Distinguished Lecturer: Matthew Isbell (Hess Corporation)
A Framework Delivers Multiparty Technologies Enhancing Drilling Operations Control
Please use the RSVP function below to register.
(Registration is mandatory due to space limitation)
What: In-Person DL Lecture
When: 9 February 2026
16:30 - 17:00: Arrival / Social Hour
17:00 – 18:00: Distinguished Lecture: Matthew Isbell
19:00: Meal
Where: Neptune Energy Deutschland, Ahrensburger Str. 1, Hannover
An on-site participation fee will be collected in cash:
10€ students & retirees
40€ members
50€ non-members
This includes dinner after the lecture.
Abstract:
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 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.