Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02839922 2014-01-20
COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR ACQUIRING AND DISPLAYING
IN NEAR REAL TIME GAS ANALYSIS, WELL DATA COLLECTION,
AND OTHER WELL LOGGING DATA
SPECIFICATION
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The current application is a continuation in part and claims
priority to co-pending US
Patent Application Serial No. 13/029,666 filed on February 17, 2011, entitled
"SYSTEM FOR GAS DETECTION, WELL DATA COLLECTION, AND REAL
TIME STREAMING OF WELL LOGGING DATA". This reference is incorporated
in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present embodiments generally relate to a computer readable
medium for
capturing surface data and calculating calibrated data in real time to a user
via an
executive dashboard of surface logs during the drilling of a well, during work
over of
a well, after drilling a well, and combinations thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A need exists for a computer readable medium that enables real-
time streaming of
data from a rig and calibrated data from a drilling rig to avoid explosions,
fires, and
blow outs on a rig, such as when a driller approaches a high value natural gas
or oil
reserve.
[0004] A need exists for a computer readable medium that enables real-
time streaming of
data from a rig and calibrated data from a rig enabling management personnel
to view
the data from the rig from a remote location, such as from a warm remote
location
2,000 miles away from a cold harsh, brutal, arctic drilling site.
[0005] A need exists for a computer readable medium that enables real-time
streaming of
data and calibrated data enabling management and rig operators to
simultaneously
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view performance of the drilling operations of multiple rigs to avoid
environmental
spills and protect the environment by monitoring the wells 24 hours a day, 7
days a
week.
[0006] A need exists for a computer readable medium that enables real-
time streaming of
data and calibrated data on surface conditions near a well, allowing for quick
action
to instill protective measures to prevent death on a rig, which can result in
a shut
down of an entire company, and can dramatically, affect the morale of workers
on
related rigs owned by the same company.
[0007] A need exists for a computer readable medium that enables real-
time streaming of
data and calibrated data during horizontal and directional drilling to prevent
intersection of boreholes during multi-hole drilling at a single site.
[0008] A need exists for a computer readable medium that enables real-
time streaming of
data and calibrated data to correctly mix drilling muds relative to operations
during
drilling.
[00091 The present embodiments meet these needs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00010] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with
the
accompanying drawings as follows:
[00011] Figure 1 depicts equipment for operating the computer readable medium
for forming
an executive dashboard according to one or more embodiments.
[00012] Figures 2A-2C depict computer instructions of the computer readable
medium that
enables a gas processor to create the real time executive dashboard according
to one
or more embodiments.
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[00013] Figure 3 shows a sequence of steps used to calibrate a gas
chromatograph and a total
hydrocarbon detector according to one or more embodiments.
[00014] Figure 4 depicts the executive dashboard according to one or more
embodiments.
[00015] Figure 5 depicts an operator dashboard created with the system
according to one or
more embodiments.
[00016] The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the
listed Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[00017] Before explaining the present computer readable medium in detail, it
is to be
understood that the computer readable medium is not limited to the particular
embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.
[00018] The present embodiments generally relate to a computer readable medium
for
capturing surface data and calculating calibrated data in real time to a user
via an
executive dashboard of surface logs during the drilling of a well, during work
over of
a well, after drilling a well, and combinations thereof.
[00019] The computer readable medium can enable detection of high range
component peaks
and low range component peaks of entrained gas in a drilling fluid
continuously and
pushes the detected data to client devices for immediate action and for
governmental
environmental protection reporting purposes, and to ensure regulation
compliance by
a drilling operator.
[00020] The computer readable medium can create an executive dashboard that
enables a
geologist to see great detail in the component gases of the drilling fluid,
and greater
detail and accuracy of data acquisition, at point of data capture.
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[00021] The computer readable medium can create an executive dashboard that
provides
highly accurate and high integrity data because the computer readable medium
can
capture data quickly.
[00022] The term "quickly" as used herein can refer to a sampling density over
an interval of
time. The computer readable medium can allow a high volume of sampling. The
computer readable medium in an embodiment, can sample 16 data points per
second
thereby providing a high density sampling with high integrity with great
detail. In an
embodiment, the computer readable medium can sample 4 data points per second
for
a low density sampling which also occurs "quickly" and which may be desirable
when data storage capacity is a concern.
