Abstract:
A plurality of input data to be used to compute a first output is received. The first output is computed. It is determined that the computed first output is outside a pre-determined first-output limit. A plurality of hyperlinks is displayed on a display device. Each hyperlink provides a link to a process for making adjustments to the plurality of input data to bring the first output within the pre-determined first-output limit. Selection of one of the plurality of hyperlinks (the “selected hyperlink”) is detected. A process associated with the selected hyperlink is followed to produce an adjustment to the plurality of input data to bring the first output within the first pre-determined first-output limit. The adjusted plurality of input data is used to plan implementation of a system. The sequence of selection of hyperlinks is tracked in order to reinforce the prioritization and order of future suggestions. The system is implemented.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Configurations of systems, such as oil field drilling systems, can be planned during a planning stage. Often, a software application is used in the planning stage. The components that make up such systems can have a number of parameters that can be adjusted through the software application during the planning stage. It can be a challenge to provide a user with help in resolving errors that arise during the planning stage. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  shows a computer system. 
           [0003]      FIG. 2  shows a well schematic window. 
           [0004]      FIGS. 3-4 ,  8 , and  10  show well schematic windows with hyperlinks. 
           [0005]      FIGS. 5-6  show dashboards. 
           [0006]      FIGS. 7 and 9  show flow charts. 
           [0007]      FIG. 11  shows a block diagram. 
           [0008]      FIG. 12  shows a database table. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0009]    In one embodiment, a computer system environment  100 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 , includes a computer housing  102  that contains a processor  104 , such as a microprocessor; a random access memory  106  (“RAM”); a read only memory  108  (“ROM”); one or more storage devices  110 , such as hard drives, optical drives, solid state drives, and other similar devices; interconnected by a bus  112 . In one embodiment, one or more network interfaces  114  and one or more input/output (“I/O”) interfaces  116  provide external interfaces for the processor  104  through the bus  112 . In one embodiment, one or more cursor control devices  118 , such as a mouse, a track pad, a graphics tablet, or the like, interface with the processor  104  through the I/O interface  116  and allow a user to manipulate a cursor. In one embodiment, one or more input devices  120 , such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch sensitive screen, or the like, interface with the processor  104  through the I/O interface  116  and allow the user to input characters, numbers, drawings, and the like. In one embodiment, one or more graphical user interfaces  122  interfaces with the processor  104  through the I/O interface  116  and allows the processor  104  to display text, graphics, and other information. In one embodiment, one or more output devices  124 , such as printers, plotters, or the like, interface with the processor  104  through the I/O interface  116  and, for example, allow the production of hard copy output. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the processor  104  interfaces with a local area network (“LAN”)  126  through the network interface  114 . In one embodiment, the processor  104  can communicate with other computers through the LAN  126 . In one embodiment, the processor has access to the Internet  128  through the LAN  126 . 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, a computer program to implement the techniques described herein is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium  130 , such as a compact disk (“CD”), a digital versatile disc or digital video disc (“DVD”), an external solid state drive, or the like. In one embodiment, the medium  130  is loaded into a storage device  110 , such as an optical drive, and the computer program is read from the medium and stored in the RAM  106 , the ROM  108 , or another storage device  110 , such as a hard drive. In one embodiment, the computer program is compiled and linked, if necessary, and further prepared for execution. In one embodiment, and executable image of the computer program is stored in the RAM  106 , the ROM  108 , or another storage device  110 , such as a hard drive. In one embodiment, the processor  104  executes the executable image, receive inputs from the cursor control device  118  and input device  120 , stores data in the RAM  106  and/or ROM  108 , and produce outputs on the graphical user interface  122  and the output device  124 . 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the computer system environment  100  is used to plan the implementation of a system, such as a drilling system for drilling a well for hydrocarbons. While much of this disclosure describes techniques relating to the planning of such wells, it will be understood that the techniques described herein can be used in a variety of implementation planning or realization environments, such as architectural systems used to design buildings; computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing systems used to design electronic and mechanical devices and the systems used to build them; and medical systems, such as surgery planning, automation, or assistance systems. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the graphical user interface  122  displays a well schematic window  202  that includes a schematic  204  of a well being planned. For simplicity of presentation, the well schematic illustrated in  FIG. 2  omits details that might be shown on such a display. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the schematic  204  includes a representation of the earth surface  206 , a bore hole  208 , a first casing  210 , and a second casing  212 . The schematic  204  also includes a drill string  214  and a bit  216  coupled to the bit. The schematic  204  shows an area  218  of the drill string  214  which has developed a curve that has caused a parameter, such as the bending stress, of the drill string  214  in that area  218  to be out of limits. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , a hyperlink  302  appears on the screen in the vicinity of the out-of-limits condition. In one embodiment, the hyperlink  302  includes text identifying the problem that has been encountered, such as the text “Bending stress out of limits” shown in hyperlink  302 . In one embodiment, an indicator, such as the line  304  shown in  FIG. 3  connects the hyperlink  302  to the area where the out-of-limits condition occurred. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, selecting the hyperlink  302 , such as by clicking on it with a mouse or track pad, or tapping on it through a touch screen, or the like, will cause the processor  104  to initiate a process to recommend a solution or solutions to the problem that has been encountered. 
         [0017]    By way of example, consider the problem identified in  FIG. 3 , i.e., that “bending stress is out of limits.” Bending stress can be calculated using the following equation: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     σ 
                     b 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         M 
                         b 
                       
