March/April 2021

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Innovating While Drilling
Better understanding of data, physics key to BHA optimization Companies realizing that a more holistic approach may be needed to enable precise directional control while optimizing ROP By Stephen Forrester, Contributor
When it comes to optimizing the wellbore, companies are starting to prioritize factors outside of ROP By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
Automated directional drilling gaining trust among industry users Innovative apps continue to enable better predictive capabilities, helping operators achieve repeatability and consistency in their wellbores By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
Concave diamond element bits leverage unique geometry cutters to improve ROP, drilling efficiency By Wiley Long, Smith Bits, A Schlumberger Company
Improving Fracking Efficiency
Are electrically powered fleets the future of fracking? E-frac systems tout emissions reductions and lower costs over time, but higher upfront capital requirements and lead times remain barriers By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
Workforce Development
Basin United safety orientation targets significant injuries, fatalities By Jessica Whiteside, Contributor
Workforce panel: Next-Generation talent pursues work with a purpose By Jessica Whiteside, Contributor
Environment, Social and Governance
Proposed sustainability index would use AI, uncertainty modeling to track well throughout its life cycle By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
Transparency in disclosures and better power management among industry’s key sustainability efforts By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
Innovative mindset required as industry aligns with net-zero goals By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
IADC Connection
From the President: IADC advances advocacy, accreditation to support industry’s collective goals By Jason McFarland, IADC President
ART Committee aims to foster industry collaboration around automation, efficiency, data quality By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
News Cuttings Young Professionals survey: 70% of respondents have considered leaving oil/gas industry since March 2020 IADC Accreditation & Credentialing passes ISO 9001:2015 audit for 15th year IADC ART begins update of dull bit grading system IADC opens membership to industry professionals Long-time IADC staffer Ken Fischer passes away IADC publishes new book on well integrity for workovers IADC A&M Student Chapter to hold HSE Summit on 16 April
Wirelines PESA, AESC merge to establish the new Energy Workforce & Technology Council BSEE launches online resource to ease access to Gulf of Mexico facilities info, help stakeholders collaborate IADC participates in federal lands coalition Texas streamlines permitting process Biden administration actions likely to impede US economic growth, hinder energy delivery
Departments
Drilling Ahead: Time to shift focus from cost to value, new report says By Linda Hsieh, Editor & Publisher
D&C News Apache, Total make discovery offshore Suriname Neptune Energy commences Dugong appraisal drilling Equinor makes oil discovery near troll field in north sea Maersk Drilling announces several new rig contracts
D&C Tech Digest Remotely Operated Controls System eliminates umbilical in Aker BP well completions Expandable liner enables deeper kick-off in Norway well Shell, Baker Hughes help to launch ai energy initiative Transocean deploys wearable drill floor safety technology BP to explore quantum computing for energy
News Briefs: Environmental, Social and Governance New Siemens technologies aim to help reduce fuel use, emissions from offshore rigs COSL partners with Kongsberg, NOV on ‘Energy Control’ Shell believes its oil production already peaked in 2019 Chevron invests in geothermal development New API initiative targets environment, safety
People, Companies and Products Pete Miller to lead Baker Hughes, MHWirth joint venture IDS to supply online reporting, analytics services to Stena Cudd announces alliance with Worldwide Facilities Green joins Aberdeen-based Well-SENSE as new CEO Deep Casing Tools announces new appointments, funding Vysus to aid PSA Norway in risk analysis, investigations Tenaris to supply coated pipes for Bacalhau project New managing director at Maersk Training UK Kongsberg, Nautilus partner on digital tools Products ReedHycalog launches new ION+ PDC cutter technology CORTEC rolls out Hydra-Balance Choke and Panel System Dropsafe launches new helideck perimeter safety net Blockchain-based system targets automated ESG reporting Gardner Denver offers new quintuplex pump
Perspectives: David Shackleton, IDS – Drilling industry shouldn’t underestimate potential for performance gains associated with data science By Linda Hsieh, Editor & Publisher, and Jay Stracke, Editorial Coordinator