Challenge
Although drilling rigs have had the capability for automation for over a decade, the technology itself is not the issue. The real problem lies in the unique nature of each rig, which turns automation implementation into a complex manual project rather than a straightforward task.
There is a clear need for an infrastructure that facilitates for consistent exchange of self-explanatory data. Such a system will give faster deployment of automated solutions as it can be installed seamlessly on any rig—fulfilling the vision of "Develop once, deploy anywhere."
Inventions
Our solution introduces an infrastructure based on semantic description that allows the computer systems of various stakeholders to communicate consistently. The system facilitates different vendors to discover and share information automatically in real-time. Signals and measurements have integrated uncertainty description and the possibility to exploit multiplicity of sources of information to reduce it.
It is a flexible solution that not only handles the current picture, but also takes into account changes of vendors and measurements in the future. This infrastructure facilitates for more efficient deployment and for further use of automation solutions.
The industry group D-WIS (Drilling and Wells Interoperability Standards) represents a development front for the drilling community and follows the development closely and gives valuable inputs.
Value
- Game changer when it comes to more efficient deployment of automation systems
- Reduced uncertainty: Exploit the multiplicity of sources of information to reduce uncertainty (sensor fusion methods)
- Healthy competition: Encourages robust and fair competition among different players in the industry.
- The D-WIS group aims to establish an international standard based on the work mainly done in DigiWells
Status
In 2025, we will conduct four D-WIS demonstrations at different locations with various industrial partners. There is significant interest and engagement from the industry, and by doing these demonstrations we aim to demonstrate the principle “develop once deploy everywhere”.
Recording of workshops and demonstrations are available here
Next steps
- Demonstrate Autonomous Drilling using the D-WIS framework both in Openlab and at the full-scale rig Ullrigg without heave
- Simulator testing with heave
- Offshore testing
- Additional Demonstrations: Planned from Q4 2025 at locations including Ullrigg and the semi-sub Deepsea Stavanger.
Commercialization options
- Open standards and Open-source software.
- Possible actions for commercialization actions.
- Establish maintenance company: Could be owned by operators for ongoing development and support.
- Nonprofit organization: Responsibility could be assigned to a nonprofit international body.
- Rig Owners' responsibility: Rig owners could manage the interoperability systems on their rigs.
- Encourage competing systems: Commercial players could be motivated to offer competing systems that adhere to established standards.
