coring bit into a first location along a sidewall of the wellbore, a first environmental factor associated with the coring operations at the first location is sensed, and a rate of retraction of the coring bit at the first location is determined based on the first sensed environmental factor. | 02-25-2016 |
20160053602 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING BOREHOLES - A system for drilling a borehole according to the present invention includes a drill rig and a control system. The drill rig includes a drill, an air injection system and a water injection system. The control system, which is operatively associates with the drill rig, receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine. | 02-25-2016 |
20160060960 | Downhole Steering System - A technique facilitates drilling of deviated boreholes. The technique employs a drilling system which may be disposed along a drill string. The drilling system may be used to drill a straight section of a borehole along a straight borehole axis and to also selectively drill a deviated section of the borehole. The drilling system comprises a housing, a bit shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, and an actuator which may be selectively actuated to shift the bit shaft to another position with respect to the straight borehole axis. The actuator is selectively shiftable between an unbiased mode and a biased mode. In the unbiased mode, the bit shaft axis is in a first position with respect to the straight borehole axis during drilling of the straight section of borehole. The actuator may be selectively shifted to the biased mode in which the bit shaft axis is shifted off axis relative to the straight borehole axis to enable drilling of the desired deviated section of the borehole. | 03-03-2016 |
20160072184 | Antenna System for Downhole Tool - A technique facilitates communication of signals in a downhole environment. According to an embodiment, the system comprises an antenna which may be combined with a well component for communicating signals along a wellbore. The antenna comprises wire which is coated with a suitable material, such as amorphous polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and wet wound into a coil. A plurality of protective elements may be combined with the wire, e.g. sleeves may be placed over portions of the wire to protect the wire. Layers of tape also may be wrapped around coil to enhance durability of the antenna. | 03-10-2016 |
20160076305 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - A method, system and bit steering assembly for directional drilling of a borehole in a formation is presented. The method includes the steps of: providing a drill string having a central fluid passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the drill string for passing drilling fluid to the drill bit. The drill bit has a plurality of nozzles for expelling the drilling fluid, wherein each nozzle is arranged eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method includes introducing a bit steering assembly, rotating the drill string, and pumping drilling fluid through the central fluid passage. The drilling fluid activates a first impeller of a first rotor section to rotate in a first direction, and activates a second impeller of a second rotor section to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. The method includes adjusting a coupling between the first rotor section and the second rotor section. | 03-17-2016 |
20160084004 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING DOWNHOLE ROTATIONAL RATE OF A DRILLING TOOL - A downhole rotational rate control apparatus, adapted for coupling to the lower end of a drill string, includes a progressive cavity pump or motor, a mud flow control valve, and an electronics section. Drilling mud flowing downward through the drill string is partially diverted to flow through the pump or motor, with the mud flow rate and, in turn, the pump or motor speed being controlled by the mud flow control valve. The control valve is actuated by a control motor in response to inputs from a sensor assembly in the electronics section. By varying the rotational rate of the pump or motor relative to the rotational rate of the drill string, the tool face orientation or non-zero rotational speed of the controlled device in either direction can be varied in a controlled manner. | 03-24-2016 |
20160084071 | ARRANGEMENT FOR ASSIGNING AND DRILLING BORE HOLES - An apparatus and method for assigning drill holes. The apparatus is arranged to determine a forthcoming position of a bottom of a new drill hole before it is drilled. The forthcoming position of the drill hole bottom is determined on the basis of the current location and direction of a tool and a planned length of the drill hole. | 03-24-2016 |
20160102500 | OPTIMIZED PRODUCTION VIA GEOLOGICAL MAPPING - A method for optimizing deposit production in a well includes localizing the low resistivity fluid deposits in a geological formation. Once the deposits are mapped, production of the fluid deposit from the geological formation is optimized based on the localizing. The optimization may include adjustment of at least one of a drilling parameter or a production parameter. | 04-14-2016 |
20160102501 | STEERING ASSEMBLY FOR DIRECTIONAL DRILLING OF A WELLBORE - A steering assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis, a mandrel having a front connecting extremity and a rear connecting extremity, the mandrel passing through the housing and arranged in a first position coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the housing, a deflector device configured to exert a side force on the mandrel to offset the front connecting extremity of the mandrel from the longitudinal axis, and a tool face assembly configured to rotate the front connecting extremity of the mandrel in a desired direction. | 04-14-2016 |
20160102510 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL TIME MEASUREMENT OF GAS CONTENT IN DRILLING FLUIDS - Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring drilling fluids in real time. One method includes circulating a drilling fluid into and out of a borehole, generating a first output signal with a first optical computing device arranged near an outlet of the borehole, the first optical computing device having a first integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid, receiving the first output signal with a signal processor communicably coupled to the first optical computing device, determining the concentration of a gas present in the drilling fluid at the outlet of the borehole with the signal processor and generating a resulting output signal, conveying the resulting output signal to one or more peripheral devices, and adjusting one or more drilling or completion parameters in response to the concentration of the gas present in the drilling fluid. | 04-14-2016 |
20160108687 | Means and Methods for Multirnodality Analysis and Processing of Drilling Mud - The present application relates to an analysis system for multimodal analysis of drilling mud. Analyzing means, preferably and NMR or MRI device, are disposed about a drilling mud recirculation system and configured to communicate with the recirculation system's control system. The analyzing means are used to determine the value of a predetermined quality parameter Q. If Q fails to meet a predetermined quality criterion, the analysis system instructs the recirculation system to perform an action to alter the properties of the drilling mud such that the drilling mud returning to the drill rig will meet the quality criterion. | 04-21-2016 |