[00023] The term "real time" can refers to data which is transmitted at the
moment the data is
detected by a sensor or detector or at the moment the analysis of a fluid
sample is
complete.
[00024] The computer readable medium can be used with multiple gas detection
instruments
simultaneously, wherein each gas detection instruction is based on different
gas
detection theories. The computer readable medium can control and run many gas
detection instruments simultaneously.
[00025] The computer readable medium can be used with multiple gas detection
instruments
simultaneously, for bidirectional data exchange with local and remote rig
servers. In
embodiments, each device can have different well site information and
different
transfer specification standards.
[00026] The multiple gas detection instruments, such as SLIC-841 and SLIC-9
gas detection
instruments made by Selman and Associates, Ltd. of Midland, Texas, are both
based
on Catalytic Combustion and Thermal Conductivity gas detection theories (both
theories on both instruments). Each instrument has a total hydrocarbons
detector for
detecting the total amount of hydrocarbons (measured in percent (%) Equivalent
Methane in Air (EMA) or Units) and a gas chromatograph for speciating and
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measuring the various hydrocarbon components in the gas stream. The gas
chromatograph results are measured in units or ppm.
[00027] The computer readable medium can also connect with a helium detector
in a
continuously and simultaneously manner.
[00028] The computer readable medium can also connect with rig detectors, such
as hook load
sensors, pump pressure sensors, pump stroke counters, depth sensors, providing
all
detail simultaneously, providing a highly accurate total view of the rig, the
drilling
fluid, and the related geology of the drilling.
[00029] This computer readable medium can enable various detection instruments
to talk to a
single source.
[00030] The computer readable medium can enable continuous gas analysis while
one sensor
or one detector is turned off or added, and brought online. In an embodiment,
the
computer readable medium can allow for comingled sensor and protocol data.
1000311 The computer readable medium can allow a user to monitor a single
sensor in a fluid
analysis instrument or to a single or multiple sensors placed on a rig,
simultaneously.
[00032] The computer readable medium can allow WITS analysis to occur while
individual
sensor analysis occurs.
[00033] The computer readable medium can create an easy to use, graphical
executive
dashboard.
[00034] The computer readable medium can allow high accuracy sampling with
menu driven
calibration for the gas detectors. The data of this computer readable medium
can be
accurate to +1- 1%.
[00035] The computer readable medium can allow 16 bit results. The accuracy
depends on the
magnitude of the value. The computer readable medium can allow for at least
65000
different results with an accuracy that is down to sub parts per million
levels, such as
an accuracy of 0.5 parts per million.
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[00036] The computer readable medium can allow precise intervals of
measurement for
chromatographs attached to the computer readable medium, in the parts per
million
(ppm) range or a percent equivalent methane in air (EMA) in an easy to view
environment, such as a WINDOWS environment for higher accuracy of
measurement by allowing detection of high range and low ranges,
simultaneously.
[00037] For example, the computer readable medium can allow a user to measure
high range
and low range signals for the gas chromatograph simultaneously for highly
accurate
results providing detailed real time well logs while drilling.
[00038] Additionally, the computer readable medium can perform calibration of
a total
hydrocarbon detector and a gas chromatograph without shutting down other
detectors
that may be supplying information.
[00039] The computer readable medium can perform calibration of one or more of
the
analyzers, without human intervention, such as calibrating the total
hydrocarbon
detector while the gas chromatograph is operating, and analyzing and providing
information to a gas processor.
[00040] The computer readable medium can produce data to populate a geological-
hydrocarbon log, such as a well surface log by real time streaming of detected
and
analyzed data from drilling operations.
[00041] The computer readable medium can operate at the drilling location, at
a remote
location, or both. As such, the computer readable medium can allow for
simultaneous
localized calibration, monitoring and analysis and remote calibration,
monitoring and
analysis.
[00042] The localized monitoring and remote monitoring can be performed over a
network
using at least one client device, such as a laptop, cellular or mobile phone,
a smart
phone, a tablet, a netbook, the like, a desktop computer, or other networkable
device
capable of data processing and data storage.
[00043] The data is acquired and stored in a database in the gas processor
data storage.
