Challenge
Drilling a well is a complex process where many incidents can occur. It is particularly challenging for drillers to interpret sparse measurements and responses from the downhole environment and make optimal decisions.
Invention
Introducing an autonomous system for drilling, capable of making its own decisions by evaluating current conditions and adapting to them. This system considers multiple horizon strategies to achieve the operational goal effectively.
Value
- Enhanced decision-making: Facilitates better decisions during drilling operations.
- Consistency: Ensures more consistent decisions across different drilling teams and locations.
Status
Autonomous drilling has been successfully demonstrated at the full-scale rig Ullrigg, where a 500m well was drilled completely autonomously.
The first time ever, autonomous drilling was demonstrated on a full-scale offshore type drilling rig at the NORCE Ullrigg Test Center. The autonomous system decides and executes by itself every action that shall be taken and this without human intervention. The goal of autonomous drilling is to drill as fast as possible in a safe and efficient way, while taking actions that help preventing and avoiding problems.
Next steps
- Software preparation: Structure and prepare the software solution for operation in a DWIS environment.
- Explainability: Develop a methodology for explainability to enhance understanding and transparency.
- Further testing and demonstrations: Conduct demonstrations and testing in OpenLab, Ullrigg, and at an offshore rig.
- System improvements: Refine and improve the autonomous system based on testing and demonstrations.
Possible commercialization options
- Industry adoption: Our methodology and results have been published, enabling different players to develop similar solutions.
- Industrialization agreements: Establish agreements with one or more players to industrialize and commercialize the solution.