NPT reduced by 8-10% and drilling rate improved by 20%

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Gazpromneft and eDrilling shared the initial results from their Drilling Management Center at the SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition in Galvestion, USA this week.  Title of presentation was “Optimizing Drilling Wells and Increasing the Operation Efficiency Using Digital Twin Technology“.  Gazpromneft’s Drilling Management Center (DMC) has utilized eDrilling software to monitor and control drilling operations.  This has contributed to increased efficiency and safety.

Since introduction of the Drilling Management Center, NPT has been reduced by 8-10 percent, and drilling rate has been improved by 20%.  eDrilling is one of several new technology vendors used and qualified in the DMC.  Two examples:

i) Safer tripping and proper ECD management with less surge & swab incidents, as well as borehole stability issues have been achieved, and

ii) digital twin control of wellbore friction and back-reaming has helped to prevent pack-off situations

 

eDrilling Gazpromneft Drilling Management Cetner

DMC Utilizing AI software to optimize drilling operations

 

Gazprom NEFT is a vertically integrated oil company, primarily engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, and the production and sale of petroleum products.

Gazpromneft Drilling Management Center is a subdivision of Gazpromneft STC that is in charge of round the clock monitoring, control, and remote engineering support of construction of the most complex or unique well at all of the company’s oil fields.

 

 

wəllAhead is eDrilling’s software solution for automated monitoring, real-time optimization, and live well support. It is designed for use on rig, in Real Time Decision Support Centers, and for any other individual or teams supporting live drilling operations. It is also the foundation of any viable rig-side automation

eDrilling is a world leading supplier of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics solutions to the oil and gas industry. We work closely with E&P companies, operators, and service companies to help them save cost, improve safety, and increase efficiency of drilling operations.

Our mission is to help energy professionals at E&P companies, operators and service companies reach their goals by providing drilling and well performance solutions needed to better plan, prepare for, perform and evaluate drilling operations.

Our vision dates back to the late 1980s, when we wanted to create a downhole GPS, or Google Maps if you like, for drilling operations. Convinced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies would represent a quantum leap in well construction, we set forth what has become a paradigm shift in the oil and gas industry. For over 25 years, leading E&P companies, service companies, and drilling contractors, have leveraged the power of these technologies to improve drilling performance, onshore and offshore, deep water and shallow water, complex wells and factory drilling. Globally.

Hazard prevention
Prior to operations, eDrilling provides you with software to acquire skills and experience on you specific upcoming well, focusing on risk avoidance and handling. During operations, eDrilling software at a very early stage detects anomalies, crews are provided diagnostics messages and notifications in good time to make the necessary adjustments.

Performance optimization
Our software provides forecasting, forward-looking and what-if analysis, allowing for change in parameters for optimal drilling (drilling the perfect well).

NPT avoidance
As above, eDrilling uses aritifical intelligence and predictive analytics to foresee what will happen with your well. Software provides diagnostics and first actions to the crew (or directly to the control system), in order to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems

 

The post NPT reduced by 8-10% and drilling rate improved by 20% appeared first on Digital Twin.

eDrilling and SK Oilfield join forces

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eDrilling and SK Oilfield, a leading solution provider to India’s oil and gas industry, has joined forces to diffuse modern drilling technology in the E&P companies in the region.

SK Oilfield has an impressive 50 year track record of successful introduction and deployment of new technologies. The company has operations in Mumbai, New Delhi, Dehra Dun (birthplace of ONGC), Vadodara (Gujarat) and Duliajan (Assam)

 

ONGC

 

eDrilling is a world leading supplier of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics solutions to the oil and gas industry. We work closely with E&P companies, operators, and service companies to help them save cost, improve safety, and increase efficiency of drilling operations.

Our mission is to help energy professionals at E&P companies, operators and service companies reach their goals by providing drilling and well performance solutions needed to better plan, prepare for, perform and evaluate drilling operations.

