What Is The Bed Parallel Guidance System?
BPGS stands for the Bed Parallel Guidance System. A proprietary machine learning system used by Black Diamond to maximize overall well production and optimize oil and gas well drilling operations.
Here's how it works:
- Comprehensive Well Data: Black Diamond's BPGS relies on a vast amount of well-related data, including information about drilling processes, geology, completions (the final steps in preparing a well for production), and production data. This data is collected and analyzed to gain insights into the subsurface conditions and the behavior of the reservoir.
- Identifying the "Super Zone": The primary objective of BPGS is to identify what Black Diamond refers to as the "super zone" within the targeted zone. This super zone is the most productive area of the reservoir where oil and gas extraction can be maximized. We refer to this “super zone” as The Production Sidewalk.
- Production Sidewalk: This is where the wellbore should ideally be placed to optimize production. The BPGS system aims to consistently land the well in this Production Sidewalk.
- Integrated Well Data: BPGS integrates various sources of well data, including real-time downhole measurements from specialized tools, historical well data, geological information, and production data. This integration allows for a comprehensive understanding of the reservoir and the drilling process.
- Proprietary Guidance System: Black Diamond has developed its proprietary guidance system, which uses machine learning algorithms to make real-time decisions during the drilling process. This guidance system considers the integrated well data and continuously adjusts the drilling trajectory to keep the wellbore in the Production Sidewalk.
- Wellbore Orientation: The BPGS keeps the wellbore bed parallel within the Production Sidewalk for a significant portion of the drilling process, typically 80% to 100% placement. This precise control over the wellbore orientation ensures maximize production efficiency.
- Results: The outcome of using BPGS? A substantial increase in individual well production. Additionally, by keeping the wellbore bed parallel in the production sidewalk, the drilling process becomes smoother, faster, and more efficient, ultimately reducing operational costs per well.
In summary, BPGS is a sophisticated system that leverages machine learning, integrated well data, and a proprietary guidance system to identify and land the wellbore in the most productive part of the reservoir, known as the Production Sidewalk. This approach optimizes well production and improves drilling efficiency.
Bed Parallel Guidance System (BPGS) is implemented in two distinct phases for Sidewalk identification and execution:
- BPGS - Phase 1: Sidewalk Analytics, Sidewalk Production Modeling & Road Map Engineering:
- Sidewalk Analytics: This phase involves the advanced analysis of various data related to the well and reservoir. It includes data on drilling history, geological information, completions data, and production records. Utilizes machine learning to identify the Production Sidewalk.
- Sidewalk Production Modeling: With Machine Learning we create detailed production models for the Production Sidewalk. These models predict how the well is likely to perform in this area based on 80%-100% placement in the Production Sidewalk.
- Road Map Engineering: With knowledge of the Production Sidewalk and their production models, this phase involves the engineering of a roadmap for drilling operations. The roadmap provides the optimal trajectory for the wellbore to land in and stay within the Production Sidewalk, maximizing production potential.
- BPGS - Phase 2: Execute 80%-100% Horizontal Production Sidewalk Placement using the Road Map and the Bed Parallel Guidance System:
- Execution: In this phase, the actual drilling operations take place. The roadmap developed in Phase 1 guides the drilling process. The Bed Parallel Guidance System Solution Center provides 24-hour Field and Office Real Time data integration, with direct two-way communication with all field teams. Provides optimal drilling parameters and steering direction to both land in and stay in the Production Sidewalk.
- Precision Drilling: Road Map Engineering recommends optimal BHA designs to minimize steering and maximize rotation. Results in smoother, faster and precision drilling.
- Maximizing Efficiency: By executing the drilling operations in accordance with the roadmap and the guidance provided by BPGS results in increased well production, and reduced operational costs.
These two phases represent a systematic approach to optimize both well production and drilling operations. Phase 1 focuses on data analysis and modeling to identify the best drilling location, while Phase 2 is all about executing the drilling process with precision to achieve the desired results.
FAQ -
Do we need additional tools to use this system, like triple combo while drilling?
No, additional downhole tools are needed to use the Bed Parallel Guidance System (BPGS). In fact, the BPGS relies on the integration of existing downhole data, and it's designed to utilize 100% of the available downhole data, including measurements from tools like gamma ray (gamma) tools. By leveraging this comprehensive set of downhole data, which includes gamma ray measurements and other relevant information, the BPGS can make real-time decisions and adjustments during drilling operations to optimize well placement within the Production Sidewalk and maximize production efficiency.
Can I use my own down hole tools?
Yes, you can use your own downhole tools with the Bed Parallel Guidance System (BPGS) under certain conditions. Black Diamond (BD) prefers the use of its own BPGS certified downhole tools due to their reliability and compatibility with the system's operation. However, if BD is unable to provide the necessary tools for any reason, alternative downhole tools may be utilized if they meet the necessary standards and requirements set by BD.
Can I use my own DDs?
Yes, you can use your own Directional Drillers (DDs) with the Bed Parallel Guidance System (BPGS), but there are important conditions to consider:
- Faithful Execution of Guidance: Your DDs must faithfully and successfully execute the guidance instructions provided by the BPGS Solutions Center. The BPGS relies on precise and continuous communication with the DDs to ensure that the drilling trajectory aligns with the optimal well placement within the Production Sidewalk.