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[00044] The gas processor uses computer instructions of the computer readable
medium to
both create an executive dashboard and then populate the executive dashboard
using
the data in the database and as the data is streamed live from actual rig or
fluid
detectors or as the gas is analyzed, such as from a gas chromatograph and a
total
hydrocarbon detector.
[00045] The gas processor uses computer instructions of the computer readable
medium to
transmit the populated executive dashboard over a network to various client
devices.
[00046] The network can be a fiber optic network, a wired network, such as a
Cat5e network,
the Internet, a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as WIFITM, other
wireless
networks, other wired networks, a satellite network, a cellular network, other
communication networks, or combinations thereof.
[00047] The gas processor data storage can be one or more data storages and
can be a data
storage in a computing cloud connected to a cloud gas processor.
[00048] Turning now to the Figures, Figure 1 depicts equipment for operating
the computer
readable medium for forming an executive dashboard according to one or more
embodiments.
[00049] The computer readable medium creates an executive dashboard of a
geological
hydrocarbon log for simultaneously viewing by a plurality of client devices
over a
network 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with updates as events and analysis
occur.
[00050] The executive dashboards 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d of information
containing gas
detection information and well logging information in real time onto displays
12a,
12b, 12c, and 12d of client devices 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. Each client device
14a,
14b, 14c, and 14d can have a client device data storage 15. The client device
data
storage 15 is shown connected to a client device processor 13.
[00051] The client devices 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d can be computers, cellular
or mobile
phones, laptops, tablets, remote terminal units, or the like.
[00052] A wellbore 16 is shown being drilled by a drilling rig 18.
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[00053] A gas processor 30 with a gas processor data storage55 can contain a
calibration table
and various computer instructions to create the executive dashboard and to
populate
the executive dashboard with analytical information.
[00054] The gas processor 30 can communicate to at least one fluid detector.
The fluid
detectors can be a first gas chromatograph 22a, a second gas chromatograph
22b, a
total hydrocarbon detector 28, a SLIC-8 detector 29, a carbon dioxide
detector 31, a
hydrogen sulfide detector 33, a helium detector 35, a SLIC-9 detector 63,
another
fluid detector 64, and combinations thereof
[00055] The gas processor 30 can communicate to at least one a rig detector.
The rig detectors
can be a pump stroke counter 37, a pump pressure sensor 38, a hook load sensor
39, a
depth sensor 40, an on/off bottom sensor 41, and combinations thereof
[00056] Each fluid detector and rig detector can have a device protocol 71a,
71b, 71c, 71d,
71e, 71f, 71g, 71h, 71i, 71k, and 711.
[00057] Each fluid detector and rig detector can be connected to the network
32 for
communication with the gas processor 30.
[00058] In one or more embodiments, the device protocols of the fluid
detectors, rig detectors,
and combinations thereof, can be dissimilar. In one or more embodiments, the
device
protocols of the fluid detectors, rig detectors, and combinations thereof, can
be
similar.
[00059] The gas processor 30 can also communicate with a remote server 61 and
a local rig
server 60. The remote server 61 can have a device protocol 71p and the local
rig
server 60 can have a device protocol 71j.
[00060] For calibration purposes and for sampling purposes, the gas processor
30 can control
a valve 50 for opening and closing fluid sampling conduits 20.
[00061] Fluid sample 21a can flow to the first gas chromatograph 22a. The
first gas
chromatograph 22a can have a low range sensor 24 and a high range sensor 26.
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[00062] The first gas chromatograph 22a can communicate to a gas processor 30
connected to
a gas processor data storage 55.
[00063] Fluid sample 21b can flow to the second gas chromatograph 22b. The
second gas
chromatograph 22b can have a low range sensor and a high range sensor, which
are
not shown. The second gas chromatograph 22b can communicate to the gas
processor
30.
[00064] Both gas chromatographs 22a and 22b can be in fluid communication with
a first
known gas source 43 that flows a first known gas 75a and 75b into the gas
chromato graphs for calibration.
[00065] The first known gas source 43 can be controlled by the gas processor
30.
[00066] Fluid sample 21c can flow to the total hydrocarbon detector 28 with at
least one gas
sensor, which is not shown. The total hydrocarbon detector 28 can communicate
directly to the gas processor 30, such as through its device protocol 710.
