Drilling & Completion Tech Digest
Computer vision technology deployed on NCS well to automatically detect cavings, reduce pack-off risk
DrillDocs, a provider of digital shale shaker surveillance technology, recently utilized computer vision technology to automatically detect cavings on the Norwegian Continental Shelf for the first time. Working with Aker BP, DrillDocs’ CleanSight technology was deployed on the Noble Integrator while drilling on the Fenris field. At the time of the deployment, 12 sections had been monitored, totaling over 13,000 m, including 16½-in., 12¼-in. and 8½-in. sections.
The CleanSight system uses high-specification Axis Communications cameras designed for hazardous environments. The technology features on-board processing capability for real-time image analysis. DrillDocs’ patented and proprietary image-processing algorithms continuously monitor material as it exits the rig’s shale shakers. This capability allows the technology to calculate the amount, shape and size of solids being recovered. The data that is provided enables better and faster decision making that can lead to enhanced drilling performance, borehole stability and solids control operations.
Prior to the introduction of DrillDocs’ technology, shale shakers were only monitored on a periodic basis by rig crews making visual inspections. This meant that sporadic cavings, which offer an early warning of potential borehole instability, were missed. By the time crews realized that the borehole was becoming unstable, the risk of a pack-off event was already elevated.
The new approach allows the drilling crew to react in near-real time to events happening in the wellbore, significantly reducing the risk of pack-off and the nonproductive time and costs incurred when recovering from stuck pipe events.
New electric well control technologies reduce costs and improve safety
SLB launched its EWC electric well control technologies, which enable drillers to instantly and precisely control and monitor BOPs onshore and offshore. They deploy industrial internet of things (IIoT) components along the system architecture to provide instant pressure readouts, without the need for conventional pressure gauges. This will help drillers make better-informed decisions about the operation and maintenance of the well control system, reducing nonproductive time and minimizing OPEX.
Well control technologies are traditionally powered by hydraulic systems, which encompass a complex network of hoses, valves and actuators. This can make the well control system expensive to install and requires costly routine maintenance over its lifetime.
EWC technologies replace hydraulics with a simplified electric power system that not only significantly reduces those costs but also provides real-time data insights and a continuous supply of on-demand power to well control components under any operating conditions.
“EWC represents the next evolution of well control technologies, which we pioneered with the industry’s first blowout preventer a century ago,” said Cecilia Prieto, President, Well Construction, SLB. “Not only do these technologies remove the upfront and long-term cost inefficiencies of traditional hydraulic well control systems, but they also bring next-level safety capabilities that are in line with new industry standards and regulatory requirements worldwide for closing times and full system redundancy.”
SLB was recently awarded a front-end engineering and design contract for a custom EWC BOP control system to be tailored to a rig for an operator in the North Sea. Work on this project has already begun, and final review of the design is expected in the first half of 2025.
SLB announced the launch of the EWC in March at the 2025 SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition in Stavanger, Norway.
OTC announces Spotlight on New Technology winners
Ten winners were announced for OTC’s 2025 Spotlight on New Technology Award:
- Baker Hughes Leucipa ESP optimizer, a module of the Leucipa automated field production solution
- Baker Hughes SureCONTROL Plus electric intelligent completion system
- Bosch Rexroth Hägglunds Fusion
- DeepOcean Driverless Tie-In Tool
- Fugro Quantitative Integrated Ground Model Solution
- McCoy Global Smart Tubular Running
- Oil States TowerLok Wind Tower Connector
- SLB AutoProfiler automated inline fluid testing
- SLB Electric Completions
- HYTORC Industrial Bolting Systems Lithium Series RX (Small Business Winner).
