Harnessing Digital Transformation: A Collaborative Approach to Optimizing Well Design and Execution

Abstract This paper discusses the evolution of the drilling process, highlighting the integration of digital technologies that have transformed well design and execution. It outlines the collaborative development of a Digital Drilling Program (DDP) and automated drilling systems, demonstrating how the platforms facilitates seamless integration of emerging technologies and sets the foundation for future advancements in drilling operations. A comprehensive digital drilling process creates a DDP hosted on a collaborative platform. This platform integrates critical data from various well engineering disciplines, including drilling fluid specifications, directional plans, wellbore stability analysis, bottom-hole assembly (BHA) and casing design, as well as lessons learned from previous drilling operations. The data is processed using specialized engines to optimize system performance and ensure the well design and drilling operation feasibility. The resulting DDP is shared across a cloud-based ecosystem, enabling real-time data access and integration with other applications for efficient decision-making, while also serving as input to the automated drilling system. After implementation, a dedicated design team refined the platform, ensuring the DDPs contains comprehensive data necessary for integration with other applications, thereby minimizing redundancy and reducing human error. Data extracted from the platform allows the monitoring center to compare actual parameters with model predictions in real-time. Furthermore, the system feeds rig operations with parameter windows for automated drilling with minimal human intervention. Time vs. Depth charts provide well engineers with detailed performance insights during execution. DDPs in conjunction with automated drilling operations was successfully executed, demonstrating significant reductions in non-productive time (NPT) related to stuck pipe incidents and enhancing operational consistency. This paper provides new insights into the role of digital technologies in well design and drilling operations, emphasizing the collaborative development of the DDP and automated drilling. It showcases the seamless data transfer via the cloud between the field and monitoring centers, offering significant operational advantages and presenting a model for future digital and automated drilling applications.