[00067] The first gas chromatograph 22a can communicate directly to the gas
processor 30,
such as through its device protocol 71m and the second gas chromatograph 22b
can
communication directly to the gas processor 30, such as through its device
protocol
71n.
[00068] The total hydrocarbon detector 28 can be in fluid communication with a
second
known gas source 45 that can flow a second known gas 77 into the total
hydrocarbon
detector for calibration. The second known gas source 45 can be controlled by
the gas
processor 30.
[00069] The term "fluid" as used herein can refer to a liquid with gas
entrained, a liquid with
gas and particulate entrained therein, a gas with vapor particles entrained
therein or
combinations thereof.
[00070] The gas processor 30 can provide bidirectional data exchange with the
client devices
enabling identical gas detection information to be viewed simultaneously by a
plurality of users associated with the client devices.
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[00071] The gas processor data storage 55 can includes a plurality of computer
instructions.
[00072] The data storage can be one or more flash drives, internal hard
drives, external hard
drives, virtual hard drives, floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, other
computer
readable medium storage devices, the like, or combinations thereof.
[00073] In one or more embodiments, the data storages can be configured in a
triple redundant
architecture. For example, the triple redundant architecture can be a flash
drive, a
hard drive, and a portable hard drive. In one or more embodiments, the triple
redundant architecture can include a hard drive, a CD writer, and a printer.
The
system can also have redundant gas detection hardware and computer hardware.
[00074] The data storages can include computer instructions for instructing
one or more of the
gas processors to compare the acquired data to preset data limits.
[00075] Figures 2A-2C depict computer instructions of the computer readable
medium that
enables a gas processor to create the real time executive dashboard according
to one
or more embodiments.
[00076] The gas processor data storage 55 can have a plurality of computer
instructions to
implement the system for creating an executive dashboard of geological-
hydrocarbon
drilling information for simultaneous viewing, wherein the
geological¨hydrocarbon
drilling information is updated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as depth based
drilling
events and time based drilling events occur and as fluid analysis occurs.
[00077] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 200
to provide a
device protocol interface in the gas processor data storage allowing each
fluid
detector with a device protocol and each rig detector with a device protocol
to
communicate with the gas processor.
[00078] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 201
to provide a
database stored in the gas processor data storage adapted to receive, store
and compile
rig detector information, fluid detector information, and combinations
thereof, from
each fluid detector, rig detector, and combination thereof.
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[00079] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 202
to create an
executive dashboard in the gas processor data storage.
[00080] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 203
to populate the
created executive dashboard using the database of rig information, fluid
detector
information, and combinations thereof from the gas processor data storage and
as the
information becomes available.
[00081] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 204
to transmit the
populated executive dashboard to one or more of the client devices.
[00082] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 205
to enable,
without shutting down the system, online addition and online deletion of one
or more
fluid detectors, one or more rig detectors, and combinations thereof; while
the system
is operating.
[00083] These computer instructions can enable addition and deletion without
shutting down
all, or a portion of the system.
[00084] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 206
to instruct the
gas processor to calibrate one or more total hydrocarbon detectors, gas
chromatographs, using each instrument's device protocol.
[00085] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 208
to instruct the
gas processor to repeat fluid analysis, repeat sensor measuring, and update
the
executive dashboard as the analyzing, and measuring is completed.
[00086] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 209
to instruct the
gas processor to repeat fluid analysis sensor measuring, and additionally
repeat data
importing from a local rig server, remote rig server and combinations thereof,
and
update the executive dashboard as the analyzing, importing, and measuring is
completed.
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[00087] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 214
to calibrate the
gas chromatograph and the total hydrocarbon detector automatically while other
sensing and analysis is occurring by the system
[00088] These computer instructions can involve instructing the gas processor
to: close off the
conduit for the fluid sample; identify a known gas source; identify when
sensors in
the gas chromatograph are stabilized to zero; identify when the sensor in the
total
hydrocarbon detector is stabilized to zero; inject a known gas from a known
source of
gas into the gas chromatograph, into the total hydrocarbon detector, or into
both
devices simultaneously; identify the components of the known gas using the
high and
low range sensors of the gas chromatograph, identify the components of the
known
gas using the sensor of total hydrocarbon detector, or combinations thereof;
compare
the identified components of the known gas to a calibration table for the
known gas.
The calibration table for the known gas is stored in the gas processor data
storage.
