Automated Drilling Poised to Grow Over Next 5 Years
Oil and gas operators worldwide report that approximately 41% of the wells drilled in the next 5 years will require use of automated drilling technologies where downhole sensors are communicating with rig equipment to automatically adjust well path and direction.
A recent study conducted by Kimberlite Oilfield Research based on interviews with 269 drilling engineers and managers worldwide representing over 100 oil & gas operating companies reveals that operators plans to use automated drilling technologies in the future will increase.
North America oil and gas operators report the highest planned future use of automated drilling technologies over the next 5 years with an estimated 46% of US land wells and 51% of Canada wells planning to be drilled using automated drilling technologies.
The operators reported plans to use automated drilling technologies over the next 5 years is shown below and segmented geographically.
International operators report the lowest planned use of automated drilling technologies over the next 5 years.
Approximately 21% of the operators report they plan to use automated drilling technologies to drill 100% of their wells over the next 5 years and 26% of the operators report no planned use of the developing technology.
Operators cite that the biggest benefits to be realized in using automated drilling technologies are improved efficiency and well placement resulting in lower overall cost and time savings while minimizing personnel exposure and human error.
