Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
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TITLE: SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR REAL-TIME STREAMING OF WELL
LOGGING DATA WITH SELF-ALIGNING SATELLITES
FIELD
[0001] The present embodiments generally relate to a system and method
for real-time
streaming of well logging data using self-aligning satellites.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A need exists for a system or method using a self-adjusting and
online configurable
satellite communication system to stream drilling data.
[0003] A need exists for a system or method for continuously receiving
drilling data from
on-rig client devices and monitors, processing the drilling data at the site
into well
logging data, and transmitting the well logging data back to on-rig client
devices
while simultaneously transmitting to a satellite network for transmission to a
central
server.
[0004] A need exists for a system or method using a central server to
provide a secure
connection and encrypted drilling data and well logs to client devices that
are not
located on the rig, allowing for fast safety decisions, quickly implemented
changes in
drilling direction, and preventing rigs from catching fire, exploding, or
causing
environmental damage.
[0005] A need exists for a system or method for transmitting drilling
data to on-rig and
remote client devices quickly and efficiently, allowing for operators and
remote
executives to know a status of the drilling operation in real-time with
streaming data,
thereby allowing for fast and efficient decision making regarding the drilling
operations.
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[0006] The present embodiments meet these needs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction
with the
accompanying drawings as follows:
[0008] Figure 1 depicts an overview of an embodiment of the system.
[0009] Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of a WITS data storage.
[00010] Figure 3 depicts an embodiment of an encryption module.
[00011] Figure 4 depicts an embodiment of a remote central server.
[00012] Figure 5 depicts an embodiment of an executive dashboard.
[00013] Figure 6 depicts an embodiment of a well log.
[00014] Figures 7A-7C depict an embodiment of an encryption module.
[00015] The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the
listed Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[00016] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, where considered
appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate
corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific
details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary
embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of
ordinary
skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced
without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and
components
have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments
described
herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the
scope of
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,
the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing
the
implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
[00017] The present embodiments relate to a method for providing well logging
and drilling
data transmission services. The method can include real-time streaming the
drilling
data, including associated well logging data, from a drilling rig using self-
aligning
satellites.
[00018] The method can include using a secure connection to provide
communication
between a plurality of rig based client devices and interconnected rig based
radio
boxes.
[00019] WITS stands for well site information transfer specification, which
can be a
communications format used for the transfer of a wide variety of well site
data from
one computer system to another.
[00020] Each rig based client device can include an interne connection, a WITS
connection, a
voice over interne protocol phone connection "VoIP", and a WIFITM connection,
or
combinations thereof
[00021] The method can include receiving and transmitting the drilling data
and the associated
well logging data. For example, the rig based client devices can receive the
drilling
data from sensors, monitors, measurement devices, and like instrumentation.
The rig
based client devices can be in direct communication with the sensors,
monitors,
measurement devices, and like instrumentation. The rig based client devices
can then
transmit the received drilling data, such as through the intemet connection,
WITS
connection, voice over intern& protocol phone connection, WIFITM connection,
the
like, or combinations thereof The rig based client devices can transmit the
drilling
data to the interconnected rig based radio boxes.
[00022] The method can include sending and receiving phone calls using the rig
based client
devices along with the interne connection, voice over intemet protocol phone
connection, the like, or combinations thereof The method can include sending
and
receiving queries over the interne. The method can include sending and
receiving
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communications using the WIFITM connection.
[00023] The method can include creating a rig based wireless network using the
interconnected rig based radio boxes.
[00024] The method can include communicating between the plurality of rig
based client
devices and a rig based processor over the rig based wireless local network to
receive
and transmit the drilling data and the associated well logging data.
[00025] The method can include using the rig based processor to transmit the
drilling data and
the associated well logging data to a satellite network using a rig based
router and
switch connected to a satellite modem.
[00026] The method can include using a self-aligning satellite dish to receive
the drilling data
and the associated well logging data from the satellite modem and to transmit
the
drilling data and the associated well logging data to the satellite network.
[00027] The method can include communicating the drilling data and associated
well logging
data from the satellite network to a remote network operation center using an
encrypted connection.
[00028] The method can include communicating the drilling data and associated
well logging
data from the remote network operation center to a remote central server.
[00029] The method can include using the remote central server to receive,
store, and display
in real-time streaming drilling data and associated well logging data.
[00030] The method can include using the remote central server to activate an
alarm when the
drilling data or associated well logging date exceeds or falls beneath a
preset limit.
[00031] The method can include using the remote central server to form an
executive
dashboard of the drilling data or associated well logging data. The executive
dashboard of drilling data can be used by CEOs, presidents, public affairs
officers,
safety officers at a location remote to the rig, or other users and operators
to monitor
progress and cause change in drilling plans.
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[00032] The method can include using the remote central server to track
drilling progress on
multiple wells. As such, the method can be used to provide for fast responses
to
situations occurring at multiple drilling rigs.
[00033] The method can include using the remote central server to scale the
drilling data. The
scaling and the drilling data and the streaming of the executive dashboard can
occur
continuously, and can be updated continuously from continuously received
drilling
data from the drilling rig.
[00034] The method can include using the remote central server to transfer the
drilling data
and the associated well logging data to a remote client device.
[00035] The method can include using the remote central server to a track
drilling progress on
multiple wells, scale drilling data.
[00036] The method can include using the remote central server to generate a
well log.
[00037] The method can include using the remote central server to perform
remote diagnostics
and reconfigure software online without taking down the local wireless area
network.
