Drilling Automation is Here: Propagation, Pitfalls, Profits & Production
By Distinguished Lecturer John de Wardt
Abstract:
Drilling Automation is a fast-growing technology application that impacts all companies and all disciplines connected to well construction. Technology applications are being developed by large and small companies. Rising data demands are uncovering source data quality issues that also affect data analytics. Automation will not be an all or nothing proposition, humans will still perform roles in the automation loops according to the balance of sensor data quality, algorithm capability, operational uncertainty and human capacity. Drilling programs are rapidly being digitized for greater collaboration and learning efficacy, providing the input to automated drilling systems. The value proposition of automated drilling is moving from time saved by drilling performance to increasing well productivity and reducing well operating costs. A multidiscipline approach to drilling systems automation (DSA) adoption focused on drilling duration, well productivity and well operation yields the greatest value. This SPE Distinguished Lecture presentation view is holistic and industry neutral (agnostic) benefiting all participants. There is no single solution; there is room for everybody to learn to participate. The key idea from this lecture: DSA is advancing rapidly; understanding how a holistic view encompassing drilling, subsurface and production enables knowledgeable implementation decisions for adoption by users and providers drives maximize value.
Biography:
John de Wardt is a recognized Upstream Global Consultant with a 43-year career: he consults to operators, NOC's, service companies, drilling contractors, OEM's, investors, academia. He previously held engineering / management positions with Shell, Forasol / Foramer and Halliburton. John has lived / worked in 33 countries; is Program Manager DSA Roadmap & DSABOK™, Board Member of SPE DSATS, lecturer / doctoral advisor at Colorado School of Mines. John graduated with a BSc Hons degree in Mechanical Engineering, became a Chartered Engineer and was elected a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Distinguished Member of SPE. John has Published 28 papers, led 19 industry forums / workshops and committee member SPE / IADC Drilling Conference for 19 years.