Unleashing Operational Excellence: First Implementation of An Integrated Drilling Automation System in Asia Pacific
Authors: Khazali-Rosli K. , Jamal J. , Murad M. , Mokhti M. A , Zurhan M. , Noh N. Mat , Armani A. , Kereshanan M. , Panwar N. , Rashid K. Abdul , Ting S. , Pincay V. , Cheng C. , Goodkey B. 
Published: February 2024

Breaking through the fast-paced world of digital drilling and automation with the technology we have built today, we are able to recognize areas of opportunity where performance and efficiency can be achieved and sustained. To realize this, for the first time in Asia Pacific, a technology collaboration project was initiated to deploy an automation system that could be integrated into an operating rig. This, together with another automation application complements the overall drill a stand workflow along with Autonomous Directional Drilling.

An automation system that is integrated into the rig control system to control the top-drive, drawworks, mud pumps, auto-driller, and downhole directional tool RSS to autonomously execute drilling activities was introduced in this project. Using its artificial intelligence (AI) engine, the system automatically mapped and executed the required activities such as suggesting next course of action to follow well plan, rate of penetration (ROP) optimization, stick & slip mitigation, shocks & vibration, stringer mitigation and telemetry downlinks to achieve the user requested goals.

This paper focuses on two salient points, the first will be the technology employed and its integration with another digital provider and an OEM, its impact on processes and user adoption, procedural adherence, and its role in improving operational efficiency and performance.

As this is the first of its kind, the second focus point will be the continuous process and technology enhancements introduced during the project based on the result and user feedback e.g., Intelligent execution of Autonomously directional drilling for smoother curve close to well plan, reducing multiple handovers between different applications, adapting the functionality of automated workflows to the operator’s and user’s needs, integrating new functionality through the collaboration of the automation platform to facilitate system’s use.

After 10 months of operation, this delivery surpassed all expectations by exceeding its improvement targets. The remarkable levels of adoption have acted as a catalyst, propelling continuous improvements in procedural adherence and operational efficiency in the project. These advancements have significantly contributed to an increase in operational safety & an overall 20-30% ROP improvement was observed throughout the operation. The success of these implemented drilling workflows was emphasized by the exceptional utilization rate, with 96% of distance drilled using automation in majority of the sections with 100% target execution with autonomous directional drilling. Overall, more than 15000m were drilled with automation, over 400 auto-downlinks executed autonomously and more than 70 hours in rig time was saved.

The remarkable achievements will be exhibited to communicate the specific areas for amelioration and to highlight the various potentials that drilling automation can for open-up to explore new possibilities for the industry.