Stick-Slip Vibration Mitigation in Rotary Drilling Systems Using a Particle Swarm Optimization-based PID Controller under Varying Weight on Bit Conditions

Abstract

Rotary systems on drilling rigs are susceptible to various types of vibrations, which can lead to equipment damage, reduced borehole quality, decreased drilling efficiency, and increased non-productive time. These vibrations are typically managed through manual adjustments of drilling parameters, often resulting in higher costs and reduced productivity. To address this challenge, automatic control strategies have been developed, though the robustness of these controllers is still under refinement. Recently, a promising approach has emerged by combining PID controllers with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms, demonstrating significant success in other applications. However, its effectiveness in mitigating stick-slip vibrations, particularly under varying Weight on Bit (WOB) conditions, in rotary systems on drilling rigs has not been fully tested. This paper examines the application of a PSO-optimized PID controller to enhance the robustness of vibration mitigation strategies in rotary drilling systems, taking into account the effect of WOB. The results demonstrate that the proposed controller outperforms previously developed control approaches, offering superior vibration suppression even under varying WOB conditions