Remote control for a drilling machine

• US 6,871,712 B2
• Filed: 07/18/2001
• Issued: 03/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles Machine Works Incorporated The
• Original Assignee: Charles Machine Works Incorporated The
• Inventors: Koch, Geoff D., Payne, David R., Widener, Lee
• Primary Examiner(s): BATES, ZAKIYA W
• Application Number:
  US10/276,737
• Publication Number:
  US 20030205410A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,350 Days
• Field of Search: 175/24, 175/26, 175/27, 175/40, 175/51, 175/103, 175/104, 175/162, 175/203
• US Class Current: 175/26
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 44/00 Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/0232 at least one of the energy sources or one of the detectors being located on or above the ground surface
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/12 Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/046 horizontal drilling drilling with mechanical conveying means E21B7/003

Abstract

A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a machine. A remote operator controls a tracking device including a signal system for selectively emitting a remote enable signal. The remote enable signal is relayed to a control system for the machine. The control system is proximate to the machine and is adapted to enable at least one action of the machine upon detecting the remote enable signal. The machine is also adapted to disable the same action of the drilling machine upon detecting an absence of the remote enable signal for a predetermined number of intervals, each interval being of a preselected duration.

Claims

1. A system for moving a downhole tool along a subsurface path having an origination point, the system comprising:

a drive assembly adapted to move the downhole tool, the drive assembly having

an enabled mode, in which the drive assembly can actuate at least one kinematic component of downhole tool motion; and

a disabled mode, in which the drive assembly cannot actuate the same at least one kinematic component of downhole tool motion;

a tracking signal source disposed adjacent the downhole tool and adapted to generate and transmit a tracking data signal;

a signal system, positionable at a remote location from the origination point, comprising;

a tracking data detector adapted to detect the tracking data signal;

a remote enable signal generator adapted to generate a remote enable signal; and

a transmitter system adapted to relay the tracking data signal and the remote enable signal; and

a control system comprising;

a receiver system adapted to receive the remote enable and tracking data signal;

a control subsystem, adapted to control the drive assembly only while that assembly is in its enabled mode; and

a remote disable subsystem, responsive to the receiver system, which places the drive assembly in its disabled mode in response to a designated interruption in reception of the remote enable signal.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the control system is positionable near the origination point.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the tracking data detector and the remote enable signal generator of the signal system are contained in a single unit.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the transmitter system of the signal system comprises a wireless transmitter.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the tracking data signal and the remote enable signal are relayed as one signal.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the tracking data signal and the remote enable signal are relayed as separate signals.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the remote enable signal generator of the signal system comprises a keypad which can input a component of the remote enable signal.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by an intermittent waveform.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by a fixed and predetermined pulse interval.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the fixed and predetermined pulse interval comprises a maximum pulse frequency that does not interfere with the relaying of the tracking data.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by a substantially continuous waveform.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the control system is responsive only to a remote enable signal carrying a preselected identification code.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the signal system includes a key system which must be actuated before the transmitter relays the remote enable signal carrying the preselected identification code.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the control system further comprises an override lock system adapted to disable the remote disable system.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the override lock system is manually operable by a system user and wherein activation of the override lock system provides exclusive access of the control system to the signal system.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the manual override system comprises an override key which can be rendered inaccessible to personnel at the origination point.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is rotation.

19. The system of claim 1 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust and rotation.

20. The system of claim 1 wherein signal system can be carried by a human user.

21. A signal system for remotely controlling an action of a machine having a drive assembly operable by a control system between an enabled mode and a disabled mode, wherein the drive assembly is adapted to move a downhole tool operably connected to a tracking data signal source emitting a tracking data signal as the downhole tool is moved along a subsurface path from an origination point, the signal system comprising:

a tracking data detector adapted to detect the tracking data signal;

a remote enable signal generator adapted to generate and transmit a remote enable signal; and

a transmitter system adapted to relay the remote enable signal and the tracking data signal,

wherein the signal system is adapted to control the drive assembly only when it relays the remote enable signal to the control system.

22. The signal system of claim 21 wherein the control system is adapted to receive the tracking data signal and the remote enable signal and wherein the control system is adapted to enable the drive assembly only when the control system receives the remote enable signal.

23. The signal system of claim 21 wherein the drive assembly in the enabled mode can actuate at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion, and wherein in the disabled mode the drive assembly cannot actuate the same at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust.