[00038] The method can include using the remote central server to stream the
drilling data, the
associated well logging data, the executive dashboard, or combinations thereof
to the
remote client device for display thereon.
[00039] The method can include creating client accounts in the central server.
For example,
an administrator of the central server can create the client accounts.
[00040] The method can include inputting information on other manned logging
units into the
central server, which can be performed by the administrator.
[00041] The method can include monitoring data traffic to a central polling
drop point for the
processor, which can be performed by the administrator.
[00042] The method can include monitoring drilling data for use in generating
a well log,
which can be performed by the administrator.
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[00043] The method can include monitoring the drilling data for use in storing
and displaying
as real-time streaming drilling data, which can be performed by the
administrator.
[00044] The method can include using a plurality of processors connected in
series to engage
the central polling drop point to pick up drilling data from other manned
logging units
to record, store, and post drilling data provided from the rig based client
device and
the rig based processor to a website. The website can be presented by the
central
server to the network.
[00045] One or more embodiments of the method can be implemented using one or
more
embodiments of the system disclosed herein.
[00046] The system can be used to provide continuous real-time streaming of
drilling data and
well logging data from a drilling rig, such as an oil or gas drilling rig.
[00047] The system can provide a unique way to collect, compile, and transmit
drilling data to
on-rig and remote client devices, providing a single central server for access
of the
drilling data by operators and other users. The system can be used to provide
a single
access point for drilling data acquired from multiple electronic drilling
recorder
providers, mud logging providers, and other third party providers from
multiple
drilling rigs and/or locations using the central server.
[00048] The system can provide WIFITM, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
telephone
communications, and Internet access from a plurality of rig based client
devices on
the drilling rig. For example, the system can use a local area network of
radio devices
that can be in communication with self-aligning satellite dishes and a
satellite
network. The satellite network can provide a secure communication with a
central
server for secure communication to non-rig based remote client devices. As
such, the
system can be used to receive drilling data and well logging data from rig
based client
devices and to transmit the drilling data to rig based client devices and
remote client
devices in a continuous real-time stream.
[00049] The system can include a rig based well site information transfer
specification
"WITS" processor that can be in communication with a WITS data storage and a
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=
=
power supply, such as a second power supply. The rig based WITS processor can
be
configured to: receive the drilling data from the plurality of rig based
client devices,
and form well logging data for transmission to rig based client devices and
remote
client devices through a rig based router and switch.
[00050] The WITS system, including the rig based WITS processor and the WITS
data
storage, can be a multi-level format, and can be used to achieve entry point
with
higher levels. At lower levels, a fixed format ASCII data stream can be used.
At
higher levels, a self-defining customizable data stream can be used. A WITS
data
stream can include discrete data records, each of which can be generated
independently of other data record types, and can have a trigger variable and
sampling interval. The WITS system can include a remote computer system to
send
instructions to set or change certain parameters, including the type of data
transmitted
and the interval for transmission. The WITS system can specify a format for
data
transmission, and define a basic set of pre-defined records to which user-
defined
record types can be added.
[00051] The rig based WITS processor can be used with the local area network
and rig based
client devices to do on-the-spot compiling of the drilling data, well logging
data, and
to provide alarms to operators on the drilling rig via continuous executive
dashboards
for operators and/or executives. The system can also provide alarms to
executives of
a drilling company using continuous remote executive dashboards via the self-
aligning satellite dishes, satellite network, and encrypted communications
with a
network operations center and a remote central server.
[00052] The system can provide various benefits including safety benefits,
operational
benefits, geological benefits, and cost benefits. The safety benefits can
include
detecting hydrocarbons and other gasses to prevent the occurrence of
explosions,
blowouts, poisoning, and other dangerous situations. The operational benefits
can
include allowing executives at remote locations to view real-time streaming
data and
to be enabled to make timely decisions based on the real-time streaming data.
The
geological benefits can include locating hydrocarbon and gas reservoirs, as
well as
other geological features. The cost benefits can allow executives at remote
locations
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to view real-time streaming data and to be enabled to make more cost effective
decisions based on the real-time streaming data.
[00053] The system can include self-aligning satellites in communication with
the rig based
WITS processor for transmitting and receiving the drilling data and associated
well
logging data.
[00054] In one or more embodiments, the rig based client devices can receive
drilling data
from sensors, monitoring devices, or other measurement instruments, such as
chromatographs, mud pumps, mud volume totalizers, mud pit volume totalizers,
mud
pit monitors, drill switches, gas sensors, depth sensors, on-off bottom
switches, flame
ionization detectors, catalytic combustion detectors, thermal conductivity
detectors,
infrared gas detectors, other gas detection devices, other gas measuring
devices,
weight on bit transducers, drilling rig servers, the like, or combinations
thereof.
[00055] Examples of the drilling data, including the associated well logging
data, that can be
transmitted and received include: hole depth, drill bit depth, lag depth,
total gas,
methane content, ethane content, propane content, isobutane content, pump
pressure,
torque, carrier air pressure, casing pressure, fluorescence, drilling mud
content, well
bore depths, chromatograms, lag time information, rate of penetration into the
wellbore, weight on the drill bit, hook load, stand pipe pressure, pump stroke
rate,
rotary table speed, mud tank levels, measured depth of the wellbore, true
vertical
depth of the wellbore, measured depth of the drill bit, true vertical depth of
the drill
bit, measured depth at which the drilling data is received such as a depth of
a
geological or gas sample, gamma ray reading data, resistivity readings,
caliber
readings, temperature readings, any other data measured during the drilling of
a
wellbore, and other related drilling information.
