CCTV system

A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for use at a well construction system to form a well at an oil/gas wellsite. The CCTV system includes a video output device and video cameras at the well construction system. A control system is communicatively connected with each video camera and the video output device. The control system receives video display settings from a human wellsite operator, receives the video signals from the video cameras, and automatically displays on the video output device one or more of the received video signals based on the video display settings.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Wells are generally drilled into the ground or ocean bed to recover natural deposits of oil, gas, and other materials that are trapped in subterranean formations. The wells are drilled into the subterranean formations using a drill bit attached to a lower end of a drill string. The well construction utilizes various wellsite equipment operating in a coordinated manner. The wellsite equipment can be grouped into subsystems, and each subsystem may perform different operations controlled by a corresponding controller.

One such example is a closed circuit television (CCTV) system. The CCTV system provides a display of wellsite equipment so that a human operator can view the well construction progress. The operator manually controls the CCTV system, such as by selecting video camera feeds to monitor different well construction equipment and operations, and perhaps adjusting camera settings for different environmental conditions at the wellsite.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify indispensable features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure introduces an apparatus including a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for use at a well construction system to form a well at an oil/gas wellsite. The CCTV system includes video cameras at different locations within the well construction system. Each video camera generates a corresponding video signal. The CCTV system also includes a video output device. The apparatus also includes a control system communicatively connected with each video camera and the video output device. The control system includes a processor and a memory operable to store computer programs that utilize video display settings. The control system receives the video display settings from a human wellsite operator, receives the video signals from the video cameras, and automatically displays one or more of the received video signals on the video output device based on the video display settings.

The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus including a well construction system that includes components collectively operable to construct a well at an oil/gas wellsite via multiple operations, video cameras at different locations in the well construction system and generating corresponding video signals, a video output device, and a control system having a processor and a memory storing an executable code. The control system receives the video signals and video display settings that include associations between the operations and the video cameras. During each operation, one or more of the video signals received from the one or more video cameras associated with that operation are automatically displayed on the video output device.

The present disclosure also introduces a method including constructing a well at an oil/gas wellsite by operating a well construction system to perform a plurality of operations, and by operating a control system having a processor and a memory storing an executable code. The control system receives video signals from video cameras each positioned at a different location in the well construction system. The control system also receives video display settings including associations between the operations and the video cameras. During each operation, a video output device automatically displays one or more of the video signals received from the one or more video cameras associated with that operation.

These and additional aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the description that follows, and/or may be learned by a person having ordinary skill in the art by reading the materials herein and/or practicing the principles described herein. At least some aspects of the present disclosure may be achieved via means recited in the attached claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes many example implementations for different aspects introduced herein. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are merely examples, and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity, and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various implementations described herein. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include implementations in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include implementations in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

FIG. 1is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a well construction system100according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system100represents an example environment in which one or more aspects described below may be implemented. Although the well construction system100is depicted as an onshore implementation, the aspects described below are also applicable to offshore and inshore implementations.

The well construction system100is depicted in relation to a wellbore102formed by rotary and/or directional drilling from a wellsite surface104and extending into a subterranean formation106. The well construction system100includes surface equipment110located at the wellsite surface104and a drill string120suspended within the wellbore102. The surface equipment110may include a mast, a derrick, and/or another wellsite structure112disposed over a rig floor114. The drill string120may be suspended within the wellbore102from the wellsite structure112. The wellsite structure112and the rig floor114are collectively supported over the wellbore102by legs and/or other support structures113.

The drill string120may comprise a bottom-hole assembly (BHA)124and means122for conveying the BHA124within the wellbore102. The conveyance means122may comprise drill pipe, heavy-weight drill pipe (HWDP), wired drill pipe (WDP), tough logging condition (TLC) pipe, coiled tubing, and/or other means for conveying the BHA124within the wellbore102. A downhole end of the BHA124may include or be coupled to a drill bit126. Rotation of the drill bit126and the weight of the drill string120collectively operate to form the wellbore102. The drill bit126may be rotated from the wellsite surface104and/or via a downhole mud motor (not shown) connected with the drill bit126.

The BHA124may also include various downhole tools180,182,184. One or more of such downhole tools180,182,184may be or comprise an acoustic tool, a density tool, a directional drilling tool, an electromagnetic (EM) tool, a formation sampling tool, a formation testing tool, a gravity tool, a monitoring tool, a neutron tool, a nuclear tool, a photoelectric factor tool, a porosity tool, a reservoir characterization tool, a resistivity tool, a sampling while drilling (SWD) tool, a seismic tool, a surveying tool, and/or other measuring-while-drilling (MWD) or logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools.

One or more of the downhole tools180,182,184may be or comprise an MWD or LWD tool comprising a sensor package186operable for the acquisition of measurement data pertaining to the BHA124, the wellbore102, and/or the formation106. One or more of the downhole tools180,182,184and/or another portion of the BHA124may also comprise a telemetry device187operable for communication with the surface equipment, such as via mud-pulse telemetry. One or more of the downhole tools180,182,184and/or another portion of the BHA124may also comprise a downhole processing device188operable to receive, process, and/or store information received from the surface equipment, the sensor package186, and/or other portions of the BHA124. The processing device188may also store executable programs and/or instructions, including for implementing one or more aspects of the operations described herein.

The wellsite structure112may support a top drive116operable to connect (perhaps indirectly) with an uphole end of the conveyance means122, and to impart rotary motion117and axial motion135to the drill string120and the drill bit126. However, a kelly and rotary table (neither shown) may be utilized instead of or in addition to the top drive116to impart the rotary motion117. The top drive116and the connected drill string120may be suspended from the wellsite structure112via hoisting equipment, which may include a traveling block118, a crown block (not shown), and a drawworks119storing a support cable or line123. The crown block may be connected to or otherwise supported by the wellsite structure112, and the traveling block118may be coupled with the top drive116, such as via a hook. The drawworks119may be mounted on or otherwise supported by the rig floor114. The crown block and traveling block118comprise pulleys or sheaves around which the support line123is reeved to operatively connect the crown block, the traveling block118, and the drawworks119(and perhaps an anchor). The drawworks119may thus selectively impart tension to the support line123to lift and lower the top drive116. The drawworks119may comprise a drum, a frame, and a prime mover (e.g., an engine or motor) (not shown) operable to drive the drum to rotate and reel in the support line123, causing the traveling block118and the top drive116to move upward. The drawworks119may be operable to release the support line123via a controlled rotation of the drum, causing the traveling block118and the top drive116to move downward.

The top drive116may include a grabber, a swivel (neither shown), a tubular handling assembly127terminating with an elevator129, and a drive shaft125operatively connected with a prime mover (not shown). The drill string120may be mechanically coupled to the top drive shaft125with or without a sub saver between the drill string120and the top drive shaft125. The prime mover may drive the top drive shaft125, such as through a gear box or transmission (not shown), to rotate the top drive shaft125and, therefore, the drill string120, which in conjunction with operation of the drawworks119may advance the drill string120into the formation106and form the wellbore102. The tubular handling assembly127and the elevator129may permit the top drive116to handle tubulars (e.g., drill pipes, drill collars, casing joints, and the like, that are not mechanically coupled to the drive shaft125). For example, when the drill string120is being tripped into or out of the wellbore102, the elevator129may grasp the tubulars of the drill string120such that the tubulars may be raised and/or lowered via the hoisting equipment mechanically coupled to the top drive116. The grabber may include a clamp that clamps onto a tubular when making up and/or breaking out a connection of a tubular with the top drive shaft125. The top drive116may have a guide system (not shown), such as rollers that track up and down a guide rail (not shown) on the wellsite structure112. The guide system may aid in keeping the top drive116aligned with the wellbore102, and in preventing the top drive116from rotating during drilling by transferring reactive torque to the wellsite structure112.

The drill string120may be conveyed within the wellbore102through a plurality of well control devices disposed at the wellsite surface104on top of the wellbore102and below the rig floor114. The well control devices may be operable to control pressure within the wellbore102via a series of pressure barriers formed between the wellbore102and the wellsite surface104. The well control devices may include a blowout preventer (BOP) stack130and an annular fluid control device132, such as an annular preventer and/or a rotating control device (RCD). The well control devices may be mounted on top of a wellhead134.

The well construction system100may include a drilling fluid circulation system operable to circulate fluids between the surface equipment110and the drill bit126during drilling and other operations. For example, the drilling fluid circulation system may be operable to inject a drilling fluid from the wellsite surface104into the wellbore102via an internal fluid passage121extending longitudinally through the drill string120. The drilling fluid circulation system may comprise a pit, a tank, and/or other fluid container142holding drilling fluid140, and a pump144operable to move the drilling fluid140from the container142into the fluid passage121of the drill string120via a fluid conduit146extending from the pump144to the top drive116and an internal passage extending through the top drive116. The fluid conduit146may comprise one or more of a pump discharge line, a stand pipe, a rotary hose, and a gooseneck (not shown) connected with a fluid inlet of the top drive116. The pump144and the container142may be fluidly connected by a fluid conduit148.

A flow rate sensor150may be operatively connected along the fluid conduit146to measure flow rate of the drilling fluid140being pumped downhole. The flow rate sensor150may be operable to measure volumetric and/or mass flow rate of the drilling fluid140. The flow rate sensor150may be an electrical flow rate sensor operable to generate an electrical signal and/or information indicative of the measured flow rate. The flow rate sensor150may be a Coriolis flowmeter, a turbine flowmeter, or an acoustic flowmeter, among other examples.

A fluid level sensor152may be mounted or otherwise disposed in association with the container142, and may be operable to measure the level of the drilling fluid140within the container142. The fluid level sensor152may be an electrical fluid level sensor operable to generate signals or information indicative of the amount (e.g., level, volume) of drilling fluid140within the container142. The fluid level sensor152may comprise conductive, capacitive, vibrating, electromechanical, ultrasonic, microwave, nucleonic, and/or other example sensors. A flow check valve154may be connected downstream from the pump144to prevent the drilling or other fluids from backing up through the pump144.

A pressure sensor156may be connected along the fluid conduit146, such as to measure the pressure of the drilling fluid140being pumped downhole. The pressure sensor156may be connected close to the top drive116, such as may permit the pressure sensor156to measure the pressure within the drill string120at the top of the internal passage121or otherwise proximate the wellsite surface104. The pressure sensor156may be an electrical sensor operable to generate electric signals and/or other information indicative of the measured pressure.

