Operational Excellence in Deep Shale Gas Basins Through Business Analytics Tool

Abstract In the pursuit of improved drilling performance, oil and gas companies are turning to data analytics as an asset. This paper presents an exemplary case of employing a business intelligence (BI) tool to analyze drilling data within deep shale gas blocks in Sichuan and Chongqing, China. By leveraging the capabilities of the BI tool, operational decisions were enhanced through the generation of visual reports. The analysis focused on a comprehensive database housing extensive historical drilling data, allowing for a deeper understanding of drilling performance and the prediction of average operations performance in the region. To review well performance, identify hazards, and optimize drilling systems during the planning phase, a historical drilling database is created using bottomhole assembly run data. This database is then analyzed using a business intelligence (BI) tool. The BI tool enables the display of the drilling database in an interactive manner, providing valuable insights into drilling performance in the area. Key information such as the top performing drill bit, drilling system, downhole mud motor configuration, and estimated drilling time for the target section can be easily accessed. This empowers engineers to identify the most promising wells and potential drilling hazards in offset wells. By evaluating well details and recognizing best drilling practices, engineers can optimize drilling performance and mitigate downhole incidents. The utilization of a BI tool significantly reduces data mining time and provides a fast and efficient method for gaining valuable technical insights into drilling operations. Through descriptive analytics, the tool simplifies complex data sets, enabling the identification of patterns that contribute to a deeper understanding of the data. This visualization of results allows experts to focus on data diagnostics analytics, offering suggestions for improvements and corrections in drilling operations. Moreover, the analytical data generated can serve as input for more advanced predictive analytics, enabling the forecasting of drilling performance in real time. Additionally, prescriptive analytics facilitates drilling optimization by delivering real-time insights, empowering stakeholders to make informed and improved business decisions. By leveraging the power of BI tools, companies can streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and drive continuous improvement in the oil and gas industry.