[00056] Each rig based client device can be connected to, or otherwise in
communication
with, a power supply, such as an on-rig power supply. The power supply can be
batteries or another type of on-rig power source.
[00057] The rig based client devices can be a client indoor unit (CIDU) made
by Selman and
Associates, Ltd. of Midland, Texas, or other rig based client devices
configured to
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receive and transmit the drilling data from the sensors, monitoring devices,
or other
measurement instruments using one or more communication pathways. For example,
each rig based client device can have an Internet connection, a WITS
connection, a
Voice over Internet Protocol phone connection (VoIP), and a WIFITM connection
for
communication of the drilling data and the associated well logging data. The
WITS
connection can be a port for receiving the drilling data and transferring the
drilling
data to the rig based WITS processor.
[00058] Each rig based client device can be adapted to: receive and transmit
the drilling data
and the associated well logging data, send and receive phone calls, send and
receive
queries over the Internet, send and receive communications using the WI-FITM
connection, or combinations thereof. For example, the phone calls can be used
to
allow a rig manager or operator to call headquarters to update personnel and
executives on a status of drilling operations, to call for help in emergency
situations,
to request supplies, or the like. Providing for phone calls can be useful
because many
drilling rigs are disposed at remote locations where there is otherwise no
phone
service. For example, the Internet can be used by the rig manager, operator,
or a
drilling supervisor to send and receive reports, emails, and to access remote
databases, such as company databases, via the Internet connection. For
example, the
WIFITM connection can be by the rig manager, operator, or drilling supervisor
to
send and receive reports, emails, and to access remote databases, such as
company
databases, using WIFITM enabled portable devices, such as mobile phones,
laptops,
netbooks, and the like.
[00059] A plurality of rig based radio boxes, such as those made by Engenius
Technologies of
Costa Mesa, California, model number E005610, can be attached to the drilling
rig.
When activated, each rig based radio box can form a rig based local area
network for
connecting to and communicating with each rig based client device. Each rig
based
radio box can have a bidirectional antenna, a receiver, and transmitter for
receiving
and transmitting signals. The rig based local area network can be a wireless
network,
a wired network, or combinations thereof.
[00060] A rig based router and switch can be connected to or otherwise in
communication
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with the rig based local area network and a second power supply. An
illustrative rig
based router and switch can include one made by D-Link of Fountain Valley,
California. The second power supply can be a rig power supply, such as a
generator
or a bank of batteries. The rig based router and switch can be configured to
receive
and transmit signals using the rig based local area network. For example, the
rig
based router and switch can transmit signals from the rig based local area
network to
both the rig based WITS processor and one or more self-aligning satellite
dishes. An
illustrative self-aligning satellite dish can include a General Dynamics
Sentinel
System Model 2985-140. The satellite network can include equipment made by
HughesNet in combination with satellites in orbit.
[00061] In operation, the rig based WITS processor can receive the drilling
data from the rig
based client devices. The rig based WITS processor can then perform
compilation of
the received drilling data, and can track changes of the received drilling
data. For
example, compilation of the drilling data can include collecting the various
distinct
drilling data points, and storing the drilling data. The tracking of the
changes to the
drilling data can include, for example, determining the presence of a change
in a data
point. For example, if a measured drill bit depth is first measured at 2545.3
feet, and
then the measured drill bit depth is measured at 2545.8 feet, the rig based
WITS
processor can determine the presence of a change in that data point. The rig
based
WITS processor can be configured to transmit the data point to rig based
client
devices and remote client devices only when the presence of a change is
determined.
[00062] The rig based WITS processor can form well logging data for
transmission to the rig
based client devices and to the remote client devices using the compiled
drilling data.
For example, the formation of the well logging data can include forming a
table of the
compiled drilling data. The drilling data on the table of the compiled
drilling data can
be simultaneously indexed by measured hole depth, date stamp, and time stamp.
[00063] The rig based WITS processor can transmit well logging data and
drilling data
directly to the self-aligning satellite dish that are in communication with a
satellite
network through the rig based router and switch.
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[00064] The WITS data storage can include various computer programs and
computer
instructions.
[00065] The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to receive,
store, and send
the drilling data and the associated well logging data. For example, the WITS
data
storage can receive the drilling data and the associated well logging data
from the rig
based client devices. The WITS data storage can store drilling data and the
associated well logging data therein. The WITS data storage can send the
drilling
data, the associated well logging data, and other WITS information to remote
client
devices, such as through the satellite network of the self-aligning satellite
dish.
[00066] The other WITS information can include weather conditions, sea
conditions, operator
comments, well identification data, vessel motion and mooring status data, an
operator name, a well name, Kelly bushing height of the well bore at the
surface, an
owner name for the well bore, cell phone numbers, other contact information,
and
similar information.
[00067] The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to store
configurations and
settings for the plurality of rig based client devices, the rig based WITS
processor, the
rig based router and switch, or combinations thereof. For example, a
configuration of
a rig client device can include inputting IP addresses, phone numbers, and
serial
communications port numbers into the rig based client devices. Configuration
of the
rig based WITS processor and the rig based router and switch can be similarly
performed.
[00068] The WITS data storage can contain computer instructions to configure
and
reconfigure online the rig based processor, the rig based router and switch,
and
combinations thereof, while the network is operating without shutting the
network
down.
