Automated Technology for Tubular Connection Integrity Assurance: Enhancing Safety, Well Integrity, Operational Efficiency, and Reducing Co2 Emissions on Artificial Island

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficiencies of an automated connection integrity system compared to traditional non-automated equipment under identical work scopes and operating conditions. The comparison focuses on four key performance indicators (KPIs): Safety, Quality, Operational Efficiency, and Environmental Impact. To ensure data quality, trials were conducted over four wells, running both lower and upper completions on the same rig to maintain operational consistency and facilitate technology adoption by the crews.

Historical data from running lower and upper completion strings on the selected rig was analyzed to derive specific benchmark KPIs, including Red Zone Exposure with hands-free positioning, Personnel on Board (POB), Final Torque standard deviation, Damaged Threads, Connection time, rig up and rig down time, and CO2 emissions. Traditional methods and equipment were replaced with automated technology, and the same KPIs were monitored for four consecutive wells on the same rig.

Data analysis indicates significant improvements in red zone management, with personnel exposure during connection makeup reduced by 80%. There was an absolute reduction in damaged threads, achieving zero damaged threads. Connection time, measured in real-time by the rig, improved by an average of 12%. Rig up and rig down times were reduced by an average of 15%, and CO2 emissions decreased by 12%. The automated connection integrity system, combined with the hands-free positioning device, significantly enhances safety, quality, operational efficiency, and environmental impact by providing consistent execution with minimal deviations.