Meal headcount DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7th.

“A Framework Delivers Multiparty Technologies Enhancing Drilling Operations Control”

Matthew Isbell

Hess Corporation, Retired 

January 13, 2026

Noon – 1 PM CST 11:30 AM Lunch served

Petroleum Club of Lafayette - 111 Heymann Blvd, Lafayette, LA

Abstract

"What is the one idea you would like the members to take away from this lecture?"

Implementing a well construction automation system needs a value progression showing how all stakeholders will benefit. Drilling operation process automation examples can illustrate the concepts at play. The presentation’s main idea is how technology and processes must be deployed at scale to realize benefits in the well lifecycle for everyone.

The value of well construction comes from hydrocarbons produced over a well’s lifecycle in a safe and economical manner. By definition, the design and delivery of a well have built-in production impacts. Other production impacts can come from well execution processes determining well properties. Examples are wellbore placement and hole quality, which can limit well functionality and constrain the range of subsequent wellbore operations.

New systems seek to integrate groups of well delivery processes. One example is automating the process of drilling a 90’ stand of drill pipe which can then be repeated as new stands are added to deliver a well. This work aimed to improve operational efficiency by reducing process variation. However, since the wellbore quality delivered with each stand impacts well value, automation is a viable tool to manage lifecycle wellbore quality requirements. Adopting an interconnected well construction system approach is slow since so much change is required by every stakeholder, including organization, processes, and technology. Parties want to see the economic benefits before moving from departmental delivery goals toward managing the well construction value stream.

This collaborative process can be applied to multiple areas where many independent stakeholders work together.

Biography

Matt Isbell is a recently retired Senior Drilling Engineering Advisor with the Wells Team at Hess Corporation. He is a drilling system subject matter expert with worldwide experience. His current focus connects well construction roles with tools and processes to leverage digital drilling data and engineering to improve outcomes. He received a BSME in 1988 from The University of Texas at Austin. He serves on the SPE Forum Implementation Committee and chairs the IADC Drilling Engineering Committee and SPE Drilling and Wells Interoperability Group Advisory Board.

*Note Pricing Details

SPE Members:

$30 if paid by Wednesday, January 7, 2026

$35 if registered by January 7, 2026, and select Pay at Door.

Note the email invoice will show $30, but $35 will be charged at the door.

$35 if no pre-registration.

NON-SPE Members:

$40 if paid by Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

$45 if registered by January 7, 2026, and select Pay at Door.

Note the email invoice will show $40, but $45 will be charged at the door.

$45 if no pre-registration.

NOTE: The Petroleum Club of Lafayette will no longer allow PC members to use their personal PC accounts to pay for outside organizations meetings/events' meals held at The Petroleum Club. This decision was made by The Petroleum Club's senior management.

Students/Faculty: First ten (10) are free; >10 then $10 / $15 at the door. Students/Faculty must email Grant Trahan for lunch vouchers by Wednesday, January 7, 2026 and there is no need to register on the SPE website. Valid for current SPE Evangeline Section SSPE members only.

Members in Transition (looking for work) $0 in-person if pre-registered by Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Join us to network and keep your industry knowledge current at no cost if you are not currently employed. To receive a lunch voucher, you must email Grant Trahan. Valid for current SPE Evangeline Section members only.

To receive a Continuing Education Certificate by email, please email your SPE.Evangeline.CEU@gmail.com by January 13th or sign the roster at the meeting. You will be emailed after our meeting. Monthly Meeting = 1 CEU.

For questions: SPEEvangelineSection@gmail.com or Grant Trahan or 713-876-0299.