[00069] The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to perform
diagnostics on
the plurality of rig based client devices using diagnostic tools. For example,
the
diagnostic tools can include indicators that can indicate whether or not the
rig based
client devices are online, indicators of signal quality from the rig based
client devices,
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" .
indicators of ping times, indicators of current IP addresses, indicators of
whether or
not the rig based client devices capable of transmitting drilling data, and
the like.
[00070] The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to perform
diagnostics on
the local area network. For example, the diagnostic tools can include
indicators that
can indicate whether or not the local area network is online, indicators of
signal
quality from the local area network, indicators of ping times, indicators of
current IP
addresses, and the like. The indicators associated with the diagnostic tools
can be
visual indicators.
[00071] The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to store
configurations and
settings for the plurality of rig based client devices, the rig based WITS
processor, the
rig based router and switch, or combinations thereof thereon. For example, the
configurations and setting can include communication port numbers for the rig
based
client devices, IP addresses, a number or type of data points that each rig
based client
device is configured to send and receive, or the like.
[00072] The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to online
configure and
reconfigure the rig based WITS processor, the rig based router and switch, the
rig
based client devices, or combinations thereof while the rig based local area
network is
operating without shutting the rig based local area network down. For example,
during operation of the rig based local area network, the rig based WITS
processor,
the rig based router and switch, and the rig based client devices can be
configured as
described above and can then be reconfigured as described above.
[00073] A rig based satellite modem can be connected to or otherwise in
communication with
the rig based WITS processor, the rig based router and switch, the second
power
supply, and the one or more self-aligning satellite dishes through the
satellite network
for communication with a remote network operation center.
[00074] A remote central server can be positioned at a location apart from the
rig, such as
from about 100 miles to about 2000 miles away from the drilling rig. The
remote
central server can be any distance from the drilling rig.
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[00075] The remote central server can include one or more central server
processors and a
central server data storage connected to or otherwise in communication with
the one
or more central server processors. A display can be associated or in
communication
with the remote central server. Information and other data from the remote
central
server can be displayed on the display and on displays of one or more remote
client
devices.
[00076] The central server data storage can have various computer instructions
stored thereon.
1000771 The central server data storage can include computer instructions to
receive the well
logging data and the drilling data from the rig based WITS processor. The well
logging data and the drilling data can be received by the remote central
server in real-
time using data streaming over the satellite network.
[00078] The central server data storage can include computer instructions to
store the received
well logging data and the drilling data therein.
[00079] The central server data storage can include computer instructions to
display the well
logging data and the drilling data using real-time streaming. The well logging
data
and the drilling data can be displayed on the display of the remote central
server and
on displays of remote client devices.
[00080] The central server data storage can include computer instructions to
activate an alarm
when the drilling data and/or the well logging data exceeds or falls beneath a
preset
limit. The preset limit can be a user set preset limit that can be input and
stored into
the central server data storage. For example, a user can set a high threshold
limit for
the total hydrocarbon reading of a wellbore. If the measured total hydrocarbon
reading exceeds the preset limit set by the user then the alarm can be
initiated. The
alarm can be any audio alarm, visual alarm, or both. Another example of the
alarm
can be an alarm that indicates that too much ethane is detected at the well
bore.
[00081] The central server data storage can have computer instructions to form
an executive
dashboard of the drilling data and associated well logging data. The executive
dashboard can be used by users, such as CEOs, presidents, public affairs
officers,
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safety officers, operators, executives, and other users at a location remote
from the
drilling rig to monitor progress and to initiate changes in drilling plans.
For example,
the user can monitor the drilling data. The user can initiate changes to the
drilling
plans if the user determines that the drilling data indicates a need for the
change. For
example, the drilling data might indicate that a change in a direction of the
drilling is
required, that a change in the drilling fluid is required, that the drilling
needs to be
stopped, or the like.
[00082] The executive dashboard can display all of the drilling data and
associated well
logging data disclosed herein, the name of the well, a time stamp for the
data, a view
time for the data, WITS information, weather conditions, sea conditions,
operator
comments, well identification data, vessel motion and mooring status data,
pump
speed, pump rate, composition of gasses coming from the wellbore, type of rock
in
the formation, and the like. The executive dashboard can present the data
graphically
and digitally.
[00083] The central server data storage can have computer instructions to
track drilling
progress on multiple wells simultaneously. For example, the remote central
server
can use the computer instructions on the central server data storage to track
the
various drilling data from multiple drilling rigs simultaneously. A user can
track the
drilling data using the executive dashboard.
[00084] The central server data storage can have computer instructions for
scaling of drilling
data.
[00085] An example of scaling of drilling data, with a depth as the y-axis and
a data value as
the x-axis, can include changing a magnitude of the data value on the x-axis
to match
a scale to allow at least most of the data values to reside within the scaling
for the
entirety of the well log. For example, scaling can include fitting drilling
data on a
graph's x-axis by dividing each value by 100, making a graph that is scaled 0-
to-100.
Any value less than 100 on the scale will show up in the graph.
[00086] In one or more embodiments, if a data value exceeds the maximum point
on the scale,
the data value can appear on the scale with a visual indicator, indicating
that the data
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value is equivalent to its position on the scale plus the maximum value of the
scale.
For example, if the maximum on the scale is 100, and the data value is 112,
the data
value can appear as 12 on the scale with a visual indication that the data
value has
gone over-scale, thereby indicating that the data value is actually 112.
