WITSML Changing the Face of Real-Time

Abstract

Abstract WITSML is a key enabler in an increasing number of real-time workflows. This is particularly true for integrated operations within the growing numbers of onshore operations centers. Two years ago WITSML was a technology known by few and actively used by even less. Now the SIG steering the standard has grown to 51 companies. The starting point for most companies in using WITSML is to bring depth data into their asset databases. For many this has become the norm. Early adopters like Statoil are broadening their use into a wider range of wellsite operations. Within asset teams a standard data delivery mechanism allows integration of new tools and workflows, letting Geologists and Engineers make use of real-time data within their familiar desktop applications. It also enables centrally managed data delivery services letting them focus on their areas of expertise, not data gathering. New technology and processes in these areas are helping operators make the next big step from real-time remote monitoring to real-time remote control. For growing numbers it is now not enough to receive a visual representation of the data. They expect data to be delivered in real-time via a standard format. WITSML also brings operators the opportunity to standardize data delivery workflows, to clarify contractual requirements to providers and to establish and measure realistic data delivery KPIs. Within Schlumberger WITSML enabled workflows are well established, answer products for drilling optimization and interpretation utilize the standard via a unified WITSML client. This reduces software development cycle time and simplifies data gathering. WITSML is becoming established, bringing proven advantages to real-time workflows. Continued uptake of the standard will enhance the competitive advantage of service companies and the operators utilizing it. WITSML is here to stay and should be supported more widely within the industry. Introduction The Wellsite Information Transfer Standard Markup Language (WITSML) is a data transfer standard designed to facilitate the efficient and effective flow of drilling data between the wellsite and the office. The WITSML standard developed out of WITS (Wellsite Information Transfer Standard) (Jantsen et al. 1987), which has been widely used since the early 1980's. Using the standard, object oriented data is transferred as XML documents over SOAP and HTTP/S (Kirkman et al. 2003). This data transfer in the majority of cases is via an API between a WITSML Server (predominantly associated with gathering or aggregating data from the rigsite) and the WITSML Client component of a real-time enabled consuming application. Although most WITSML servers are able to work with a broad range of data objects, clients need only be configured to receive data from the objects commonly used by that application. Increasingly as bi directional flow of drilling data becomes more prevalent the need is developing for servers and some end use applications to act as both WITSML servers and WITSML clients.