How can you integrate drilling engineering with other disciplines?

The relationship between drilling and geology is always a tenuous one. Mainly because their objectives while similar have conflicts in execution. Geologist work on a very broad scale, typically 100's of feet maybe miles. Drilling is working in feet and inches. What is important for one is not for another. Geological properties have uncertainties even when correlating from wells in close proximity. Drilling has to design their wells to very specific tolerances which may not exist in a geologist's capabilities but will impact well performance. The uncertainty in geological predictions can compromise a well's design integrity or available equipment which limit capabilities in achieving the shared objective of the well's success.

Alignment of objectives and data acquisition requirements with geology, reservoir and drilling engineering is a key to efficient drilling operations. Objectives can differ based on the project, so it is essential for company's leadership to clearly define common goals and "mindset". Examples of "mindsets" are: 1. "minimal kit" - absolute minimum of information required to calibrate geological and reservoir model (extreme "mindset" suitable for very mature fields with low level of uncertainty) 2. "data quality as a priority" - additional effort to provide best-in-class data quality. Usually comes at additional cost / risk and is suitable for exploration and appraisal wells or fields with high compartmentalization / uncertainty.

Also, variances in budgetary constraints between the two disciplines may become an issue. Drilling tends to pride itself on well construction and minimal costs. Geology is more concerned about production objectives and well cost is not as paramount concern it is with Drilling. These two mindsets need to come to an understanding of the limitation of the company resources and potential profits if reasonable wells are to be drilled.

Integrating drilling engineering with other disciplines involves aligning well planning and execution with geoscience, reservoir engineering, and production goals. This synergy ensures safe, efficient well paths, mitigates drilling-related subsurface challenges, and optimizes resource recovery. Collaborating with geoscientists aids in seismic overburden description and surface mapping, while working closely with reservoir engineers enhances reservoir connectivity assessments and well designs. Effective integration fosters a holistic approach, minimizing non-productive time events, and ultimately, achieving successful well planning and execution.

Indeed, Well integrity Engineer will be the referee and should be proactive for any possible issues which could lead to compromise well integrity from drilling to production...

In geothermal, Reservoir engineers work closely with drilling engineers to design and implement well tests, completion strategies, stimulation treatments, and artificial lift systems. They also monitor and evaluate the production data and reservoir performance over time. As drilling engineers, we need to collaborate with reservoir engineers and understand their models, assumptions, and goals.

Several inputs from reservoir engineering needs to consider and integrate in drilling engineering: reservoir pressure and temperature, fluids properties (API, GOR, CGR, etc); production rates estimation, number of wells that need to drill, among others. Is important to have a good integration between both disciplines to optimize well design, anticipate any problems in the drilling phase (overpressure), as well if the reservoir has CO2 content or H2S take the necessary measures regarding the type of casing, safety protocols and reduce the environmental impact

It's critical for production engineers to work with drilling engineers to design and install the wellhead, tubing, casing, valves, and flowlines. They also have to troubleshoot and maintain the production systems and ensure their safety and efficiency.

Environmental effects of drilling activities, such as noise, air quality, water quality, soil contamination, and biodiversity need to be mitigated. As drilling engineers, we need to consult with environmental engineers and understand their criteria, measures, and recommendations. We also need to ensure that our drilling operations are environmentally responsible and sustainable and reduce the environmental footprint and liability of your projects.

What is drilling engineering? Is it a subset of petroleum engineering that involves the science of planning, developing, and supervising well construction? Or rather mechanical engineering as it deals with mechanics of materials, tools and machines? The latter makes more sense for the purpose of this article as it represent the missing member in the equation of a collective effort by geologists, petroleum engineers, and economists to complete a well.

For geothermal, drilling engineering is a complex and multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration and coordination with other professionals, such as geologists, reservoir engineers, production engineers, and environmental engineers. It's critical for drilling engineers to work hand in hand with other disciplines so that we ensure the success of geothermal drilling.

For any office engineer/geologist, I would recommend to come to all briefings before spud, to daily meetings during the operation, and ideally also visit the rig to explain them your objectives and uncertainties. You have to be known personally by drilling staff on the rig, in the contractor office and in your own drilling department as one that is fully involved and informed in what is going on and therefore must be consulted if there is any need to change plans. Only this way you can assure that you will be contacted in time to get involved in decision making. And it is a good idea to call up the rig in hours that you know they are less busy, in the evening or during weekends, for a chat and an update in between.