During drilling operations, the drilling fluid may continue to flow downhole through the internal passage121of the drill string120, as indicated inFIG. 1by directional arrow158. The drilling fluid may exit the BHA124via ports128in the drill bit126and then circulate uphole through an annular space (“annulus”)108of the wellbore102defined between an exterior of the drill string120and the wall of the wellbore102, such flow being indicated inFIG. 1by directional arrows159. In this manner, the drilling fluid140lubricates the drill bit126and carries formation cuttings uphole to the wellsite surface104. The returning drilling fluid may exit the annulus108via a wing valve, a bell nipple, or another ported adapter136. The ported adapter136may be disposed below the annular fluid control device132, above the BOP stack130, or at another location along the well control devices permitting ported access or fluid connection with the annulus108.

The drilling fluid exiting the annulus108via the ported adapter136may be directed into a fluid conduit160, and may pass through various equipment fluidly connected along the conduit160prior to being returned to the container142for recirculation. For example, the drilling fluid may pass through a choke manifold162connected along the conduit160. The choke manifold162may include at least one choke and a plurality of fluid valves (neither shown) collectively operable to control the flow from the choke manifold162. Backpressure may be applied to the annulus108by variably restricting flow of the drilling fluid or other fluids flowing through the choke manifold162. The greater the restriction to flow through the choke manifold162, the greater the backpressure applied to the annulus108. Thus, downhole pressure (e.g., pressure at the bottom of the wellbore102around the BHA124or at a particular depth along the wellbore102) may be regulated by varying the backpressure at an upper (i.e., uphole) end (e.g., within an upper portion) of the annulus108proximate the wellsite surface104. Pressure maintained at the upper end of the annulus108may be measured via a pressure sensor164connected along the conduit160between the ported adapter136and the choke manifold162. A fluid valve166may be connected along the conduit160to selectively fluidly isolate the annulus108from the choke manifold162and/or other surface equipment110fluidly connected with the conduit160. The fluid valve166may be or comprise fluid shut-off valves, such as ball valves, globe valves, and/or other types of fluid valves, which may be selectively opened and closed to permit and prevent fluid flow therethrough. The fluid valve166may be actuated remotely by a corresponding actuator operatively coupled with the fluid valve166. The actuator may be or comprise an electric actuator, such as a solenoid or motor, or a fluid actuator, such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or rotary actuator. The fluid valve166may also or instead be actuated manually, such as by a corresponding lever. A flow rate sensor168may be connected along the fluid conduit160to monitor the flow rate of the returning drilling fluid or another fluid being discharged from the wellbore102.

Before being returned to the container142, the drilling fluid may be cleaned and/or reconditioned by solids and gas control equipment170, which may include one or more of shakers, separators, centrifuges, and other drilling fluid cleaning devices. The solids control equipment170may be operable for separating and removing solid particles141(e.g., drill cuttings) from the drilling fluid returning to the surface104. The solids and gas control equipment170may also comprise fluid reconditioning equipment, such as may remove gas and/or finer formation cuttings143from the drilling fluid. The fluid reconditioning equipment may include a desilter, a desander, a degasser172, and/or the like. The degasser172may form or be mounted in association with one or more portions of the solids and gas control equipment170. The degasser172may be operable for releasing and/or capturing formation gasses entrained in the drilling fluid discharged from the wellbore102. Intermediate tanks/containers (not shown) may be utilized to hold the drilling fluid140between the various portions of the solids and gas control equipment170.

The degasser172may be fluidly connected with one or more gas sensors174(e.g., gas detectors and/or analyzers) via a fluid conduit176, such as may permit the formation gasses released and/or captured by the degasser172to be directed to and analyzed by the gas sensors174. The gas sensors174may be operable for generating signals or information indicative of the presence and/or quantity of formation gasses released and/or captured by the degasser172. The gas sensors174may be or comprise qualitative gas analyzers, which may be utilized for safety purposes, such as to detect presence of hazardous gases entrained within the drilling fluid. The gas sensors174may also or instead be or comprise quantitative gas analyzers, which may be utilized to detect levels or quantities of certain formation gasses, such as to perform formation evaluation. One or more gas sensors178(e.g., qualitative gas analyzers) may also or instead be located at the rig floor114, such as to detect hazardous gasses being released from the wellbore102.

The cleaned/reconditioned drilling fluid may be transferred to the fluid container142, and the solid particles141removed from the fluid may be transferred to a solids container143(e.g., a reserve pit). The container142may include an agitator (not shown) to maintain uniformity of the drilling fluid140therein. A hopper (not shown), such as may be disposed in a flowline between the container142and the pump144, may be utilized to introduce chemical additives, such as caustic soda, into the drilling fluid140.

The surface equipment110may include tubular handling equipment operable to store, move, connect, and disconnect tubulars to assemble and disassemble the conveyance means122of the drill string120during drilling operations. For example, a catwalk131may be utilized to convey tubulars from a ground level, such as along the wellsite surface104, to the rig floor114, permitting the tubular handling assembly127to grab and lift the tubulars above the wellbore102for connection with previously deployed tubulars. The catwalk131may have a horizontal portion and an inclined portion that extends between the horizontal portion and the rig floor114. The catwalk131may comprise a skate133movable along a groove (not shown) extending longitudinally along the horizontal and inclined portions of the catwalk131. The skate133may be operable to convey (e.g., push) the tubulars along the catwalk131to the rig floor114. The skate133may be driven along the groove by a drive system (not shown), such as a pulley system or a hydraulic system, among other examples. Additionally, one or more racks (not shown) may adjoin the horizontal portion of the catwalk131. The racks may have a spinner unit (not shown) for transferring tubulars to the groove of the catwalk131.

An iron roughneck151may be positioned on the rig floor114. The iron roughneck151may comprise a torqueing portion153, such as may include a spinner and a torque wrench comprising a lower tong and an upper tong. The torqueing portion153of the iron roughneck151may be moveable toward and at least partially around the drill string120, such as may permit the iron roughneck151to make up and break out connections of the drill string120. The torqueing portion153may also be moveable away from the drill string120, such as may permit the iron roughneck151to move clear of the drill string120during drilling operations. The spinner of the iron roughneck151may be utilized to apply low torque to make up and break out threaded connections between tubulars of the drill string120, and the torque wrench may be utilized to apply a higher torque to tighten and loosen the threaded connections.

A reciprocating slip161may be located on the rig floor114, such as may accommodate therethrough the conveyance means122during make up and break out operations and during the drilling operations. The reciprocating slip161may be in an open position during drilling operations to permit advancement of the drill string120therethrough, and in a closed position to clamp an upper end of the conveyance means122(e.g., assembled tubulars) to thereby suspend and prevent advancement of the drill string120within the wellbore102, such as during the make up and break out operations.

During drilling operations, the hoisting equipment lowers the drill string120while the top drive116rotates the drill string120to advance the drill string120downward within the wellbore102and into the formation106. During the advancement of the drill string120, the reciprocating slip161is in an open position, and the iron roughneck151is moved away or is otherwise clear of the drill string120. When the upper portion of the tubular in the drill string120that is made up to the top drive shaft125is near the reciprocating slip161and/or the rig floor114, the top drive116ceases rotating and the reciprocating slip161closes to clamp the tubular made up to the top drive shaft125. The grabber of the top drive116then clamps the upper portion of the tubular made up to the top drive shaft125, and the top drive shaft125rotates in a direction reverse from the drilling rotation to break out the connection between the drive shaft125and the made up tubular. The grabber of the top drive116may then release the tubular of the drill string120.

Multiple tubulars may be loaded on the rack of the catwalk131and individual tubulars (or stands of two or three tubulars) may be transferred from the rack to the groove in the catwalk131, such as by the spinner unit. The tubular positioned in the groove may be conveyed along the groove by the skate133until an end of the tubular projects above the rig floor114. The elevator129of the top drive116then grasps the protruding end, and the drawworks119is operated to lift the top drive116, the elevator129, and the new tubular.

The hoisting equipment then raises the top drive116, the elevator129, and the tubular until the tubular is aligned with the upper portion of the drill string120clamped in the slip161. The iron roughneck151is moved toward the drill string120, and the lower tong of the torqueing portion153clamps onto the upper portion of the drill string120. The spinning system rotates the new tubular (e.g., a threaded male end) into the upper portion of the drill string120(e.g., a threaded female end). The upper tong then clamps onto the new tubular and rotates with high torque to complete making up the connection with the drill string120. In this manner, the new tubular becomes part of the drill string120. The iron roughneck151then releases and moves clear of the drill string120.

The grabber of the top drive116may then clamp onto the drill string120. The top drive shaft125(e.g., a threaded male end) is brought into contact with the drill string120(e.g., a threaded female end) and rotated to make up a connection between the drill string120and the top drive shaft125. The grabber then releases the drill string120, and the reciprocating slip161is moved to the open position. Drilling operations may then resume.

The tubular handling equipment may further include a tubular handling manipulator (PHM)163disposed in association with a fingerboard165. Although the PHM163and the fingerboard165are shown supported on the rig floor114, one or both of the PHM163and fingerboard165may be located on the wellsite surface104or another area of the well construction system100. The fingerboard165provides storage (e.g., temporary storage) of tubulars (or stands of two or three tubulars)111during various operations, such as during and between tripping out and tripping in the drill string120. The PHM163may be operable to transfer the tubulars111between the fingerboard165and the drill string120(i.e., space above the suspended drill string120). For example, the PHM163may include arms167terminating with clamps169, such as may be operable to grasp and/or clamp onto one of the tubulars111. The arms167of the PHM163may extend and retract, and/or at least a portion of the PHM163may be rotatable and/or movable toward and away from the drill string120, such as may permit the PHM163to transfer the tubular111between the fingerboard165and the drill string120.

To trip out the drill string120, the top drive116is raised, the reciprocating slip161is closed around the drill string120, and the elevator129is closed around the drill string120. The grabber of the top drive116clamps the upper portion of the tubular made up to the top drive shaft125. The top drive shaft125then rotates in a direction reverse from the drilling rotation to break out the connection between the top drive shaft125and the drill string120. The grabber of the top drive116then releases the tubular of the drill string120, and the drill string120is suspended by (at least in part) the elevator129. The iron roughneck151is moved toward the drill string120. The lower tong clamps onto a lower tubular below a connection of the drill string120, and the upper tong clamps onto an upper tubular above that connection. The upper tong then rotates the upper tubular to provide a high torque to break out the connection between the upper and lower tubulars. The spinning system then rotates the upper tubular to separate the upper and lower tubulars, such that the upper tubular is suspended above the rig floor114by the elevator129. The iron roughneck151then releases the drill string120and moves clear of the drill string120.

The PHM163may then move toward the tool string120to grasp the tubular suspended from the elevator129. The elevator129then opens to release the tubular. The PHM163then moves away from the tool string120while grasping the tubular with the clamps169, places the tubular in the fingerboard165, and releases the tubular for storage in the fingerboard165. This process is repeated until the intended length of drill string120is removed from the wellbore102.

