A Real-Time Well-Site Based Surveillance and Optimization Platform for Drilling: Technology, Basic Workflows and Field Results

Abstract

Abstract We describe recent technology advances, basic workflows and field trial results for a real-time well-site based surveillance and optimization software platform for drilling. The system integrates with existing infrastructures available at a typical rig-site and may be deployed in the driller's cabin to enable real-time decisions by drilling personnel. The platform leverages as input one-second real-time surface data (obtained from sensors instrumented on surface equipment and available at most well sites). The platform provides surveillance capabilities, trending analysis tools, and controllable drilling parameter recommendations to improve drilling performance by enhancing decision-making at the well-site. The platform supports active drilling parameter management by encouraging regular drill-off tests. Understandings obtained from these tests allow the system to provide real-time information on performance trends and drilling dysfunctions through various displays which aid in the drilling optimization process. We describe recent technology enhancements to the system which leverage adaptive response surface technologies that map out performance and dysfunction for the controllable drilling parameters as drill-off tests are performed. The system allows users to view performance maps for a variety of system outputs including Mechanical Specific Energy, Rate of Penetration, stick-slip severity, and Depth of Cut, as well as combinations of these outputs. The performance maps give precedence to "new" data and adapt as the bit wears and/or new formations are encountered and are leveraged to provide controllable drilling parameter recommendations to the driller. We present examples from recent field applications of the system which demonstrate the value of real-time well-site based drilling optimization and parameter management leveraging surface data. We provide examples where the software was able to provide operation personnel with the confidence to increase Weight on Bit beyond "field rules" to enable faster drilling operations as compared with offsets. We provide additional examples highlighting how active surveillance and parameter management using the system's recommendations and response surface maps was able to produce multiple record bit runs in mature fields. We also discuss workflows enabled by the system and efforts taken to enhance field personnel uptake by working to address the human machine interaction aspect of the platform during software development.