Halliburton and Sekal AS deployed the world’s first automated on-bottom drilling system for Equinor on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, according to a Feb. 26 press release.

The well’s integrated closed-loop control solution orchestrates autonomous directional drilling with automated wellbore hydraulics and dynamic surface drilling rig equipment control.

 It uses Halliburton’s LOGIX automation and remote operations, Sekal’s Drilltronics and the rig automation control system, the company said.

Equinor can now optimize drilling parameters in real time and deliver precise well placement with the single push of a button, Halliburton said. The system optimizes well placement and drilling within safe limits through real-time advanced models of subsurface, wellbore fluid, and pressure systems.

The models also feature smart directional drilling tools and the rig automation control system.

“This project demonstrated autonomous on-bottom drilling where we orchestrated industry leading technology of well placement, wellbore integrity, and rig process automation. The future for drilling automation is bright, and it is here,” said Josh Sears, senior vice president of drilling and evaluation at Halliburton.

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