Our vision dates back to the late 1980s, when we wanted to create a downhole GPS, or Google Maps if you like, for drilling operations. Convinced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies would represent a quantum leap in well construction, we set forth what has become a paradigm shift in the oil and gas industry. For over 25 years, leading E&P companies, service companies, and drilling contractors, have leveraged the power of these technologies to improve drilling performance, onshore and offshore, deep water and shallow water, complex wells and factory drilling. Globally.

Hazard prevention
Prior to operations, eDrilling provides you with software to acquire skills and experience on you specific upcoming well, focusing on risk avoidance and handling. During operations, eDrilling software at a very early stage detects anomalies, crews are provided diagnostics messages and notifications in good time to make the necessary adjustments.

Performance optimization
Our software provides forecasting, forward-looking and what-if analysis, allowing for change in parameters for optimal drilling (drilling the perfect well).

NPT avoidance
As above, eDrilling uses artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to foresee what will happen with your well. Software provides diagnostics and first actions to the crew (or directly to the control system), in order to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems

The post eDrilling and SK Oilfield join forces appeared first on Digital Twin.

Sinopec awards eDrilling decision support software contract

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eDrilling has been awarded a contract by Sinopec for our real time optimization software. Sinopec is to integrate this into their own (Sinopec Sripe) Drilling Automation solutions.

Sinopec Sripe is an affiliate of Sinopec Group – it is a drilling research and development organization, responsible for engineering strategy and deployment of technology across Sinopec.

Sinopec Group is the largest oil and petrochemical products suppliers and the second largest oil and gas producer in China, the largest refining company and the third largest chemical company in the world.

eDrilling awarded contract by Sinopec

wəllAhead™ is eDrilling’s software solution for automated monitoring, real-time optimization, and live well support. It is designed for use on rig, in Real Time Decision Support Centers, and for any other individual or teams supporting live drilling operations. It is also the foundation of any viable rig-side automation

eDrilling is a world leading supplier of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics solutions to the oil and gas industry. We work closely with E&P companies, operators, and service companies to help them save cost, improve safety, and increase efficiency of drilling operations.

Our mission is to help energy professionals at E&P companies, operators and service companies reach their goals by providing drilling and well performance solutions needed to better plan, prepare for, perform and evaluate drilling operations.

Our vision dates back to the late 1980s, when we wanted to create a downhole GPS, or Google Maps if you like, for drilling operations. Convinced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies would represent a quantum leap in well construction, we set forth what has become a paradigm shift in the oil and gas industry. For over 25 years, leading E&P companies, service companies, and drilling contractors, have leveraged the power of these technologies to improve drilling performance, onshore and offshore, deep water and shallow water, complex wells and factory drilling. Globally.

Hazard prevention
Prior to operations, eDrilling provides you with software to acquire skills and experience on you specific upcoming well, focusing on risk avoidance and handling. During operations, eDrilling software at a very early stage detects anomalies, crews are provided diagnostics messages and notifications in good time to make the necessary adjustments.

Performance optimization
Our software provides forecasting, forward-looking and what-if analysis, allowing for change in parameters for optimal drilling (drilling the perfect well).

NPT avoidance
As above, eDrilling uses aritifical intelligence and predictive analytics to foresee what will happen with your well. Software provides diagnostics and first actions to the crew (or directly to the control system), in order to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems

 

The post Sinopec awards eDrilling decision support software contract appeared first on Digital Twin.

Artificial intelligence and digital twin software enables drilling automation

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eDrilling is at the SPE Workshop: Delivering Value Through Automation this week in Bahrain. We are there to share how our artificial intelligence and digital twin software enables drilling automation, and how our downhole technologies are now coming together with rig systems .

