From an operational standpoint, road extraction remains largely a manual process despite the existence of several commercially available automation tools. The problem of automated feature extraction (AFE) in general is a challenging task as it involves the recognition, delineation, and attribution of image features. The efficacy of AFE algorithms in operational settings is difficult to measure due to the inherent subjectivity involved. Ultimately, the most meaningful measures of an automation method are its effect on productivity and actual utility. Several quantitative and qualitative factors go into these measures including spatial accuracy and timed comparisons of extraction, different user training levels, and human-computer interface issues.In this paper we investigate methodologies for evaluating automated road extraction in different operational modes. Interactive and batch extraction modes of automation are considered. The specific algorithms investigated are the GeoEye Interactive Road Tracker ® (IRT) and the GeoEye Automated Road Tracker ® (ART) respectively. Both are commercially available from GeoEye. Analysis metrics collected are derived from timed comparisons and spatial delineation accuracy. Spatial delineation accuracy is measured by comparing algorithm output against a manually derived image reference. The effect of object-level fusion of multiple imaging modalities is also considered.The goal is to gain insight into measuring an automation algorithm's utility on feature extraction productivity. Findings show sufficient evidence to demonstrate a potential gain in productivity when using an automation method when the situation is warranted. Fusion of feature layers from multiple images also demonstrates a potential for increased productivity compared to single or pair-wise combinations of feature layers.
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Percussive air hammer tools have been used for many years to increase drilling ROP (rate of penentration) in air drilling applications. Similar developments for mud hammer tools have not been as successful. The incompressible nature of drilling mud makes the percussive action much slower to actuate using the same design methodology, rendering the tool ineffective. Other developments have suffered from reliability issues which have limited their drilling hours, therefore making them economically unfeasible. A novel percussive mechanically-actuated Hammer Motor, suitable for either mud or air drilling applications, has changed the landscape. This unique hammer assembly is assembled into a standard mud motor, without affecting the bit to bend distance. The percussive action of the tool is designed such that the bit remains in contact with the formation, while the hammering takes place against the top of the drive mandrel, driving the bit into the formation. The percussive impacts serve to greatly increase the effectiveness of the roller cone bit in crushing the rock, thus significantly increasing ROP. This paper illustrates a case study from Brazil, where the Operator has been using turbine motors or conventional motors to drill vertical wells through hard rock formations. The Hammer Motor displayed significantly higher ROP than the benchmark established by the other motors, while also reducing bit costs. These improvements in drilling performance improve the economics of drilling these hard rock formations, and are also applicable to other drilling applications.
Drilling efficiency is a key factor in determining the viability of potential hydrocarbon plays throughout the world. Pushing our capabilities for speed and accuracy changes the evaluation of value that not only operators place on emerging and potential plays, but also the evaluation that countries place on the value of their available natural resources. Fundamental drilling challenges such as formation hardness, reactive torque, tortuosity, and abrasive formation types continue to inhibit our ability to seek out less conventional reserves.Reaching our targets faster and at a reduced overall cost allows us to expand the breadth of viable drilling opportunities in all regions while accessing additional value previously out of reach in existing plays. Today we are pushing current technology to the threshold of its capabilities with longer laterals and deeper targets in more complex well profiles. Without a step change in technology, we are nearing our maximum potential.A simple yet revolutionary technology has added new life to existing drilling technologies and is now addressing some of the fundamental drilling dynamics that currently limit our drilling efficiency and restrict our ability to reach for the next level of performance. This technology works in conjunction with existing drilling systems to amplify the vertical forces applied to the bit. By varying this amplification at specific frequencies, more efficient failing of the formation can be achieved. Increased ROP well above 50% has been achieved with consistent results over offset data with reduction in reactive torque and stick slip events. This paper details how by increasing cutting efficiency, a major operator has greatly extended bit life resulting in an increase in interval drilled lengths of as much as 125%.
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