Williston Basin Section

Distinguished Lecturer: “A Framework Delivers Multiparty Technologies Enhancing Drilling Operations"

Join Us Thursday, October 16th, 6:00pm CT, In Williston SPE Distinguished Lecturer 2025–2026 Matthew Isbell Independent, formerly with Hess Corporation 📅 Thursday, October 16th, 2025 6:00pm CT – Social | 7:00pm CT – Dinner & Presentation 📍 McCody, 14021 Hwy 2 West, Williston, ND Event Sponsor This Distinguished Lecturer event is proudly sponsored by NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA Abstract Implementing a well construction automation system needs a value progression showing how all stakeholders will benefit. Drilling operation process automation examples can illustrate the concepts at play. The presentation’s main idea is how technology and processes must be deployed at scale to realize benefits in the well lifecycle for everyone. The value of well construction comes from hydrocarbons produced over a well’s lifecycle in a safe and economical manner. By definition, the design and delivery of a well have built-in production impacts. Other production impacts can come from well execution processes determining well properties. Examples are wellbore placement and hole quality, which can limit well functionality and constrain the range of subsequent wellbore operations. New systems seek to integrate groups of well delivery processes. One example is automating the process of drilling a 90’ stand of drill pipe which can then be repeated as new stands are added to deliver a well. This work aimed to improve operational efficiency by reducing process variation. However, since the wellbore quality delivered with each stand impacts well value, automation is a viable tool to manage lifecycle wellbore quality requirements. Adopting an interconnected well construction system approach is slow since so much change is required by every stakeholder, including organization, processes, and technology. Parties want to see the economic benefits before moving from departmental delivery goals toward managing the well construction value stream. This collaborative process can be applied to multiple areas where many independent stakeholders work together. Biography Matt Isbell is a recently retired Senior Drilling Engineering Advisor, formerly with Hess Corporation. He is a drilling system subject matter expert with worldwide experience. His current focus connects well construction roles with tools and processes to leverage digital drilling data and engineering to improve outcomes. He received a BSME in 1988 from The University of Texas at Austin. He serves on the SPE Forum Implementation Committee and chairs the IADC Drilling Engineering Committee and SPE Drilling and Wells Interoperability Group Advisory Board.

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