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12 May 2020 SPE Distinguished Lecturer Webinar: Drilling Automation and Downhole Monitoring with Physics-based Models
May 12, 2020 @ 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm
This year the COVID-19 virus is affecting nearly everything SPE does including the Distinguished Lecturer Program. As one of SPE’s most popular programs, SPE has temporarily taken some of the current Distinguished Lecturers online to continue to fulfill our mission of disseminating technical knowledge to our members. As a non-member these webinars are available to you at a nominal fee. The presentations will be live and then available later on-demand.
SPE WA are proud to present the details of 12 May 2020 SPE Distinguished Lecturer Webinar.
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About the Presentation
The drilling industry faces challenging market conditions that motivate the use of automation to reduce costs and decrease well manufacturing variability. The objective of this presentation is to motivate automation initiatives that utilize physics-based models for predictive monitoring and control.
This presentation explores current progress, challenges, and opportunities to control critical drilling conditions such as downhole pressure in Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD). The 3 essential elements of automation are explored with a perspective on recent advancements in automation due to downhole measurement availability through wired drillpipe. However, only a small fraction of drilling systems currently utilize wired drillpipe. In automated rig systems, there is additional potential to unlock the predictive capabilities of physics-based models to “see” into the near future to optimize and coordinate control actions.
A convergence of several key technologies creates an opportunity to use sophisticated mathematical models within automation. A significant challenge is the size of the physics- based models that have too many adjustable parameters or are too slow in simulation to extract actionable information. This presentation shows how fit-for-purpose models can be used directly in the automation solutions. These fit-for-purpose models have unlocked new ways to think about automation in drilling. For example, rate optimization and pressure control have traditionally been separate applications in MPD. Simulation studies suggest significant potential improvement when combining the two applications.
About the Speakers – Dr. John Hedengren
Dr. John Hedengren is currently Assistant Professor in Department of Chemical Engineering of Brigham Young University.
Dr. Hedengren received a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, he developed the APMonitor Optimization Suite and worked with ExxonMobil on Advanced Process Control. His primary research focuses on accelerating automation technology in drilling. Other research interests include fiber optic monitoring, Intelli-fields, reservoir optimization, and unmanned aerial systems. In addition to drilling automation, he is a leader of the Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), applying UAV automation and optimization technology to energy infrastructure.