In one aspect, a system (5) for use in providing an approximation or estimation of a characteristic (for example, a bulk density value) of a deposit subject to a drilling operation is disclosed. In one form, the system (5) comprises a processor module (25) arranged in operable association with a network of sensors (30) operable for measuring one or more parameters relating to the operation of the drilling assembly (10). The processor module (25) is configured operable for receiving data/information derived from the network of sensors (30), and processing the data/information so as to provide a representation of the incursion (eg. depth of penetration into the relevant deposit) achieved by way of the drilling assembly (10). The processor module (25) is further configured for processing the representation of the incursion with a predetermined relationship that is characteristic of, or unique to, the drilling assembly (10) for providing or allowing an approximation/estimation of the characteristic of the deposit as a function of one or more parameters of the incursion to be made.

A downhole closed loop method for controlling a curvature of a subterranean wellbore while drilling includes controlling a direction of drilling such that the drilling attitude is substantially equal to a setpoint attitude. A setpoint rate of penetration is processed in combination with a setpoint dogleg severity to compute a setpoint attitude increment. The setpoint attitude may be adjusted by the setpoint attitude increment. The setpoint attitude may be incremented at some interval to control the curvature of the wellbore while drilling.

A downhole closed loop method for controlling a curvature of a subterranean wellbore while drilling includes controlling a direction of drilling such that the drilling attitude is substantially equal to a setpoint attitude. A setpoint rate of penetration is processed in combination with a setpoint dogleg severity to compute a setpoint attitude increment. The setpoint attitude may be adjusted by the setpoint attitude increment. The setpoint attitude may be incremented at some interval to control the curvature of the wellbore while drilling.

A method for optimizing a drilling roadmap may include identifying an optimal bottom hole assembly (BHA) setup and drilling parameters for a well located in a field. The BHA setup may be based on historical simulation data of the field and drilling roadmap information. The drilling roadmap information may include initial drilling instructions for implementing the drilling roadmap. The method may include implementing and tracking the drilling roadmap at the well. The drilling roadmap may be based on a location of the well on the field and a type of other applications being performed on the field. The method may include obtaining sensor collected data to determine an accuracy of implementation of the drilling roadmap. The accuracy may be determined based on a comparison between tracked drilling parameters and simulated drilling parameters.

A method for optimizing a drilling roadmap may include identifying an optimal bottom hole assembly (BHA) setup and drilling parameters for a well located in a field. The BHA setup may be based on historical simulation data of the field and drilling roadmap information. The drilling roadmap information may include initial drilling instructions for implementing the drilling roadmap. The method may include implementing and tracking the drilling roadmap at the well. The drilling roadmap may be based on a location of the well on the field and a type of other applications being performed on the field. The method may include obtaining sensor collected data to determine an accuracy of implementation of the drilling roadmap. The accuracy may be determined based on a comparison between tracked drilling parameters and simulated drilling parameters.

Systems and methods can automatically and dynamically determine an optimum frequency for data being input into a drilling optimization tool in order to provide predictive modeling for well drilling operations. The methods and systems selectively input sets of data having different frequencies into the drilling optimization tool to build different predictive models at different frequencies. An optimization algorithm such as Bayesian optimization is then applied to the models to identify in real time an optimum frequency for the data sets being input into the drilling optimization tool based on current operational and environmental parameters.

Systems and methods can automatically and dynamically determine an optimum frequency for data being input into a drilling optimization tool in order to provide predictive modeling for well drilling operations. The methods and systems selectively input sets of data having different frequencies into the drilling optimization tool to build different predictive models at different frequencies. An optimization algorithm such as Bayesian optimization is then applied to the models to identify in real time an optimum frequency for the data sets being input into the drilling optimization tool based on current operational and environmental parameters.

A method or system for increasing drilling accuracy. The method and system may comprise generating one or more measurements of at least a first drilling parameter and a second drilling parameter, determining a relationship between the first drilling parameter and the second drilling parameter, creating one or more constraints from the relationship, and minimizing a cost function using the one or more constraints. The method and system may further comprise calculating one or more control commands based at least in part on the minimizing the cost function and the one or more constraints and updating a drilling operation according to the one or more control commands.

A method for estimating a rate of penetration while drilling a subterranean wellbore includes estimating a first rate of penetration while drilling using a first measurement method, estimating a second rate of penetration while drilling using a second measurement method, and combining the first and second rates of penetration to obtain a combined rate of penetration of drilling.

A method for estimating a rate of penetration while drilling a subterranean wellbore includes estimating a first rate of penetration while drilling using a first measurement method, estimating a second rate of penetration while drilling using a second measurement method, and combining the first and second rates of penetration to obtain a combined rate of penetration of drilling.