Implementation of Drilling Systems Automation-Halifax Workshop Summary: Industry Standards, Business Models and Next Steps

摘要

The SPE Drilling Systems Automation Technical Section (DSATS) is a committee tasked with supporting the growth and implementation of drilling automation. In September 2014, DSATS held a dual-stream workshop in Halifax, NS, Canada with focus on both the technical and business issues relating to implementation of this new technology. The workshop identified key business issues, both blockers and enablers and, for the first time, proposed a step towards a potential industry technical guideline that allows the machines and models used in drilling to communicate in real time. Workshop participants identified future actions that will continue to advance the development of drilling automation. This paper summarizes both the topics presented and the actions identified as necessary to advance the implementation of drilling systems automation. The workshop used two parallel tracks: a technical track dealing with the communications technology needed for drilling systems automation, and a business track focused on technology implementation issues. This novel format spurred a crosspollination of ideas since attendees were free to attend either track and switch between tracks during the conference, thereby contributing to topics of interest. The technical track included work to define a common interface for equipment control based on the OPC-UA communications protocol and a rig information model, or data dictionary, which is necessary for modeling the process of drilling a stand using normal drilling machinery. The business track examined issues surrounding the use of large data sets, sensors and problems encountered when using them, reliably, in real time. Participants discussed their concerns with existing drilling contracts which do not always cover the legal responsibilities of all parties involved in the construction of a well using an automatic drilling system.