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Drilltronics Rig
| Project title: | Drilltronics Rig
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| Time frame: | 2001-2009
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Objectives:
| Drilltronics Rig combines existing hardware and software for monitoring and controlling the drilling process with continuously updated advanced mathematical process models in order to achieve enhanced drilling efficiency, safety and control.
Safe limits for the drilling operation are computed and enforced in real-time, according to existing process constraints, providing safe envelope protection.
Optimised automation of operations within existing constraints is achieved through application of forward model calculations, providing a more efficient drilling process.
Continuous diagnostic control and early detection of emerging problems is enabled through running of models and comparing with real time data, ensuring safe running of process automation.
The Drilltronics Rig System concept may be seen as analogue to the concept of fly-by-wire electronically operated flight control, with automated optimised control such as the Airbus Brake-to-Vacate system for regulation of optimal landing speed and deceleration.
Based on evaluation of existing technology and know-how at RF– Rogaland Research (now IRIS) in 2001 it was concluded that RF was in a position to develop monitoring, control and prediction systems to be applied in drilling control. The Drilltronics development project (phase 2) was initiated late 2002 with Statoil, ENI and Chevron, after performing a phase 1 feasibility study together with National Oilwell 2001. The system was initially to act as an enhancement for the National Oilwell Cyberbase system, where it was intended demonstrated.
The current automated functionalities of the Drilltronics Rig system are: automated tripping and reaming control, automated and optimised pump build-up control, automated well friction test (pick up/rotation/slack off), bit load optimisation (continuous drill-off). The NOV stick slip prevention module may also be delivered as part of the system. The diagnostic functionalities are: hole cleaning diagnostics, stuck pipe diagnostics, pressure diagnostics, pit volume diagnostics, cuttings build-up diagnostics and torque and drag diagnostics.
Drilltronics have been successfully demonstrated at the Ullrigg test rig in Stavanger and was demonstrated at a North Sea drilling operation during summer 2007.
Drilltronics is developed in close co-operation with National Oilwell Varco. In phase 3, initiated in 2006, optimised mechanical and pressure control through automation are main issues, and diagnostics is extended to well control, cementing and completion, where automated testing shall contribute to diagnostics. Also, the system is to be made vendor independent through use of WITSML and OPC.
As part of the testing and implementation of the system, effect on the drilling operations organisation have been assessed. Participants are being interviewed in January 2008 in order to provide data for work process analysis. Several actors are involved in the drilling process, and with application of new technology, as is the case here, further actors will materialise. Current participants are the main operating company, equipment supplier, the well service company, the contractor (the drilling company) and IRIS as research institute.
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| Project leader: | Fionn Iversen
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| Financial support: | Statoil
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Contact person: Fionn Iversen
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