Fuzzy expert system for solving lost circulation problem

Lost circulation is the most common problem encountered when drilling. This paper describes a distributed hybrid intelligent system, called SmartDrill, using fuzzy logic, expert system framework and Web services for helping petroleum engineers to diagnose and solve lost circulation problems. The fuzzy algebra of strict monotonic operations is used as an underlying model for expert system development. Its realization in inference procedures of expert systems is simpler than for expert systems based on lexicographic operations. Overall, the system architecture is discussed and implementation details are provided. The system is aimed to help in making decisions at the operational level and is at field testing phase in PEMEX, Mexican Oil Company.