SLB, a global leader in energy technology, has introduced the Neuro™ autonomous geosteering system, a groundbreaking advancement designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of well drilling operations. By utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), this system responds dynamically to subsurface complexities, guiding drilling operations in real-time to ensure the most optimal, productive wells. This development is not only aimed at improving well performance but also at reducing the carbon footprint of drilling operations, making it a significant step forward in sustainable energy practices.
The core of Neuro geosteering is its ability to integrate and analyze complex subsurface data in real time. This process allows the system to autonomously guide the drill bit through the most productive layer, or “sweet spot,” of the reservoir, ensuring optimal well placement. In traditional geosteering operations, human intervention is required to manually interpret data, update well plans, adjust trajectories, and communicate these changes to the directional driller. In contrast, Neuro geosteering handles all these tasks autonomously, without the need for human oversight, significantly streamlining the drilling process.
According to Jesus Lamas, president of Well Construction at SLB, “Neuro autonomous geosteering is a remarkable industry-first achievement that is for drillers what the autonomous vehicle is for drivers.” By leveraging advanced cloud and edge AI technology, the system automatically selects the most efficient drilling route based on real-time downhole measurements. This enables the system to adjust the well trajectory in line with the actual conditions of the reservoir, ensuring a more precise drilling operation. As a result, wells are drilled with greater consistency and productivity, helping customers optimize their field development plans and reduce operational emissions throughout the well’s lifecycle.
This innovation builds upon SLB’s existing Neuro autonomous directional drilling technology, which already allows wells to be drilled to a defined target according to the well plan. However, Neuro autonomous geosteering takes this a step further by incorporating high-fidelity downhole measurements that provide a higher level of certainty when placing wells in the most productive part of the reservoir. This additional layer of precision ensures that the well remains in the optimal layer throughout the drilling process, reducing the risk of costly errors and increasing production efficiency.
One notable example of Neuro autonomous geosteering in action occurred in Ecuador, where SLB successfully deployed the technology to drill a 2,392-foot lateral section of an onshore well for Shaya Ecuador S.A. During this operation, the autonomous system executed 25 trajectory changes on its own, with each interpretation and decision cycle taking mere seconds. By maintaining the drill bit in the most productive part of the reservoir, the well became one of the top producers in Ecuador, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Neuro system in improving well performance.
This achievement highlights the potential of AI-driven technology to revolutionize the oil and gas industry. With Neuro autonomous geosteering, SLB not only aims to drill more efficient and higher-performing wells but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with drilling operations. By automating the geosteering process, the technology minimizes human error and ensures a more precise drilling approach, which ultimately reduces the need for costly rework and additional resources.
The introduction of Neuro autonomous geosteering is part of SLB’s broader strategy to continue advancing energy technologies that enhance operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in its ongoing development of solutions that enable more precise and environmentally responsible energy production. For more information on Neuro autonomous geosteering and other SLB innovations, visit slb.com/Neuro.
