Full Robotic Drill Floor as Advanced Rig Automation

Abstract

Early studies indicate a large potential of savings in rig time and elimination of manual operations on the drill floor, when introducing robotic drill-floor equipment on the drill floor. Robots can carry out pipe, casing and tool handling tasks in a safe, fast, consistent and precise manner. For obtaining a digitalized, fully automated drilling operation, electric robotic equipment is a key enabling technology. Since 2016, Eni has been directly involved, together with Canrig Robotics, in the technology development process for the robotic drill floor, being part of two Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) in Norway, named "Offshore Pilot of Drill Floor Robot" and "Demonstration of Automated Drilling Process Control". The aim of such projects is to install and test robotic equipment on rigs and to demonstrate the full automation of drilling operations through the integration with an advanced control system. A fully robotic drill floor requires state-of-the-art technological and industrial level innovation, which forms a basis for performing drilling & completion operations safely, reliably and consistently. This paper describes the results of a preliminary feasibility study performed by Eni in collaboration with Canrig Robotics concerning the installation of such equipment on two different rig designs, three land rigs and two drill ships, in order to find the best candidate(s). The analysis contains data collection, operational descriptions, modification and installation works, value propositions and business cases. The value proposition from using robotic equipment includes faster tripping due to consistent and seamless handling. A high number of manual operations can be saved by robotic handling of subs, pup joints, safety clamps etc. Stand-building can be made fully automated and can take place in parallel to e.g. drilling in the well center. Preliminary results show a significant potential improvement on KPIs, with an estimated time saving of 20 to 60 days per rig yearly. At the same time, HSE issues are widely mitigated, since operations can be performed effectively and consistently by robots, thus removing people from harm's way on the drill floor.