We share how utilizing the same artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in wellAhead, integrated with the rig’s Drilling Control System, our automated drilling control software will help keeping the operational parameters according to well limits.  Enabling drillers to increase safety and optimize the performance of drilling operations.

eDrilling is a world leading supplier of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics solutions to the oil and gas industry.  We work closely with E&P companies, operators, and service companies to help them save cost, improve safety, and increase efficiency of drilling operations.

Our mission is to help energy professionals at E&P companies, operators and service companies reach their goals by providing drilling and well performance solutions needed to better plan, prepare for, perform and evaluate drilling operations. 

Our vision dates back to the late 1980s, when we wanted to create a downhole GPS, or Google Maps if you like, for drilling operations. Convinced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies would represent a quantum leap in well construction, we set forth what has become a paradigm shift in the oil and gas industry. For over 25 years, leading E&P companies, service companies, and drilling contractors, have leveraged the power of these technologies to improve drilling performance, onshore and offshore, deep water and shallow water, complex wells and factory drilling. Globally.

Hazard prevention

Prior to operations, eDrilling provides you with software to acquire skills and experience on you specific upcoming well, focusing on riskavoidance and handling. During operations, eDrilling software at a very early stage detects anomalies, crews are provided diagnostics messages and notifications in good time to make the necessary adjustments.

Performance optimization

Our software provides forecasting, forward-looking and what-if analysis, allowing for change in parameters for optimal drilling (drilling the perfect well).

NPT avoidance

As above, eDrilling uses aritifical intelligence and predictive analytics to foresee what will happen with your well. Software provides diagnostics and first actions to the crew (or directly to the control system), in order to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems

The post Artificial intelligence and digital twin software enables drilling automation appeared first on Digital Twin.

Gazpromneft-Yamal Awards eDrilling Contract for Real-Time Optimization Software

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eDrilling announced today that it has signed a contract with Gazpromneft-Yamal, a Gazprom Neft subsidiary, for the use of eDrilling’s software to optimize its drilling operations in the Tyumen region.

“Our objective is to improve performance
across the board through the use of new technologies and design solutions in
the field.” remarks Fedor A. Burkov, Head of Drilling support center, Gaspromneft-Yamal.  “Using software
that feature artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive
analytics, will result in real efficiency and safety gains.”

 “Gazpromneft
is a leader in digitalization of the oil and gas industry,” adds Sven Inge
Ødegaard, COO of eDrilling.  “Now Gazpromneft-Yamal will utilize our
industry-leading solutions to save cost, improve safety, and increase
efficiency of their drilling operations on the Yamal peninsula.

Gazpromneft-Yamal’s drilling support center will support all GPN fields in the Tyumen region.

Gazprom Neft is a vertically integrated oil company, primarily engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, and the production and sale of petroleum products. Total hydrocarbon production in 2017 was above 89 mtoe, refining volumes – 40 mt. Gazpromneft-Yamal LLC is a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft. The company was established on September 30, 2011 as part of a project to develop the Novoportovskoye oil and gas condensate field.  Novoportovskoye is one of the largest developed oil and gas condensate fields on the Yamal Peninsula, located in the Yamal District of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, 30 km off the coast of the Ob Bay. Its recoverable reserves of categories C1 and C2 are more than 250 million tons of oil and condensate, as well as more than 320 billion cubic meters of gas.  More information on https://yamal.gazprom-n

eDrilling is a world leading supplier of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics solutions to the oil and gas industry.  We work closely with E&P companies, operators, and service companies to help them save cost, improve safety, and increase efficiency of drilling operations.

Our mission is to help energy professionals at E&P companies, operators and service companies reach their goals by providing drilling and well performance solutions needed to better plan, prepare for, perform and evaluate drilling operations. 

Our vision dates back to the late 1980s, when we wanted to create a downhole GPS, or Google Maps if you like, for drilling operations. Convinced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies would represent a quantum leap in well construction, we set forth what has become a paradigm shift in the oil and gas industry. For over 25 years, leading E&P companies, service companies, and drilling contractors, have leveraged the power of these technologies to improve drilling performance, onshore and offshore, deep water and shallow water, complex wells and factory drilling. Globally.