[00089] These computer instructions can also set span calibration points for
the gas
chromatograph, and set span calibration points for the total hydrocarbon
detector for
each identified component using the calibration table; and then stop the
injecting of
the known gas into the gas chromatograph, into total hydrocarbon detector, or
both.
[00090] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 218
to form an
operator dashboard to allow a drilling rig onsite operator to track drilling
progress,
and to view data from the fluid detectors and rig detectors.
[00091] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 220
to track drilling
progress for multiple wells simultaneously and push the tracked data to the
executive
dashboard for viewing by multiple users simultaneously.
[00092] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 240
to involve re-
implementing computer instructions 214 to using additional known gases to
identify
additional calibration points in the calibration table.
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[00093] Calibration can be performed using equations stored in the gas
processor data storage,
or by using known standard gas values and comparing these known standard gas
values to the acquired data.
[00094] For example, the calibration can include comparing the response of a
sensor to one or
more known parameters, and deriving a correlation between the response of the
sensor and the known parameters.
[00095] As another example, a gas detection sensor can produce a 100mV
response when
exposed to a 1 percent volume of methane, and a correlation between the
produced
100mV response can be derived using techniques known to many geologists to
achieve calibration.
[00096] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 242
to instruct one
or more of the gas processors to compare the acquired data to preset data
limits.
[00097] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 244
to display a
quantity of time on the executive dashboard to indicate how much time must
pass
before a sample is collected.
[00098] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 246
to present a
circulation status on the executive dashboard which reveals a quantity of
bottoms up.
[00099] These computer instructions can specifically count the number of
occurrences of
bottoms up and can display the time remaining until the next bottoms up.
[000100] The term "bottoms up" as used herein can refer to the event when the
drilling mud
that is used in drilling travels from a drill bit to the surface.
[000101] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 248
to display the
number of pump strokes remaining until the next bottoms up.
[000102] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 250
to log the
calibrated data simultaneously into one or more time based files and one or
more
depth based files.
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[000103] The logging of the calibrated data can occur by using predefined
limits stored in one
or more of the data storages.
[000104] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 252
to capture the
acquired data based on a time event and to instruct one or more of the gas
processors
to capture data periodically.
[000105] For example, these computer instructions can instruct the gas
processor to capture
desired data once every second. The time period can be any unit of time.
[000106] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 254
to instruct one
or more of the gas processors to capture the acquired data based on a depth
event.
[000107] For example, the depth event can be when the wellbore is drilled to a
certain depth,
the drill bit is at a certain depth, or combinations thereof. The depth event
can occur
using any unit of length. For example, the depth event can be acquired every 1
foot of
well depth.
[000108] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 256
to capture the
acquired data based on another event, such as a location of a gamma marker,
data that
shows maximum gas concentration, a number of pump strokes achieved, such as
100
strokes of a mud pump, a drill string weight limit, a variation of drill
string amount,
or combinations thereof.
[000109] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 258
to scale the
acquired data mathematically using a normalization model that divides or
multiplies
the acquired data by a certain value attributable to a given reservoir.
[000110] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 260
to scale the
calibrated data in the same manner as the acquired data.
[000111] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 262
to form a
geological-hydrocarbon log that is pushed into the executive dashboard.
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[000112] The executive dashboard of both "raw" and calibrated data can be
displayed to rig
operators, rig owners, and safety experts simultaneously allowing multiple
users of
client devices to be able to detect the presence of a high value of gas and
trigger an
alarm to workers on the drilling rig to take precautions. As such, the
executive
dashboard system can enable quick evaluations of the calibrated data to modify
drilling operations, to confirm locations of known hydrocarbon reserves, and
to
ascertain new locations of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
[000113] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 264
to log the
calibrated data simultaneously while logging time based files into a real-time
based
file and a lag time based file.
[000114] For example, the real-time based file can capture an array of
numbers, including a
time of day and date, the wellbore depth, units of total gas, and a
chromatogram
showing gas composition. The lag time based file can include a time of day
offset by
the amount of time the data takes to move from a bit to a data collection
device at the
surface, units of total gas, and a gas composition. The logged data can be
presented
on the executive dashboard.
[000115] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 266
to activate an
alarm when the acquired data, the calibrated data, or combinations thereof
rises above
or falls below a preset limit.
