Aker Solutions’ performance technology centre, drilling solutions and products and DLS recently completed a joint rig optimisation project for Aker Spitsbergen. Through simulator testing, we provided an excellent arena for smart collaboration for all involved parties. The result: a great rig optimisation project.
![[Image]](/Global/Drilling%20Technologies/Drilling%20lifecycle%20services/DLS%20newsletter%20-%20issue%203/Image%20for%20article%20about%20spitsbergen%20and%20simulators.jpg "[Image]")
The implementation was successful and a discussion with customer, Aker Drilling, regarding the possibilities of a similar rig optimisation project for the twin rig Aker Barents, is underway.
“Aker Spitsbergen is a very good example of how we can involve our customer, use simulator technology and cooperate across several divisions to obtain a good end result together,” says Bjarne Larsen, rig optimisation manager at our performance technology centre (PTC). Harald Langenes, from products and DLS, is also very pleased with the project: “We did get a very fruitful interaction when we brought together resources from all our divisions in a simulator environment. I hope to see more of this type of teamwork in the future.”
Savings
“It all began when Aker Drilling wanted to optimise their drilling rig Aker Spitsbergen,” Larsen explains. “They came up with a list of three key performance indicators: trip in, trip out and drilling connection. By using the simulator for testing we were able to see where the shoe pinched in an environment exactly like the actual rig, but without interrupting the rig’s operation. Obviously, this type of offline testing represents significant savings for our customers, considering the fact that rig rates can run up to USD 630 000 per day.”
Filling the gap
“We have had some challenges with original operating procedures not being sufficiently updated as our projects progress,” Larsen explains. “The fact that the drilling crew often make their own updates to the original user manuals, can complicate matters. The lack of updated final documentation is a general problem in the drilling business.”
Luckily, the use of simulator technology can help. “Simulator testing really is a quantum leap with regards to collaboration opportunities and an excellent tool to help fill the gap between initial and final operating procedures,” Larsen says. “Not only does it improve our cooperation with the client – but it also gives our internal teamwork a boost. After all, we all strive towards a common goal: improved rig performance.”