New Technologies and Practices to Enable Remote Operations, Increasing Complex Long Multilateral Horizontal Wells and Enriching Project Sustainability and Efficiency: A Real Case from Northern Europe

Abstract

Abstract While many global energy transitions have happened throughout history, today we need to satisfy the world's growing demand for energy while contributing to deliver energy in a cleaner, safer and continuously more efficient way. This paper looks into how the latest multilateral wells delivered, achieved the well targets by choosing optimized solutions to deliver on efficiency and accuracy from planning to execution. Using the latest digitalization and automation technology, along with recent developments on advanced rotary steerable systems (RSS), low friction water-based mud and extended life drill bits, has played a major role in relocating most of the service company personnel from rig site to remote operations centers. Relocating personnel has reduced exposure at rigsite and thereby reduced health, safety and environment risks and carbon footprint, while continuously improving operational performance. This is achieved through close collaboration between different subject matter experts in the same geographical location, enabling collaboration during follow up of multiple operations and improving the overall project executionWe will detail how successfully drilled 6624m horizontally in one run within the well target in the reservoir and without any HS&E incident. The services were run from a remote operations center with minimum personnel at the rig site. The rotations per minute (RPM) were optimized to reduce high frequency torsional oscillation (HFTO) vibration. No severe whirl was observed which is common in long tangent sections. The run ended in the top 5 fastest average ROP for the field and achieved the longest bit run in the same field. Moreover, due to running the operation remotely, it saved in transport to and from rig site, enabling an estimated of 697,261kg in savings of equivalent CO2. This outstanding result was achieved by incorporating technology across multiple product lines, enhancing performance, reducing cost and risk associated with several bit-runs and improving effective wellbore placement. The aim of this paper is to present how new ways of working to manage projects by continuous improvement in technology, automation, digitalization enables energy deliveries in a safer, more efficient and sustainable way.