A Step-Change Real-Time Directional Drilling Digital Interface

This paper describes the development of a Directional Drilling Digital Interface (DDDI) which is capable of illustrating the interplay of many of the parameters which are present within the directional drilling process and specifically those that are coincident upon positive displacement downhole drilling motors (PDM) and rotary steerable systems (RSS) while operating downhole. Ever increasing amounts of data are available from advanced drilling engineering packages and from intelligent downhole drilling tools, the downhole data being obtained via advanced telemetry systems and wired drillpipe. The DDDI provides a central platform on which to display comprehensive dynamic numerical and graphical directional drilling process data together for the first time, enhancing visualization, improving understanding and promoting effective collaboration and decision making. Details are provided of how the interface promotes optimization of the real-time directional drilling process. This provides an efficient balanced working system downhole, resulting in less drilling equipment wear and damage and reduced drilling costs. Operating on real-time or recorded data, at rig site or in remote operations centres, the DDDI utilises data supplied via an existing real-time drilling information acquisition and database system. The interface processes data based on engineering models, empirical knowledge, dynomometer testing data and engineering design data and presents dynamic graphical representations of functioning downhole drilling equipment in terms of the mechanical loadings and operating pressures applied to it. The interface aids in the comprehensive conceptualisation of the directional drilling process. Subject-matter experts can remotely observe the directional drilling process, experienced personnel can oversee multiple applications, effectively getting more done with fewer people. A directional drilling simulator module allows users to control various aspects of the directional drilling process, improving competency through the running of virtual scenarios. The DDDI enhances the directional drilling process, expands the technical knowledge base and supports a directional drilling expert system objective