Dynamic Verification & Validation

Challenge 

Traditionally, drilling automation functionalities are manually integrated under a single entity, with verification and validation performed prior to deployment. As the number of drilling automation solutions from diverse providers increases, ensuring seamless integration at the rig site becomes increasingly complex. The dynamic nature of multi-agent drilling automation—where agents may be added, removed, or replaced during operations—further challenges system reliability and coordination. 

Innovation 

To address these challenges, a framework has been developed to support dynamic, on-the-fly verification of the interplay in the multi-agent drilling automation systems. It accommodates real-time structural changes and inter-agent dependencies, enabling automated consistency checks that preserve reliability as system configurations evolve. 
Agents within a multi-agent system often rely not only on specific input data but also on functionalities provided by other agents. For instance, an agent optimizing the Rate of Penetration may depend on another to supply safe operating envelope parameters. While individual agents can be verified and validated before deployment, the distributed and interdependent nature of the system demands continuous online assessment to ensure all required data and capabilities remain available. 
This framework facilitates automated, real-time consistency checks, helping maintain system integrity and performance throughout drilling operations. 

Value 

This framework ensures consistent information flow across stakeholders in a multi-agent system. Its real-time verification and validation capabilities enable cross-vendor collaboration and detect inconsistencies as they arise. By supporting scalable, distributed automation, it helps maintain operational efficiency even under uncertain and changing conditions. 

Status 

• First attempt to operational stability analysis in a system of systems architecture for drilling automation in 1 use case (D-WIS)
• Algorithmic framework for consistency check assuming the defined conceptual framework for formal verification of consistency in data and features when multiple automated functionalities are involved in the context of automated drilling systems

Next step 

• Further refine the algorithmic framework for consistency check in the D-WIS and autonomous drilling use cases.
• Develop and implement algorithms for automated verification and test for the autonomous drilling on the D-WIS architecture use case

The results of this work will be shared with the SPE DSATS Verification and Validation subcommittee. 

This work is part of the centres WP5 Drilling automation and autonomy.