[000116] The alarm can be a visual alarm, an audio alarm, or combinations
thereof. For
example, the alarm can be an alert appearing on one or more displays in
communication with one or more gas processors.
[000117] The alarm can be an activation of a ring tone of one or more client
devices, an
activation of an audio alarm in communication with the gas processor, or
combinations thereof. The alarm can also include activation of a light by one
or more
of the gas processors, or activation of another device on the rig or adjacent
to the
wellbore that emits a light, sound, or both. The alarm can also include an
email, an
CA 02839922 2014-01-20
instant message, a text message, or combinations thereof transmitted to one or
more
users.
[000118] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 268
to form a
digital display of the latest data value on the executive dashboard.
[000119] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 270
to form an
identifier for the data being tracked on the executive dashboard.
[000120] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 272
to form a
switch index mode button on the executive dashboard.
[000121] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 274
to form a
layout data tracks button to control of the size, number, and type of data
tracks on the
screen on the executive dashboard.
[000122] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 276
to form an
upper scale bound section on the executive dashboard.
[000123] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 278
to form a lower
scale bound section on the executive dashboard.
[000124] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 280
to form a menu
button on the executive dashboard.
[000125] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 282
to form a scroll
left button, a scroll right button, a zoom in button, a scroll down button, a
scroll up
button, and a zoom out button on the executive dashboard.
[000126] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 284
to form an
alarm indicator that can change color to indicate if the alarm is on or off on
the
executive dashboard.
[000127] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 286
to form a "my
tool" button on the executive dashboard.
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[000128] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 288
to form a help
button on the executive dashboard.
[000129] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 290
to present the
calibrated data on the operator dashboard.
[000130] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 292
to present a
graphical representation of acquired chromatographic data on the operator
dashboard.
[000131] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 293
to present the
operator data track sections on the operator dashboard.
[000132] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 294
to present an
acquired data section on the operator dashboard.
[000133] The gas processor data storage 55 can have computer instructions 295
to present a
calibrated drilling data section and an alarm set section on the operator
dashboard.
[000134] Figure 3 shows a sequence of steps used to calibrate a gas
chromatograph and a total
hydrocarbon detector according to one or more embodiments.
[000135] Calibration can be performed using equations stored in the data
storage, or by using
known standard gas values and comparing these known standard gas values to the
acquired data.
[000136] For example, the calibration can include comparing the response of a
sensor to one or
more known parameters, and deriving a correlation between the response of the
sensor and the known parameters.
[000137] As another example, a gas detection sensor can produce a 100mV
response when
exposed to a 1 percent volume of methane, and a correlation between the
produced
100mV response can be derived using techniques known to many geologists to
achieve calibration.
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[000138] The sequence of steps to calibrate at least one gas chromatograph and
at least one
total hydrocarbon detector can include closing off the conduit that passes the
fluid
sample to the gas chromatograph, total hydrocarbon detector, or both, as
illustrated in
box 300. This can be done by closing off the valve.
[000139] The sequence of steps can include using the gas processor to identify
a known gas
source, as illustrated in box 302.
[000140] The first known gas source can have a first known gas and can be
split into two first
known gas source streams. Each first known gas stream can be transmitted to a
different gas chromatograph. A first stream can flow to a first gas
chromatograph and
a second stream can flow to a second gas chromatograph. In one or more
embodiments, more than two gas chromatographs can be used and in other
embodiments two gas chromatographs may not be needed.
[000141] The second known gas source can have a second known gas. The known
gases can
have known gas values that can be used to create span calibration points. The
known
gas values can be stored in a calibration table in the gas processor data
storage.
[000142] The sequence of steps can include using the gas processor to identify
when the
sensors in the gas chromatograph(s) and the sensor in the total hydrocarbon
detector
are stabilized at or near zero, as illustrated in box 304.
[000143] The sequence of steps can involve using the gas processor to inject a
first known gas
into the gas chromatographs, the second known gas into the total hydrocarbon
detector which in embodiments can be a simultaneous injection, as illustrated
in box
306.
[000144] In an embodiment, the known gas injected into the gas chromatograph
can be
different form the known gas injected into the total hydrocarbon detector.
More than
two different known gases can be used simultaneously for calibration in an
embodiment.
