Technological innovation is an essential component of growth in the oil and gas sector. One of the key buzzwords today is artificial intelligence or AI. Using AI in horizontal directional drilling operations can bring in significant improvements.
The machine will need less physical input from the drillers and will also save the drillers from having to explain how the machine accomplished the task it is given. The goal is to have combined systems that can perform a function independently.
Automation and optimization are independently addressed. AI is the bridge between the two. It will change/disrupt the way the industry drills wells in the future. As an industry, we need to embrace technology and start changing previous ways of thinking.
Intelligent drilling automation will be a game-changer and a new way to drill smarter and produce wellbores. Decision-making at the rig site is one essential improvement that will take immediate effect.
Because of the number of hands on the jar at the rig site, no one wants to be the key decision-maker. AI systems can take over this task from the rig personnel, by making optimized analytical decisions based on a controlled input/output given.
Specific Benefits of AI
AI can significantly impact the drilling sector, supported by a well-devised technology roadmap for innovation. Through predictive analysis, AI has the potential to streamline drilling operations, tackling issues like differential sticking, stuck pipes, downhole vibrations, managed-pressure drilling, hole cleaning, equal circulating density, and pressure transients.
Effective management of these challenges relies on quality data gleaned from well site records, encompassing borehole assemblies, run data, offset data analysis, survey data, geology data, and the well plan. Leveraging AI for downhole data analysis allows for the identification of potential anomalies using dependable indicators.
The outcome of integrating an automated platform into drilling operations is precise control over operational parameters, ultimately influencing the rate of penetration. Furthermore, AI-driven drilling enhances safety by reducing human involvement while demanding increased skill sets.
Horizontal drilling companies have the opportunity to change or improve numerous operations through computational intelligence and mathematical optimization, including:
- Reduced drill pipe wear
- Bit direction guidance
- Directional drilling decision automation
- Measurement while drilling
- Managed-pressure drilling
- Mud programs
- Casing while drilling
- Rig operations processes
- Increasing production with targeted precision
- Decreasing drilling time
- Wellsite Geology Automated Formation Top Correlation
Benefits that AI can provide
Open Window for Performance Optimisation
Offset data analyzed from sensors will be used to make real-time, closed-looped predictions. This will help intelligent node systems react and resolve current drilling dysfunctions. This form of transfer learning can be deployed on a fleet operating in a given shale area.
Better Safety
This is a key issue in our industry, and the ability to change the status quo and take people off the drilling platforms will be a win for all. Drillers will be able to track many wells from remote locations while focusing on monitoring drilling performance/challenges. This will cut the cost of drilling significantly. AI will help curb the risk and exposure to dangerous working conditions for many employees.
More Collaboration among Service Companies
With an open platform, a correlating increase in software innovation platforms for performance-enhancement applications will occur. This also promotes positive problem-solving competition.
Challenges and Myths
A key challenge to adopting AI will be the perceived effect on jobs. AI will take away key roles that humans currently play in drilling. This will open room for more skilled labor in the industry. This will disrupt the current setup, like how spreadsheets replaced the previous system of ledger forms filled out by hand. This did not cause a loss of jobs but opened up more jobs for accountants to focus on models and computations. The same could happen with the adoption of AI.
Intelligent drilling automation will not change how the industry drills wells; instead, it will take current drilling practices and improve real-time decision-making. The best practical method for AI implementation is launching the foundation of the current setup, standardizing controls, using sensor-based integrated analytical feedback, and then implementing the judgment-driven models.
AI will aid in the execution of both manual and digital back-end processes. This will drop repetitive tasks such as pipe connection and documentation of daily functions such as mud reports, blowout preventer checks, and equipment maintenance reports.
The Bottom Line
Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize the drilling industry. By automating processes, optimizing operations, and enhancing safety, AI offers many benefits that will improve efficiency and reduce costs for drilling companies in NSW. While challenges exist, the potential rewards of AI adoption far outweigh the risks. It is time for drilling companies to embrace this transformative technology and reap the benefits of intelligent drilling automation.
