Egill Abrahamsen, Vice President and Principle Drilling & Well Specialist, Sekal AS, Norway, details how advanced, real-time predictive monitoring systems are transforming offshore drilling operations.
Drilling long deviated sidetracks through hot tight rocks, often beneath several miles of seawater and seabed in remote offshore locations, is a feat of modern engineering. As drillers push technical boundaries in these challenging conditions, it’s no surprise that complications arise, often leading to costly non- productive time (NPT) and invisible lost time (ILT).
Issues such as poor hole cleaning, stuck pipe, lost circulation, borehole instability, formation damage, and underground blowouts can derail project economics and even threaten rig safety. Often, warning signs are present but missed until it’s too late.
Picking up the clues
Detecting early warning signs of trouble is critical to project success but this relies on access to real- time data from the wellbore. The good news is there’s plenty of this. It’s estimated that a single offshore oil rig generates up to two terabytes of data each day. But data alone doesn’t prevent problems. The true value lies in turning this raw data into actionable insights that help operators detect trends, spot anomalies and predict issues before they escalate.
Advanced analytics powered by real-time models can help drilling teams respond to subtle changes in borehole conditions. This capability is particularly vital in complex well sections, where early intervention can prevent delays, equipment damage, or safety incidents.
And by visualising this model vs actual data in a real- time dashboard, crews can monitor multiple operations simultaneously and make faster and better decisions.
How it works
Sekal’s predictive monitoring system is built around three real-time dynamic models – hydraulic, mechanical, and thermodynamic – that together simulate the borehole conditions and physical processes during drilling operations.
These models are continuously calibrated with real-time data, such as depth, temperature, flow rates, rotation, and string velocities, to ensure they are aligned with actual conditions.
The system monitors key drilling variables such as hook load, surface torque, cuttings transport, pit volumes, standpipe pressure, and dynamic ECD (equivalent circulating density, or the total pressure exerted on the borehole wall when the mud is circulated). It also calculates fluid temperature and density evolution, and mechanical and hydraulic friction in the wellbore.
Replacing guesswork with data-backed solutions
Importantly, while real-time sensor data is available only at the bit and at the surface, the Sekal system fills the data gap behind the bit to include the often little understood processes that influence the rest of the borehole. This virtual well is rich with data so operators can assess crucial factors such as fluid volumes, fluid velocity, cuttings proportions, pressure, temperature, ECD, and friction along the complete drill string from bit to surface. This holistic view makes it easier to detect anomalies and helps operators make proactive adjustments to ensure the optimal conditions for each section of drilling. It means no more guesswork but reliable outcomes, underpinned by data.
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Oilfield Technology’s November/December 2025 issue
The November/December 2025 issue of Oilfield Technology focuses on how the upstream sector is modernising to stay efficient, competitive, and lower-carbon. It explores decarbonising drilling operations, improving performance through advanced monitoring and drilling technologies, reshoring and strengthening supply chains, enhancing offshore inspections, and tightening cybersecurity. Together, the articles highlight a sector pushing towards greater efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across the full lifecycle of oilfield operations.