September/October 2020

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Automation & Drilling Rig Advances
BOPs: Groundwork being laid today for the needs of tomorrow Despite a challenging market, manufacturers are keeping their focus on meeting requirements of drilling in deeper waters and compliance with upcoming regulations By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
Data analytics, artificial intelligence facilitate development of failure prediction models for subsea BOPs By Alberto Albuquerque, Samuel Lima and Gustavo Carvalho, Delfos IM; Fabbio Leite, Rodrigo Machado and Cristiano Xavier, Ocyan
Process automation helps rig to drive new levels of efficiency, safety focus By Gilberto Gallo, Drillmec
Digital drilling system aims to close gap between well plan, rig workflow By Ginger Hildebrand, Schlumberger
New automatic drilling concept uses multi-input multi-output control loops By Mahmoud Hadi, University of Houston
Digitalization efforts may necessitate evolution in industry’s established process control network security model By Tommy Evensen, MHWirth
Regional Focus: Middle East
Middle East: Signs of resilience, optimism despite a slowdown Drillers are feeling increasingly strained amid contract cancellations/suspensions, but hopes remain for a quick recovery as governments start to ease travel restrictions By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
Health, Safety, Environment and Training
DROPS Asia brings virtual reality to dropped object prevention training By Jay Stracke, Editorial Coordinator
Awareness of how eyes and brains work together can prevent human errors based on visual similarities By Jared Dempsey, Kognivate
Hydraulic Fracturing
Physics-based, deep learning model improves screen-out predictions By Stephen Whitfield, Associate Editor
IADC Connection
From the President: In the face of uncertainty and adversity, the drilling industry must stand together By By Jason McFarland, IADC President
News Cuttings IADC Chair highlights association initiatives at Houston Chapter virtual meeting New IADC Latin America Chapter celebrates virtual launch Students take part in IADC onshore conference DC hosts VPD centered on US land drilling safety
Wirelines President Trump visits Latshaw Drilling Rig #43 during visit to Permian Basin IADC, other trades submit letter opposing Amendment that expands GOM moratorium
Departments
Drilling Ahead: State of offshore industry – a look at where we are now By Linda Hsieh, Editor & Publisher
D&C News Apache announces yet another major discovery in Block 58 offshore Suriname Vår Energi set to resume Barents Sea, North Sea drilling Mexican energy ministry calls for Zama field unitization plan Equinor discovers gas and condensate near Kvitebjørn Maersk Integrator wins two 1-well contracts for 2021
D&C Tech Digest In-bit sensors cut West Texas curve section drill time Forum develops remote piloting capability for ROVs PML deploys new connector technology offshore Mexico
News Briefs: Environmental, Social and Governance Total sets ambitions for net-zero emissions by 2050 Major operators to invest in transport, storage of CO₂ Scottish Government sets up energy transition fund Texas RRC considers plans to reduce flaring Maersk Drilling joins new CO₂ storage consortium
People, Companies and Products Chevron announces agreement to acquire Noble Energy Investment firm acquires equipment repair company MRDS Wild Well Control, OSRL form strategic alliance Patrick Schorn joins Borr Drilling as new CEO Halliburton deal aims to enhance digital capabilities Weatherford inks deal with Iraqi Drilling Company OneSource partners with Daubert Cromwell Exceed MPR introduces new rig integration service Turan to manage BP procurement activity Products NewNew rotary steerable service leverages near-bit sensors New system uses automation to prevent swinging loads Digitally connected service delivers real-time insights International SOS offers screening service Ballast system completes IMO G8 test program Tube integrity technology offers improved accuracy
Perspectives: William Villalobos – As he prepares to graduate in 2021, former A&M student chapter chair says respect for safety will be guidepost for his future career By Jay Stracke, Editorial Coordinator