Abstract: A method for managing well construction operations includes accepting as input to a computer a list of tasks required to complete construction of at least one wellbore, the list of tasks having at least an initial chronological order. Measurements of at least one parameter related to at least one task on the list of tasks is entered into the computer. The list of tasks is prioritized by at least one of changing a chronological order of performance or a length of time to complete at least one of the tasks based on measurements of the at least one parameter. The prioritizing is performed to optimize at least one well construction performance parameter. The prioritized list is displayed to at least one user of the computer.

Abstract: A method for optimizing wellbore pipe tripping operation includes entering into a computer parameters related to a maximum safe pipe movement speed within the wellbore along at least one selected depth interval along the wellbore. A maximum safe pipe movement speed is calculated. An actual pipe movement speed is measured along the at least one selected depth interval. In the computer, a display is generated of the measured pipe movement speed along with the maximum safe pipe movement speed over the at least one selected depth interval.

Abstract: Automated control of a drillstring in a borehole, which is not in continuous rotation, the drillstring comprising an angled component (a bent sub or the like) and a downhole means of rotating the bit, such as a motor or turbine, which rotates the bit independently of drillstring rotation. Near the distal end of the drillstring are measurement devices, at least one and in some aspects two or more, which are used to measure the orientation of the drillstring/bent sub/bottomhole assembly/drill bit with respect to a geophysical field of the earth, such as magnetism (magnetic toolface) or gravity (gravitational toolface). These measurement devices may be connected to a communications module which transmits the downhole toolface information to the surface. The drillstring is controlled to provide that based upon the downhole measurements the drilling system drills the borehole in a desired trajectory.

Abstract: A method for managing well construction operations includes accepting as input to a computer a list of tasks required to complete construction of at least one wellbore, the list of tasks having at least an initial chronological order. Measurements of at least one parameter related to at least one task on the list of tasks is entered into the computer. The list of tasks is prioritized by at least one of changing a chronological order of performance or a length of time to complete at least one of the tasks based on measurements of the at least one parameter. The prioritizing is performed to optimize at least one well construction performance parameter. The prioritized list is displayed to at least one user of the computer.

Abstract: A method for optimizing wellbore pipe tripping operation includes entering into a computer parameters related to a maximum safe pipe movement speed within the wellbore along at least one selected depth interval along the wellbore. A maximum safe pipe movement speed is calculated. An actual pipe movement speed is measured along the at least one selected depth interval. In the computer, a display is generated of the measured pipe movement speed along with the maximum safe pipe movement speed over the at least one selected depth interval.

Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling includes initializing values of a plurality of drilling operating parameters and drilling response parameters. In a computer, an initial relationship between the plurality of drilling operating parameters and drilling response parameters is determined. A drilling unit to drill a wellbore through subsurface formations. The drilling operating parameters and drilling response parameters are measured during drilling and entered into the computer. A range of values and an optimum value for at least one of the drilling response parameters and at least one of the drilling response parameters is determined in the computer. A display of the at least one of the plurality of drilling operating parameters and the at least one of the drilling response parameters is generated by the computer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring condition of a wellbore includes initializing a value of at least one parameter having a relationship to likelihood of a drill string becoming stuck in a wellbore (the HCF). During drilling operations, at least one drilling parameter having a determinable relationship to the HCF is measured. In a computer, the value of the HCF is recalculated based on the at least one measured parameter. The initial value of the HCF and the recalculated values of the HCF are displayed to a user.

Abstract: A method for scheduling wellbore construction activities includes entering a well plan into a computer. The well plan includes estimated start and stop times for a plurality of activities in a predetermined sequence. Progress of selected ones of the plurality of activities is measured during their performance. In the computer, expected ending time of at least one of the plurality of activities is recalculated based on progress thereof during that activity. In the computer, expected start and stop times are recalculated for each activity subsequent to the activity in progress based on the recalculated expected ending time. The recalculated start and stop times for each subsequent activity are displayed.

Abstract: A method for acquiring and processing wellbore measurements includes measuring at least one wellbore parameter. The measured wellbore parameters are communicated to a data hub. A computer in signal communication with the data hub automatically processes the measured wellbore parameter using a predefined automatic process. The automatically processed measured wellbore parameter is communicated to at least one user interface based on assigned tasks of a user interacting with the at least one user interface with respect to a wellbore construction procedure.