                       × 
                       
                         D 
                         p 
                       
                     
                     
                       2 
                        
                       I 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   1 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    where: 
         [0018]    M b =bending moment=EI κ, 
         [0019]    E=Young&#39;s modulus, 
         [0020]    I=axial moment of inertia, 
         [0021]    κ=pipe curvature, and 
         [0022]    D p =pipe diameter. 
         [0023]    Bending moment can also be expressed using the bending moment relationship: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     σ 
                     b 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       ED 
                       p 
                     
                     
                       2 
                        
                       R 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   2 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    where 
         [0024]    R is the radius of curvature (R=1/κ) 
         [0000]    With the following given data: 
         [0025]    Curvature is deg/100 ft=3.17 deg/100 ft=0.00055 rad/ft 
         [0026]    Pipe diameter=8″ 
         [0027]    Modulus of elasticity=30,000,000 psi 
         [0000]    Bending stress outside the pipe is 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     σ 
                     bo 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           r 
                           0 
                         
                          
                         E 
                          
                         
                             
                         
                          
                         κ 
                       
                       12 
                     
                     = 
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             ( 
                             
                               8 
                               2 
                             
                             ) 
                           
                            
                           30 
                            
                           
                             , 
                           
                            
                           000 
                            
                           
                             , 
                           
                            
                           000 
                           × 
                           0.00055 
                         
                         12 
                       
                       = 
                       
                         5500 
                          
                         
                             
                         
                          
                         psi 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   3 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    If the limit on bending stress is set at 5,000 psi, the result will be a hyperlink error pointing towards the component which exceeds the bending stress, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the process recommends a solution. In one embodiment, the process proceeds by making a reverse calculation using as a constraint the variable for which limit that has been exceeded. In the bending stress calculation the variables are D p , E, κ. 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     σ 
                     bo 
                   
                   ≤ 
                   
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           
                             D 
                             p 
                           
                           2 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                        
                       E 
                       × 
                       κ 
                     
                     12 
                   
                   ≤ 
                   5000 
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   4 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    Since the modulus of elasticity (E) cannot be changed, the only variables are pipe diameter (D p ) and the dogleg of the wellbore (related to κ). 
         [0029]    The options are (a) to keep the pipe diameter same and calculate the dogleg or (b) to keep the dogleg constant and calculate the minimum diameter of the pipe. 
         [0030]    For the first option the pipe diameter remains the same and the dogleg is constrained: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   κ 
                   ≤ 
                   