The surface equipment110of the well construction system100may also comprise a control center190(e.g., a cabin, a trailer, a facility, etc.) from which various portions of the well construction system100, such as the hoisting system, the tubular handling system, the drilling fluid circulation system, the well control devices, and the BHA124, among other examples, may be monitored and controlled. The control center190may be located on the rig floor114or another location of the well construction system100, such as the wellsite surface104. The control center190may contain or comprise a processing device192(e.g., a controller, a control system, a computer, etc.) operable to provide control of one or more portions of the well construction system100and/or operable to monitor operations of one or more portions of the well construction system100. For example, the processing device192may be communicatively connected with the various surface and downhole equipment described herein, and may be operable to receive signals from and transmit signals to such equipment to perform various operations described herein. The processing device192may store executable programs, instructions, and/or operational parameters or set-points, including for implementing one or more aspects of the operations described herein. The processing device192may be communicatively connected with a human operator control workstation197from which various wellsite equipment or portions of the well construction system100may be monitored and controlled. The operator workstation197may be operable for entering or otherwise communicating commands to the processing device192by a human wellsite operator195, and for displaying or otherwise communicating information from the processing device192to the wellsite operator195. The operator workstation197may comprise a plurality of human-machine interface (HMI) devices, including one or more input devices194(e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchpad, etc.) and one or more output devices196(e.g., a video monitor, a printer, audio speakers, etc.). The control center190may contain or comprise the operator workstation197. Communication between the control center190, the processing device192, the input and output devices194,196of the operator workstation197, and the various wellsite equipment may be via wired and/or wireless communication means. However, for clarity and ease of understanding, such communication means are not depicted, and a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such communication means are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The well construction system100also includes stationary and/or mobile video cameras198disposed or utilized at various locations within the well construction system100. The video cameras198capture videos of various components, portions, or subsystems of the well construction system100, and perhaps wellsite operators (humans)195and the actions they perform, during or otherwise in association with the wellsite operations, including while performing repairs to the well construction system100during a breakdown. For example, the video cameras198may capture videos of the entire well construction system100and/or specific portions of the well construction system100, such as the top drive116, the iron roughneck151, the PHM163, the fingerboard165, and/or the catwalk131, among other examples. The video cameras198generate corresponding video signals comprising or otherwise indicative of the captured videos. The video cameras198may be in signal communication with the control center190, such as may permit the video signals to be transmitted to the processing device192and, thus, permit the wellsite operators195to view various portions or components of the well construction system100on one or more of the output devices196. The processing device192or another portion of the control center190may be operable to record the video signals generated by the video cameras198.

Well construction systems within the scope of the present disclosure may include more or fewer components than as described above and depicted inFIG. 1. Additionally, various components and/or subsystems of the well construction system100shown inFIG. 1may include more or fewer components than as described above and depicted inFIG. 1. For example, various engines, motors, hydraulics, actuators, valves, and/or other components not explicitly described herein may be included in the well construction system100, and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a control system200for the well construction system100according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The following description refers toFIGS. 1 and 2collectively.

The control system200may include a wellsite computing resource environment205, which may be located at the wellsite104as part of the well construction system100. The wellsite computing resource environment205may include a coordinated control device204and/or a supervisory control system207. The control system200may further include a remote computing resource environment206, which may be located offsite (i.e., not at the wellsite104). The remote computing resource environment206may be communicatively connected with the wellsite computing resource environment206via a communication network. A “cloud” computing environment is one example of a remote computing resource. The cloud computing environment may communicate with the wellsite computing resource environment205via a network connection, such as via a wide-area-network (WAN), a local-area-network (LAN), and/or other networks also within the scope of the present disclosure. The wellsite computing resource environment205may be or comprise at least a portion of the control center190and/or the processing device192described above.

As described above, the well construction system100may include various subsystems with different actuators and sensors for performing operations of the well construction system100, and these may be monitored and controlled via the wellsite computing resource environment205, the remote computing resource environment206, and/or local controllers241-247(e.g., control systems) of the corresponding subsystems. The wellsite computing resource environment205may also provide for secured access to well construction system data, such as to facilitate onsite and offsite user devices monitoring the well construction system100, to send control processes to the well construction system100, and the like.

The various subsystems of the well construction system100may include a rig control (RC) system211, a fluid control (FC) system212, a managed pressure drilling control (MPDC) system213, a gas monitoring (GM) system214, a CCTV system215, a choke pressure control (CPC) system216, and a well control (WC) system217. These subsystems211-217may include one or more of the components described above with respect to the well construction system100, such as described in the examples below.

The RC system211may include the wellsite structure112, the hoisting equipment (e.g., the drawworks119and the top drive116), drill string rotating equipment (e.g., the top drive116and/or the rotary table and Kelly), the reciprocating slip161, the drill pipe handling equipment (e.g., the catwalk131, the PHM163, the fingerboard165, and the iron roughneck151), electrical generators, and other equipment. Accordingly, the RC system211may perform power generation and drill pipe handling, hoisting, and rotation operations. The RC system211may also serve as a support platform for drilling equipment and staging ground for rig operations, such as connection make up and break out operations described above.

The FC system212may include the drilling fluid140, the pumps144, valves166, drilling fluid loading equipment, the solids and gas treatment equipment170, and/or other fluid control equipment. Accordingly, the FC system212may perform fluid operations of the well construction system100.

The MPDC system213may include the RCD132, the choke manifold162, the downhole pressure sensors186, and/or other equipment. The GM system214may comprise the gas sensors174,178and/or other equipment. The CCTV system215may include the video cameras198, one or more other input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a touchscreen, etc.), one or more video output devices (e.g., video monitors), various communication equipment (e.g., modems, network interface cards, etc.), and/or other equipment. The CCTV system215may be utilized to configure the CCTV system215, capture real-time video of various portions or subsystems211-217of the well construction system100, and display video signals from the video cameras198on the video output devices to display in real-time the various portions or subsystems211-217of the well construction system100. Video captured by the video cameras198may also be stored on a memory device associated with the wellsite computing resource environment205or another portion of the control system200, and viewed by the operator195on a video output device. The CPC system216may comprise the choke manifold162and/or other equipment, and the WC system217may comprise the well control devices (e.g., the BOP stack130, the annular fluid control device132, etc.) and/or other equipment.

The control system200may be in real-time communication with the various components of the subsystems211-217. For example, the local controllers241-247may be in communication with various portions of corresponding subsystems211-217(e.g., sensors221-227and actuators231-237, shown inFIG. 3) via local communication networks (not shown), and the wellsite computing resource environment205may be in communication with the subsystems211-217via a data bus or network202. As described below, data or sensor signals generated by various sensors of the subsystems211-217may be made available for use by processes or devices of the control system200. Similarly, data or control signals generated by the processes or devices of the control system200may be automatically communicated to various actuators of the subsystems211-217, perhaps pursuant to predetermined programming, such as to facilitate well construction operations or processes described herein.

Via the coordinated control device204and the local controllers241-247, the control system200may be operable to monitor various sensors of the wellsite subsystems211-217in real-time, and to provide real-time control commands to such subsystems211-217, such that sensor data generated by the various sensors may be utilized to provide real-time control commands to the subsystems211-217and other subsystems of the well construction system100. Data may be generated by both sensors and computation, and may be utilized for coordinated control among two or more of the subsystems211-217, such as for bottom-hole pressure control.

FIG. 3is a schematic view of an example implementation of the control system200shown inFIG. 2according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The following description refers toFIGS. 1-3collectively.

FIG. 3also depicts the above-described subsystems211-217of the well construction system100, such as the RC system211, the FC system212, the MPDC system213, the GM system214, the CCTV system215, the CPC system216, and the WC system217. An example implementation of the well construction system100may include one or more onsite user devices219, such as may be communicatively connected or otherwise interact with an information technology (IT) system218of the wellsite computing resource environment205. The onsite user devices219may be or comprise stationary and/or portable user devices stationed at the well construction system100. For example, the onsite user devices219may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone or other portable smart device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet/touchscreen computer, a wearable computer, and/or other devices. The onsite user devices219may be or comprise the operator workstation197shown inFIG. 1and described above. The onsite user devices219may be operable to communicate with the wellsite computing resource environment205, such as via the IT system218, and/or the remote computing resource environment206, such as via a network208. The IT system218may include communication conduits, software, computers, and other IT equipment facilitating communication between one or more portions of the wellsite computing resource environment205, and/or between the wellsite computing resource environment205and another portion of the well construction system100, such as the remote computing resource environment206.

The control system200may include (or otherwise be utilized in conjunction with) one or more offsite user devices220. The offsite user devices220may be or comprise a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone and/or other portable smart device, a PDA, a tablet/touchscreen computer, a wearable computer, and/or other devices. The offsite user devices220may be operable to receive and/or transmit information (e.g., for monitoring functionality) from and/or to the well construction system100, such as by communication with the wellsite computing resource environment205via the network208. The offsite user devices220may be utilized for monitoring functions, but may also provide control processes for controlling operation of the various subsystems211-218of the well construction system100.

The offsite user devices220and/or the wellsite computing resource environment205may also be operable to communicate with the remote computing resource environment206via the network208. The network208may be a WAN, such as the internet, a cellular network, a satellite network, other WANs, and/or combinations thereof.

The subsystems211-217of the well construction system100may include sensors, actuators, and controllers. The controllers may be programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and/or other controllers having aspects similar to the example processing device600shown inFIG. 12. The RC system211may include one or more sensors (S)221, one or more actuators (A)231, and one or more controllers241. The FC system212may include one or more sensors222, one or more actuators232, and one or more controllers242. The MPDC system213may include one or more sensors223, one or more actuators233, and one or more controllers243. The GM system214may include one or more sensors224, one or more actuators234, and one or more controllers244. The CCTV system215may include one or more sensors225, one or more actuators235, and one or more controllers245. The controller245of the CCTV system215may be or comprise a network server, such as may be operable to selectively grant and forbid access priority and privileges to the video cameras198and historical video recordings, serve live video from the video cameras198to the client computers (e.g., workstations197), and serve historical video to the client computers. The server may also operate as a gateway for user authentication and control signals (e.g., pan/tilt, zoom, focus, iris, presets, etc.), as described below. The CPC system216may include one or more sensors226, one or more actuators236, and one or more controllers246. The WC system217may include one or more sensors227, one or more actuators237, and one or more controllers247.

The sensors221-227may include sensors utilized for operation of the well construction system100. For example, the sensors221-227may include cameras, position sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, vibration sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors, resistance sensors, gesture detection sensors or devices, voice actuated or recognition devices or sensors, and/or other examples.