25. The system of claim 23 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is rotation.

26. The system of claim 23 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust and rotation.

27. The system of claim 21 wherein the control system is positionable near the origination point.

28. The system of claim 21 wherein the remote enable signal generator is positionable at a location remote from the origination point.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the tracking data detector and the remote enable signal generator of the signal system are contained in a single unit.

30. The system of claim 29 wherein the transmitter system of the signal system comprises a wireless transmitter.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein the tracking data signal and the remote enable signal are relayed as one signal.

32. The system of claim 30 wherein the tracking data signal and the remote enable signal are relayed as separate signals.

33. The signal system of claim 27 wherein the control system comprises:

a receiver system adapted to receive the remote enable and tracking data signals;

a control subsystem adapted to control the drive assembly only while that assembly is in its enabled mode; and

a remote disable subsystem responsive to the receiver system which places the drive assembly in its disabled mode in response to a designated interruption in reception of the remote enable signal.

34. A control system for a drive assembly of a machine adapted to control movement of a downhole tool along a subsurface path from an origination point in response to a remote enable signal received from a signal system at a location remote from the origination point, the control system comprising:

a receiver system adapted to receive the remote enable signal;

a control subsystem adapted to control the drive assembly wherein the drive

assembly is adapted to having;

an enable mode in which the drive assembly can actuate at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion;

a disabled mode in which the drive assembly cannot actuate the same at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion; and

wherein the control subsystem can only control the drive assembly while that system is in its enabled mode; and

a remote disable subsystem, responsive to the receiver system which places the drive assembly in its disabled mode in response to a designated interruption in reception of the remote enable signal.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the control system is positionable near the origination point.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust.

37. The system of claim 34 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is rotation.

38. The system of claim 34 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust and rotation.

39. A system comprising:

a downhole tool;

a drive assembly adapted to move the downhole tool along a subsurface path from an origination point, the drive assembly having an enabled mode, in which the drive assembly can actuate at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion, and a disabled mode, in which the drive assembly cannot actuate the same at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion;

a signal system, positionable at a remote location from the origination point, comprising;

a remote enable signal generator adapted to generate a remote enable signal; and

a transmitter system adapted to relay the remote enable signal; and

a control system comprising;

a receiver system adapted to receive the remote enable signal;

a control subsystem, adapted to control the drive assembly only while that system is in its enabled mode;

a remote disable subsystem, responsive to the receiver system, which places the drive assembly in its disabled mode in response to a designated interruption in reception of the remote enable signal;

an override key which can be rendered inaccessible to personnel at the path origination site; and

an override lock system adapted to disable the remote disable system in response to actuation by the override key.

40. The system of claim 39 wherein the control system is positionable near the origination point.

41. The system of claim 40 further comprising a tracking signal source disposed adjacent the downhole tool and adapted to generate and transmit a tracking data signal.

42. The system of claim 41 wherein the signal system further comprises a tracking data detector adapted to detect the tracking data signal.

43. The system of claim 42 wherein the tracking data detector and the remote enable signal generator of the signal system are contained in a single unit.

44. The system of claim 43 wherein the transmitter system of the signal system comprises a wireless transmitter.

45. The system of claim 44 wherein the tracking data signal and the remote enable signal are relayed as one signal.

46. The system of claim 39 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by an intermittent waveform.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by a fixed and predetermined pulse interval.

48. The system of claim 47 wherein the fixed and predetermined pulse interval comprises a maximum pulse frequency that does not interfere with the relaying of the tracking data.

49. The system of claim 39 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by a substantially continuous waveform.

50. The system of claim 39 wherein the control system is responsive only to a remote enable signal carrying a preselected identification code.

51. The system of claim 50 wherein the signal system includes a key system which must be actuated before the transmitter relays the remote enable signal carrying the preselected identification code.

52. A system for moving a downhole tool along a subsurface path having an origination point, the system comprising:

a drive assembly adapted to move the downhole tool, the drive assembly having;

an enabled mode, in which the drive assembly can actuate at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion; and

a disabled mode, in which the drive assembly cannot actuate the same at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion;

a signal system, positionable at a remote location from the origination point, comprising;

a remote enable signal generator adapted to generate a remote enable signal including an identification code selectable by a user of the system; and

a transmitter system adapted to relay the remote enable signal along with the identification code; and

a control system comprising;

a receiver system adapted to receive the remote enable signal, and distinguish that signal from those which lack the user selectable identification code and signal;

a control subsystem, adapted to control the drive assembly only while that assembly is in its enabled mode; and

a remote disable subsystem, responsive to the receiver system, which places the drive assembly in its disabled mode in response to a designated interruption in reception of the remote enable signal.

