Dynamic Numerical Simulation and Transfer Learning-Based Rapid Rock Identification during Measurement While Drilling (MWD)

In constructing rapid rock identification models for measurement while drilling (MWD) via neural network methods, collecting actual drilling data to train the model is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. This requires extensive drilling experiments in various rock types, resulting in limited neural network training data for rock identification that covers a limited range of rock types. To suitably address this issue, a dynamic numerical simulation model for rock drilling is established that generates extensive drilling data. The input parameters for the simulations include torque, drill bit rotation speed, and drilling speed. A neural network model is then developed for rock classification using large datasets from dynamic numerical simulations, specifically those of granite, limestone, and sandstone. Building upon this model, transfer learning is appropriately applied to store the knowledge obtained in the rock identification based on the neural network model. Further training through transfer learning is conducted with smaller datasets obtained during actual drilling, making the model suitable for practical rock identification and prediction in the drilling processes. The neural network rock classification model, incorporating dynamic numerical simulation and transfer learning, achieves a prediction accuracy of 99.36% for granite, 99.53% for sandstone, and 99.82% for limestone. This reveals an enhancement in prediction accuracy of up to 22.94% compared to the models without transfer learning.