The sensors221-227may be operable to provide sensor data to the wellsite computing resource environment205, such as to the coordinated control device204. For example, the sensors221-227may provide sensor data (S Data)251-257, respectively. The sensor data251-257may include signals or information indicative of equipment operation status (e.g., on or off, up or down, set or release, etc.), drilling parameters (e.g., depth, hook load, torque, etc.), auxiliary parameters (e.g., vibration data of a pump), and/or other examples. The acquired sensor data251-257may include or be associated with a timestamp (e.g., date and/or time) indicative of when the sensor data251-257was acquired. The sensor data251-257may also or instead be aligned with a depth or other drilling parameter.

Acquiring the sensor data251-257at the coordinated control device204may facilitate measurement of the same physical properties at different locations of the well construction system100, wherein the sensor data251-257may be utilized for measurement redundancy to permit continued well construction operations. Measurements of the same physical properties at different locations may also be utilized for detecting equipment conditions among different physical locations at the wellsite surface104or within the wellbore102. Variation in measurements at different wellsite locations over time may be utilized to determine equipment performance, system performance, scheduled maintenance due dates, and the like. For example, slip status (e.g., set or unset) may be acquired from the sensors221and communicated to the wellsite computing resource environment205. Acquisition of fluid samples may be measured by a sensor, such as the sensors186,223, and related with bit depth and time measured by other sensors. Acquisition of data from the video cameras198,225may facilitate detection of arrival and/or installation of materials or equipment at the well construction system100. The time of arrival and/or installation of materials or equipment may be utilized to evaluate degradation of material, scheduled maintenance of equipment, and other evaluations.

The coordinated control device204may facilitate control of one or more of the subsystems211-217at the level of each individual subsystem211-217. For example, in the FC system212, sensor data252may be fed into the controller242, which may respond to control the actuators232. However, for control operations that involve multiple systems, the control may be coordinated through the coordinated control device204. For example, coordinated control operations may include the control of downhole pressure during tripping. The downhole pressure may be affected by both the FC system212(e.g., pump rate), the MPDC213(e.g., choke position of the MPDC), and the RC system211(e.g. tripping speed). Thus, when it is intended to maintain certain downhole pressure during tripping, the coordinated control device204may be utilized to direct the appropriate control commands to two or more (or each) of the participating subsystems.

Control of the subsystems211-217of the well construction system100may be provided via a three-tier control system that includes a first tier of the local controllers241-247, a second tier of the coordinated control device204, and a third tier of the supervisory control system207. Coordinated control may also be provided by one or more controllers241-247of one or more of the subsystems211-217without the use of a coordinated control device204. In such implementations of the control system200, the wellsite computing resource environment205may provide control processes directly to these controllers241-247for coordinated control.

The sensor data251-257may be received by the coordinated control device204and utilized for control of the subsystems211-217. The sensor data251-257may be encrypted to produce encrypted sensor data271. For example, the wellsite computing resource environment205may encrypt sensor data from different types of sensors and systems to produce a set of encrypted sensor data271. Thus, the encrypted sensor data271may not be viewable by unauthorized user devices (either offsite user devices220or onsite user devices219) if such devices gain access to one or more networks of the well construction system100. The encrypted sensor data271may include a timestamp and an aligned drilling parameter (e.g., depth) as described above. The encrypted sensor data271may be communicated to the remote computing resource environment206via the network208and stored as encrypted sensor data272.

The wellsite computing resource environment205may provide the encrypted sensor data271,272available for viewing and processing offsite, such as via the offsite user devices220. Access to the encrypted sensor data271,272may be restricted via access control implemented in the wellsite computing resource environment205. The encrypted sensor data271,272may be provided in real-time to offsite user devices220such that offsite personnel may view real-time status of the well construction system100and provide feedback based on the real-time sensor data. For example, different portions of the encrypted sensor data271,272may be sent to the offsite user devices220. The encrypted sensor data271,272may be decrypted by the wellsite computing resource environment205before transmission, and/or decrypted on the offsite user device220after encrypted sensor data is received. The offsite user device220may include a thin client (not shown) configured to display data received from the wellsite computing resource environment205and/or the remote computing resource environment206. For example, multiple types of thin clients (e.g., devices with display capability and minimal processing capability) may be utilized for certain functions or for viewing various sensor data251-257.

The wellsite computing resource environment205may include various computing resources utilized for monitoring and controlling operations, such as one or more computers having a processor and a memory. For example, the coordinated control device204may include a processing device, such as the processing device600shown inFIG. 12, having a processor and memory for processing the sensor data, storing the sensor data, and issuing control commands responsive to the sensor data. As described above, the coordinated control device204may control various operations of the subsystems211-217via analysis of sensor data251-257from one or more of the wellsite subsystems211-217to facilitate coordinated control between the subsystems211-217. The coordinated control device204may generate control data273(e.g., signals, commands, coded instructions) to execute control of the subsystems211-217. The coordinated control device204may transmit the control data273to one or more subsystems211-217. For example, control data (C Data)261may be sent to the RC system211, control data262may be sent to the FC system212, control data263may be sent to the MPDC system213, control data264may be sent to the GM system214, control data265may be sent to the CCTV system215, control data266may be sent to the CPC system216, and control data267may be sent to the WC system217. The control data261-267may include, for example, human operator commands (e.g., turn on or off a pump, switch on or off a valve, update a physical property set-point, etc.). The coordinated control device204may include a fast control loop that directly obtains sensor data251-257and executes, for example, a control algorithm. The coordinated control device204may include a slow control loop that obtains data via the wellsite computing resource environment205to generate control commands.

The coordinated control device204may intermediate between the supervisory control system207and the local controllers241-247of the subsystems211-217, such as may permit the supervisory control system207to control the subsystems211-217. The supervisory control system207may include, for example, devices for entering control commands to perform operations of the subsystems211-217. The coordinated control device204may receive commands from the supervisory control system207, process such commands according to a rule (e.g., an algorithm based upon the laws of physics for drilling operations), and provide control data to one or more subsystems211-217. The supervisory control system207may be provided by the wellsite operator195and/or process monitoring and control program. In such implementations, the coordinated control device204may coordinate control between discrete supervisory control systems and the subsystems211-217while utilizing control data261-267that may be generated based on the sensor data251-257received from the subsystems211-217and analyzed via the wellsite computing resource environment205. The coordinated control device204may receive the control data251-257and then dispatch control data261, including interlock commands, to each subsystem211-217. The coordinated control device204may also or instead just listen to the control data251-257being dispatched to each subsystem221-227and then initiate the machine interlock commands to the relevant local controller241-247.

The coordinated control device204may run with different levels of autonomy. For example, the coordinated control device204may operate in an advice mode to inform wellsite operators195to perform a specific task or take specific corrective action based on sensor data251-257received from the various subsystems211-217. While in the advice mode, the coordinated control device204may, for example, advise or instruct the wellsite operator195to perform a standard work sequence when gas is detected on the rig floor114, such as to close the annular BOP132. Furthermore, if the wellbore102is gaining or losing drilling fluid140, the coordinated control device204may, for example, advise or instruct the wellsite operator195to modify the density of the drilling fluid140, modify the pumping rate of the drilling fluid140, and/or modify the pressure of the drilling fluid within the wellbore102.

The coordinated control device204may also operate in a system/equipment interlock mode, whereby certain operations or operational sequences are prevented based on the received sensor data251-257. While operating in the interlock mode, the coordinated control device204may manage interlock operations among the various equipment of the subsystems211-217. For example, if a pipe ram of the BOP stack130is activated, the coordinated control device204may issue an interlock command to the RC system controller241to stop the drawworks119from moving the drill string120. However, if a shear ram of the BOP stack130is activated, the coordinated control device204may issue an interlock command to the controller241to operate the drawworks119to adjust the position of the drill string120within the BOP stack130before activating the shear ram, so that the shear ram does not align with a shoulder of the tubulars forming the drill string120.

The coordinated control device204may also operate in an automated sequence mode, whereby certain operations or operational sequences are automatically performed based on the received sensor data251-257. For example, the coordinated control device204may activate an alarm and/or stop or reduce operating speed of the pipe handling equipment when a wellsite operator195is detected close to a moving iron roughneck151, the PHM163, or the catwalk131. As another example, if the wellbore pressure increases rapidly, the coordinated control device204may close the annular BOP132, close one or more rams of the BOP stack130, and/or adjust the choke manifold162.

The wellsite computing resource environment205may comprise or execute a monitoring process274(e.g., an event detection process) that may utilize the sensor data251-257to determine information about status of the well construction system100and automatically initiate an operational action, a process, and/or a sequence of one or more of the subsystems211-217. The monitoring process274may initiate the operational action to be caused by the coordinated control device204. Depending on the type and range of the sensor data251-257received, the operational actions may be executed in the advice mode, the interlock mode, or the automated sequence mode.

For example, the monitoring process274may determine a drilling state, equipment health, system health, a maintenance schedule, or combination thereof, and initiate an advice to be generated. The monitoring process274may also detect abnormal drilling events, such as a wellbore fluid loss and gain, a wellbore washout, a fluid quality issue, or an equipment event based on job design and execution parameters (e.g., wellbore, drilling fluid, and drill string parameters), current drilling state, and real-time sensor information from the surface equipment110(e.g., presence of hazardous gas at the rig floor, presence of human wellsite operators in close proximity to moving pipe handling equipment, etc.) and the BHA124, initiating an operational action in the automated mode. The monitoring process274may be connected to the real-time communication network202. The coordinated control device204may initiate a counteractive measure (e.g., a predetermined action, process, or operation) based on the events detected by the monitoring process274.

The term “event” as used herein may include, but not be limited to, an operational and safety related event described herein and/or another operational and safety related event that can take place at a well construction system. The events described herein may be detected by the monitoring process274based on the sensor data251-257(e.g., sensor signals or information) received and analyzed by the monitoring process274.

The wellsite computing resource environment205may also comprise or execute a control process275that may utilize the sensor data251-257to optimize drilling operations, such as the control of drilling equipment to improve drilling efficiency, equipment reliability, and the like. For example, the acquired sensor data252may be utilized to derive a noise cancellation scheme to improve electromagnetic and mud pulse telemetry signal processing. The remote computing resource environment206may comprise or execute a control process276substantially similar to the control process275that may be provided to the wellsite computing resource environment205. The monitoring and control processes274,275,276may be implemented via, for example, a control algorithm, a computer program, firmware, or other hardware and/or software.

The wellsite computing resource environment205may include various computing resources, such as a single computer or multiple computers. The wellsite computing resource environment205may further include a virtual computer system and a virtual database or other virtual structure for collected data, such as may include one or more resource interfaces (e.g., web interfaces) that facilitate the submission of application programming interface (API) calls to the various resources through a request. In addition, each of the resources may include one or more resource interfaces that facilitate the resources to access each other (e.g., to facilitate a virtual computer system of the computing resource environment to store data in or retrieve data from the database or other structure for collected data). The virtual computer system may include a collection of computing resources configured to instantiate virtual machine instances. A wellsite operator195may interface with the virtual computer system via the offsite user device220or the onsite user device219. Other computer systems or computer system services may be utilized in the wellsite computing resource environment205, such as a computer system or computer system service that provides computing resources on dedicated or shared computers/servers and/or other physical devices. The wellsite computing resource environment205may include a single server (in a discrete hardware component or as a virtual server) or multiple servers (e.g., web servers, application servers, or other servers). The servers may be, for example, computers arranged in physical and/or virtual configuration.