Hazard prevention

Prior to operations, eDrilling provides you with software to
acquire skills and experience on you specific upcoming well, focusing on risk
avoidance and handling. During operations, eDrilling software at a very early
stage detects anomalies, crews are provided diagnostics messages and
notifications in good time to make the necessary adjustments.

Performance optimization

Our software provides forecasting, forward-looking and
what-if analysis, allowing for change in parameters for optimal drilling
(drilling the perfect well).

NPT avoidance

As above, eDrilling uses aritifical intelligence and
predictive analytics to foresee what will happen with your well. Software
provides diagnostics and first actions to the crew (or directly to the control
system), in order to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems

The post Gazpromneft-Yamal Awards eDrilling Contract for Real-Time Optimization Software appeared first on Digital Twin.

Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics, and our Digital Twin at IADC/SPE

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Firstly, our paper (presented by Maryam) has been chosen as one of the highlights at this year’s SPE/IADC Drilling Conference. She will talk about how our AI technologies are effectively used to derive conclusions (i.e. diagnosis or a prediction), avoiding incidents and non-productive time and maximize value of drilling operations

Furthermore, we are sponsoring the DSATS/IADC Art Symposium: Digital Twin for Drilling – Connecting the Physical and  Digital World.  It takes place on Monday, March 4 at 13:00 to 17:00.

Finally, you can find Kenza and Maryam at the exhibition all week, booth #65.  See you there.

Aritificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics improving drilling performancve
Hazard prevention and avoiding NPT
Marchine Learning improving Well Construction
Drilling Plan Optimization
Drilling Performance Optimization and Automated Drilling Control
Performance Optimization

eDrilling is a world leading supplier of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics solutions to the oil and gas industry.  We work closely with E&P companies, operators, and service companies to help them save cost, improve safety, and increase efficiency of drilling operations.

Our mission is to help energy professionals at E&P companies, operators and service companies reach their goals by providing drilling and well performance solutions needed to better plan, prepare for, perform and evaluate drilling operations. 

Our vision dates back to the late 1980s, when we wanted to create a downhole GPS, or Google Maps if you like, for drilling operations. Convinced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies would represent a quantum leap in well construction, we set forth what has become a paradigm shift in the oil and gas industry. For over 25 years, leading E&P companies, service companies, and drilling contractors, have leveraged the power of these technologies to improve drilling performance, onshore and offshore, deep water and shallow water, complex wells and factory drilling. Globally.

Hazard prevention

Prior to operations, eDrilling provides you with software to
acquire skills and experience on you specific upcoming well, focusing on risk
avoidance and handling. During operations, eDrilling software at a very early
stage detects anomalies, crews are provided diagnostics messages and
notifications in good time to make the necessary adjustments.

Performance optimization

Our software provides forecasting, forward-looking and
what-if analysis, allowing for change in parameters for optimal drilling
(drilling the perfect well).

NPT avoidance

As above, eDrilling uses aritifical intelligence and
predictive analytics to foresee what will happen with your well. Software
provides diagnostics and first actions to the crew (or directly to the control
system), in order to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems

Drilling Plan Optimization

Using dynamic simulations to provide accurate modelling, our
wellPlanner™ addresses the industry’s need to improve safety margins and reduce
and rid themselves of risk, as well as the need to drastically reduce well
planning time.

Automated Monitoring and Real Time Optimization

wəllAhead™ is eDrilling’s software solution for automated
monitoring, real-time optimization, and live well support. It is designed for
use on rig, in Real Time Decision Support Centers, and for any other individual
or teams supporting live drilling operations. It is also the foundation of any viable
rig-side automation

Automated Drilling Control

Utilizing the same artificial intelligence and machine
learning technologies in wellAhead, integrated with the rig’s Drilling Control
System, our automated drilling control software will help keeping the
operational parameters according to well limits. Enabling drillers to increase
safety and optimize the performance of drilling operations.

