In the complex world of oil and gas exploration and field development, the interface between subsurface and drilling teams has long been a bottleneck. These two groups often face challenges in attempting to seamlessly share data and insights. However, advancements in digital technology are now transforming this dynamic, enabling more integrated workflows and better decision-making. This article explores how innovative solutions, such as DrillPlan™ coherent well planning and engineering solutions and DrillOps™ well delivery and insights solutions, are bridging this gap and revolutionizing well planning and operations.

The traditional bottleneck: subsurface and drilling dependencies

Subsurface and drilling teams rely heavily on each other’s outputs. For instance, the planning team depends on subsurface data such as wellbore stability assessments, pressure windows, formation tops, and potential hazards. Conversely, the subsurface team requires updated well trajectories, precise surface locations, and 3D well paths to generate these outputs. This circular dependency has historically led to inefficiencies, delays, and miscommunication.

Recognizing this challenge, SLB set out to create a digital solution that integrates these workflows, enabling seamless collaboration between the two groups. The result is a suite of tools that leverages cloud-native technology to streamline data exchange and automate critical processes.

DrillPlan solutions: a cloud-native well planning solution

DrillPlan solutions is the cloud-native well planning solution from SLB, designed to address inefficiencies in traditional workflows. At its core, DrillPlan solutions integrates with Geomechanics Insights, a subsurface modeling tool, to create a seamless connection between subsurface and drilling teams.

The workflow begins with subsurface specialists working in tools like Techlog™ wellbore interpretation or Petrel™ subsurface software to publish their datasets to the OSDU® Data Platform. These datasets are then used to generate a 3D subsurface model within Geomechanics Insights. This model includes a 1D mechanical earth model, 3D formation top data, and embedded drilling hazards.

Once the model is created, it is associated with a project in DrillPlan solutions. From this point, the interaction between the two domains becomes fully automated. For example, when a well planner updates or saves a trajectory in DrillPlan solutions, the data is transmitted digitally to Geomechanics Insights. This triggers a stochastic calculation that provides an immediate assessment of wellbore stability, calculates the pressure window, generates the formation top intersections, and drilling risks specific to the given trajectory. These insights are then returned to DrillPlan solutions, enabling iterative design adjustments in real time.

Dynamic and automated well planning

One of the most powerful features of DrillPlan solutions is the ability to dynamically update well designs, based on changes in subsurface data. Datasets, like the wellbore geometry, can be defined relative to formation tops, as opposed to fixed depths, meaning that casing seats, section depths, tops of cement etc., can be automatically repositioned based on the latest formation tops retrieved from the subsurface integration. The engineering validations and reporting output of DrillPlan solutions are all automatically recomputed, resulting in consistently coherent well design.

This capability is particularly valuable in batch planning scenarios or early field development planning. By creating digital copies of well designs and associating them with updated subsurface models, planners can quickly assess different development scenarios, such as drilling five wells versus 15 wells, or comparing vertical, horizontal, and multilateral well designs. The integration of subsurface and planning data enables accurate cost predictions and optimized designs, significantly enhancing decision-making.

Operational integration with DrillOps solutions

Once drilling commences, DrillOps solutions assume responsibility for the execution phase, monitoring progress in real time and ensuring the well is drilled safely and as planned. DrillOps solutions continuously ingest actual survey data, reconstructs the real-time trajectory, and interfaces with Geomechanics Insights to update the operating window. This includes recalculated pressure envelopes based on the actual well path.

The updated real-time pressure and geomechanics windows are then used in DrillOps solutions to enhance detection of risks and to optimize the drilling processing.

DrillOps solutions run several real-time engines:

• Transient hydraulics model: Computes annular pressure, cuttings loading and hole cleaning efficiency along the length of the wellbore.
• Torque and drag model: Monitors mechanical friction and detects anomalies such as excessive overpull or breakover torque.
• AI-driven risk engine: Correlates real-time anomalies with subsurface risks (e.g., solids-induced pack-off) and recommends mitigation actions.

These engines operate continuously, using real-time inputs such as MWD/LWD data, mud properties, and flow rates, as well as the updated pressure and geomechanics limits coming from Geomechanics Insights. The system can detect early signs of instability and suggest proactive measures, such as increasing mud weight or initiating hole cleaning.

Breaking down silos with digital integration

The seamless integration between DrillPlan solutions, DrillOps solutions, and Geomechanics Insights exemplifies the power of digital technology in breaking down traditional silos. By automating data exchange and integrating workflows, these tools enable subsurface and drilling teams to work collaboratively and efficiently. This not only reduces planning and operational delays but also ensures that every well is drilled better than the last.

The ability to iterate designs, update models, and make real-time decisions based on the latest data represents a step change in well planning and operations. It empowers teams to optimize performance, reduce costs, and enhance safety, all while leveraging the full potential of digital technology.

Final thoughts: Bridging the gap

The integration of subsurface and drilling workflows through tools like DrillPlan solutions and DrillOps solutions can be transformational for the oil and gas industry. By bridging the gap between these traditionally siloed teams, SLB is enabling a new era of efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. As digital technology continues to evolve, the potential for ever more advanced workflows and capabilities is almost limitless. With these tools, the industry is well-positioned to meet future challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.