Abstract: A method of facilitating a drilling operation includes: receiving a current set point for a drilling operation, the current set point indicating a value of an operational parameter at which the drilling operation is being performed; receiving a global limit indicating at least one of a maximum and a minimum value of the operational parameter that is permitted to be applied for the drilling operation; defining a local limit for the operational parameter, the local limit indicating at least one of a local maximum value and a local minimum value of the operational parameter; receiving a parameter change value, the parameter change value indicating a proposed change to the operational parameter from the current set point; and selecting a level of automation by which the operational parameter can be adjusted, the level of automation based on a comparison of the parameter change value and the local limit.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of detecting and correcting for spiraling in a downhole carrier includes: deploying the carrier in a borehole in an earth formation as part of a subterranean operation; acquiring time based data from at least one sensor disposed at the carrier; acquiring time and depth data, the time and depth data correlating time values with depths of the carrier; generating a depth based profile based on the time based data and the time and depth data; generating a frequency profile by transforming the depth based profile into the frequency domain; detecting a spiraling event based on an amplitude of the frequency profile; and taking corrective action based on detecting the spiraling event.

Abstract: A method for estimating a probability of a drilling dysfunction or a drilling performance indicator value occurring includes entering drilling-related data having a probability distribution into a mathematical model of a drill string drilling a borehole penetrating the earth and entering drilling parameters into the model for drilling the borehole. The method further includes performing a plurality of drilling simulations using the model, each simulation providing a probability of the drilling dysfunction occurring or a probability of a drilling performance indicator value occurring with associated drilling parameters used in the simulation, selecting a set of drilling parameters that optimizes a drilling objective using the probabilities of the drilling dysfunction occurring or the probabilities of a drilling performance indicator value occurring; and transmitting the selected set of drilling parameters to a signal receiving device.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a drilling operation includes: receiving a current set point for a drilling operation, the current set point indicating a value of an operational parameter at which the drilling operation is being performed; receiving a global limit indicating at least one of a maximum and a minimum value of the operational parameter that is permitted to be applied for the drilling operation; defining a local limit for the operational parameter, the local limit indicating at least one of a local maximum value and a local minimum value of the operational parameter; receiving a parameter change value, the parameter change value indicating a proposed change to the operational parameter from the current set point; and selecting a level of automation by which the operational parameter can be adjusted, the level of automation based on a comparison of the parameter change value and the local limit.

Abstract: Measurements made by a near-bit magnetic sensor on a bottomhole assembly are used to determine the azimuth of the BHA. The sensor may be uncalibrated. The measurement may include a cross-axial component of the magnetic field. The method may include estimating the axial component of the near-bit magnetic field using the measurement. The method may include using the estimated azimuth of the BHA for controlling a direction of drilling. The method may include estimating the component Hxy. The method may include correcting the estimated axial component using an offset between a gravitational toolface and a magnetic toolface.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a borehole into an earth formation includes: a drill bit configured to be rotated to drill into the formation; a drill tubular coupled to the drill bit and configured to rotate the drill bit; a steering device coupled to the drill string and configured to impart a force on the drill string to control a direction of drilling; and a controller configured to communicate a control signal to the steering device. The control signal includes information for directing actuation of the steering device for steering the drill bit in an intended drilling direction. The controller is further configured to direct the steering device to provide a compensating force on the drill string that prevents or reduces an azimuthal deviation from the intended drilling direction due to drill bit walking.