Dynamic Well Control

wellWCA is our solution for dynamic well control engineering
for planning and operations. It helps you minimize downtime and make the right
decisions, by providing design and implementation of a safe and effective well
control operation.

Drill Well in Simulator

wellSim™ is the software product family for engineering and
training of all well engineering disciplines. By improving insight and
understanding of dynamic well behavior, it has the potential to change the ways
yReal-Time

Managed Pressure Drilling

Our wellBalance™ improves any MPD control system to better
keep a constant bottom hole pressure during MPD-operations and perform planning
with an offline model. wellBalance™ provides real-time set points to the MPD
control system, based on dynamic real-time simulation, calibrated against
downhole measurements. It is complemented with an offline simulation tool,
wellBalance™ Offline, to use in engineering and planning of the MPD
operation.ou plan and drill your complex wells.

Digital Twin

A Digital Twin is the digital representation of your actual
well. Used in preparation it enables you to pre-drill your well. Used in
real-time operation it enables you to do forward simulations and what-if
simulations to detect mismatch and give input to change the drilling plan – to
avoid problems, see and detect operational mismatches, and change parameters
for optimal drilling (drilling the perfect well).

The post Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics, and our Digital Twin at IADC/SPE appeared first on Digital Twin.

Come by the Digitalization Zone at ONS2018 for a chat and demo of our digital twin

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Want to know more about how to rid yourself of NPT, avoid hazardous incidents, and increase drilling performance, come see us at ONS2018 in Stavanger, Norway from the 27th – 30th of August. Come by for a chat and a demo in the Digitalization Zone, in Hall 4.

A Digital Twin is the digital representation of your actual well. Used in preparation it enables you to pre-drill your well. Used in real-time operation it enables you to do forward simulations and what-if simulations to detect mismatch and give input to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems, see and detect operational mismatches, and change parameters for optimal drilling (drilling the perfect well).

 

Recently we analysed 60+ wells were our technologies had been actively utilised in preparation and/or operation, and where we had correct and sufficient data to conclude on the hypothesis. Thus, 40+ of our digital twins in the period were omitted, due to availability (contractual, geographical, policy) of data.

Sidetracks, or avoidance thereof, was the focal area of the study, although the study also found that there had been 0 hazardous incidents on the 60+ wells analysed. «Geological surprises» as reason for having to do a sidetrack were omitted. Cuttings build up, collapse, washout, and packoff leading to plugging the well, were included.

We have had 5000+ participants in drill well in simulator prior to operations, with 150+ well specific scenarios. Automated Monitoring and Real time Optimisation is used in all drilling operations. This includes Tripping, Drilling, Casing/Liner operations and Cementing. It is also used in advanced operations like MPD and DGD.

 

 

 

 

The post Come by the Digitalization Zone at ONS2018 for a chat and demo of our digital twin appeared first on Digital Twin.

Study show no hazardous incidents, nor any non-geological sidetracks – on wells using a digital twin

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Executive Summary

We researched 60+ wells where eDrilling’s digital twin technologies was used in i) preparations for well, ii) automated monitoring of well, and iii) real-time optimization of well – or a combination of these – and found that these wells had no hazardous incidents and no sidetracks.

 

Digital Twin

A Digital Twin is the digital representation of your actual well. Used in preparation it enables you to pre-drill your well. Used in real-time operation it enables you to do forward simulations and what-if simulations to detect mismatch and give input to change the drilling plan – to avoid problems, see and detect operational mismatches, and change parameters for optimal drilling (drilling the perfect well).

 

Methodology

We analysed 60+ wells were our technologies had been actively utilised in preparation and/or operation, and where we had correct and sufficient data to conclude on the hypothesis. Thus, 40+ of our digital twins in the period were omitted, due to availability (contractual, geographical, policy) of data.

