Preserving Business Resilience - AI Driven Drilling Automation as the Engine of Change for Sustainable Performance

Abstract

Abstract Today’s demand for sustainable and affordable energy in a volatile business environment is challenging the conventional manual drilling operation. Digital and automation opens the possibility to achieve higher levels of performance and consistency while paving the way towards net zero. To realize this possibility, for the first time in Asia Pacific, a technology collaboration project was initiated to deploy an automation system that could be integrated into the rig control together with another automation application to complement the overall drill-a-stand workflow. An automation system that is integrated into the rig control system to control the top-drive, drawworks, mud pumps, and auto-driller to autonomously execute drilling activities was introduced in this project. Using its artificial intelligence engine, the system automatically mapped and executed the required activities such as ROP optimization, stick & slip mitigation, shocks & vibration and stringer mitigation and telemetry downlinks to achieve the user requested goal. This paper will focus on two 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., reducing multiple handovers between different applications. After 10 months of operations, over 10,000m were successfully drilled with automation. A very high level of adoption has been a catalyst for continuous improvements in procedural adherence and operational efficiency in the project. Ultimately, this has contributed to an increase in operational safety, rate of penetration (ROP) and an increase in downlinking efficiency and drillers’ time utilization. The results achieved will be exhibited to communicate the specific areas for amelioration and to highlight the potential that drilling automation can unlock for the industry.