Implementation enhances remote monitoring and operational efficiency while reducing formation damage and promoting sustainability.
The continuous advancement of drilling technologies has significantly increased interest in Underbalanced Coiled Tubing Drilling (UB-CTD) as a solution for maximizing reservoir contact while minimizing formation damage and operational footprint. Its unique ability to maintain wellbore stability, enable real-time reservoir interaction, and facilitate drilling in pressure-sensitive formations makes it especially valuable in mature and complex fields. However, the successful execution of UB-CTD operations is highly dependent on precise data interpretation, timely decision-making, and seamless coordination between engineering teams and field personnel factors that are often limited in traditional, field-centric monitoring approaches. This paper presents the development and deployment of a centralized real-time monitoring system specifically designed for UB-CTD operations. By aggregating data from multiple sources, including downhole tools, surface systems, and drilling unit equipment into a unified visualization platform, the system enhances operational visibility and enables subject matter experts to monitor, diagnose, and support operations remotely. This approach not only reduces reliance on physical presence at the rig site but also visualizes the uncertainties early indicators, increases response efficiency, mitigates risks, and promotes procedural consistency. The project is closely aligned with broader organizational goals related to digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence. It provides a scalable model for integrating intelligent data workflows into drilling operations, enabling better decision-making and reducing carbon emissions through optimized logistics and fewer site interventions. The paper outlines the system architecture, data integration framework, workflow design, and lessons learned throughout the implementation process. It also examines the tangible operational, environmental, and financial benefits observed during field deployment, positioning this framework as a viable path forward for future remote and autonomous drilling initiatives.
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Hazazi et al. (2025) studied this question.
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