Paradigm Shift From Traditional to Modern Drilling Using Simple Management Tool

Abstract Objectives/Scope: Reports from a NOC under Production Sharing Contract with SKK Migas show that MDT success ratio conducted is only 40–50% between years 2012 to 2013. High frequency of failures happened in 12 ¼" hole. The objectives of the research are to find out source of the problem and the solution. The scope of the research is MDT procedure conducted in years 2012 – 2013. Methods, Procedures, Process: Research starts with investigation of years 2012 to 2013 MDT failures. The results then categorized as equipment and tools related, procedures related, and human error. The results show most of failures root-caused by insufficient procedure. Further investigation using interview with engineers and reports examining conducted on the existing procedure. Investigation shows the NOC not conducting proper management of change process to include MDT procedure since they believe existing procedure is adequate for additional MDT work. The research then exercises new drilling procedure using management of change and lean sigma approach. New drilling and MDT procedure then applied to year 2014 campaign. Results, Observations, Conclusions: In late 2013, SKK Migas enforced the NOC to apply proper drilling procedure for MDT. The NOC used management of change and lean sigma process to design new procedure and included any additional works required. The NOC also used heuristic approach to adapt the lithology character of subsurface formations and aquifers specifically since there was coal layer beneath. The NOC also considered any lesson learn from adjacent well and field. Drilling campaign in 2014 for the field consists of 10 drilling with MDT. New procedure was applied and close monitoring was performed. Nine of ten drilling works with MDT were successfully performed without major incidents. The wells are still producing and showing good production performance. The NOC also successfully uses MDT results from nine wells to predict field performance and planning 2015 drilling campaign. Novel/Additive Information: Management tools such as management of change process and lean sigma has been applied in many fields of work nowadays. The practices assure that any additional works or changes will be adopted properly and in a new and lean procedure or design. This paper shows radical success ratio increase when those management tools are applied especially for traditional-fashioned NOCs.