Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported yesterday that its subsidiary Sirte Oil Company has begun integrating SLB (Schlumberger) artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its field exploration operations.
Over the past two days, the company reported that it used AI applications to carry out the first directional drilling operation in the Al Cairo field, marking an important milestone in the global energy sector.
According to the NOC report, this is the first such operation in Libya and only the second such operation worldwide. This achievement represents one of the world’s first and most advanced applications of AI-powered autonomous well guidance and placement, achieved through the integration of SLB’s advanced digital solutions.
NOC said that using this technology, the company has witnessed significant changes in drilling performance. The rate of penetration (ROP) in the same field was doubled, and the horizontal portion of the well was autonomously guided, adjusted in real time without manual intervention, and precisely positioned within the reservoir boundaries.
Additionally, all petrophysical records were automatically analyzed by the Automated Reservoir Advisor (SSA) engine, allowing comprehensive and immediate interpretation of reservoir data. This advanced geological evaluation has been extended to complete wellbore control, resulting in fully automated horizontal section drilling. The unique integration of Reservoir Advisor (SSA) and Driveline Drilling Advisor (DDA) enables the activation of Neuro ADD (Automated Driveline Drilling) and Neuro AGS (Automatic Geological Guidance) solutions, ensuring precise positioning of the wellbore within the target reservoir along a horizontal section.
A 1,800-foot horizontal drainage section was drilled using these smart technologies, doubling the permeability rate while keeping the excavation within the optimal producing formation (sweet spot).
Tests yielded production rates of 1,060 barrels per day using a 64/28-inch submersible pump through the choke.
The NOC added that these results are in line with the National Oil Corporation’s vision of increasing production rates and increasing operational efficiency, and reflect Sirte Oil Company’s commitment to innovation and supporting the petroleum sector’s vision for increased production.
The NOC continued that this historic achievement underlines the company’s leadership in the implementation of advanced technologies, highlights the outstanding capabilities of the country’s technical staff, and strengthens Libya’s position as a leading country in AI-powered energy solutions.
NOC said Sirte Oil Company is committed to maintaining this momentum, strengthening its operational excellence, solidifying its position among global industry leaders and setting new standards for operational efficiency and safety in the region.
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