Sidetracks, or avoidance thereof, was the focal area of the study, although the study also found that there had been 0 hazardous incidents on the 60+ wells analysed.  «Geological surprises» as reason for having to do a sidetrack were omitted. Cuttings build up, collapse, washout, and packoff leading to plugging the well, were included.

We have had 5000+ participants in drill well in simulator prior to operations, with 150+ well specific scenarios.  Automated Monitoring and Real time Optimisation is used in all drilling operations. This includes Tripping, Drilling, Casing/Liner operations and Cementing. It is also used in advanced operations like MPD and DGD.

 

Findings

Of the 60+ wells analysed, 0 – zero – had to carry out a sidetrack. As the software at a very early stage detects anomalies, crews are provided diagnostics messages and notifications in good time to make the necessary adjustments.

Not a prime objective of the study, but included anyways as it continues to be a high priority for us, and for the industry as a whole, was avoidance of hazardous incidents. We are happy, and proud, to say that we had a 100% success rate here too.

Performance Optimization

We did not include performance optimization results in the study. Mostly because we, and our customers, wanted to have the study be as focused as possible, and not try to cover all aspects at the same time. That said, we have had some considerable success stories here too, with a European IOC estimating 19 days saved while drilling a vertical exploration well in the North Sea, as the most prolific.

Products involved

wəllSim hiDRILL is our solution for drill own well in simulator. wəllSim hiDRILL provides safe, effective, and efficient well delivery for any planned well by giving crew skills and experience on the specific well.

wəllAhead is eDrilling’s software solution for automated monitoring, real-time optimization, and live well support. It is designed for use on rig, in Real Time Decision Support Centers, and for any other individual or teams supporting live drilling operations. It is also the foundation of any future rig-side automation.

The post Study show no hazardous incidents, nor any non-geological sidetracks – on wells using a digital twin appeared first on Digital Twin.

Fireside Interview: Putting-toe-in-first or Cannonball approach to digitalization?

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These are indeed defining times for industry. We sat down with eDrilling’s VP Product Management and Strategy, Morten Svendsen, to hear his views on one of those items often put forward to secure a bright future for us all – namely digitalization.

Digitalization – hot or not?

– Definitely hot. There is a wind of change blowing in the industry, and it has digitalization written all over it. For us in the software world this is just a new name for something we have done all along, but we observe that the general awareness and acknowledgement of the value digitalization brings is at a whole new level among our customers and partners.

Is there a “recipe” for digitalization?

– Not one – the shoe that fits one person pinches another. Some are putting their toes in, and others are doing the cannonball. Although there are variations as to how different companies are approaching it, they all have in common that this is now a board level priority. Indeed, oil and gas CEOs are preaching “digitizing of the industry” as the only way forward.

We can also learn from history. When Hitec, our ancestor if you like, introduced cyber drilling, it was all focused on technology, and too little on people, work processes, and legacy workflows. Today, when we are working together with our next-door neighbour Statoil on “next generation well delivery,” which is one of their digitalization pillars, we have an all-encompassing approach.

Do the industry need «digitalization»?

– Yes, and I speak for the drilling side of things. Whether you call it digitalization or something else, application and intelligent use of real time drilling data, is a game-changer.
Many of the important workflows are still carried out with technologies that are at, or, I think, beyond end-of-life. Training on generic Drilling Simulators was introduced in the early 90s (by Hitec), and improving drilling decision-making by looking at “squiggly lines” in real time operations centers was all the rage as early as the turn of the century. There are huge savings to be made, as well as safety and efficiency gains, by putting these technologies in a museum, and move on.

A couple of years ago we introduced “training on your own well”, revolutionising the impact on safety and efficiency. And, we are currently working with a number of E&P companies with software to help them get value out of their real time centers and roles. A logical next step from that is to work right from the platform, the technology is already here, it’s rather legacy processes, workflows and business models holding back.

