Global energy technology company SLB has unveiled Neuro™ autonomous geosteering, a groundbreaking solution that adapts to subsurface complexities to enhance drilling efficiency and performance while minimizing the carbon footprint of drilling operations.

Source: slb

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), Neuro geosteering seamlessly integrates and interprets intricate real-time subsurface data to autonomously navigate the drill bit through the reservoir’s most productive layer, often referred to as the “sweet spot.” In traditional geosteering, geologists are required to manually analyze this data to determine the well target, update the drilling plan and trajectory, and relay this information to the directional driller. In contrast, Neuro geosteering automates the entire process without any human involvement.

Neuro autonomous geosteering is a remarkable industry-first achievement that is for drillers what the autonomous vehicle is for drivers. Using advanced cloud and edge AI capabilities, the system automatically selects the best route for drilling the well based on high-fidelity downhole measurements, bringing the well trajectory in line with the real-world conditions of the reservoir. By drilling more consistent and higher-producing wells, our customers can optimize their field development plan while reducing operational emissions from drilling over the lifetime of the asset.

Building on the technological advancements of SLB’s Neuro autonomous directional drilling, which aims to reach a specified well target according to the drilling plan, Neuro autonomous geosteering elevates this concept by incorporating high-fidelity downhole measurements. This ensures precise well placement in the optimal section of the reservoir.

In Ecuador, SLB utilized Neuro autonomous geosteering to drill a 2,392-foot lateral segment of an onshore well for Shaya Ecuador S.A. Throughout this operation, SLB's autonomous system executed 25 trajectory changes, with each interpretation and decision cycle occurring in mere seconds. By consistently remaining in the most productive layer, the well has emerged as one of the top producers in the country.