[00087] The central server data storage can have computer instructions for
transferring
drilling data and well logging data to remote client devices. The remote
client
devices can be client devices that are not located at the drilling rig.
[00088] The central server data storage can have computer instructions to
generate a well log
using the drilling data. For example, the computer instructions to generate a
well log
by forming a well log table and by forming a graphical representation of the
drilling
data. For example, the computer instructions can plot drilling time, plot
drilling
depth, plot pump pressure, plot torque on the well drilling equipment, plot
casing
pressure, plot rotary table revolutions per minute, plot mud pit volume,
perform mud
pit totalizing, display total hydrocarbon readings, display the drilling data,
the
associated well logging data, or combinations thereof. All of the data and
plotted data
in the central server data storage can be compiled and presented on the
executive
dashboard as the well log.
[00089] The central server data storage can have computer instructions to
perform diagnostics
on drilling rig based equipment and drilling rig based software. For example,
an
administrator can perform the diagnostics. The performance of diagnostics can
include the same of the diagnostics of that described above with respect to
the rig
based WITS processor and WITS data storage, with the ability to configure
remotely.
[00090] The central server data storage can have computer instructions to
reconfigure the
drilling rig based equipment and the drilling rig software on-line without
taking down
or shutting off all or a portion of the rig based local area network. For
example, while
at least a portion of the rig based local area network is running, the remote
central
server can use the computer instructions thereon to reconfigure the drilling
rig based
equipment and the drilling rig software by in a manner substantially similar
as
described above with respect to the rig based WITS processor and WITS data
storage,
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but from a remote location. The drilling rig based equipment can include the
rig
based client devices, the rig based WITS processor, the rig based radio boxes,
the
self-aligning satellite dish, the rig based satellite modem, the rig based
local area
network, the rig based router and switch, and the like. The drilling rig
software can
be any software that is operating the drilling rig based equipment and is
directly or
indirectly accessible through the satellite network.
[00091] The system can include an encrypted connection providing a secure
connection
between the remote network operation center and the remote central server. The
encrypted connection can be formed using encryption software. The encryption
software can include symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, such as RSA
encryption, or combinations thereof. The encryption module can include
computer
instructions to provide a security certificate verifiable by a trusted third
party. For
example, an RSA encryption with security certificates verifiable by a trusted
third
party, such as VERISIGNTM, can be used.
[00092] The encryption module can be installed in the remote central server
and the central
data storage to provide an encrypted communication between the remote network
operation center and the remote central server, and to provide secure
communication
between users with remote client devices and the remote central server.
[00093] In one or more embodiments, the encryption module can include computer
instructions to form a secure log-in. For example, the secure log-in can be
formed by
requiring a user name and password to access the remote central server. The
encryption module can encrypt any transmission of the required user name and
password.
[00094] The encryption module can include computer instructions to verify the
log-in. For
example, the log-in can be verified by comparing a received user name and
password
with authorized user name and passwords stored in the remote central server
data
storage. The encryption module can ensure that the user associated with the
user
name and password is authorized to access particular data in the central
server, and is
authorized to perform particular actions in the central server.
16
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
[00095] The encryption module can include computer instructions to encrypt
drilling data
with a symmetric data encryption algorithm. For example, the drilling data can
be
encrypted using a key and a cipher algorithm to encrypt and decrypt the
drilling data.
[00096] At least one remote client device can be connected to or otherwise in
communication
with a network, such as the Internet, a cellular network, or any other
communications
network. The remote client device can communicate with the remote central
server.
Each remote client device can be a laptop, desktop computer, mobile phone,
personal
digital assistant, netbook, or the like. Each remote client device can be
configured to
receive data from the remote central server in a real-time stream, including
the
drilling data, associated well logging data, the well log, and the executive
dashboard.
For example, the remote client devices can receive and present the data on a
web
browser. As such, users can remotely view the executive dashboard of the
drilling
data and the well logging data.
[00097] In one or more embodiments, the remote network operations center can
be a virtual
network operations center that is run from additional servers connected to the
network. Also, a virtual network operations center can be used in conjunction
with a
physical remote network operations center.
[00098] In one or more embodiments, the network can be a combination of at
least two
networks. The network can be a satellite network, the Internet, a cellular
network, a
fiber optic network, another wired network, a category 5e network, another
wireless
network, a WIFITM network, or combinations thereof.
[00099] Each power supply can be a plurality of batteries, a bank of
batteries, a wind
generator, a solar array, a rig generated power supply, or another power
supply.
[000100] In one or more embodiments, the remote central server can include a
plurality of
processors, such as from about 2 processors to about 20 processors, that can
be
connected in parallel or series to a switch, the central server data storage,
and a third
power supply.
[000101] The plurality of processors can use the central polling drop point to
pick up drilling
17
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
data from other manned logging units, record the drilling data, store the
drilling data,
and post the drilling data provided from the rig based client devices and the
other
manned logging units. The central polling drop point can be a folder or
directory
accessible via a file transfer protocol (FTP) server, a folder or directory
that is
accessible via a website using various HTTP protocols or instructions, or the
like.
The other manned logging units can be mobile field laboratories that create
hydrocarbon well logs via automatic processes and/or manual analysis. The
drilling
data can be transmitted to the rig based WITS processor, rig based client
devices, the
remote client devices, and to a website presented by the central server. The
website
can be streamed through the network for presentation on web browsers of the
remote
client devices. The plurality of processors can increase efficiency, speed,
and
reliability of the system.
[000102] In one or more embodiments, the central server can have client
accounts stored
therein. The client accounts can include user names, passwords, names, and
contact
information for each user.
