Automated Directional Drilling Software and Remote Operations Centers Drive Rig Fleet Well Delivery Improvement

Abstract

Abstract Early in 2017, initial discussions began to define an Automated Remote Drilling project that would use a centralized command center and specialized distributed software systems to automate the directional drilling decision-making workflow and the implementation of these decisions at the rigsite. The objective of this de-manning of directional resources at the rigsite was to enable the Operator's in-house directional supervisors to efficiently and safely control a larger number of rigs than was previously possible with legacy work practices and software. In addition to the standard high-speed data links from office to rig, the project was based on an automated directional software guidance system configured to optimize directional motor slide drilling. This integrated directional navigation software suite also communicates directly with the top drive directional control system to ensure slide commands are implemented exactly as calculated. The software suite captures and assesses the effectiveness of slides automatically and uses sophisticated steering logic and steering targeting systems to support directional drilling best practices and geo-steering adjustments in the production zone. The paper presents aggregated feedback from directional drillers on the automated systems' decisions and the results of following system directives in the low angle and nudge sections, in the curve, and in the lateral wellbore. Case studies are presented, along with summaries of the workflow changes implemented in town and at the rigsite. Several current lateral Bakken wells are presented as evidence of the effectiveness of the Automated Remote Drilling project approach and the benefits of this level of collaboration between a forward-looking Operator and drilling contractor. The combination of the directional navigation software, the automated implementation, the geo-steering support, and a new Automation Assisted Workflow presents a new approach to an industry-wide challenge in the current market of how to do more with less without compromising efficiency, safety, or intervention capabilities.