Drilling Automation Serves as Engine of Change for Risk Prevention Offshore
Authors: Carpenter Chris 
Published: October 2024

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 35137, “Drilling Automation: An Engine of Change for Risk Prevention Offshore,” by Brennan Goodkey, SPE, Andrew Fabo, and Francois Le Buhan, SLB, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2024 Offshore Technology Conference.

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This paper delves into the evolving landscape of drilling automation, emphasizing the imperative for these systems to go beyond novelty and deliver quantifiable financial value. The complete paper presents an examination of several offshore drilling operations that exemplify the successful implementation of a closed-loop drilling-automation solution and the positive effect these technologies can have on the bottom line.

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of drilling technologies, the conventional discourse on rig mechanization, robotics, and drilling automation is no longer a new topic, having nearly a decade of active discussion, development, and deployment. However, these systems, despite their longstanding presence, are still working toward substantiating their anticipated value. To navigate this challenge successfully, a clear understanding of where and how exactly the deployed solution will deliver value is required.

The criteria of success inevitably will vary based on the customer, region, and objective. One of the clearest examples is obvious in the dichotomy between the priorities of high-volume drilling in onshore operations compared with offshore drilling. While the overarching goal of automation remains consistent—maintain safety while maximizing production and minimizing operational expenditures—the path to delivery in these spaces looks quite different. Offshore drilling introduces a myriad of complexities and must prioritize not only efficiency but also risk reduction and the minimization of nonproductive time.

The complete paper examines the collaborative journey of several oil and gas organizations to deploy and improve a drilling-automation system aimed at the priorities and challenges of offshore drilling.

Definitions

The authors offer the following definitions to delineate scope as they describe an integrated system that combines domain drilling automation, rig-floor mechanization, and directional-drilling automation into a cohesive and comprehensive solution:

- Domain Drilling Automation—This refers to the process of leveraging sensor data to interpret downhole conditions and react with the appropriate domain response, mimicking an experienced driller’s expertise with high accuracy and precision.

- Rig-Floor Mechanization—This is the implementation of automated technologies and robotic systems on the rig floor to limit manual human involvement in tasks situated within the hazardous red zone.

- Directional-Drilling Automation—This term refers to the use of automated systems and technologies to control and navigate precisely the trajectory of a drilling borehole, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in achieving specific wellbore paths and target zones.

- Planning Drilling Automation—The use of advanced technologies and automated systems during office-based well planning is leveraged to optimize resources, enabling precise and efficient decision-making for the entire drilling process.

- Real-Time-Monitoring Drilling Automation—The use of advanced automation technologies can monitor and analyze drilling operations continuously in real time, providing instantaneous feedback and adjustments to optimize performance, efficiency, and safety.