The wellsite computing resource environment205may also include a database that may be or comprise a collection of computing resources that run one or more data collections. Such data collections may be operated and managed by utilizing API calls. The data collections, such as the sensor data251-257, may be made available to other resources in the wellsite computing resource environment205, or to user devices (e.g., onsite user device219and/or offsite user device220) accessing the wellsite computing resource environment205. The remote computing resource environment206may include computing resources similar to those described above, such as a single computer or multiple computers (in discrete hardware components or virtual computer systems).

The wellsite computing resource environment205may facilitate an integral display or output means showing various information, such as the sensor data251-257, the control data261-267, processes taking place, events being detected, and drilling equipment operation status and control information. The wellsite computing resource environment205may be communicatively connected with one or more HMI devices. The HMI devices may include one or more input devices for receiving commands from the wellsite operators195to control the actuators231-237of a selected one of the subsystems211-217. The input means may be provided via hardware controls, such as physical buttons, slider bars, switches/rotary switches, joysticks, keyboards, mice, and the like. The HMI devices may also include one or more output devices, such as video output devices (e.g., LCD screens), printers, and audio speakers. The HMI devices may be implemented as part of, or utilized in association with, the onsite and/or offsite user devices219,220.

Selected information from the operations of the subsystems211-217may be shown to the wellsite operator195via multiple display screens. Each display screen may display information related to a corresponding subsystem211-217and other selected information. Each display screen may integrate selected sensor data251-257from the corresponding subsystem211-217with information from the monitoring process274, the control process275, and/or the control data261-267generated by the coordinated control device204, for display to the wellsite operator195. The display screens may be shown or displayed alternately on a single video output device or simultaneously on one or more video output devices. When utilizing a single video output device, the display screen to be displayed may be selected by the wellsite operator195via the input means. The display screen to be displayed on the video output device may also or instead be selected automatically by the monitoring process274based on operational events detected or planned at the well construction system100(e.g., a drilling process or event), such that information relevant to an event currently taking place is displayed. Each display screen may also include operational controls in the form of virtual or software buttons, toggles, levers, slide bars, icons, and the like (e.g., on/off buttons, increase/decrease slide bars), such as may be utilized to select the display screen and/or control operation of the subsystem211-217associated with the display screen. The plurality of display screens described herein may be collectively referred to hereinafter as an integrated display.

The display screens may also display video signals (e.g., one or more video feeds) generated by one or more of the video cameras198of the CCTV system215. One or more video signals may be displayed on a dedicated video output device and/or one or more video signals may be displayed in a picture-in-picture (PIP) video window inset or embedded on a display screen showing other information. Sourcing (i.e., selection) of the video camera198whose video signal is to be displayed on the display screen may be automated based on operational events (e.g., drilling events, drilling operation processes, etc.) at the well construction system100, such that video signals relevant to an event currently taking place are displayed.

FIG. 4is a schematic view of a portion of an example implementation of a wellsite operator control workstation300communicatively connected with the processing device192(e.g., the wellsite computing resource environment205) and/or other portions of the well construction system100according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operator workstation300comprises an operator chair302and an HMI system comprising a plurality of input and output devices disposed in association with and/or integrated with the operator chair302to permit the wellsite operator195to enter commands or other information to the processing device192and receive information from the processing device192and other portions of the well construction system100. The operator chair302may include a seat304, a left armrest306, and a right armrest308.

The input devices of the operator workstation300may include a left joystick310, a right joystick312, and a plurality of buttons, knobs, dials, switches, or other physical controls314,315,316,318,320. One or more of the joysticks310,312and/or the physical controls314,315,316may be integrated into the corresponding armrests306,308of the operator chair302to permit the wellsite operator195to operate these input devices from the operator chair304. Furthermore, one or more of the physical controls318,320may be integrated into the corresponding joysticks310,312to permit the wellsite operator195to operate these physical controls318,320while operating the joysticks310,312. The physical controls315may be emergency stop (E-stop) buttons, which may be electrically connected to E-stop relays of one or more pieces of wellsite equipment (e.g., the iron roughneck151, the PHM163, the drawworks119, the top drive116, etc.), such that the wellsite operator195can shut down the wellsite equipment during emergencies and other situations.

The output devices of the operator workstation300may include one or more video output devices322,324,326(e.g., video monitors) disposed in association with the operator chair304and operable to display to the wellsite operator195information from the processing device192and other portions of the well construction system100. The video output devices may be implemented as one or more LCD displays, LED displays, plasma displays, cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, and/or other types of displays. The video output devices322,324may be or comprise touch screens operable to display information to the wellsite operator195and receive commands or information from the wellsite operator195via a plurality of software buttons, switches, knobs, dials, icons, and/or other software controls328,330displayed on the video output devices322,324. The software controls328,330may be operated (e.g., selected) via finger contact by the wellsite operator195. The video output devices322,324may be disposed on or integrated into the arm rests306,308or other parts of the operator chair304to permit the wellsite operator195to operate the software controls328,330displayed on the video output devices322,324from the operator chair304.

The video output devices326may be disposed in front of or otherwise adjacent the operator chair302. The video output devices326may include a plurality of video output devices332,334,336, each dedicated to displaying predetermined information in a predetermined (e.g., programmed) manner. Although the video output devices326are shown comprising three video output devices332,334,336, the video output devices326may be or comprise one, two, four, or more video output devices. When one or two video output devices are utilized, different portions of screens displayed on the two video output devices may each be dedicated to displaying predetermined information in a predetermined manner.

One or more of the video output devices326may be operated as both input and output devices. For example, the video output devices334,336may display information related to the control and monitoring of the various subsystems211-217of the well construction system100. The video output devices334,336may further display sensor signals or information340generated by the various sensors221-227of the well construction system100to permit the wellsite operator195to monitor operational status of the subsystems211-217. The video output devices334,336may also display a plurality of software buttons, icons, switches, knobs, slide bars, dials, or other software controls342displayed on the video output devices334,336to permit the wellsite operator195to control the various actuators231-237or other portions of the subsystems211-217. The software controls342may be operated by the physical controls314,316, the joysticks310,312, the touchscreens322,324, or other input devices of the operator workstation300.

One or more portions of the operator workstation300may comprise or form a portion of the CCTV system215described above and shown inFIGS. 1-3. For example, one or more of the video output devices326may be configured to display the video signals generated by one or more of the video cameras198. The video output device332may operate purely as an output device dedicated for displaying the video signals generated by one or more of the video cameras198. When displaying the video signals from multiple video cameras198, the display screen of the video output device326may be divided into or comprise multiple video windows, each displaying a corresponding video signal. One or more of the video output devices334,336may display an integrated display screen displaying the sensor information340, the software controls342, and the video signals from one or more of the video cameras198. For example, one or both of the display screens of the video output devices334,336may include one or more PIP video windows344, each displaying a video signal from a corresponding one of the video cameras198. The PIP video windows344may be embedded or inset on the corresponding display screens along or adjacent the sensor information340and the software controls342.

FIGS. 5 and 6are views of example implementations of display screens402,404generated by the processing device192(e.g., the wellsite computing resource environment205) and displayed on one or more of the video output devices326according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The example display screen402displays various sensor information and software controls related to the control and monitoring of the WC system217and other related drilling or equipment information. The example display screen404displays various sensor information and software controls related to the control and monitoring of the CPC system216and other related drilling or equipment information.

The display screens, including the display screens402,404, may comprise a wellsite subsystem selector/indicator window or area406, which may be utilized to switch between or select which one or more of the display screens are being displayed on the video output device. The selector/indicator area406may be continuously displayed regardless of which display screen is being shown on the video output device. The area406may comprise a subsystem selection menu408, such as a plurality of indicator bars, tabs, or buttons, each listing a subsystem211-217of the well construction system100. The wellsite operator195may operate (e.g., click on, touch, highlight, and/or otherwise select) one of the buttons to select and view the display screen and the associated subsystem information. The button associated with the selected subsystem211-217may light up, change color, and/or otherwise indicate which display screen and, thus, subsystem211-217, is being shown. The selector/indicator area406may also include a SAFETY button, which may be selected to show the display screen with status of various safety equipment of the well construction system100, including gas detectors174,178and fire detectors. Although the subsystem selection menu408is shown as a list that is permanently maintained on the display screens402,404, the subsystem selection menu408may be implemented as a dropdown or pop-up menu, displaying a list of subsystems211-217when clicked on or otherwise operated.

The selector/indicator area406may also include a plurality of alarms or event indicators410(e.g., lights), each associated with a corresponding subsystem selection button. The monitoring process274may activate (e.g., light up, change color, etc.) one or more of the event indicators410to show or alarm the wellsite operator195of an operational event at or associated with a corresponding subsystem211-217that may be associated with a predetermined corrective action or another action by the wellsite operator195. Responsive to the event indicator410being activated, the wellsite operator195may switch to a display screen corresponding to the activated event indicator to assess the event and/or implement appropriate counteractive measures or actions. Instead of manually changing between the display screens, the processing device192may automatically change the display screen to show the display screen corresponding to a subsystem211-217experiencing the event.

The display screens, including the display screens402,404, may further comprise a driller information window or area412displaying selected sensor data251-257or information related to status of drilling operations. For example, the area412may include selected sensor data251from the RC system211, selected sensor data252from the FC system212, and/or selected sensor data from the WC system217. The area412may display information such as hook load, traveling block position, drill bit depth, wellbore depth, number of stands or tubulars in the wellbore, standpipe pressure, top drive dolly location, inside BOP position, top drive pipe connection status, elevator status, stickup connection status, and slips status. The area412may be continuously displayed regardless of which display screen is being shown on the video output device.

Each display screen, including the display screens402,404, may further comprise a corresponding subsystem information window or area414,418, respectively, displaying selected sensor data251-257or information related to a subsystem211-217being shown on the display screen. The information displayed in the area414may switch when the wellsite operator195or the processing device192switches between the display screens of the integrated display.

The subsystem information area414of the display screen402may comprise a schematic view415of the BOP stack130and a plurality of status bars416indicative of status of corresponding portions of the BOP stack130. The status bars416may display sensor data257showing operational parameters of the WC system217such as flow, pressure, temperature, and preventer position. The area414may further show the sensor data257of the WC system217in table or list form. One or more operational parameters (e.g., preventer position) of the WC system217may be changed, for example, by entering in the status bars416or on the list257the intended values of the one or more operational parameters, causing the coordinated control device204to transmit corresponding control data267to the controller247of the WC system217to change the operational parameters as intended.

