Remote Cementing Enabled with Automation Drives Reliability, Consistency and Efficiency; A Case History from Norwegian Continental Shelf

Abstract

Abstract Cementing is the fundamental first step and foundation for well construction. The traditional "let's go, mix it, pump it and bump it" cannot be the standard for the current and future offshore cementing operations. As oil and gas operators continue to push the envelope for both innovation and efficiency in well construction operations, to drive energy transition, lower carbon footprint, service providers continue to look for ways to "do more, with less". The latest innovation is redefining offshore cementing operations with a powerful combination of field-proven expertise, equipment, processes, and software. Remote Cementing Operations, the first of its kind in the industry, offers real- time and remote-operation capabilities, controls, and diagnostics of offshore cementing units. While conventional operations would typically involve a cement specialist working in an adjacent room on the rig, Remote Cementing Operations allows all cementing procedures to be controlled offsite by a cementing SME (Subject Matter Expert) from a Remote Operations Center (ROC), miles away from the offshore rig simplifying the operations, minimize errors and improve reliability. As the industry moves forward with a goal to lower carbon footprint, remote cementing enabled by automation will play a key role to implement innovative technologies that will help operators accomplish zonal isolation today and in the future while improving reliability, consistency and driving efficiency. The new implemented process thus results in reduced costs, risks, and non-productive time (NPT) with fewer personnel on-board (POB)—all without sacrificing quality, safety, and performance. A recent success case study is presented, where in an entire offshore well all the cementing operations have been mixed and pumped flawlessly from the ROC in one of the NCS (Norwegian Continental Shelf) rigs. This work explores the relationship between the process of planning, execution and troubleshooting remotely when performing cement operations. By analyzing and reviewing different previous experiences on remote operations, the authors developed a more comprehensive decision support system for remote cementing operations.