53. The system of claim 52 wherein the control system is positionable near the origination point.

54. The system of claim 52 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by an intermittent waveform.

55. The system of claim 54 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by a fixed and predetermined pulse interval.

56. The system of claim 55 wherein the fixed and predetermined pulse interval comprises a maximum pulse frequency that does not interfere with the relaying of the tracking data.

57. The system of claim 52 wherein the remote enable signal is characterized by a substantially continuous waveform.

58. The system of claim 52 wherein the signal system includes a key system which must be actuated before the transmitter relays the remote enable signal carrying the preselected identification code.

59. The system of claim 53 wherein the control system further comprises an override lock system adapted to disable the remote disable system.

60. The system of claim 59 wherein the override lock system is manually operable by a system user and wherein activation of the override lock system provides exclusive access of the control system to the signal system.

61. The system of claim 60 wherein the manual override system comprises an override key which can be rendered inaccessible to personnel at the origination point.

62. The system of claim 52 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust.

63. The system of claim 52 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is rotation.

64. The system of claim 52 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust and rotation.

65. The system of claim 52 wherein signal system can be carried by a human user.

66. A system comprising:

a downhole tool;

a drive assembly adapted to move the downhole tool, the drive assembly having;

an enabled mode, in which the drive assembly can actuate at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion; and

a disabled mode, in which the drive assembly cannot actuate the same at least one kinematic component of the downhole tool motion;

a signal system, positionable at a remote location spaced from the origination point, comprising;

a remote enable signal generator adapted to generate a remote enable signal; and

a transmitter system adapted to relay the remote enable signal; and

a control system comprising;

a receiver system adapted to receive the remote enable signal;

a control subsystem, adapted to control the drive assembly only while that assembly is in its enabled mode; and

a remote disable subsystem, responsive to the receiver system, which places the drive assembly in its disabled mode in response to a designated interruption in reception of the remote enable signal; and

a remote feedback system adapted to signal the mode of the drive assembly to the remote location.

67. The system of claim 66 wherein the remote feedback system is independent of the signal system.

68. The system of claim 67 wherein the remote feedback system emits a visual signal that can be visually perceived by a user of the remote signal system.

69. The system of claim 67 wherein the remote feedback system emits an audible signal that can be heard by a user of the remote signal system.

70. The system of claim 66 wherein the control system is positionable near the origination point.

71. The system of claim 66 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust.

72. The system of claim 66 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is rotation.

73. The system of claim 66 wherein the same at least one component of the downhole tool motion is thrust and rotation.

74. A system for moving a downhole tool along a subsurface path having an origination point, the system comprising;

a drive assembly adapted TO move the downhole tool, the drive assembly having

an enabled mode, in which the drive assembly can actuate at least one kinematic component of downhole tool motion; and

a disabled mode, in which the drive assembly cannot actuate then same at least one kinematic component of downhole tool motion;

a signal system, positionable at a remote location from the origination point, comprising;

a remote enable signal generator adapted to generate a remote enable signal; and

a transmitter system adapted to relay the remote enable signal; and

a control system comprising;

a receiver system adapted to receive the remote enable signal;

a remote disable subsystem, responsive to the receiver system, which places the drive assembly in its disabled mode in response to a designated interruption in reception of the remote enable signal; and

a control subsystem, adapted to control the drive assembly in response to a control input from the origination point; and

an override lock system having an actuated mode, in which the control subsystem is rendered unresponsive to the control input from the origination point, and a deactuated mode in which the control subsystem is rendered responsive to such input.

75. The system of claim 74 wherein the control subsystem is operable to control the drive assembly independently of the signal system when the override lock system is in its deactuated mode.

76. The system of claim 74 wherein the override lock system comprises an override key that may be rendered inaccessible to personnel at the path origination site.

77. The system of claim 76 wherein the override lock system will remain in the actuated mode so long as the override key remains inaccessible to personnel at the path origination site.

78. The system of claim 76 wherein the override lock system will remain in the deactuated mode so long as the override key remains accessible to personnel at the path origination site.

79. The system of claim 78 wherein the override lock system is further adapted to disable the remote disable system in response to deactuation of the override lock system.