                     
                       
                         5000 
                         × 
                         12 
                       
                       3000000 
                     
                     × 
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         2 
                         8 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                   ≤ 
                   0.0005 
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   5 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    This calculation results in a dogleg of 2.865 deg/100 ft. 
         [0031]    For the second option wellbore curvature remains the same and the pipe diameter is calculated to be: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     σ 
                     bo 
                   
                   ≤ 
                   
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           
                             D 
                             p 
                           
                           2 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                        
                       E 
                       × 
                       κ 
                     
                     12 
                   
                   ≤ 
                   
                     5000 
                      
                     
                       D 
                       p 
                     
                   
                   ≤ 
                   
                     
                       5000 
                       × 
                       12 
                       × 
                       2 
                     
                     
                       3000000 
                       × 
                       0.00055 
                     
                   
                   ≤ 
                   
                     7.27 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     in 
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   6 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    In the above conditions there may not be an option to reduce the diameter of the pipe leaving reducing the dogleg of the well path as the only option. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, assuming both options are available and the above reverse calculations result in expressions that can be solved, the process displays hyperlinks to “adjust pipe diameter” (hyperlink  402 ), “adjust dogleg” (hyperlink  404 ), and “adjust all” (hyperlink  406 ), as shown in  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, if only one of the options is available, the process will display only the hyperlink for the available option. For example, if it is not possible to adjust the dogleg of the well path because it has been locked or because no dogleg adjustment can correct the problem, only the “adjust pipe diameter” hyperlink will be displayed. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, selecting the “adjust all” hyperlink will cause the process to display a way to make those adjustments, such as the dashboard  502  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, the dashboard  502  includes a display of the out-of-limits parameter. In one embodiment, the display of the out-of-limits parameter is a dial  504  with a “good” range (i.e., from 0-4000 psi) represented by a first color  506  in an inner ring of the dial, a “caution” range (i.e., from 4000-5000 psi) represented by a second color  508  in the inner ring of the dial, and an “out-of-limits” range (i.e., from 5000-7000 psi) represented by a third color  510  in the inner ring of the dial. A needle  512  and a digital display  514  indicate the current value of the out-of-limits parameter. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the dashboard  502  includes an incremental slide  516  for drill pipe outside diameter, which is a parameter that can be adjusted to particular values. The particular values  518  (i.e., 2⅜, 2⅞, 3½, 4, 4½, 5, 5½, 6⅝, and 8 inches) are displayed in, for example, blocks, in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or along a curve, and the currently selected increment (i.e., 8 inches) is highlighted, for example by shading the block associated with the currently selected increment. An incremental selector  520  allows a new selection to be made. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the dashboard  502  includes a continuous slide  522  for drill pipe dogleg, which is a parameter that is not limited to discrete values, other than those imposed by the use of digital electronics. In one embodiment, the continuous slide includes a “good” range indicated by a first color  522 , a “caution” range indicated by a second color  524 , and a “out-of-limits” range indicated by a third color  526 . In one embodiment, a continuous selector  526  allows a selection to be made. In one embodiment, a number  528  attached to the continuous selector indicates the current value (3.17 degrees/100 ft) of the dogleg. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, adjusting the drill pipe outside diameter using the incremental selector  520  or the drill pipe dogleg using the continuous selector  526  will change the bending stress, as discussed above. In one embodiment, such changes are reflected instantly or after a short time by the needle  512  and the digital display  514 . 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a dashboard  602 , which was reached by selecting the “adjust dogleg” hyperlink  404  shown on  FIG. 4 , includes the dial  504  and the continuous slide  522  described above in connection with  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, the dashboard  602  includes a recommendation  604  (i.e., “Adjust to 2.865 deg/100 ft”), which is the recommended dogleg computed in the example above. In one embodiment, the recommendation  604  is merely text and the user is required to adjust the continuous selector  526  to the required amount. In one embodiment, the recommendation  604  is a button that, when selected, causes the dogleg to be adjusted to the recommended amount. 
         [0038]    In general, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the process receives at a processor, such as processor  104 , a plurality of input data (e.g., INPUT- 1 , INPUT- 2 , . . . , INPUT-N) to be used to compute a first output (e.g., OUTPUT) (block  702 ). In one embodiment, the processor  104  computes the first output (i.e., OUTPUT=f(INPUT- 1 , INPUT- 2 , . . . , INPUT-N)) (block  704 ). In one embodiment, the processor  104  determines that the computed first output is outside a pre-determined first-output limit (block  706 ). In one embodiment, the processor  104  displays a plurality of hyperlinks on a display device, each hyperlink providing a link to a process for making adjustments to the plurality of input data to bring the first output within the pre-determined first-output limit (block  708 ). In one embodiment, the processor  104  detects selection of one of the plurality of hyperlinks (e.g., INPUT- 1 , the “selected hyperlink”) (block  710 ). In one embodiment, the processor  104  follows a process associated with the selected hyperlink to produce an adjustment to the plurality of input data to bring the first output within the first pre-determined first-output limit (such as a reverse calculation of INPUT- 1 , using INPUT- 2  . . . INPUT-N as inputs and OUTPUT constrained to limit) (block  712 ). In one embodiment the adjusted plurality of input data (e.g., the calculated INPUT- 1 ) is used to plan implementation of a system (block  714 ). In one embodiment, the system is implemented (block  716 ). 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a set of hyperlinks is provided to address a problem. In one embodiment, a hyperlink  802  with the legend “Fatigue ratio out of limits” is linked to the problem portion  218  of the drill string  214 . In one embodiment, fatigue ratio is: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     FR 
                     F 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                          
                         
