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IADC launches comprehensive update to Drilling Manual

IADC has launched an initiative for a comprehensive revision and update of the definitive rig-operations manual, the IADC Drilling Manual. The end-to-end revision aims not only to update existing chapters but also incorporate information on new technologies and industry best practices.

As envisioned, the 12th edition will be published both in print as well as electronically, featuring color graphics, videos and animations.

The effort is being undertaken by the IADC Communications Department under the leadership of group vice president/publisher Mike Killalea.

“The update of this important industry resource will provide the industry with better materials that will catalyze improved performance at the rig site and the operations office,” Mr Killalea said. “In addition, we intend to maintain the IADC Drilling Manual as an evergreen resource, with regular updates by an informed group of technical experts.”

Fran Kennedy-Ellis, who recently joined IADC as director – publishing initiatives, will serve as project leader for the initiative. Ms Kennedy-Ellis is organizing a steering committee to shape the work ahead.

Subject-matter experts are needed to contribute on all aspects of drilling operations. Further, young professionals are encouraged to participate.

Thanks to the following companies and university that have already committed their support: ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Marathon, National Oilwell Varco, Precision Drilling, Weatherford and Texas A&M.

A kick-off meeting will be held on 28 November at IADC’s office in Houston.

For more information or to get involved with the project, contact Ms Kennedy-Ellis at +1/713-600-1887 (fran.kennedyellis@iadc.org).

Scott Maddox joins IADC

Scott Maddox has joined IADC as director of the drilling & well services division, providing operational and technical support to the IADC Underbalanced Operations & Managed Pressure Drilling, Advanced Rig Technology and Well Servicing committees. He will also assist in assembling the technical content of IADC conferences and workshops.

Mr Maddox was most recently QHSE manager for the US unit of i-Tec Well Solutions. Previously he was corporate HSE manager for Xtreme Coil Drilling. Prior to that, he held HSE-related positions for Noble Drilling and Grey Wolf Drilling.

Mr Maddox was also previously a firefighting instructor for the US Navy. He is a graduate of Columbia Southern University and is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Grantham University.

Mr Maddox can be reached at scott.maddox@iadc.org.

IADC holds Subsea BOP Workshop

IADC held a Subsea BOP Workshop on 30 October in Stavanger, Norway. The event, organized under the auspices of the IADC Future Technology Subcommittee (FTS), sought to identify BOP-related problem areas for operators, drilling contractors and OEMs and foster discussion among BOP technology developers and users.

FTS vice chairman Dustin Torkay, Seadrill Americas, provided welcoming remarks. Presentations from Helge Ørgersen, Statoil; Per Wullf, Seadrill Management; David Dietz, GE Oil & Gas; and Mel Whitby, Cameron Drilling Systems covered explosive shearing, electric BOP controls and BOP monitoring.

IADC attends Oil & Gas Denmark launch

Jens Hoffmark, IADC regional VP – European operations, attended the 23 August launch of Oil and Gas Denmark, an industry association that represents Danish drilling contractors, oil companies and service companies. The new group, headed by managing director Martin Næsby, has four focus areas: development of the oil and gas sector, infrastructure, HSE and development of competency. In attendance at the launch event was Martin Lidegaard, Danish minister of energy. His inauguration speech emphasized the importance of the Danish oil and gas industry, which contributes about 9% of the total Danish export. Denmark has been self-sufficient in oil and gas since 1991 and has been a net exporter of energy. In the next five years, US $8 billion is expected to be invested in exploration and development. For more information, please contact Mr Hoffmark at jens.hoffmark@iadc.org.

Fran Kennedy-Ellis joins IADC as director of publishing initiatives

Fran Kennedy-Ellis has joined IADC as director – publishing initiatives. Ms Kennedy-Ellis will oversee the update of the IADC Drilling Manual, among other projects. Her duties will include author relations, content development, digital asset management, and permissions and copyright issues for print and electronic editions. In this role, she will organize a steering committee and work groups to revise existing chapters and write new ones, develop workshops to support IADC publishing initiatives and attend strategic IADC events to support the revision effort.

“Fran brings to IADC significant experience in revamping publications and enormous energy that will significantly benefit our members and our association,” Mike Killalea, group vice president/publisher of IADC, remarked. ”

Ms Kennedy-Ellis previously served as technical publications manager for the Petroleum Extension Service (PETEX) at the University of Texas at Austin. She earlier worked at SPE, overseeing its book program, technical journals, peer review and publications committees. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in Administration from Texas Tech University.

Ms Kennedy-Ellis can be reached at fran.kennedyellis@iadc.org.