Steering ability rapid evaluation of the slide drilling system based on multi-body dynamics model

Abstract

Efficiently and accurately predicting the steering ability of the bottom hole assembly (BHA) in slide drilling is a crucial yet challenging task. While the industry standard three-point geometry method is computationally efficient, it cannot capture the intricate mechanics involved in the drilling process. Conversely, utilizing the whole drill string dynamics model for simulating slide drilling provides a more comprehensive representation but involves time-consuming evaluations, making it difficult to balance precision and efficiency. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a rapid evaluation method that ensures both speed and accuracy by developing a multi-body dynamics rapid model of the slide drilling system. Based on the whole drill string model, this method incorporates two key techniques to achieve its primary objective. Firstly, it utilizes the equivalent torque model of the bit, which includes the fixed joint and the virtual rotational velocity, to replace the original revolute joint between the positive displacement motor (PDM) and the bit. Secondly, a segmentation model is established to decouple the simulation of the BHA drilling process from the drill string equilibrium process, thereby significantly reducing the slide drilling system’s degree of freedom (DOF). The proposed method offers a new approach to improving the efficiency of evaluating the steering ability of the slide drilling system while ensuring a high level of accuracy.