[000103] In one or more embodiments, the central server can have information
input therein.
The information can include information and data received from the other
manned
logging units, including information about the wellbores, well header
information,
such as operator names, location information, well names, and the like.
[000104] In one or more embodiments, the central server can monitor, or can be
used to
monitor, data traffic to the central polling drop point for the center server
processor.
For example, monitoring the data traffic to the central polling drop point can
include
identifying when new files arrive to a folder or directory, and transferring
that new
data to at least one of the center server processors for storage and filing.
Monitoring
the data traffic can include compiling the data with existing data in already
existing
folders or directories.
[000105] In one or more embodiments, the central server can monitor, or be
used to monitor,
drilling data for use in generating the well log and storing and displaying
the drilling
data as a real-time stream. The monitoring of the drilling data for use in
storing and
18
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
=
'
displaying as real-time streaming drilling data can include determining a
presence of
a change in the drilling data for real-time streaming of the drilling data.
[000106] Turning now to the Figures, Figure 1 depicts a diagram of the system
at a drilling rig
9.
[000107] Two rig based client devices 10a and 10b can each have an interne
connection 13a
and 13b, a WITS connection 15a and 15b, a VoIP connection 17a and WIFITM
connection 21a and 21b. As such, each rig based client device 10a and 10b can
have
multiple communication channels for receipt and transmission of drilling data
8 and
for other communications.
[000108] Each rig based client device 10a and 10b can be in communication with
first power
supplies 11 a and 11 b for receipt of power therefrom.
[000109] Each rig based client device 10a and 10b can be in communication with
one of a first
rig based radio box 14a and/or a second rig based radio box 14b. At least one
of the
rig based radio boxes, such as the second rig based radio box 14b, can be
connected
to one of the first power supplies, such as the first power supply lib.
[000110] A third rig based radio box 14c can be connected to or in
communication with one or
both of the first and second rig based radio boxes 14a and 14b. The
combination of
the first, second, and third rib based radio boxes 14a, 14b, and 14c can form
a rig
based local area network 16.
[000111] A rig based router and switch 18 can be in communication with the rig
based local
area network 16, a rig based satellite modem 40, and a rig based WITS
processor 20.
[000112] The rig based WITS processor 20 can be in communication with a WITS
data storage
22, which can be a flash drive, a hard drive, a disc drive, or another form of
data
storage.
[000113] A second power supply 19 can be connected to the rig based WITS
processor 20, the
rig based router and switch 18, and the rig based satellite modem 40 for
supplying
power thereto.
19
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
[000114] The rig based satellite modem 40 can be in bidirectional
communication with a self-
aligning satellite dish 38. The self-aligning satellite dish 38 can be in
communication
with a satellite network 42. The satellite network 42 can be in communication
with a
first manned logging unit 88a, a second manned logging unit 88b, and a network
operations center 44.
[000115] The network operations center 44 can be located remote from the
drilling rig 9. The
network operations center 44 can be in communication with a virtual network
operations center 45.
[000116] An encrypted connection 63 can provide encrypted communication
between the
network operations center 44 and a remote central server 46. The remote
central
server 46 can be in communication with a first network 62a and a second
network
62b. The first and second networks 62a and 62b can be cellular networks, the
Internet, or other networks disclosed herein.
[000117] Three remote client devices 64a, 64b, and 64c can be in communication
with the first
network 62a, the second network 62b, or combinations thereof
[000118] In operation, the rig based client devices 10a and 10b can receive
the drilling data 8
from sensors, monitors, measurement devices, and other such instruments used
for
collecting data on the drilling rig 9, such as from a sensor 71. The rig based
client
devices 10a and 10b can transmit the drilling data 8 to the rig based radio
boxes 14a,
14b, and 14c through the rig based local area network 16.
[000119] The rig based radio boxes 14a, 14b, and 14c can transmit the drilling
data 8 to the rig
based router and switch 18 through the rig based local area network 16. The
rig
based router and switch 18 can transmit the drilling data 8 to the WITS data
storage
22, such as by communication with the rig based WITS processor 20. The
drilling
data 8 can then be stored on the WITS data storage 22.
[000120] The rig based WITS processor 20 can use one or more computer
instructions in the
WITS data storage 22 to form well logging data for transmission to the remote
client
devices 64a, 64b, and 64c through the rig based router switch 18 and the
satellite
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
=
network 42. The rig based WITS processor 20 can use one or more computer
instructions in the WITS data storage 22 to transmit the drilling data 8
through the rig
based router and switch 18 to the rig based satellite modem 40. The rig based
satellite modem 40 can transmit the drilling data 8 to the self-aligning
satellite dish 38
and through the satellite network 42 to the network operations center 44.
[000121] The network operations center 44 can receive the drilling data 8 from
the self-
aligning satellite dish 38 and other drilling data from the manned logging
units 88a
and 88b. The network operations center 44 can transmit the received drilling
data 8
from the self-aligning satellite dish 38 and other drilling data from the
manned
logging units 88a and 88b to the remote central server 46.
[000122] The remote central server 46 can receive, compile, and store the
received drilling data
8. The remote central server 46 can perform various tasks and operations on
the
drilling data 8 using the various computer instructions stored on a central
data
storage. For example, the remote central server 46 can form an executive
dashboard
and a well log of the drilling data 8 for presentation to user. The remote
central
server 46 can transmit the drilling data 8 through the first and second
networks 62a
and 62b to a plurality of remote client devices, such as the remote client
devices 64a,
64b, and 64c. As such, remote users can receive real-time streaming drilling
data 8
on an executive dashboard from a remote location from the drilling rig 9. The
remote
central server 46 can activate an alarm 33 if the drilling data 8 exceeds or
falls below
a preset limit.