20160112678 | ROCK DRILLING RIG AND METHOD FOR MONITORING - A rock drilling rig and a method of monitoring drilling is provided. The rock drilling rig is provided with a boom and drilling unit therein. Drilling is monitored by a monitoring system having at least one monitoring video camera. Monitoring views of the camera is displayed on a display device. Several operational targets and target views for them are predefined for the system, whereby the target views are shown on the display device during progress of the drilling. The operator may monitor the drilling by the display device. | 04-21-2016 |
20160119591 | ESTIMATING CASING WEAR - Estimating casing wear. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: capturing an image comprising cuttings and casing wear particles on a shale shaker in a drilling operation, the capturing by at least one camera associated with the shale shaker; identifying casing wear particles shown in the image, the identifying by a computer system; and estimating a volume of casing wear based on the identifying. | 04-28-2016 |
20160138381 | DIRECTIONAL DRILLING APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus for directional drilling allows an uphole section of drill string to be rotated while maintaining a desired orientation of a bent section of the drill string. In some embodiments, clutches above and below the bent section are selectively operated to rotate the bent section to a desired orientation. Reducing transmissions may reduce the rotation rate of the bent section. | 05-19-2016 |
20160138382 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING STICK-SLIP - The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for rotating a drill string to mitigate stick-slip oscillations. An embodiment includes a method of rotating a drill string driven by a drive system using a control system. The method includes measuring torque values of the drive system with a torque sensor. The method also includes determining a frequency of stick-slip oscillations at the drive system based on the torque values using the control system. The method also includes determining an estimated instantaneous rotational speed of the drive system with the control system based on at least the frequency of stick-slip oscillations and a characteristic impedance of the drill string. The method also includes adjusting the estimated instantaneous rotational speed based on changes in the torque values to define an adjusted estimated instantaneous rotation speed with the control system. The method also includes providing an output signal representing the adjusted estimated instantaneous rotational speed to the drive system. The method also includes controlling rotation of a quill of the drive system based on the output signal. | 05-19-2016 |
20160145942 | ARRANGEMENT AND DOWN-THE-HOLE DRILLING EQUIPMENT FOR ANGULAR SETTING OF A DRILL STRING - An arrangement for the angular setting of a drill string includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a plurality of control and actuator devices that can be shortened and lengthened in a longitudinal direction through the influence of a driving device, and remote controllers by which the control and actuator devices can be set selectively and independently of each other in a radially extended or radially withdrawn condition. | 05-26-2016 |
20160145993 | DRILL PIPE OSCILLATION REGIME FOR SLIDE DRILLING - Apparatuses, methods, and systems include rotary drilling a first segment of a wellbore by rotating a drill string with a top drive forming a part of a drilling rig apparatus for a first period of time; obtaining data from a sensor disposed about the drilling rig apparatus while rotary drilling for at least a part of the first period of time; and based on the data from the sensor, determining a proposed oscillation revolution amount for the drill string to reduce friction of the drill string in the downhole bore without changing the direction of a bottom hole assembly while slide drilling. | 05-26-2016 |
20160168973 | OPTIMIZED ROTATION OF A DRILL STRING DURING SLIDING MODE OF DIRECTIONAL DRILLING | 06-16-2016 |
20160186496 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR WELL PRODUCTIVITY - A system and method for drilling a formation and a method for computing expected production from a wellbore in a formation and/or hydrocarbon reserves associated with the formation, the formation having a plurality of naturally-occurring fractures, the method including computationally modelling the formation; computing one or more wellbore positions intersecting some or all of the fractures; and computing an expected production from the wellbore at least partially based on an expected wellbore damage associated with a particular type of drilling technique. | 06-30-2016 |
20160186551 | OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A DRILL PATH USING PATH SMOOTHING - A drilling assembly control system is designed to control drill bit orientation such that a well path is followed that minimizes oscillations and deviations. When a deviation from the intended well path is detected, a predictive module models the deviated path. Using the modeled path, an optimization module utilizes a cost function and various constraints to analyze alternative correction paths in order to determine which correction path provides the most non-tortuous return to the intended well path. | 06-30-2016 |
20160194946 | REMOVAL OF STICK-SLIP VIBRATIONS IN A DRILLING ASSEMBLY | 07-07-2016 |
20160194951 | Proximity Detection Using Instrumented Cutting Elements | 07-07-2016 |
20160251901 | DRILLING APPARATUS | 09-01-2016 |
20170234120 | ADVANCED INGROUND OPERATIONS, SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS | 08-17-2017 |
20170235007 | Drilling Noise Categorization and Analysis | 08-17-2017 |
20170235012 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING FORMATION PROPERTIES USING TRANSIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC MEASUREMENTS WHILE DRILLING | 08-17-2017 |
20180025269 | MODEL GENERATION FOR REAL-TIME RATE OF PENETRATION PREDICTION | 01-25-2018 |
20190145173 | CLOSED LOOP CONTROL OF DRILLING TOOLFACE | 05-16-2019 |
20190145177 | MODULAR EARTH-BORING TOOLS, MODULES FOR SUCH TOOLS AND RELATED METHODS | 05-16-2019 |
20220137568 | PREDICTIVE MODELS AND MULTI-OBJECTIVE CONSTRAINT OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM TO OPTIMIZE DRILLING PARAMETERS OF A WELLBORE - A computer-readable medium performs a method for performing a drilling operation in a formation. A plurality of predictive models are determined. Each predictive model of the plurality of predictive models is determined for an interval in the downhole formation, wherein each predictive model of the plurality of predictive models relates one or more drilling parameters of the drilling operation to a plurality of objectives for the drilling operation. A plurality of target objectives is defined. A plurality of outcomes is determined for each of the predictive models of the plurality of predictive models and the plurality of target objectives. An optimization is performed to select an outcome from the plurality of outcomes. The drilling operation is performed using the selected outcome to achieve the plurality of target objectives. | 05-05-2022 |