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NOV’s Performance Center optimizes drilling automation

Proactive support service combined with automation technologies delivers continuous operational improvements.

Closer angle of NOV engineer reviewing Max Maintenance data

Jun 24, 2024

Automating repetitive activities and enabling multiple applications allow rig crews to focus on consistent process execution and safety while optimizing drilling programs for operators. Implementing automation technology, however, is a journey of continuous improvement for drilling contractors, operators, and original equipment manufacturers.

NOV combines full process automation, data integration, and analytics with a robust support structure to increase safety, performance, and consistency in drilling operations. In addition to pioneering drilling and pipe-handling automation technologies such as NOVOS™ and Multi Machine Control, NOV’s proactive support service is transforming drilling, pipe-handling, and automation performance.

As part of NOV’s Automation Lifecycle Management, the Performance Center specializes in drilling and pipe-handling operations, providing remote support and performance recommendations through data analytics. This expertise helps drilling rig contractors and operators gain better insights, become more efficient, and achieve higher levels of operational performance.

The Performance Center plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and transparency between NOV, the drilling contractor, and the operator. This approach enables a clear understanding of deliverables and goals, which helps improve, achieve, and sustain performance.

“Our team is not just showcasing the KPIs,” said Butler, “we’re having discussions with the rig crew in real time, working with them to fine-tune the equipment and rectify any issue with the automation system to ensure smooth operations.”

Since late 2022, nearly 20 land and offshore drilling rigs have enrolled in the Performance Center. So far, the combination of the Performance Center and NOV’s automation technologies has resulted in considerable operational improvements. Many have set weight-to-weight (W2W) and slips-to-slips (S2S) connection time records.

A land rig in Alaska’s North Slope achieved its fastest W2W time of 11.16 minutes for an intermediate section. In the North Sea, a semisubmersible achieved a record W2W average of 3.41 minutes, and a platform set a tripping performance record of more than 1,500 m/hr. Meanwhile, a drillship offshore Guyana set a record W2W average of 7.86 minutes.

As automation usage increases across the industry, NOV’s comprehensive technology, expertise, and global support network are enabling faster, safer, and more efficient drilling operations.