APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE METHODS IN DRILLING SYSTEM DESIGN AND OPERATIONS: A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE ART

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be defined as the application of science and engineering with the intent of intelligent machine composition. It involves using tool based on intelligent behavior of humans in solving complex issues, designed in a way to make computers execute tasks that were earlier thought of human intelligence involvement. In comparison to other computational automations, AI facilitates and enables time reduction based on personnel needs and most importantly, the operational expenses. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an area of great interest and significance in petroleum exploration and production. Over the years, it has made an impact in the industry, and the application has continued to grow within the oil and gas industry. The application in E & P industry has more than 16 years of history with first application dated 1989, for well log interpretation; drill bit diagnosis using neural networks and intelligent reservoir simulator interface. It has been propounded in solving many problems in the oil and gas industry which includes, seismic pattern recognition, reservoir characterisation, permeability and porosity prediction, prediction of PVT properties, drill bits diagnosis, estimating pressure drop in pipes and wells, optimization of well production, well performance, portfolio management and general decision making operations and many more. This paper reviews and analyzes the successful application of artificial intelligence techniques as related to one of the major aspects of the oil and gas industry, drilling capturing the level of application and trend in the industry. A summary of various papers and reports associated with artificial intelligence applications and it limitations will be highlighted. This analysis is expected to contribute to further development of this technique and also determine the neglected areas in the field.