Patent ID: 6408953
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation, said apparatus comprising:means for generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model and outputting signals representative of the geology characteristic, the geology characteristic including at least rock strength; means for inputting specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, the specifications including at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit; means for determining a predicted drilling mechanics in response to the specifications of the proposed drilling equipment as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a drilling mechanics model and outputting signals representative of the predicted drilling mechanics, the predicted drilling mechanics including at least one of the following selected from the group consisting of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters; means responsive to a predicted drilling mechanics output signal for controlling a control parameter in drilling of the well bore with the drilling system, the control parameter including at least one selected from the group consisting of weight-on-bit, rpm, pump flow rate, and hydraulics; means for obtaining a measurement parameter in real time during the drilling of the well bore; and means for history matching the measurement parameter with a back calculated value of the measurement parameter, wherein the back calculated value of the measurement parameter is a function of the drilling mechanics model and at least one control parameter, and wherein responsive to a prescribed deviation between the measurement parameter and the back calculated value of the measurement parameter, said control means performs at least one of the following selected from the group consisting of a) adjusts the drilling mechanics model, b) modifies control of a control parameter, and c) performs an alarm operation.