This paper examines the effect of assumed tow architecture on the predicted moduli and stresses in plain weave textile composites. In particular, the effect of how a constant cross-section is assumed to sweep-out the volume of a tow is explored. Two architectures are examined which have a sinusoidal tow path and a lenticular cross-section. Three-dimensional finite elements are employed to model a T300/Epoxy plain weave composite with symmetrically stacked mats. Macroscopically homogeneous in-plane extension and shear and transverse shear loadings were considered. Symmetries are exploited which permitted modeling of only 1/32nd of the unit cell. Accounting for the variation of material properties throughout each element is determined to be necessary for accurate prediction of stresses in the composite. For low waviness, the two tow architectures examined are very similar. At high waviness, the stress predictions are much more sensitive to the assumed tow geometry.

The use of an ROP Optimization algorithm within an automated closed loop process has dramatically increased ROP in its first deployments in Iraq, Algeria, and Mexico. Additionally, an unexpected reduction in downhole tool failures was observed resulting in a notable decrease in non-productive time. Importantly, the closed-loop automation, where the algorithm is allowed to send commands directly to the rig control system, shows yet another step change in ROP improvement compared to the algorithm that just presents recommendations to the driller. This paper briefly describes the optimization algorithm and then focuses on the system architecture used to integrate the algorithm with the rig control system. Similar to the SPE DSA-TS Comms Team architecture, the deployed architecture enables the algorithm to receive real-time data from the rig control system and drilling acquisition system to provide a complete data set to the ROP Optimization algorithm. The algorithm constrained by a set of operational limits dynamically computes RPM and WOB commands and sends these to a SCADA system which converts the generic commands into rig specific commands for each rig type used. The driller controls the use of the system via an "Automation Console" provided by the SCADA system and located adjacent to the driller's console. The driller is able to engage or disengage from the system. Failsafe conditions are also incorporated into the automation system.Results showing the improved ROP and downhole reliability compared to field averages across various hole sizes and trajectory profiles are given. These results consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of a closed-loop automation system to improve ROP and tool reliability.

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This paper presents results and knowledge shared from the SPE Applied Technology Workshop held in Vail, Colorado USA in July 2012 titled Well Construction Automation -Preparing for the Big Jump Forward.Automation in drilling and completion operations is coming quickly, and its rapid adoption will leave many industry players behind if they are not aware of the future it will bring. Advances in control and automation of the whole drilling and completion process will increase improvements in safety, performance, quality, reliability, consistency and interoperability. This progressive application of automation will also create shifts in skills and competencies, and transform the role of the driller, rig crew, and service specialists along the way. Advances in automation are being made on multiple fronts, and many lessons are available from its adoption in other industries and the transformation industrial automation afforded in the 1990s.This workshop included important lessons learned from other industries and provided an update on the latest advances in automation developments. It explored the applications of such technologies as robotics, machine learning, and autonomous task performance without continuous human guidance, along with the speed with which these technologies can be applied.This was the first workshop that has actively brought people involved in automation from other industries into the discussion on drilling systems automation. The workshop involved key speakers and participants from leading edge applications including academia and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). These organizations are automating things that the drilling industry has not yet heard about. The workshop participants developed plans for adopting these technologies into drilling systems and created a vision of rapid automation adoption into drilling operations. Workshop SummaryThe workshop was attended by 120 participants that included a broad cross section of experts connected to automation inside and outside oil and gas (Fig 1).The business case for automation, highlighted by drilling industry practitioners, was the improvements in safety, drilling performance, and consistent / predictable drilling operations. It is anticipated that automation can solve the current situation whereby the driller is overloaded with inputs and tasks. Successful automation projects will require a multi-skilled team that includes well engineering, process automation control / optimization and information technology.It is anticipated that systems integration will enable interoperability (a.k.a. plug and play) between downhole and surface tools and machinery from different Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's) and that operators will begin to specify automation and adherence to specific communication and interoperability protocols in their contracting documents, but there is a significant division around the need to implement standards for interoperability. Essentially, standards were the The workshop participants collectively agreed...