[000123] Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of the WITS data storage 22.
[000124] The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to
receive, store, and
send the drilling data and the associated well logging data 24.
[000125] The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to store
configurations
and settings for the plurality of rig based client devices, the rig based WITS
processor, the rig based router and switch, or combinations thereof 26.
[000126] The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to perform
diagnostics
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CA 02804650 2013-02-01
=
on the plurality of rig based client devices using diagnostic tools 27.
[000127] The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to online
configure and
reconfigure the rig based WITS processor, the rig based router and switch, the
rig
based client devices, or combinations thereof while the rig based wireless
local area
network is operating without shutting the rig based wireless local area
network down
28.
10001281 The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to perform
diagnostics
on the rig based wireless local area network 30.
[000129] Figure 3 depicts an embodiment of the encryption module 70, which can
include
computer instructions to form a secure log-in 72, computer instructions to
verify the
secure log-in 74, computer instructions to provide a security certificate
verifiable by a
trusted third party 76, and computer instructions in the encryption module to
encrypt
the drilling data with a symmetric data encryption algorithm 78.
[000130] Figure 4 depicts an embodiment of a remote central server 46. The
remote central
server 46 can include a plurality of central server processors 47a, 47b, 47c
and 47d
connected in parallel to a switch 80. The plurality of central server
processors 47a,
47b, 47c and 47d can be connected to two different power supplies 82a and 82b.
[000131] The remote central server 46 can include a central server data
storage 49 with a
central polling drop point 84, computer instructions for presenting a website
86, and
the encryption module 70.
[000132] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
to receive the
drilling data and the well logging data from the rig based WITS processor, and
to
store and display the drilling data and the well logging data using real-time
streaming
48.
[000133] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
to activate an
alarm when the drilling data and/or the well logging data exceeds or falls
beneath a
preset limit 50.
22
,
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
[000134] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
to form an
executive dashboard of the drilling data and the well logging data 52.
[000135] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
to track drilling
progress on multiple wells simultaneously 53.
[000136] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
for scaling of the
drilling data 54.
[000137] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
for transferring
the drilling data to remote client devices 56.
[000138] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
to generate a
well log using the drilling data 58.
[000139] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
to perform
diagnostics on drilling rig based equipment and drilling rig based software
60.
[000140] The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions
to reconfigure
the drilling rig based equipment and the drilling rig software on-line without
taking
down or shutting off all or a portion of the rig based wireless local area
network 61.
[000141] Figure 5 depicts a segment of an executive dashboard 500 that can be
viewed by
operators, executives, and the like.
[000142] The executive dashboard 500 can include a graphical representation of
drilling data
508, a representation of calibrated drilling data related to flow rates 506,
an acquired
drilling data section 507, a calibrated pump data section 518, a calibrated
draw works
section 520, a graphical representation of chromatograph data 522, an alarm
set
section 542, and an acquired chromatograph data section 524. The acquired
chromatograph data section 524 can display important voltage parameters for a
chromatograph monitoring device acquiring the drilling data.
[000143] The executive dashboard 500 can also include operator data track
sections 504a,
504b, 504c, and 504d. The operator data track sections 504a, 504b, 504c, and
504d
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CA 02804650 2013-02-01
can display calibrated drilling data associated with one or more drilling
operations.
For example, the operator data track sections 504a, 504b, 504c, and 504d can
display
hydrocarbon data, pump data, or other drilling data.
[000144] The alarm set section 542 can include a section for an operator to
input or select
alarm criteria. For example, the operator can set a low value alarm point, a
high
value alarm point, or both. As such, if drilling data reaches one of the alarm
points an
alarm can be issued.
[000145] Figure 6 depicts a display of a well log 850 that can be presented on
a remote client
device as live stream data. The remote client device can display various
drilling data,
calibrated data, or combinations thereof for one or more drilling operations
in a real-
time stream. The drilling data can be displayed using a plurality of digital
data
displays 810. The plurality of digital displays 810 can include a current data
display
area 812 showing a currently measured data point, a units section 830 showing
the
unit associated with the currently measured data point, and a name section
820. The
name section 830 can identify the property associated with the drilling data
related to
the currently measured data point.
[000146] The remote client device can various portions of the drilling data
disclosed herein,
such as hole depth, bit depth, lag depth, total gas, methane, ethane, propane,
iso-
butane, nor-butane, drill rate, hook load, pump pressure, pump stroke rate,
lag
strokes, torque, carrier pressure, vendor name or number, temperature, flow
rate, fuel
level, a wellbore identification number to identify the wellbore being
monitored, and
the like.
[000147] Figures 7A-7C depict an embodiment of a method for providing well
logging and
drilling data transmission services.
[000148] The method can include using a secure connection to provide
communication
between a plurality of rig based client devices and interconnected rig based
radio
boxes, as illustrated by box 1000.
[000149] The method can include providing communication between the rig based
client
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CA 02804650 2013-02-01
=
devices and sensors, monitoring devices, measurement instruments, or
combinations
thereof, as illustrated by box 1001.
[000150] The method can include performing at least one of: receiving and
transmitting the
drilling data and the associated well logging data, sending and receiving
phone calls,
sending and receiving queries over the intemet, and sending and receiving
communications using the WIFITM connection, as illustrated by box 1002.
