Accelerating Drilling Efficiency and Consistency: A Rig-Based Approach to Exponential Drilling Program Improvements

Abstract

The evolution of the drilling process has been sustained by consistent innovation and development, bringing the industry to where it is today. Innovation moves us forward: data is processed faster, flat time is reduced, roles are redefined; but the vehicle to achieve a successful drilling program remains: the drilling rig. This paper investigates efficiency in its many forms, and the foundational role that the drilling rig plays in fulfilling the global need for energy. Over time it has become evident in the industry that evolving the rig design process helps to achieve greater overall success of a well program. As less flat time occurs, well cycle time decreases, increasing the total amount of feet drilled per day and likewise increased hydrocarbon production in that same timeframe. Innovative advancements, through progressive iterations in rig design, have led to significant efficiencies in flat time reduction through initiatives like rig floor automation and installing a rig walking system. As these efficiencies become more realized, consistency is increased allowing for better forecasting of long-term well programs. A historical account of pivotal drilling rig advances will be discussed in detail, along with specific applications of automation and a walking system that modern well programs require. Creating a new rig fleet using repurposed equipment is not only economical, but also a sustainable solution and of significant value as carbon emission reduction increases in importance across operator and supplier initiatives. Introducing walking rigs to a global fleet has contributed to reducing well cycle times by over 35% from 2016 to 2022. What was once a three-to-five-hour release-to-spud skid, is now as low as an hour and a half through the use of walking technology. The benefits to a standardized rig fleet will be presented: reducing inconsistency, increasing quality of support, and enabling an agile support staff; while providing a consistent platform to launch drilling applications where newly learned best practices can be immediately applied fleet wide. Today's drilling environment requires an integrated approach, enabled by both people and technology. The drilling rig provides a strong foundation, as a platform for further technological innovation through automation. As the industry continues to evolve, the clear benefit of field-proven equipment and technology supports breaking through barriers in unconventional drilling.