Automation in the oil drilling sector has advanced significantly over the years, evolving from rudimentary methods to sophisticated technologies designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability. Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and mechanized systems are driving this transformation, leading to an era where drilling operations might soon operate autonomously.
At the forefront of this evolution is NOV, a leading provider in the industry, which introduced the NOVOS reflexive drilling system in 2015. This system has been essential in progressively enhancing process autonomy on drilling rigs. The recent introduction of the ATOM RTX technology platform builds upon the NOVOS framework. This platform integrates mechanisation and robotic systems to automate critical tasks on the rig floor, such as racking and making connections, ultimately streamlining operations.
The goal of these advancements is encapsulated in three key objectives: removing danger for personnel, improving performance and efficiency, and enhancing awareness of operational processes. By eliminating human variability—often influenced by fatigue and environmental conditions—drilling operations can achieve more consistent and reliable outcomes, consequently reducing downtime and delays.
The ATOM RTX system exemplifies the mechanization essential for bridging automation with hands-on drilling tasks. This technology is designed to perform multiple operations with high precision, including doping and mud containment. These enhancements are aimed not just at replacing manual processes but also at safely managing aspects of drilling that have historically placed human workers in precarious positions.
The advancements in automation also extend to process control, where the emphasis on consistency has illustrated the substantial benefits of automated systems in day-to-day operations. In particular, standard tasks such as pump ramping and BHA (bottomhole assembly) rotation have been shown to improve dramatically with automation, translating into faster and more predictable drilling times. A remarkable case involved the standardisation of connection times within the Appalachia well programme, illustrating the success of NOVOS implementation in enhancing operational performance.
These technological strides have enabled drilling rigs employing the NOVOS architecture to set record connection times globally. For instance, a drillship in Guyana achieved a weight-to-weight (W2W) average connection of approximately 7.86 minutes, showcasing the efficacy of the autonomous systems in reducing operational lags.
Future aspirations include the complete automation of drilling processes, with fully autonomous rig operations appearing increasingly feasible. In early 2023, NOV achieved a notable milestone by removing the driller’s cabin from its Prime 1 test rig, signalling concrete steps toward a manless rig floor. This initiative highlights the potential of advanced automation, not only for drilling but also for other well construction processes such as casing and cementing.
However, the journey towards total automation is not without its challenges. The high costs associated with developing comprehensive automation solutions pose significant barriers to industry-wide adoption. Market volatility within the oil and gas sector often hampers the ability to secure necessary partnerships for the development and implementation of these technologies.
Looking to the future, experts predict that the ongoing advancements will be built on continuous small steps that leverage earlier successes. As process control and automation technologies mature, stakeholders expect to see sustained improvements in efficiency and safety, despite variances in personnel skills across the industry.
In summary, the evolution of AI and automation in drilling reflects a profound shift towards enhanced operational autonomy. With companies like NOV leading the charge through innovative technologies and processes, the prospect of autonomous drilling may not be far off, promising to reshape the landscape of oilfield operations in the coming years.
Source: Noah Wire Services