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CA 02839922 2014-01-20
[000145] The sequence of steps can involve using the gas processor to cause
the components of
the known gas to be identified in the gas chromatograph, total hydrocarbon
detector,
or both, as illustrated by box 308.
[000146] The sequence of steps can involve using the gas processor to compare
the identified
components of the known gas to a calibration table stored in the gas processor
data
storage, as illustrated by box 310.
[000147] The sequence of steps can involve using the gas processor to set span
calibration
points for the gas chromatograph, and the total hydrocarbon detector for each
identified component using the calibration table and the identified components
of the
known gases, as illustrated by box 312.
[000148] The sequence of steps can involve using the gas processor to stop
injecting the known
gas into the gas chromatograph(s), the total hydrocarbon detector, or both
after the
span calibration points are set, as illustrated by box 314.
[000149] The sequence of steps can involve repeating steps 302 to 314 with
additional known
gases to identify additional calibration points using the calibration table,
as illustrated
by box 316.
[000150] The sequence of steps can involve opening the conduit that passes the
fluid sample to
the gas chromatograph, total hydrocarbon detector, or both, as illustrated by
box 318.
[000151] Figure 4 depicts the executive dashboard according to one or more
embodiments.
[000152] The executive dashboard 400 can contain directly measured data 421,
such as hook
load sensor values, imported measured data 425, such as hole depth, depth over
WITS
information, analyzed measured data 427, such as total hydrocarbon readings,
and
combinations thereof.
[000153] The executive dashboard 400 can includes a plurality of digital data
track displays
420. The plurality of digital data track displays 420 can display data
associated with
drilling operations.
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CA 02839922 2014-01-20
[000154] For example the plurality of digital data track displays 420 can
display weight on bit
data, bit depth, hole depth, pump pressure, block pressure, pump stroke data,
hook
load, and the like.
[000155] The plurality of digital data track displays 420 can each have an
upper scale bound
section 422, shown as "100 klbs", a lower scale bound section 428, shown as "0
klbs", a unit section 423, shown as "klbs", a digital display of the latest
data value
424, shown as "38", and an identifier for the data being tracked 426, shown as
"WOB," which represents "weight on bit". A graphic representation of the
weight on
bit is shown using directly measured data 421.
[000156] The executive dashboard 400 can not only provide directly measured
data 421, but
also imported measured data 425, analyzed measured data 427, shown as "GAS"
which is a total hydrocarbon reading in feet per hour, and combinations
thereof
[000157] The executive dashboard 400 can also include a section for indicating
a time stamp
430 for the last time data was downloaded from one of the servers, from the
gas
processor, or from the rig detectors; and an identifier number section 440.
The
identifier number section 440 can include an invoice number, shown as "0001WE
¨
Selman Oil and Gas Gusher #2".
[000158] The executive dashboard 400 can also have a current view time section
441, which
can indicate a time stamp for the current values being displayed by the
graphical data
track sections. The graphical track sections shown are: "hole depth," "bit
depth,"
"weight on bit," "hook load," "pump2," and "gas".
[000159] The graphical track section "bit depth" is indicated as a time vs.
depth value graph
460.
[000160] A my tool button 470 can be displayed on the executive dashboard 400.
The my tool
button 470 can be used to execute an action of a tool that can be picked by a
user
using a menu button 480.
CA 02839922 2014-01-20
10001611 The menu button 480 can be displayed on the executive dashboard 400,
and can be
used to open up choices allowing the user to configure the display.
[000162] In addition, a help button 482 can be displayed and used to retrieve
instructions or
guidance on operating the executive dashboard 400.
[000163] The executive dashboard 400 can have a switch index mode button 490,
which can
allow the user to switch between plotting by a time index and a depth index.
[000164] The user can scroll data tracks using a scroll left button 492a, a
scroll right button
492b, a scroll down button 496a, and a scroll up button 496b.
[000165] The layout of the data tracks can be adjusted by a user using the
layout data tracks
button 494. The layout data tracks button 494 can allow control of the size,
number,
and type of data tracks on the screen.
[000166] The executive dashboard 400 can be configured to allow the user to
increase the
magnification using the zoom in button 493, and to decrease the magnification
using
the zoom out button 498.
