Autonomous Directional Drilling and Geosteering Enhances Real-Time Decision-Making

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 224743, “Implementation of Autonomous Directional Drilling and Geosteering to Enhance Real-Time Decision-Making in Maximum-Reservoir-Contact Wells: A Case Study From Offshore Abu Dhabi,” by Denya Yudhia, SPE, Hanifan Biyanni, and Knut Ness, SPE, ADNOC, et al. The paper has not been peer-reviewed. _ Drilling maximum-reservoir-contact (MRC) wells is crucial for the development of mature fields. A risk of collision with existing wells or laterals requires comprehensive real-time anticollision and survey management. Traditionally, skilled directional drillers have relied on their expertise regarding bottomhole-assembly (BHA) behavior in specific areas, adjusting drilling parameters and assembly configurations as needed. This approach, however, often results in deviations from the intended trajectory and performance inconsistencies introduced by human error. This paper proposes a novel approach by integrating automated drilling and geosteering software to control the downhole BHA, thereby minimizing the need for human intervention. Technology Overview The autonomous drilling platform is designed to operate the drilling BHA while reducing the need for constant manual intervention and allowing operators to focus on higher-level tasks. Advanced sensors monitor the drilling environment continuously, providing crucial data that inform the system’s decision-making processes (Fig. 1). Anticollision scanning technology ensures that the drill avoids existing wells and other obstacles, minimizing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall safety. The autonomous drilling platform requires an intelligent rotary steerable system (RSS) designed to enable accurate well placement and complex downhole calculations. The RSS can steer the well at up to 400 rev/min accurately while measuring the tool face 1,000 times per second. It is integrated with automated drilling-advisory commands based on physics-based models, a BHA digital twin, and machine learning from the following real-time data analytics: - Steering-advisory commands help plan, project the well path, optimize wellbore trajectory, and avoid hazards and collisions. - Vibration-advisory commands advise optimal rotational speed ranges to manage downhole vibration and allow for better directional control by automating the drilling process. The geosteering software maps subsurface formations using imaging techniques and real-time data from downhole sensors. It identifies conductive zones and steers the drill bit away from potential hazards. The software then sends the projected well path to the autonomous directional drilling system to adjust tool settings and correct the well path to meet target specifications. The process ensures wellbore placement to maximize reservoir contact and enhance hydrocarbon recovery.