The talk focuses on the well construction process. It starts with some research questions and about mathematical models of the drilling process at such a level that in most cases a match with measurements is achieved. Furthermore, Eric reflects about the importance of including uncertainties and gives some examples related to data, pit volume, rheological behaviour of mud and frictional pressure losses. Together with global and local calibration loops, it is ensured that the drilling simulation model matches observations.
The presentation continues on how the digital twin together with the calibration can be used for early detection of possible drilling incidents and enable proactive measures to be taken and avoid serious incidents. This system has been applied in the North Sea for approximately 10 years on more than 1000 wells and statistic shows that the number of technical sidetracks for these well is 9% instead of 30%. By introducing some new concepts like Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) and Safe Operation Envelope (SOE), an automated system used by the driller has been developed and taken into use. On the Norwegian Continental Shelf, all floaters will have this system installed by the end of the year. (NORCE has commercialized these products through Sekal, now acquired by Sumitomo).
In the last part, you can learn about the differences between an automatic system and an autonomous system. An interesting analogy with the human body is used. For drilling you aim to drill the well to the target depth in an optimal way, you have to balance performance and risk. For the decisions, the AI Method Markov Decision Process is used.
The team at NORCE has demonstrated autonomous drilling on a full-scale drilling rig by drilling 500 m autonomously. See video within the presentation.
Curious to learn more? Do as John de Wardt recommend: "If you want to learn about drilling automation from an industry expert, watch this absolutely brilliant presentation by Eric Cayeux" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-TmRdaanTk
Thanks to David Gibsom for creating this video as an episode in his VDoorLocksmith show series.