The paper details the automation lifecycle management (ALM) methodology used in the implementation and continuous execution of drilling and pipe handling automation. The paper also presents a case study of drilling and pipe handling automation implemented in two drilling rigs operating in the North Sea that utilize the detailed ALM methodology to achieve and sustain performance.

Drilling automation technology has been successfully deployed and in operation for several years. While the technologies covered in this paper had already been deployed separately in other regions, this case study is not only Malaysia's first drilling automation project but also the world's first deployment that includes the automation platform combined with two third-party closed-loop control applications (Apps). The study details the technologies, their implementation approach, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the project. Technical and procedural measures necessary to ensure the safe and efficient use of the system are explained. The project's measured KPIs were collected and analyzed throughout multiple wells and are presented in the paper to measure the performance and success of the project. Throughout the execution of the project, the automation platform successfully coordinated control ownership of the two Apps. A comparison by the drilling contractor of KPIs with and without the automation technology successfully validates the benefits in performance and consistency.

The industry is encouraging the adoption of automation to improve safety, consistency, and efficiency. This paper presents a case study of the first deployment of a drilling automation platform fully integrated with a managed pressure drilling (MPD) system on Argentina drilling operations. Data collected throughout execution of the project, including human factors, and field operational data are used to evaluate the success of the project. This paper also presents challenges and lessons learned to aid in future deployments of these systems in the Latin America region.

The process of drilling an oil or gas well is inherently challenging due to the unpredictable nature of many of the variables at play. However, the overall process can be broken down into many smaller phases, each of which has a signature of repeatability. By automating the repeatable processes, and by optimizing the inputs that are a function of variable conditions, we can industrialize the drilling process at a higher level and drive toward consistent, high performance. Improving operational inefficiency requires long-term training or special tools to help address downhole issues. This can be costly and requires many man hours. In the pilot reviewed in this paper, a Surface Automation Solution was implemented to improve well construction performance. The Surface Automation Solution was comprised of a Drilling Automation Platform (DAP), a real-time Intelligent Drilling Optimizer (IDO), an automated stick slip mitigation system, and Automation Lifecycle Management (ALM) supporting services. The Surface Automation Solution showed extraordinary performance, delivering efficient drilling connections, optimum drilling performance and mitigating drilling dysfunction. New records were achieved in every hole section where the system was operated, resulting in 51% overall ROP improvement compared to offsets, and 44% reduction in stick slip severity, translating to 3.2 rig days savings. In this paper, we will examine how the Surface Automation Solution saves well delivery time by automating drilling activities, mitigating drilling dysfunctions and optimizing parameters to increase ROP on each section. The outcome is measured by the performance, which in this case is time saved. The data shown is the overall macro key performance indicator (KPI) along with the performance at each individual hole section.

This paper provides a case study on the successes and challenges with retrofitting tripping automation on two deepwater rigs operating in the Gulf of Mexico. The paper details the approach taken to overcome challenges associated with implementing and adopting automation technology and presents an analysis of key performance indicators that illustrate the success of the project. The paper also presents learnings and recommendations for deploying process automation while discussing some of the remaining challenges to overcome acceptance of automation in the upstream oil and gas drilling industry including implications to human performance.