The subsystem information area418of the display screen404may comprise a schematic view419of the choke manifold162and a plurality of status bars420indicative of status of corresponding portions of the choke manifold162. The status bars420may display sensor data256showing operational parameters of the CPC system216, such as flow, pressure, temperature, and position. The area418may further show the sensor data256of the CPC system216in table or list form. One or more operational parameters of the CPC system216may be changed, for example, by entering in the status bars420or on the list256the intended values of the one or more operational parameters, causing the coordinated control device204to transmit corresponding control data266to the controller246of the CPC system216to change the operational parameters as intended.

Each display screen, including the display screens402,404, may further include a one or more PIP video windows422, each displaying in real-time a video signal from a predetermined video camera198to display a predetermined portion of the well construction system100, a predetermined one of the subsystems211-217, and/or predetermined wellsite equipment. The PIP video windows422may be embedded or inset on the corresponding display screens402,404along or adjacent the sensor information and the software controls displayed on the display screens402,404. The view shown in the PIP video window422may be switched between different video cameras198. For example, the PIP video window422of the display screen402may show a real-time view of the BOP stack130and the PIP video window422of the display screen404may show a real-time view of the choke manifold162.

Each display screen, including the display screens402,404, may also comprise an event description window or area424listing and/or describing one or more operational events taking place at the well construction system100. The event description area424may also list and/or describe one or more counteractive measures (e.g., corrective actions, operational sequences) related to the event that may be performed or otherwise implemented in response to the event. Depending on the event and/or mode (e.g., advice, interlock, automated) in which the coordinated control device204is operating, the processing device192may just describe the corrective action within the event description area424, and the wellsite operator195may implement such corrective action. However, the processing device192may automatically implement the corrective action, or cause the corrective action to be automatically implemented, such as by transmitting predetermined control data261-267to the controller241-247of the corresponding subsystem211-217.

The information displayed in the area424may just display events and/or corrective actions related to the display screen and the subsystem211-217being viewed and, thus, change when switching between the display screens of the integrated display. However, the information displayed in the area424may not change when switching between the display screens, and may list events and/or corrective actions related to each subsystem211-217, such as in chronological order or in the order of importance. As described above, the coordinated control device204or another portion of the processing device192may automatically change the display screen to show the subsystem211-217experiencing the event and the corresponding description and/or corrective action related to the event.

Each display screen, including the display screens402,404, may be adjusted or otherwise configured by the wellsite operator195to display one or more of the various information windows or areas in a preferred or otherwise intended position on each display screen. For example, the selector/indicator area406may be displayed at the bottom of the display screens402,404, the event description area424may be displayed at the top of the display screens402,404, and the driller information area412may be displayed on the left side of the display screens402,404. Furthermore, the location and/or size (i.e., dimensions) of the PIP video windows422displayed on each display screen, including the display screens402,404, may also be adjusted or otherwise selected. The placement of the various information windows or areas and the PIP video windows422on the display screens may be moved or selected, for example, via one or more of the physical controls physical controls314,316,318,320, such as by entering an intended location of the information areas and PIP video windows422or by dragging the information areas and PIP video windows422to an intended location on the display screens.

One or more portions of the operator workstation300, such as the input and output devices, may also be utilized by the wellsite operator195to set, configure, or otherwise control operation of the CCTV system215. For example, one or more of the input devices of the operator workstation300may be utilized to enter into the processing device192various video display settings to cause the CCTV system215to operate based on such video display settings. The input devices may be utilized to configure the number of video signals displayed on each of the video output devices326, and to configure the size and position of the PIP video windows344,422. The input devices of the operator workstation300may be further utilized to associate a video camera198with a video output device326and/or PIP video window344,422to select what portions of the well construction system100are shown on which video output device326and/or PIP video window344,422, and when such portions of the well construction system100are shown during the well construction operation. Thus, based on such associations, the processing device192may be operable to cause the CCTV system215to automatically display predetermined objects and/or areas of the well construction system100during corresponding successive stages of the well construction operation. The displayed objects and/or areas may be those that the wellsite operator195may utilize to confirm predetermined parameters, configurations, statuses, and the like, before the automatic sequence of the well construction operation continues. Such aspects may reduce and/or eliminate manual operator input, which may save time during automatic sequences.

The video display settings that may be entered into the processing device192to configure the CCTV system215may thus comprise associations between each successive operational stage of a well construction operation during which the well construction system100forms the wellbore102, and the one or more of the video cameras198capturing one or more portions of the well construction system100performing such operational stage of the well construction operation. After such associations are entered into the processing device192, the processing device192may automatically display on one or more of the video output devices326one or more of the video signals from the one or more of the video cameras198associated with each successive operational stage of the well construction operation, such as to automatically show one or more portions of the well construction system100performing each successive operational stage of the well construction operation. The video display settings that may be entered into the processing device192to configure the CCTV system215may further comprise associations between each operational event and one of the video cameras198capturing a portion of the well construction system100experiencing that operational event. After such associations are entered into the processing device, and upon detecting one of the operational events, the processing device192may automatically display on one or more of the video output devices326the video signal from the video camera198associated with the detected operational event, such as to automatically show the well construction system100portion experiencing the detected operational event.

The video display settings may be entered into the processing device192via one or more CCTV configuration display screens displayed on one or more of the video output devices322,324,326. Each CCTV configuration screen may display information related to status of various portions of the CCTV system215and the software controls328,330,342, which may be operated to enter the video display settings into the processing device192to configure the CCTV system215. In an example implementation, the CCTV configuration display screens may be displayed on one or both of the video output devices322,324(i.e., touchscreens) permitting the wellsite operator195to enter the video display settings from the operator chair304via finger contact with the corresponding software controls328,330.

FIGS. 7-11are example implementations of CCTV configuration display screens500,502,504,506, respectively, generated by the processing device192and displayed on one or more of the video output devices322,324,326for configuring or otherwise controlling the CCTV system215by the wellsite operator195according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The CCTV configuration display screens500,502,504,506may be displayed on one or both of the video output devices322,324(i.e., touchscreens), permitting the wellsite operator195to enter the video display settings from the operator chair304via finger contact with the corresponding software controls328,330.

Each of the CCTV configuration display screens500,502,504,506displays different sets of software controls328,330and, thus, may be utilized to configure different features or aspects of the CCTV system215. Each of the screens500,502,504,506may be displayed by selecting a corresponding tab510,512,514,516displayed on each of the screens500,502,504,506, although additional and/or different tabs are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a video camera control tab510may be selected (e.g., operated via finger contact) to display the screen500, a camera selection tab512may be selected to display the screen502, an advanced display configuration tab514may be selected to display the screen504, and an automatic video display configuration tab516may be selected to display the screen506. The selected tab may be highlighted, differently colored, or otherwise distinguished from the non-selected tabs, such as depicted inFIG. 7by the selected tab510.

The configuration screen500includes video signal source indicator buttons520,522,524, each corresponding to one of the video output devices332,334,336and operable to visually indicate which video camera video signals are displayed on each of the video output devices332,334,336. In the example implementation of the screen500shown inFIG. 7, the indicator button520indicates that the video output device332displays the video signal from a video camera198capturing real-time video of (i.e., pointed toward) the top of the mast portion of the well construction system100. The indicator button522indicates that the video output device334displays the video signal from a video camera198capturing real-time video of the off-driller's side (ODS) top connection (i.e., top drive connection handover for triple stand drill pipe between a tubular delivery arm (TDA)167and the top drive116). The displayed video may be used to verify that the elevator129on the top drive116is closed and that the fingerboard latches169are open or closed. The indicator button524indicates that the video output device336displays the video signal from a video camera198capturing real-time video of the lower connection (i.e., top drive connection with a single drill pipe). The displayed video may provide the wellsite operator195with a visual feedback when making up single connections. As described above, the video signals shown on the video output devices334,336may be shown within one or more corresponding PIP video windows334,422.

The indicator buttons520,522,524for actively displayed ones of the selected video camera video signals may be highlighted, differently colored, or otherwise distinguished from the non-displayed ones of the selected video camera video signals. For example, inFIG. 7, the video signal from the video camera198capturing real-time video of the top of the mast is currently being displayed on the video output device332, and the video signals from the video cameras198capturing real-time video of the ODS top connection and the lower connection are not currently being displayed on the video output devices334,336. The display/non-display status may be toggled by operating (e.g., touching, clicking on, etc.) the corresponding indicator buttons520,522,524.

Highlighting of the indicator buttons520,522,524may also or instead inform the wellsite operator195what video camera198is active, whereby operating one or more of the other buttons on the display screen500will then apply to the active video camera198. For example, when the indicator button520is highlighted, the video camera198associated with the indicator button520is active on the video output device332and the other buttons on the display screen500will apply to such video camera198. If the wellsite operator195clicks on or otherwise operates the indicator button522, the video camera198associated with the indicator button522will become active and the other buttons on the display screen500will apply to such video camera198.

The CCTV system215may be configured to display on the video output device332either a single video signal in full screen, as shown in the display332depicted inFIG. 4, or multiple video signals from multiple corresponding video cameras198, simultaneously. For example, the CCTV system215may be configured to display two video signals from two corresponding video cameras198(i.e., a bi-view video signal feed) with each video signal filling a corresponding half of the display screen of the video output device332.

The CCTV system215may instead be configured to display four video signals from four corresponding video cameras198(i.e., a quad-view video signal feed) with each video signal filling a corresponding quarter of the display screen of the video output device332. For example, the CCTV configuration screen500shown inFIG. 8depicts a quad-view video signal feed, such that the indicator button520is divided in four sections each indicating the video camera198providing the video feed displayed in the corresponding quarter. The indicator button520shows that the video output device332is configured to display four video signals from four corresponding video cameras198capturing real-time video of the top of the mast, the stickup, the crown, and the tool joint assist.

The CCTV configuration screen500may also be utilized to set position or direction (e.g., pan, tilt) of each video camera198of the CCTV system. For example, the screen500may include a video camera select button526for selecting the video cameras198to be repositioned. When the button526is operated, a list or a selection menu (not shown) may drop down or otherwise appear, permitting the wellsite operator195to select the video camera198to be configured. However, instead of the list or selection menu appearing, when the button526is operated, another screen may appear (e.g., screen502described below), permitting the wellsite operator195to select the video camera198to be configured. After the wellsite operator195selects a video camera198, the video camera198may be panned left via button530, panned right via button532, tilted up via button534, tilted down via button536, zoomed in via button538, and zoomed out via button540. Additional buttons542,544may be operated to wipe and wash, respectively, the selected video camera198. Several positions for each video camera198may be stored or recalled by touching, clicking, or otherwise selecting a corresponding one of camera preset position buttons546. For example, when the position of a selected video camera198is configured, one of the buttons546may be operated to save the current video camera settings. The same video camera198may be repositioned and the configuration saved by pressing another one of the buttons546. Each preset position may be recalled by pressing one of the buttons546associated with the preset position. The wellsite operator195may also control the CCTV video cameras198using one or both of the joysticks310,312.