[000167] The executive dashboard 400 can also include a status indicator 497
that can change
colors to indicate one or more status of the drilling operation, and can also
provide a
visual indication that data is being received. For example, the status
indicator 497 can
display a green color if on bottom and a red color if off bottom.
[000168] The executive dashboard 400 can also be used to turn an alarm on and
off. The
executive dashboard 400 can have an alarm indicator 491 that can change color
to
indicate if the alarm is on or off. The alarm indicator 491 can be clicked to
turn off
the alarm or turn on the alarm.
[000169] The system can include multiple gas chromatographs enabling user to
sample
multiple times for higher quality data, and for viewing of large and small
concentrations of gas simultaneously. The data can be viewed in different
scales.
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CA 02839922 2014-01-20
[000170] Preset data limits usable to create alarms can be stored in one or
more of the data
storages or on another computer readable medium in communication with the gas
processor.
[000171] In one or more embodiments, the gas processor can be a computer.
[000172] Embodiments of the system can enable multiple users of client devices
to view the
executive dashboard of single well information or multiple wells information
simultaneously. The system can allow a plurality of wells to be analyzed
simultaneously by a single user or by a plurality of users.
[000173] The system can include computer instructions to log the calibrated
data
simultaneously into one or more time based files and one or more depth based
files.
[000174] The logging of the calibrated data can occur by using predefined
limits stored in one
or more of the data storages.
[000175] The preset limits can be set by an operator on the rig or by a remote
user in
communication with one or more of the gas processors via the network or both.
[000176] The executive dashboard that can be formed using computer
instructions stored in a
cloud based server data storage, a cloud based data storage, a client device
data
storage, or combinations thereof.
[000177] Figure 5 depicts an operator dashboard created with the system
according to one or
more embodiments.
[000178] The operator dashboard 500 can include a graphical representation of
calibrated data
508, a representation of calibrated data related to flow rates 506, an
acquired data
section 507, pressure display 518, a calibrated drawworks section 520, a
graphical
representation of acquired chromatographic data 522, an alarm set section 542,
and a
calibrated chromatographic data section 524. The calibrated chromatograph data
section 524 can display important voltage parameters for a chromatograph data
collection device acquiring the data.
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CA 02839922 2014-01-20
[000179] It should be noted in an embodiment, the graphical representation of
calibrated data
508 can be scaled with computer instructions. The computer instructions can
scale the
calibrated data enabling a user to view the entire range of calibrated values
on the
executive dashboard.
[000180] The operator dashboard 500 can also include operator data track
sections 544a, 544b,
544c, and 544d. The operator data track sections 544a, 544b, 544c, and 544d
can
display calibrated data associated with one or more drilling operations. For
example,
the operator data track sections 544a, 544b, 544c, and 544d can display
hydrocarbon
data, depth data, or other data.
[000181] 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, such as calibrated drilling
data
represented in a representation of calibrated drilling data section 510,
reaches one of
the alarm points, an alarm can be issued.
[000182] In an embodiment, the device protocols can be selected form the group
of standard
industry protocols comprising: WITS, WITSm1; RS-232; RS-485, TCPIP; a 4 to 20
mA protocol; a Measurement Computing USB communication protocol; a Lawson
Labs USB communication protocol; a switch closure measurement; and
combinations
thereof.
[000183] Like the executive dashboard, in an embodiment, an operator dashboard
can be
formed using computer instructions installed in the data storages. The
operator
dashboard can display the well condition and the drilling conditions in real-
time. The
operator dashboard can display real-time information continuously.
[000184] The operator dashboard can allow the tracking of one or more drilling
operations. The
operator dashboard can display information related to the drilling operations.
For
example, the operator dashboard can display drill bit depth, wellbore depth, a
time
clock, a time to drilling transition, a chromatograph screen, time until the
shift
supervisor shows up on the rig floor, other operation data, or combinations
thereof.
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[000185] The operator dashboard can track drilling progress, any and all
drilling data, and
portions of data from any data collection device, as well as any number of
time,
depth, or other events simultaneously. Events can include completion of a
preset
number of pump strokes.
[000186] In embodiments, a user can view both the executive dashboard and the
operator
dashboard simultaneously to make fast safety decisions during drilling to save
the
lives of operators and rough necks on the rig.
[000187] While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the
embodiments, it
should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
embodiments
might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
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