How do you use new technologies in drilling engineering?

1 Digitalization and automation

One of the key trends in drilling engineering is the use of digitalization and automation to enhance data collection, analysis, and decision making. Digitalization and automation can enable you to monitor and control various aspects of your drilling process, such as drilling parameters, equipment status, formation evaluation, and wellbore integrity. By using sensors, software, and communication systems, you can collect and transmit real-time data from the rig to the office, and use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing to process and interpret the data. This can help you optimize your drilling performance, reduce operational risks, and increase operational efficiency.

2 Directional and horizontal drilling

Another way that you can use new technologies in drilling engineering is to apply directional and horizontal drilling techniques to access more reservoirs, increase well productivity, and reduce environmental impact. Directional and horizontal drilling can allow you to drill wells at different angles and trajectories, reaching reservoirs that are otherwise inaccessible or uneconomical with vertical wells. By using advanced tools, such as measurement while drilling (MWD), logging while drilling (LWD), rotary steerable systems (RSS), and mud motors, you can steer and navigate your drill bit accurately and precisely. This can help you maximize your reservoir contact, reduce your drilling footprint, and minimize your drilling costs.

3 Managed pressure drilling

A third way that you can use new technologies in drilling engineering is to implement managed pressure drilling (MPD) methods to overcome the challenges of drilling in complex and narrow pressure windows. MPD is a technique that involves controlling the annular pressure profile along the wellbore by manipulating the surface backpressure, fluid density, fluid level, or circulating friction. By using specialized equipment, such as choke valves, pressure sensors, and flow meters, you can adjust the pressure in the wellbore to match the formation pressure, prevent kicks and losses, and avoid well control incidents. This can help you improve your drilling safety, efficiency, and reliability.

4 Enhanced oil recovery

A fourth way that you can use new technologies in drilling engineering is to employ enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods to increase the recovery factor of your reservoirs. EOR is a process that involves injecting fluids, gases, or chemicals into the reservoir to alter the physical or chemical properties of the oil, and improve its mobility and displacement. By using innovative technologies, such as nanofluids, microbial injection, or electromagnetic heating, you can enhance the performance and effectiveness of your EOR operations. This can help you increase your oil production, extend your reservoir life, and reduce your environmental impact.

5 Smart wells

A fifth way that you can use new technologies in drilling engineering is to design and install smart wells that can monitor and control the flow of fluids in the reservoir and the wellbore. Smart wells are wells that are equipped with sensors, valves, and actuators that can measure and regulate the pressure, temperature, flow rate, and composition of the fluids in the wellbore and the reservoir. By using wireless communication, remote control, and data analysis, you can optimize your well performance, manage your reservoir depletion, and prevent unwanted water or gas breakthrough. This can help you enhance your well productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

6 Green drilling

A sixth way that you can use new technologies in drilling engineering is to adopt green drilling practices that can reduce the environmental impact of your drilling activities. Green drilling is a concept that involves minimizing the use of energy, water, and chemicals, and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, waste, and noise during the drilling process. By using technologies, such as biodegradable drilling fluids, electric rigs, solar panels, or carbon capture and storage, you can lower your environmental footprint, comply with regulatory standards, and improve your social responsibility. This can help you protect the environment, save resources, and enhance your reputation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?