One or more of the CCTV configuration display screens500,502,504,506may also be utilized by the wellsite operator195to manually select which of the video camera video signals are to be displayed on one or more of the video output devices326. For example, the wellsite operator195may select the tab512to switch to the screen502, shown inFIG. 9. The screen502displays video camera selection buttons550that may be operated to select one or more of the video cameras198whose video signals are to be displayed. Each button550may be labeled with the location of the corresponding video camera198or with the name of the wellsite equipment or portion of the well construction system100captured by the corresponding video camera198. The buttons550may also or instead be labeled with other identifiers, such as equipment identification numbers. After being selected, one or more of the video output devices326may display the video signals from the one or more of the selected video cameras198. Manual video camera selection may override the programmed associations described herein to display the video signals from the video cameras198manually selected. Instead of the screen502containing the buttons550, the screen502may contain a list, a selection menu, or other means for manually selecting the video camera video signals to be displayed.

One or more of the CCTV configuration display screens500,502,504,506may also be utilized by the wellsite operator195to select how many of the video camera video signals are to be displayed on each of the video output devices326. For example, the wellsite operator195may select the tab514to switch to the screen504, shown inFIG. 10. The screen504displays selection buttons552,554,556that may be operated to select the number of video camera video signals to be displayed on each of the video output devices326. The button552may be operated to select the number of video camera video signals to be displayed on the video output device332. The button554may be operated to select the number of video camera video signals to be displayed within corresponding PIP video windows344,422on the video output device334. The button556may be operated to select the number of video camera video signals to be displayed within corresponding PIP video windows344,422on the video output device336. The selected ones of the buttons552,554,556may be highlighted, differently colored, or otherwise distinguished from the non-selected ones of the buttons552,554,556.

The screen504shows that the video output device332is set to display one video camera video signal, resulting in one video camera video signal displayed on the video output device332, as shown inFIG. 4. The screen504further shows that the video output device334is set to display two video camera video signals, resulting in two video camera video signals displayed within corresponding PIP video windows344,422on the video output device334, as shown inFIG. 4. The screen504also shows that the video output device336is set to display one video camera video signal, resulting in one video camera video signal displayed within a corresponding PIP video window344,422on the video output device336, as shown inFIG. 4.

The screen504may also include manual focus adjustment control buttons558,560operable to adjust optical focus of each selected video camera198and manual iris (i.e., aperture) adjustment control buttons562,564operable to adjust iris size of each selected video camera198to match changing light conditions at the wellsite. The screen504may also include a video camera lock button566operable to lock video camera settings and/or controls, such as to prevent other wellsite operators195from configuring or otherwise controlling the locked video cameras198.

One or more of the CCTV configuration display screens500,502,504,506may also be utilized by the wellsite operator195to enter the above-described associations into the processing device192. These may cause the CCTV system215to automatically display predetermined wellsite equipment and/or portions of the well construction system100during corresponding stages of the well construction operation and/or operational events detected during the well construction operation.

To enter such associations, the wellsite operator195may select the tab516to switch to the CCTV configuration screen506, shown inFIG. 11. The screen506displays software controls328,330(e.g., buttons) that may be operated to select and, thus, associate the video cameras198, the video output devices326, and the various operational stages and/or events taking place during the well constriction operation. A video camera selection button570may be operated by the wellsite operator195to select one of the video cameras198from which the video signal is to be displayed on one of the video output devices326. When the button570is operated, a list or a selection menu (not shown) containing names or other identifiers of the video cameras198may drop down or otherwise appear, permitting the wellsite operator195to select a video camera198. Thereafter, a drill stage selection button572may be operated by the wellsite operator195to select the operational stage of the well construction operation during which the video signal from the selected one of the video cameras198is to be displayed on one of the video output devices326. When the button572is operated, a list or a selection menu (not shown) containing names or other identifiers of the operational stages may drop down or otherwise appear, permitting the wellsite operator195to select and, thus, associate the operational stage with the previously selected video camera198.

Instead of or in addition to selecting the operational stage, a drill event selection button574may be operated by the wellsite operator195to select the operational event during which the video signal from the selected one of the video cameras198is to be displayed on one of the video output devices326. When the button574is operated, a list or a selection menu (not shown) containing names or other identifiers of the operational events may drop down or otherwise appear, permitting the wellsite operator195to select and, thus, associate the operational event with the previously selected video camera198.

A video position selection button576may also be operated by the wellsite operator195to select which of the video output devices326will display the selected video signal and the position (i.e., location) on the selected video output device326that the selected video signal will be displayed. When the button576is operated, a list or a selection menu578containing names or other identifiers of the video output devices326and available positions (e.g., quadrant of the video output device332, PIP windows344,422of the video output devices334,336, etc.) for the video signal from the selected video camera198to be displayed may drop down or otherwise appear, permitting the wellsite operator195to select and, thus, associate the video signal with one of the video output devices326and the display position on such video output device326. After the associations between the video cameras198, the video output devices326, and the operational stages and/or events are selected, the associations may be saved to the processing device192by operating a save button580displayed on the screen506.

In addition to displaying the CCTV configuration display screens500,502,504,506, the processing device192may be further operable to provide other software tools operable to display configuration display screens on one or more of the video output devices322,324,326, such as for configuring other systems or portions of the well construction system100. For example, the touchscreens322,324may display a tool selection bar582displaying icons, buttons, or other software controls permitting the wellsite operator195to select and use other software tools from the operator chair304via finger contact with the touchscreens322,324. The tool selection bar582may be permanently displayed on one or both of the touchscreens322,324, such as may permit the wellsite operator195to quickly switch between different software tools.

The software tools may each have multiple, independently selectable configuration screens (i.e., pages), each corresponding to an activity, operation, and/or types/categories thereof. As shown on the example configurations screens500,502,504,506depicted inFIGS. 7-11, the tool selection bar582may include a calculator tool icon584for displaying a calculator, a keyboard tool icon586for displaying a keyboard, and a display configuration tool icon588for displaying a software control display preference screen. The tool selection bar582may further include a cabin windows control tool icon590for displaying a cabin window control screen, a cabin climate control tool icon592for displaying a cabin climate control screen, a control cabin lighting control tool icon594for displaying a cabin lighting control screen, and a PA/phone tool icon598for displaying an internet-based phone control screen. The tool selection bar582may also include a CCTV configuration tool icon596operable to display the CCTV configuration screens500,502,504,506described above. As shown inFIG. 11, the selected icon may be highlighted, differently colored, or otherwise distinguished from the non-selected icons, such as to inform the wellsite operator195which software tool is currently being displayed. Each configuration screen generated on the touchscreens322,324may also include a power button599operable to turn off the corresponding touchscreen322,324when selected. The software tools and corresponding icons described above are merely examples, and additional and/or different software tools and corresponding icons are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a processing device600according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Implementations of the processing device600may form at least a portion of one or more electronic devices utilized at the well construction system100. For example, an implementation of the processing device600may be or form at least a portion of the processing devices188,192. Implementations of the processing device600may form at least a portion of the control system200, including the wellsite computing resource environment205, the coordinated control device204, the supervisory control system207, the local controllers241-247, the onsite user devices219, and the offsite user devices220. The wellsite computing resource environment205, the coordinated control device204, the supervisory control system207, one or more of the local controllers241-247, one or more of the onsite user devices219, and/or one or more of the offsite user devices220may also be or comprise an implementation of the processing device600.

When implemented as part of the wellsite computing resource environment205, the processing device600may be in communication with various sensors, actuators, controllers, and other devices of the subsystems211-217of the well construction system100. The processing device600may be operable to receive coded instructions632from the wellsite operators195and the sensor data251-257generated by the sensors221-227, process the coded instructions632and the sensor data251-257, and communicate the control data261-267to the local controllers241-247and/or the actuators231-237to execute the coded instructions632to implement at least a portion of one or more example methods and/or operations described herein, and/or to implement at least a portion of one or more of the example systems described herein.

The processing device600may be or comprise, for example, one or more processors, special-purpose computing devices, servers, personal computers (e.g., desktop, laptop, and/or tablet computers), personal digital assistants, smartphones, internet appliances, and/or other types of computing devices. The processing device600may comprise a processor612, such as a general-purpose programmable processor. The processor612may comprise a local memory614, and may execute coded instructions632present in the local memory614and/or another memory device. The processor612may execute, among other things, the machine-readable coded instructions632and/or other instructions and/or programs to implement the example methods and/or operations described herein. The programs stored in the local memory614may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor612of the processing device600, may cause the subsystems211-217of the well construction system100to perform the example methods and/or operations described herein. The processor612may be, comprise, or be implemented by one or more processors of various types suitable to the local application environment, and may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Other processors from other families may also be utilized.

The processor612may be in communication with a main memory617, such as may include a volatile memory618and a non-volatile memory620, perhaps via a bus622and/or other communication means. The volatile memory618may be, comprise, or be implemented by random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), RAMBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), and/or other types of random access memory devices. The non-volatile memory620may be, comprise, or be implemented by read-only memory, flash memory, and/or other types of memory devices. One or more memory controllers (not shown) may control access to the volatile memory618and/or non-volatile memory620.

The processing device600may also comprise an interface circuit624. The interface circuit624may be, comprise, or be implemented by various types of standard interfaces, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a third generation input/output (3GIO) interface, a wireless interface, a cellular interface, and/or a satellite interface, among others. The interface circuit624may also comprise a graphics driver card. The interface circuit624may also comprise a communication device, such as a modem or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data with external computing devices via a network (e.g., Ethernet connection, digital subscriber line (DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, cellular telephone system, satellite, etc.). One or more of the local controllers241-247, the sensors221-227, and the actuators231-237may be connected with the processing device600via the interface circuit624, such as may facilitate communication between the processing device600and the local controllers241-247, the sensors221-227, and/or the actuators231-237.

One or more input devices626may also be connected to the interface circuit624. The input devices626may permit the wellsite operators195to enter the coded instructions632, such as control commands, processing routines, operational set-points, and/or video display settings, including associations between the video cameras198, the video output devices326, and the various operational stages and/or events taking place during the well constriction operation. The input devices626may be, comprise, or be implemented by a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, an isopoint, and/or a voice recognition system, among other examples. One or more output devices628may also be connected to the interface circuit624. The output devices628may be, comprise, or be implemented by video output devices (e.g., an LCD, an LED display, a CRT display, and/or a touchscreen), printers, and/or speakers, among other examples. The processing device600may also communicate with one or more mass storage devices630and/or a removable storage medium634, such as may be or include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk (CD) drives, digital versatile disk (DVD) drives, and/or USB and/or other flash drives, among other examples.

