Halliburton and Eni have completed the world’s first closed-loop rig automation project with Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) on a deepwater exploration well offshore Indonesia.
The project is also the first in the Asia-Pacific region to fully combine rig automation with MPD. It shows how digital technology can improve drilling performance in challenging offshore conditions.
New Automation System Improves Drilling
Halliburton used its LOGIX™ automation and remote operations platform to connect rig equipment, well placement, downhole systems and MPD controls into one automated system.
The LOGIX Orchestration service managed both drilling and tripping operations in real time. As a result, the system removed the need to manage drilling and pressure control separately.
According to Halliburton, the new approach improved drilling consistency and maintained stable pressure in wells with narrow operating limits.
Project Delivers Better Performance
The project produced clear operational benefits.
Halliburton said the combination of LOGIX Orchestration and Managed Pressure Drilling increased drilling efficiency by more than 15%.
At the same time, the system maintained safe and reliable well control throughout the operation.
Jim Collins, Vice President of Sperry Drilling at Halliburton, said the integrated system gives operators better control and more consistent drilling performance in complex wells.
Partnership Supports Digital Drilling
Eni worked closely with Halliburton throughout the project.
Together, the companies combined drill floor control, subsurface systems and pressure management into one connected platform.
The successful deployment shows that advanced drilling automation can work effectively in deepwater operations.
Growing Use of Drilling Automation
The Indonesia project builds on Halliburton’s recent offshore automation work.
The company continues to develop technologies that move from decision support to real-time drilling control.
Overall, the project strengthens Halliburton’s position in drilling automation. It also shows how digital tools can improve efficiency, safety and performance in offshore energy projects.
