Closed loop control system for automated drilling operations

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to determine an optimized closed-loop control system for automated drilling operations, taking into consideration all the factors that affect the drilling rate of penetration. These factors include drilling parameters such as weight on the bit, rotary speed, flow rate, pressure differential across the hole bottom, true vertical depth, torque, formation parameters such as formation strength, depth, and compaction, bit parameters such as bit type, bit OD, length, diameter, weight, shank length and OD, nozzle size, total flow area, cutter sizes, gauge length, and drilling fluid parameters such as fluid type, rheology model, oil or water volume, salt content, solids gravity, and sand content. To solve this problem, the impact of changes to the drilling rate of penetration by each of these individual parameters is investigated, and measures are put in place to ensure that the penetration rate remains optimal throughout the drilling operation. To automate the process, closed-loop control systems were developed to optimize these individual parameters, eventually reducing physical or mental human interference. Once the drilling process has been effectively automated, an optimum drilling rate of penetration has been achieved, and overall drilling performance has increased.