We have had ups and downs in this industry since forever – and we often fail to learn, and go back to the old ways as soon as the upswing occurs – will it be different this time?

– Well, we do not know for sure, but from what we see, companies are trying to make their cost reductions be sustainable. There’s no consensus this time around industry outlook or future oil price levels, and this uncertainty leads to focus on balancing cost and profitability in a way we have not seen before.

The post Fireside Interview: Putting-toe-in-first or Cannonball approach to digitalization? appeared first on Digital Twin.

Interview eDrilling COO on Digital Twin and Platform January 2017

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Interview eDrilling COO on Digital Twin and Platform January 2017

Digital this and digital that.  These are indeed exciting times for the oil and gas industry.  It is early days yet in 2018, but there’s growing optimism around.  Especially for those involved in digitalisation of the industry.  We sat down with eDrilling’s COO, Sven Inge Odegaard, to hear his view on the topics of digital twin and platform.

Bildeteksten vises her

alt tekst

As one of the co-founders of eDrilling, 2018 is a special year for you?

–  I guess so. This year our technologies turn 25, and our company 10 years.  And since our first digital twin back in 2008, we have now passed 100 digital twins.

Digital Twin –  Doesn’t everybody have one?

–  Unfortunately, for the oil and gas industry, yet not. Introduced by Michael Grieves at the University of Michigan in 2003, in oil and gas drilling it means the digital representation of the physical downhole reality.  Most service companies say they offer it, but, as for now, it is seldom more than a rebranding of what they’ve already had for a while.

What are the benefits?

– I often refer to Formula 1 racing to explain, especially at the CXO level.  A Formula 1 team uses data from hundreds of sensors wired in the car, harnessing data and using algorithms to make projections about what’s ahead, and apply complex computer models to relay optimal race strategies back to the driver. Ultimately, to drive faster and safer.

In our industry, having a digital twin of your well, pairing digital and physical data combined with predictive analytics and diagnostics, improves accuracy in decision making and results in real, and lasting, safety and efficiency gains.

With obvious benefits like these – how come it is not yet implemented industry-wide?

–  Well, I guess several factors.  For one, some are mistaking digitization for digitalization.  Whereas digitization is the process of converting information into a digital format, digitalization is about using new technologies to plan, prepare for, and drill smarter for better and cheaper operations and do things that was not possible before. The former is a tech project, and the ladder is a change project.

Moreover, on the boards and drill floors of E&P companies, there is still a majority of digital immigrants.  Digitalization is a company-wide transformation – you need everyone from the board to the drill floor – and anyone in between – onboard to be successful.

In your view, what characterizes those successful employing a digital twin in their drilling operations?

–  Two things, really.  Firstly, they think about the well life cycle as one continuous process – and adopt and adapt technologies and workstreams accordingly.  Secondly, they tear down the silos.  Internal silos, but also the various “islands” of service companies, involved in drilling operations.  From planning, through preparation and training, to actual drilling of the well.

In short, they are thinking platform.  Think of it as Windows, or an Amazon Marketplace, of drilling.  By incentivizing, or forcing, the ecosystem to create and integrate Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).  In stark contrast with the “old” world, where both software and hardware were designed as “black boxes”, intended to lock customers in, and keep competitors and new entrants out.

In layman terms, in a platform world, all members of the ecosystem expose its data and/or capabilities through a programmatically consumable service or an API to other members of the ecosystem.

Indeed, now every service company has launched their platform?

–  Again, I wish it was that easy.  The same way making your data available in the cloud, just creates a big data graveyard in the cloud, if nothing is done with the data, just providing access to the code does not create a platform.

That said, the E&P companies ahead of the curve on digitalization are creating application networks – plug-and-play infrastructures if you like – embracing the next step of applying the company’s wealth of data to optimize the process of drilling a well. Leaving spreadsheets, proprietary software programs, and excess email in their wake.

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