DrillDocs' CleanSight system employs cameras from Axis Communications designed for hazardous environments and features on-board processing for real-time image analysis.
DrillDocs' image processing algorithms continuously monitor drill cuttings discharged from the drilling rig's solids control system and calculate the quantity and size distribution of drilling solids recovered. This provides valuable information on wellbore cleanout performance, wellbore stability and solids control equipment operation, according to the company.
Prior to the implementation of DrillDocs' technology, the drilling equipment that separates the drilled solids from the drilling mud (called shale shakers) was only periodically monitored by drilling staff through visual inspections. The company says this new approach will enable drilling teams to respond to events occurring in the well in near real time.
“Our technology captures and interprets unique and critical information about the drilling process that would otherwise go unreported,” said Calvin Holt, CEO and founder of DrillDocs.
“By combining advances in camera technology and computer vision, we can now spot drilling issues as they occur, enabling drilling teams to take corrective action before the issues become bigger problems.”
“As the technology matures, we expect it to become part of standard drilling practice in offshore and high-risk fields around the world,” added Knut Eugen Svendsen, rig superintendent at Aker BP in Stavanger.