The coded instructions632may be stored in the mass storage device630, the main memory617, the local memory614, and/or the removable storage medium634. Thus, the processing device600may be implemented in accordance with hardware (perhaps implemented in one or more chips including an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC), or may be implemented as software or firmware for execution by the processor612. In the case of firmware or software, the implementation may be provided as a computer program product including a non-transitory, computer-readable medium or storage structure embodying computer program code (i.e., software or firmware) thereon for execution by the processor612. The coded instructions632may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor612, may cause the various subsystems211-217of the well construction system100to perform intended methods, processes, and/or operations disclosed herein.

In view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the figures and the claims, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure introduces an apparatus comprising: (A) a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for use at a well construction system operable to form a well at an oil/gas wellsite, wherein the CCTV system comprises: (1) a plurality of video cameras at different locations within the well construction system, wherein each video camera is operable to generate a corresponding video signal; and (2) a video output device; and (B) a control system communicatively connected with each of the video cameras and the video output device, wherein the control system comprises a processor and a memory operable to store computer programs, wherein the computer programs utilize video display settings, and wherein the control system is operable to: (1) receive the video display settings from a human wellsite operator; (2) receive the video signals from each of the video cameras; and (3) automatically display on the video output device one or more of the received video signals based on the video display settings.

The video display settings may comprise associations between: each successive operational stage of a well construction operation during which the well construction system forms the wellbore; and one or more of the video cameras capturing one or more portions of the well construction system performing such operational stage of the well construction operation. In such implementations, among others within the scope of the present disclosure, the control system may be operable (during the well construction operation) to automatically display on the video output device one or more of the video signals from the one or more of the video cameras associated with each successive operational stage of the well construction operation, thereby automatically showing one or more portions of the well construction system performing each successive operational stage of the well construction operation.

The control system may be operable to: receive sensor information from a sensor of the well construction system; detect an operational event occurring in the well construction system based on the received sensor information, wherein the video display settings may comprise an association between the operational event and one of the video cameras capturing a portion of the well construction system experiencing that operational event; and, upon detecting the operational event, automatically display on the video output device the video signal from the associated video camera, thereby automatically showing the well construction system portion experiencing the detected operational event.

The control system may be operable to: (A) receive sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; (B) detect operational events occurring in the well construction system based on the received sensor information, wherein the video display settings may comprise associations between: (1) each operational event; and (2) one of the video cameras capturing a portion of the well construction system experiencing that operational event; and (C) upon detecting one of the operational events, automatically display on the video output device the video signal from the video camera associated with the detected operational event, thereby automatically showing the well construction system portion experiencing the detected operational event.

The video display settings may comprise one or more of video camera zoom, video camera pan, and video camera tilt.

The control system may be operable to: receive sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; and display on the video output device the received sensor information, wherein the one or more of the received video signals may be automatically displayed in a picture-in-picture video window on the video output device based on the received video display settings.

The video output device may be a first video output device, the CCTV system may comprise a second video output device adjacent the first video output device, a first one of the video signals may be automatically displayed on the first video output device based on the received video display settings, and the control system may be operable to: receive sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; display the received sensor information on the second video output device; and automatically display a second one of the video signals in a picture-in-picture video window on the second video output device based on the received video display settings.

The video output device may be a first video output device, and the apparatus may comprise a second video output device communicatively connected with the control system and operable to display a screen comprising a plurality of software controls operable by the human wellsite operator to enter the video display settings to the control system. The second video output device may be a touch screen permitting the human wellsite operator to operate the software controls via finger contact with the touch screen. The apparatus may comprise an operator control workstation having a seat from which the wellsite human operator controls the well construction system, and the operator control workstation may comprise the second video output device disposed in association with the seat, thereby permitting the wellsite human operator to operate the software controls via finger contact from the seat. The software controls may comprise: a video camera selection button operable to select each of the video cameras to be configured for operation; and one or more of a video camera zoom button, a video camera pan button, and a video camera tilt button. The video camera selection button may be one of a plurality of video camera selection buttons each associated with a different one of the video cameras, and each of the video camera selection buttons may be labeled with a location of the associated one of the video cameras or with names of wellsite equipment of the well construction system captured by the associated one of the video cameras. The first video output device may be a first one of a plurality of first video output devices, and one or more of the software controls may be operable to associate one or more of the video cameras with one or more of the first video output devices such that the one or more of the first video output devices display one or more of the video signals from the associated one or more of the video cameras. One of the software controls may be operable to associate each first video output device with one of the video cameras such that each first video output device displays the video signal from the associated video camera. The software controls may comprise a video camera selection button operable to override the received video display settings to select a different one of the video cameras whose video signal is to be displayed on the/each first video output device.

The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus comprising a well construction system comprising: (A) a plurality of components collectively operable to construct a well at an oil/gas wellsite via a plurality of operations; (B) a plurality of video cameras each positioned at a different location in the well construction system and operable to generate a corresponding video signal; (C) a video output device; and (D) a control system comprising a processor and a memory storing an executable code, wherein the control system is operable to: (1) receive the video signals from the video cameras; (2) receive video display settings comprising associations between the operations and the video cameras; and (3) during each operation, automatically display on the video output device one or more of the video signals received from the one or more video cameras associated with that operation.

During each operation, the automatic display of the one or more of the video signals received from the one or more video cameras associated with that operation may automatically show one or more portions of the well construction system performing that operation, and/or one or more of the components associated with that operation.

The control system may be operable to: receive sensor information from a sensor of the well construction system; detect an operational event occurring in the well construction system based on the received sensor information, wherein the video display settings may comprise an association between the operational event and one of the video cameras capturing a portion of the well construction system experiencing that operational event; and, upon detecting the operational event, automatically display on the video output device the video signal from the associated video camera, thereby automatically showing the well construction system portion experiencing the detected operational event.

The control system may be operable to: (A) receive sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; (B) detect operational events occurring in the well construction system based on the received sensor information, wherein the video display settings may comprise associations between: (1) each operational event; and (2) one of the video cameras capturing a portion of the well construction system experiencing that operational event; and (C) upon detecting one of the operational events, automatically display on the video output device the video signal from the video camera associated with the detected operational event, thereby automatically showing the well construction system portion experiencing the detected operational event.

The video display settings may comprise one or more of video camera zoom, video camera pan, and video camera tilt.

The control system may be operable to: receive sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; and display on the video output device the received sensor information, wherein the one or more of the received video signals is automatically displayed in a picture-in-picture video window on the video output device based on the received video display settings.

The video output device may be a first video output device, the well construction system may comprise a second video output device adjacent the first video output device, a first one of the video signals may be automatically displayed on the first video output device based on the received video display settings, and the control system may be operable to: receive sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; display the received sensor information on the second video output device; and automatically display a second one of the video signals in a picture-in-picture video window on the second video output device based on the received video display settings.

The video output device may be a first video output device, and the apparatus may comprise a second video output device communicatively connected with the control system and operable to display a screen comprising a plurality of software controls operable by a human wellsite operator to enter the video display settings to the control system. The second video output device may be a touch screen permitting the human wellsite operator to operate the software controls via finger contact with the touch screen. The apparatus may comprise an operator control workstation having a seat from which the wellsite human operator controls the well construction system, and the operator control workstation may comprise the second video output device disposed in association with the seat to permit the wellsite human operator to operate the software controls via finger contact from the seat. The software controls may comprise: a video camera selection button operable to select each of the video cameras to be configured for operation; and one or more of a video camera zoom button, a video camera pan button, and a video camera tilt button. The video camera selection button may be one of a plurality of video camera selection buttons each associated with a different one of the video cameras, and each of the video camera selection buttons may be labeled with a location of the associated one of the video cameras or with names of wellsite equipment of the well construction system captured by the associated one of the video cameras. The first video output device may be a first one of a plurality of first video output devices, and one or more of the software controls are operable to associate one or more of the video cameras with one or more of the first video output devices such that the one or more of the first video output devices display one or more of the video signals from the associated one or more of the video cameras. One of the software controls may be operable to associate each first video output device with one of the video cameras such that each first video output device displays the video signal from the associated video camera. The software controls may comprise a video camera selection button operable to override the received video display settings to select a different one of the video cameras whose video signal is to be displayed on the/each first video output device.

The present disclosure also introduces a method comprising constructing a well at an oil/gas wellsite by: (A) operating a well construction system to perform a plurality of operations; and (B) operating a control system comprising a processor and a memory storing an executable code, wherein operating the control system comprises: (1) receiving video signals from video cameras each positioned at a different location in the well construction system; and (2) receiving video display settings comprising associations between the operations and the video cameras such that, during each operation, a video output device automatically displays one or more of the video signals received from the one or more video cameras associated with that operation.

During each operation, the automatic display of the one or more of the video signals received from the one or more video cameras associated with that operation may automatically show one or more portions of the well construction system performing that operation.

Operating the well construction system to perform the operations may comprise operating the control system to operate a plurality of components of the well construction system to perform the operations. During each operation, the automatic display of the one or more of the video signals received from the one or more video cameras associated with that operation may automatically show one or more of the components associated with that operation.

The video display settings may comprise associations between operational events and the video cameras, and operating the control system may comprise: receiving sensor information generated by a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; detecting occurrence of one of the operational events based on the sensor information; and upon detecting the operational event, automatically displaying on the video output device one or more video signals from one or more of the video cameras associated with the detected operational event. Automatically displaying the one or more video signals from the one or more video cameras associated with the detected operational event may automatically show one or more portions of the well construction system experiencing the detected operational event.

The video display settings may comprise one or more of video camera zoom, video camera pan, and video camera tilt.

The video output device may be a first video output device, the apparatus may comprise a second video output device, and operating the control system may comprise: displaying on the second video output device a screen comprising a plurality of software buttons; and operating the software buttons by a human wellsite operator to enter the video display settings into the control system. Operating the software buttons by the human wellsite operator may comprise operating the software buttons to: select one or more of the video cameras to be configured for operation; and adjust one or more of a video camera zoom, video camera pan, and a video camera tilt of the selected one or more of the video cameras.

Operating the control system may comprise: receiving sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; and displaying the received sensor information on the video output device, wherein the one or more of the received video signals may be automatically displayed in a picture-in-picture video window on the video output device based on the received video display settings.

The video output device may be a first video output device, a first one of the video signals may be automatically displayed on the first video output device based on the received video display settings, and operating the control system may comprise: receiving sensor information from a plurality of sensors of the well construction system; displaying the received sensor information on a second video output device; and automatically displaying a second one of the video signals on the second video output device based on the received video display settings in a picture-in-picture video window.

The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to permit the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.