Dr. Eduardo Gildin, in collaboration with E-Spectrum Technologies, created a two-part advanced advisory system that accurately depicts underground conditions in real time during drilling operations. The ability to visualize downhole occurrences as they happen allows drilling operators to react quickly to reduce equipment failure, avoid accidents and reduce the time it takes to drill a well.
E-Spectrum’s robust hardware package, installed behind the drill bit, is built for extreme environments. This unit uses algorithms provided by Gildin to gather and filter data from bit vibrations, speed or sound changes, and temperature or pressure changes so it can send this information to the second unit above the ground.
The dysfunction detection system on the surface uses open source software and Gildin’s programming to sift through information and notify operators of surface conditions. This programming utilizes machine learning, meaning the system records operator responses in every situation to catalog behavior patterns.
The Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research Program initially funded the project to improve geothermal drilling capabilities. E-Spectrum and Gildin plan to apply for additional funding to prepare the surface system to go beyond monitoring subsurface conditions. They will use machine learning to develop suggestions that assist the operator more efficiently without compromising accuracy.
The system pinpoints drill bit position and unusual behavior faster and with better accuracy than current methods. As companies gather more data, the software can learn and adapt to future drilling applications in other environments.
“No matter what hardware system is in the hole, the downhole algorithms and surface system functions can use gathered data and machine learning to improve the drilling process,” said Gildin. “This can advise in any drilling application, whether using drill bits or water jets, on the Earth, or even remotely in space.”