[000151] The method can include using the rig based client devices to receive
the drilling data
from the sensors, monitoring devices, measurement instruments, or combinations
thereof, as illustrated by box 1003.
[000152] The method can include creating a rig based wireless network using
the
interconnected rig based radio boxes, as illustrated by box 1004.
[000153] The method can include communicating between the plurality of rig
based client
devices and a rig based processor over the rig based wireless local network to
receive
and transmit the drilling data and the associated well logging data, as
illustrated by
box 1006.
[000154] The method can include using the rig based processor to transmit the
drilling data and
the associated well logging data to a satellite network using a rig based
router and
switch connected to a satellite modem, as illustrated by box 1008.
[000155] The method can include using a self-aligning satellite dish to
receive the drilling data
and the associated well logging data from the satellite modem and to transmit
the
drilling data and the associated well logging data to the satellite network,
as
illustrated by box 1010.
[000156] The method can include real-time streaming the drilling data
including associated
well logging data from the drilling rig using self-aligning satellites, as
illustrated by
box 1012
[000157] The method can include communicating the drilling data and associated
well logging
data from the satellite network to a remote network operation center using an
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
encrypted connection, as illustrated by box 1014.
[000158] The method can include communicating the drilling data and associated
well logging
data from the remote network operation center to a remote central server, as
illustrated by box 1016.
[000159] The method can include using the remote central server to receive,
store, and display
in real-time streaming drilling data and associated well logging data, as
illustrated by
box 1018.
[000160] The method can include using the remote central server to activate an
alarm when the
drilling data or associated well logging date exceeds or falls beneath a
preset limit , as
illustrated by box 1020.
[000161] The method can include using the remote central server to form an
executive
dashboard of the drilling data or associated well logging data, as illustrated
by box
1022.
[000162] The method can include using the remote central server to track
drilling progress on
multiple wells, as illustrated by box 1024.
[000163] The method can include using the remote central server to scale the
drilling data, as
illustrated by box 1026.
[000164] The method can include using the remote central server to transfer
the drilling data
and the associated well logging data a remote client device, as illustrated by
box
1028.
[000165] The method can include using the remote central server to a track
drilling progress on
multiple wells, scale drilling data, and combinations thereof, as illustrated
by box
1030.
[000166] The method can include using the remote central server to generate a
well log, as
illustrated by box 1032.
10001671 The method can include using the remote central server to perform
remote diagnostics
26
CA 02804650 2013-02-01
and reconfigure software online without taking down the local wireless area
network,
as illustrated by box 1034.
[000168] The method can include using the remote central server to stream the
drilling data, the
associated well logging data, the executive dashboard, or combinations thereof
to the
remote client device for display thereon, as illustrated by box 1036.
[000169] The method can include creating client accounts in the central
server, as illustrated by
box 1038.
[000170] The method can include inputting information on other manned logging
units, as
illustrated by box 1040.
[000171] The method can include monitoring data traffic to a central polling
drop point for the
processor, as illustrated by box 1042.
[000172] The method can include monitoring drilling data for use in generating
a well log, as
illustrated by box 1044.
[000173] The method can include monitoring the drilling data for use in
storing and displaying
as real-time streaming drilling data, as illustrated by box 1046.
[000174] The method can include using a virtual network operations center as
the network
operations center, as illustrated by box 1048.
[000175] The method can include using a virtual network operations center with
the network
operations center, as illustrated by box 1050.
[000176] The method can include using at least two connected networks as the
network, as
illustrated by box 1052.
[000177] The method can include using an encryption module to provide an
encrypted
communication between the network operation center and the central server, and
secure communication from a user with a client device or a rig based client
device, as
illustrated by box 1054.
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CA 02804650 2013-02-01
[000178] The method can include forming a secure log-in, verifying the secure
log-in, and
providing a security certificate verifiable by a trusted third party, as
illustrated by box
1056.
[000179] The method can include encrypting drilling data with a symmetric data
encryption
algorithm, as illustrated by box 1058.
[000180] The method can include using a plurality of processors connected in
series in the
central server to engage a central polling drop point to pick up drilling data
from
other manned logging units to record, store, and post drilling data provided
from the
rig based client device and the rig based processor to a website, wherein the
website
is presented by the central server to the network, as illustrated by box 1060.
[000181] The method can include presenting data on the executive dashboard,
wherein the data
includes: the drilling data and the associated well logging data, a name of
the
wellbore, a time stamp for the drilling data, a view time for the drilling
data, WITS
information, weather conditions, sea conditions, operator comments, wellbore
identification data, vessel motion and mooring status data, pump revolutions
per
minute, composition of gasses coming from the wellbore, type of rock in a
formation,
or combinations thereof, as illustrated by box 1062.
[000182] The method can include presenting the data on the executive dashboard
graphically,
digitally, or combinations thereof, as illustrated by box 1064.
[000183] The method can include compiling the drilling data, and tracking
changes in the
drilling data, as illustrated by box 1066.
[000184] The method can include forming the well logging data by forming a
table of the
compiled drilling data indexed by measured hole depth, date stamp, and time
stamp,
as illustrated by box 1068.
[000185] The method can include configuring each remote client device to
receive the drilling
data from the remote central server in a real-time stream, as illustrated by
box 1070.
[000186] While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the
embodiments, it
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CA 02804650 2013-02-01
should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
embodiments
might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
29
