Automated well planning

Challenge

Well planning is often time-consuming and resource-intensive, involving multiple disciplines. Traditionally, the drilling program is static and with one solution with possibly a couple of back-up plans. When unexpected situations occur, there will be deviation from the plan, and the plan is no longer valid.  

Innovation

Automated Well Engineering introduces a dynamic ensemble of drilling designs, informed by both planning and operational insights. This adaptability enables real-time responses to uncertainties and changing conditions. Generating such ensembles in automatic well engineering is complex, but a microservice architecture provides a flexible, scalable solution.

The new framework replaces static, manually created programs with dynamic, automatically generated drilling plans. These plans support decision-making during well construction, especially when downhole conditions diverge from expectations. The approach emphasizes adaptable strategies and tactics, unified by an overarching plan, allowing automation systems to respond intelligently to real-time data.

The framework captures and propagates uncertainty throughout the process and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Each team can share constraints, clarify assumptions, and justify decisions within an integrated environment.

Value

Automatically generated drilling programs can be a game changer towards the industry vision of “plan a well in one day and with high quality”. Beyond saving time during the planning stage, the ability to maintain an up-to-date and valid plan during execution reduces the risk of incidents. Additional value can be obtained by having seamless integration with the Automated Drilling Operational Plan and potentially also creating a smooth transition into the execution phase and supporting safer, more efficient well delivery. 

Status

• A first version of the drilling program will be finalized in 2025.

Next steps

• Perform case studies together with the operators in DigiWells.