The Automated Drilling Pilot on Statfjord C

Abstract

Abstract In the Automated Drilling Pilot three newly developed technologies aiming to improve the quality of the drilling operation, have been submitted to an extensive offshore field test in the North Sea. The technologies involved were: (1) Software for drilling control automation based on real time process modeling, (2) system for drillpipe tracking based on RFID technology and (3) sensors for continuous measurements of drilling fluid parameters. During this field test the listed technologies were not only tested simultaneously, but also set up to exchange data in real time, forming one integrated drilling automation system. In this paper the relevant functionalities of the technologies tested in the pilot are described. The paper also outlines the preparations for the pilot, including work performed on risk mitigation, onshore testing and training of personnel. In addition, the actual field performance of the technologies have been measured and evaluated regarding their influence on a number of important operational areas such as HSE, operational efficiency, work tasks/responsibilities and demands on surrounding technology. Lastly the capability of these technologies for exchanging data in real-time to form a closely integrated automation system has been demonstrated and evaluated. Based on the experiences from the Automated Drilling Pilot, several crucial technology enablers have been identified for the technologies involved, the most important being related to personnel training/experience building, drilling data quality/availability and offshore expert support.