In order to remotely control the drilling process it is necessary to measure several drilling fluid parameters automatically. This will increase objectivity of the measurements as well as make it possible to immediately react to changes. The current paper describes in detail the design for an integrated tool combination and the results of a full size yard test of such a combined set of tools for measuring drilling fluid parameters and formation properties automatically. Some of the automated tools have been tested on rig site operations. Results from these individual tests are also presented.The automatic drilling fluid analysis includes viscosity, fluid loss, electric stability measurements and chemical properties like pH. Full viscosity curves for the drilling fluid are measured using configurations and shear rates similar to those suggested by API procedures. Since gel formation curves and fluid loss properties require some sort of controlled static periods, these measurements are made semi-continuous. However, they are automatic and are measured as frequently as possible.An automatic system is included to measure the particle size distribution, concentration and morphology. Knowledge of these parameters is necessary, especially when drilling in depleted reservoirs where particles are added for increasing the wellbore strength.The produced cuttings volume is measured. An automatic system is adapted that determines, with accuracy comparable to that of visual analysis, whether the particles separated at the shaker screens are drill cuttings or cavings produced by an unstable formation. The mineralogy of the cuttings is analysed automatically using Raman spectroscopy, making it possible to evaluate continuously the different formations being drilled.

Summary To remotely control the drilling process, it is necessary to measure several drilling-fluid parameters automatically. This will increase objectivity of the measurements and make it possible to react to changes in real time. The current paper describes in detail the design for an integrated tool combination and the results of a full-size yard test of such a combined set of tools for measuring drilling-fluid parameters and formation properties automatically. Some of the automated tools have been tested on rigsite operations. Results from these individual tests are also presented. The automatic drilling-fluid analysis includes viscosity, fluid loss, electrical-stability (ES) measurements, and chemical properties such as pH. Full viscosity curves for the drilling fluid are measured using configurations and shear rates similar to those suggested by American Petroleum Institute (API) procedures. Because gel-formation curves and fluid-loss properties require some sort of controlled static periods, these measurements are made semicontinuously. However, they are automatic and can be measured as frequently as desired. An automatic system is included to measure the particle-size distribution (PSD), concentration, and morphology. Knowledge of these parameters is necessary, especially when drilling in depleted reservoirs where particles are added for increasing the wellbore strength. The produced-cuttings volume is measured. An automatic system is adapted that determines, with accuracy comparable to that of visual analysis, whether the particles separated at the shaker screens are drill cuttings or cavings produced by an unstable formation. The mineralogy of the cuttings is analyzed automatically using Raman spectroscopy, making it possible to evaluate continuously the different formations being drilled.

In the Automated Drilling Pilot three newly developed technologies aiming to improve the quality of the drilling operation, have been submitted to an extensive offshore field test in the North Sea. The technologies involved were: (1) Software for drilling control automation based on real time process modeling, (2) system for drillpipe tracking based on RFID technology and (3) sensors for continuous measurements of drilling fluid parameters. During this field test the listed technologies were not only tested simultaneously, but also set up to exchange data in real time, forming one integrated drilling automation system.In this paper the relevant functionalities of the technologies tested in the pilot are described. The paper also outlines the preparations for the pilot, including work performed on risk mitigation, onshore testing and training of personnel. In addition, the actual field performance of the technologies have been measured and evaluated regarding their influence on a number of important operational areas such as HSE, operational efficiency, work tasks/responsibilities and demands on surrounding technology. Lastly the capability of these technologies for exchanging data in real-time to form a closely integrated automation system has been demonstrated and evaluated.Based on the experiences from the Automated Drilling Pilot, several crucial technology enablers have been identified for the technologies involved, the most important being related to personnel training/experience building, drilling data quality/availability and offshore expert support.

Major advancements have been made in the past decades to determine the effects from particle additions to drilling fluids. These additions affect wellbore stability, hole cleaning, sag stability, formation damage and back-production capabilities. Furthermore, optimum drilling fluid performance is strongly dependent on knowing the properties of the formation such that correct selections of drilling fluid additives can be made. Likewise, it is important to know if produced solids are drilled cuttings or cavings originating from unstable holes.In field applications, there has been reluctance towards trusting solids control equipment as the only method for controlling the particle size distribution (PSD) and particle content of the drilling fluid system, since no real-time monitoring equipment has been available to produce the necessary measurements. The present paper describes a technique based on image analysis, which makes it possible to obtain such information in real-time. The method also provides valuable information for characterizing drilled cuttings, creating the basis for caving logs. A method for obtaining mineralogical data from the formation by analyzing the drilled cuttings by using Raman spectroscopy is also described. Field tests and laboratory studies demonstrate the potential of the techniques for improved drilling process control by continuously monitoring the particles in the system while drilling. Some of the elements in a drilling fluid process which are affected by the presence of particles are also described. fax 01-972-952-9435.

Major advancements have been made in the past decades to determine the effects from particle additions to drilling fluids. These additions affect wellbore stability, hole cleaning, sag stability, formation damage and back-production capabilities. Furthermore, optimum drilling fluid performance is strongly dependent on knowing the properties of the formation such that correct selections of drilling fluid additives can be made. Likewise, it is important to know if produced solids are drilled cuttings or cavings originating from unstable holes.In field applications, there has been reluctance towards trusting solids control equipment as the only method for controlling the particle size distribution (PSD) and particle content of the drilling fluid system, since no real-time monitoring equipment has been available to produce the necessary measurements. The present paper describes a technique based on image analysis, which makes it possible to obtain such information in real-time. The method also provides valuable information for characterizing drilled cuttings, creating the basis for caving logs. A method for obtaining mineralogical data from the formation by analyzing the drilled cuttings by using Raman spectroscopy is also described. Field tests and laboratory studies demonstrate the potential of the techniques for improved drilling process control by continuously monitoring the particles in the system while drilling. Some of the elements in a drilling fluid process which are affected by the presence of particles are also described. fax 01-972-952-9435.