- Two-Way Communication: The BPGS Solutions Center requires constant two-way communication with the DDs to provide real-time guidance and monitor the progress of drilling operations. This communication is vital to ensure that the DDs are following the recommended path accurately.
- Monitoring and Verification: All DD operations are closely monitored to verify that the directional steering guidance provided by the BPGS is effectively implemented by the DD. This monitoring is essential to ensure that the wellbore remains within the desired Production Sidewalk, maximizing production efficiency.
- In summary, while you can use your own DDs with the BPGS, it's crucial that they work closely with the BPGS Solutions Center, follow the guidance provided, maintain constant communication, and allow for monitoring to ensure the system's recommendations are implemented accurately. This collaborative approach aims to achieve the desired well placement and production optimization goals.
Can we use the BPGS to shadow our operation?
Yes, you can use the Bed Parallel Guidance System (BPGS) to effectively shadow your drilling and production operations. The BPGS, especially in Phase 1, is designed to break down organizational silos and utilize comprehensive well data from various sources within your organization. Here's how it works:
- Comprehensive Well Data Integration: The BPGS integrates data from different parts of your organization, including drilling, geology, completions, and production data. This comprehensive dataset provides a holistic view of your operations.
- Sidewalk Data Model and Machine Learning: The BPGS employs advanced Sidewalk Data Models and Machine Learning techniques. These technologies analyze and correlate formation data signatures across the silos. By doing so, they bridge the gap between traditionally separate departments or data sources, such as drilling and production.
- Value Flow of Data: By breaking down the walls between these silos and establishing the value flow of data, the BPGS enables a seamless flow of information and insights across your organization. This ensures that everyone involved in the drilling and production processes has access to relevant data.
- Connecting Data from Drill Bit to Production: The breakthrough use of Machine Learning in the BPGS connects production data all the way back to the drill bit. This means that the system leverages your organization's data to optimize well production and drilling efficiency comprehensively.
- Increasing Well Production and Efficiency: By connecting and utilizing data from various sources within your organization, the BPGS aims to increase well production and improve drilling efficiency. It does so by making data-driven decisions that lead to optimized drilling trajectories and production strategies.
- In essence, the BPGS serves as a unifying platform that utilizes Machine Learning and integrated data to shadow your operations, break down data silos, and leverage your organization's data to enhance both drilling and production outcomes.
What about faults that occur in the horizontal?
The Bed Parallel Guidance System (BPGS) addresses faults that occur in the horizontal drilling process, whether they are unexpected faults or known faults. Here's how it handles each type of fault:
- Unexpected Faults:
- Integrated Data and Rule of 84-86°: The BPGS relies on integrated data and uses an advanced curve landing algorithm known as the "Rule of 84-86°" for horizontal drilling. When unexpected faults are encountered during drilling, the BPGS employs the same powerful tools and algorithms used to expertly land curves in the production sidewalk.
- Repeat Process After Fault: In the case of unexpected faults, the BPGS will repeat the drilling process after the fault is encountered. It adjusts the drilling trajectory and makes real-time decisions to navigate around or through the fault while still aiming to land the well expertly in the Production Sidewalk.
- Fault Documentation and RoadMap Update: After encountering an unexpected fault, the BPGS documents the fault and updates the roadmap for the next well. This ensures that lessons learned from the fault are applied to future drilling operations to improve performance.
- Known Faults:
- Precision and Accuracy: When known faults are identified in advance, the BPGS takes control and tackles these faults with precision and accuracy during the drilling process.
- Rule of 84-86° Landing Algorithm: The BPGS uses the Rule of 84-86° landing algorithm to expertly land the well back into the Production Sidewalk even after encountering known faults.
- Optimal Well Placement: By actively managing known faults with the guidance of the BPGS, the system ensures that the wellbore is placed optimally within the Production Sidewalk, maximizing production potential despite the presence of known geological challenges.
In summary, the BPGS is equipped to handle both unexpected faults and known faults during horizontal drilling operations. For unexpected faults, it adapts its approach using integrated data and the Rule of 84-86° For known faults, it takes precise control to navigate and land the well expertly within the Production Sidewalk, ensuring production optimization even in challenging geological conditions.
What is the well data input required for the BPGS to give optimal guidance?
We require access to the “Big 10” live data streams and 2 way communication with field personnel. EDR, MWD/LWD, Directional Drillers, Mud Loggers
The following data through the EDR system:
- Drilling Parameters: Hook Load, Weight On Bit, RPM, Flow Rate
- Drilling Response: ROP, Torque, Off Bottom Pressure, Differential Pressure(If using a motor), Block Height
- MWD Data: Surveys, Temperature, Survey Qualifiers, vibration, continuous Inclination, etc. (Are they using EM? Or mud pulse MWD?)
- LWD Data: gamma, resistivity channels
- Mud Log Data:C1-C5 Gas, Total Gas, Wetness, Balance and Character Ratio, Sample Depths, Sample Summary
- Mud related notes: Mud Wt, Viscosity In/Out
The following data directly from provider:
- Mud Log Sample Photos, Sample Description, Mud Logger Interpretation
- Directional Driller: See Sidewalk Data Requirements
- MWD: Survey, Las LWD Data files
- Driller: Tour Sheets
How much does the service cost?
We find the cost savings from the first well are greater than the fees we charge.
What is the running cost of the system?
BPGS Phase 1 Analysis and BPGS Phase 2 Wellbore placement costs have different pricing.
Has the system been commercialized?
Yes