                           σ 
                           b 
                         
                          
                       
                       + 
                       
                          
                         
                           σ 
                           buck 
                         
                          
                       
                     
                     
                       σ 
                       fl 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   8 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    where: 
         [0040]    σ b =bending stress in psi, 
         [0041]    σ buck =buckling stress in psi, and 
         [0042]    σ fl =fatigue limit. 
         [0000]    For tension the fatigue limit can be written as: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     σ 
                     fl 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       σ 
                       el 
                     
                      
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         1 
                         - 
                         
                           
                             F 
                             e 
                           
                           
                             F 
                             y 
                           
                         
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   9 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    where: 
         [0043]    σ el  fatigue endurance limit of the pipe in psi, 
         [0044]    F e =effective tension in lbf, and 
         [0045]    F y =yield strength of the pipe in lbf. 
         [0046]    With the given fatigue endurance limit as well as yield strength of the pipe, keeping the buckling stress constant will result in only bending stress in the calculation. Adjusting the bending stress by adjusting the wellbore curvature may cause the fatigue ratio to be within the limits. If, after making these adjustments, the fatigue ratio is still out of limits it may be necessary to adjust the diameter of the pipe. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, to address this complex analytical situation, the system provides a plurality of hyperlinks. In one embodiment, the system provides three hyperlinks: a “Solve with Empirical Analysis” hyperlink  804 , a “Solve with Statistical Analysis” hyperlink  806 , and a “Solve with Artificial Intelligence Analysis” hyperlink  808 . 
         [0048]    The processing underlying the presentation of the plurality of hyperlinks  804 ,  806 , and  808 , illustrated in  FIG. 9 , begins, in one embodiment, with the determination that multiple errors may exist (block  902 ). For example, as described in the example just described, the error could be in the yield strength of the pipe, the wellbore curvature, or the diameter of the pipe. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the processing identifies the calculations that produced the potential errors (block  904 ). In the example just given, the calculations include those shown in equations (8) and (9). 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the processing identifies the variables that are part of each calculation (block  906 ). In the example just given, the variables include those listed after equations (8) and (9). 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the processing enters a loop (blocks  908 ,  910 ,  912 , and  914 ) in which each variable is addressed in turn, beginning with the first variable (block  908 ). In one embodiment, the processing determines if the variable is adjustable (block  910 ). For example, the variable under consideration may not be adjustable if it has been locked, is at a limit, or has only one possible value for another reason. If the variable is not adjustable (“N” branch out of block  910 ), in one embodiment processing returns to block  908  to consider the next variable. 
