We are all facing change, and it seems that the pace of this change is picking up.  As a new generation takes the reins of this industry, "business as usual" is almost a laughable phrase.  We must continue to adapt and grow.  Technology, business processes, the world energy market are all conspiring together to completely disrupt the status quo. 

We have a resilient industry though.  I reflect back on the almost 40 years that I have been in this industry and the changes that I have witnessed.  I can remember when you got run-off if you put a 3° dogleg in a well.  “You will never get casing past that” was the rationale.  Now you get run-off if you can’t build a 12° curve and steer a 15,000’ lateral.  I believe that this is a good analogy to where we are as an industry.

I want to give a special note of thanks to those that have helped make 2019 a banner year for IADD; the Board, the volunteers and especially the staff.  You all have been great to work with.

So let’s embrace the challenges of the New Year and new decade!  

Hot off the press, Automating Decision Making in Drilling Systems (9 Jan, 9am CST), will provide insight from Kelsey Prestidge, Performance Drilling Engineer, Chevron and more.

Sign up here for Upstream Intelligence’s latest webinar: Automating Decision Making in Drilling Systems

What will be covered in the webinar:

• How automated decision-making in directional drilling enables engineers to guide multiple wells from a single location
• How algorithms leverage data analytics, real-time drilling dynamics and economic modelling to cut out the middle man
• How turn-by-turn downhole bit navigation guidance can balance drilling costs with production impact without the need for human intervention

Can’t make it? No worries – sign up anyway and get the recordings after.

Sign up here and get the latest insight into automated decision making in direction drilling

Matthew Isbell is a Drilling Advisor for the Bakken Asset at Hess Corporation. Isbell overcomes drilling performance challenges and delivers efficient system solutions using technology, process and innovation in unconventional resources.  Isbell’s 32 year career spans R&D, field engineering, marketing and managerial roles, earning 27 patents, publishing 29 technical papers and receiving several technology awards along the way. He has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to our featured presentation, we will have the following guest speakers join Matt Isbell for a diverse panel to provide insight from a data, operator, directional service, and tool company perspective.

Rotary Steerable Drilling Systems have evolved to be an integrated part of the directional drilling systems portfolio. A number of different steering principles and associated actuation systems have been developed and implemented to orient the BHA at various levels of automation.

Long reach horizontal sections typically beyond 8000 ft of lateral length represent the most common application especially when high wellbore placement accuracy in thin production zones or geo steering in unconventional reservoirs is critical to success.

After an initial period of successes and disappointments, the RSS OEM industry has taken up the challenge and has updated their systems with new generation tools available to the operators. Better electronics, materials, and designs have substantially improved system reliability and provided the drilling engineer with better downhole date for drilling optimization.

Following up on the IADD RSS event in Houston last November which generated a high level of interest and participation, we would like to make this event available to other oil field centers in the nation. Pioneer Natural Resources in Irving (Dallas/Ft. Worth) has agreed to host a two day event that includes a RSS training class delivered by Blaine Comeaux on Feb 12^th followed by an exhibition, presentation, and discussion day on Feb. 13^th.

Rotary Steerable OEM’s are invited to display their technology in assigned spaces inside the PXD facility. OEM’s that have a field proven system will be given the opportunity to make a short 15 min presentation to the operators in the audience outlining their technology and value proposition to the operator. During the afternoon an operators only meeting will be to discuss the various concepts that are most applicable to solve their respective drilling challenges. 

This event provides another comprehensive overview of the RSS technology in our industry and provides all industry professionals with an opportunity to be part of the discussion and to assist in defining future requirements. For those that are new to our industry this event is a great learning opportunity that you don’t want to miss.

Students can contact info@iadd-intl.org for a discounted rate!