Program Overview

Course Overview

The course Automated Drilling, designated as PG8503, is a doctoral degree level program offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Doctoral degree level
• Course Start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim

About the Course

Course Content

The main goal of this course is to digitalize drilling operations, aiming for remote drilling and fully automated operation to reduce the CO2 footprint. This is achieved by focusing on new innovations and technologies, such as the wired pipe system and its accessories, to transfer a high amount of information from downhole to the surface in real-time. The course covers different drilling services (like managed pressure drilling, control mud level system, directional drilling, etc.) and their connection to wired pipe. Programming tools like Matlab and Python are used for topics and exercises.

Learning Outcome

• Knowledge: At the end of the semester, students will have a deep understanding of data transfer from surface to downhole and vice versa, and the tools and equipment used for this process. They will be able to use the wired pipe system to plan for automated operation for different drilling services.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course is given as self-study, with colloquia, discussions, and small projects.

Further on Evaluation

The course requires the submission of a report (small project) based on defined topics, followed by a presentation. There will be one joint grade for both the report and presentation, with a passing score of at least 70 percent required.

Specific Conditions

• Admission to a program of study is required, specifically Engineering (PHIV).

Recommended Previous Knowledge

A Master's degree in petroleum engineering (drilling) is recommended.

Required Previous Knowledge

Admission to the PhD program in Engineering is required.

Course Materials

The course materials include books, compendium, and selected articles, with a specific reference to "Digitalization: Python Application for Drilling & Geoscience Engineer" by Behzad Elahifar and Erfan Hosseini.

Subject Areas

• Petroleum Engineering - Production Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering - Drilling Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering

Examination

Examination Arrangement

The examination arrangement is a report with a presentation, with a weighting of 100/100 in the Inspera Assessment exam system. The grade is either Passed or Not Passed.