         [0052]    If the variable is adjustable (“Y” branch out of block  910 ), in one embodiment processing proceeds to block  912  where the variable under consideration is added to the list of variables to be offered for adjustment. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, processing then determines if more variables are available for consideration (block  914 ). If there are (“Y” branch out of block  914 ), in one embodiment processing returns to block  908  to consider the next variable. 
         [0054]    If there are no more variables (“N” branch out of block  914 ), in one embodiment processing proceeds to block  916  to display options available for analysis, resulting in the display shown in  FIG. 8 . In one embodiment, the processing displays hyperlink  804  for an empirical analysis of the variables (block  918 ). In one embodiment, the processing displays hyperlink  806  for a statistical analysis of the variables (block  920 ). In one embodiment, the processing displays hyperlink  808  for an artificial intelligence analysis of the variables (block  922 ). 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, if the “Solve with Empirical Analysis” hyperlink ( 804 ) is selected in  FIG. 8 , analysis described above in connection with  FIGS. 4-7  is performed. 
         [0056]    In one embodiment, if the “Solve with Statistical Analysis” hyperlink ( 806 ) is selected in  FIG. 8 , a statistical analysis is performed leading to a display such as that shown in  FIG. 10 . In one embodiment, the display includes a window  1002  displaying the results of the statistical analysis, such as “8/10 adjusted yield strength of pipe,” meaning that eight of the ten users that encountered this problem solved it by adjusting the yield strength of the pipe. In one embodiment, the display would also include a hyperlink  1004  linked to a set of screens to make the adjustment, such as those shown in  FIGS. 4-7 . 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, if the “Solve with Artificial Intelligence Analysis” hyperlink ( 808 ) is selected in  FIG. 8 , a support vector machine (“SVM”)  1102  (see  FIG. 11 , discussed below), such as a neural network, addresses the problem and proposes solutions. 
         [0058]    In one embodiment, a system  1100  to perform the analysis described above includes a hyperlink analysis system  1104  that receives errors generated by a plurality of applications  1106 A,  1106 B, . . . ,  1106 N, some of which have access to and/or maintain a set of model(s)  1108 . In one embodiment, a user  1110  has access to displays illustrated above from the applications  1106 A,  1106 B, . . . ,  1106 N and the hyperlink analysis system  1104 . In one embodiment, the hyperlink analysis system  1104  maintains a problem/solution database  1112  which, in one embodiment, is used to perform the statistical analysis discussed above. In one embodiment, the support vector machine  1102  has access to the problem/solution database  1112  for its analysis. 
         [0059]    One embodiment of the problem/solution database  1112 , illustrated in  FIG. 12  is a database table  1202 . In one embodiment, the database table  1202  includes a plurality of columns. In one embodiment, the database table  1202  includes an “application” column  1204  that identifies the application (e.g., “StressCheck”) in which an error occurred. In one embodiment, the database table  1202  includes an “error” column  1206  that identifies the error that occurred. In one embodiment, the database table  1202  includes a “solution” column  1208  that identifies the solution that was previously selected to solve the problem. In one embodiment, the database table  1202  includes a column  1210  with other information, such as the date that the solution was determined, the location of the user and/or of the problem (i.e., the location of the well), and other similar information that might be useful in a statistical or artificial intelligence analysis. 
         [0060]    The text above describes one or more specific embodiments of a broader invention. The invention also is carried out in a variety of alternate embodiments and thus is not limited to those described here. The foregoing description of an embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.