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Abstract This paper describes the implementation of the Drilling Automation System, which has been initiated to control and enhance the drilling performance. The automation system fully controls the drilling parameters and surface rig equipment to improve the drilling Rate of Penetration (ROP) and mitigate drilling challenges. The results were measured systematically and compared to the manual rig operation benchmark. The Drilling Automation System was integrated into the rig control system during the rig manufacturing process, then deployed and configured upon spud drilling operation. The system controls the Top Drive System (TDS), drawworks, mud pumps, and auto-driller by augmented intelligence. The system -when enabled- intelligently controls drilling parameters and surface equipment by creating a model of how the formation reacts to each drilling parameter along with segmenting the input of the engineering team to optimize drilling ROP, automated downlinking, and surveying for trajectory control, and optimize pre and post connection times. Additionally, it mitigates stick and slip, shocks and vibrations, and high erratic torque, which elongates the durability of drilling tools. On the field level, a comprehensive drilling performance data analysis has been conducted to get an accurate comparison between manually operated rig performance and rigs with an integrated automation system. Close monitoring of the improvements in drilling performance, avoidance of hidden Non-Productive Time (NPT), overcoming drilling challenges, more downhole tools durability, and smooth directional drilling performance. The automated rig outcomes proved the success and capability of achieving higher Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks than manually operated rigs by an additional 33%, with a possible window for future enhancements. The Automation System is beneficial for automating surface equipment; however, the great output comes from the automation of the driller's decisions with full procedural adherence. Automating the drilling process with a synergy between surface and downhole tools is the future. The system's immediate response to downhole conditions minimizes drilling issues without human interaction. The result seen in this experiment shows a promising future for implementing this technology with flexibility for further upgrades.
AlHosni et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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