Paper on the implementation of AI in drilling operations

Title: Paper on the implementation of AI in drilling operations

Authors: Y. O. Gonzalez (GeoPark), C. Zapata (GeoPark-ext), Y. Yubran (GeoPark) and C. Gómez (GeoPark).

SPE code: SPE-231248-MS | DOI: 10.2118/231248-MS

Publication date: April 2026. The paper was presented at the SPE Argentina Explorationand Production of Unconventional Resources Symposium, held in Neuquén, Argentina, onApril 22–24, 2026.

Original paper title: Seeing the Unseen: How AI can Improve Safety in GeoPark Drilling Operations in Colombia.

Abstract:

The authors present the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in thehealth and safety processes in HSE of the Geopark-Colombia company, with a specificfocus on drilling operations in the Llanos basin. The project analyzes major incidentsinvolving personnel injuries, identifying the main causes, particularly limb injuries, throughstatistical analysis and risk matrix correlation. The application of Intelligent Video Analysisprocesses allows for monitoring and analyzing critical activities in real-time, identifyingpotential risk to implement immediate interventions and prevent incidents. The work alsodescribes the calibration process and training of image and video analysis algorithms, aimed at detecting risk patterns and generating early warnings of potential risk that enabletimely corrective measures to be taken during drilling operations.

The approach focuses on training the machine learning model based on video analytics, oriented towards the identification of unsafe behaviors and conditions in operationalenvironments (drilling). The system was configured to monitor the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), detect the presence of personnel in unauthorized areas, themanagement and securing of red zones – NO GO ZONE – DROPS, and record unsafebehaviors and practices in real-time. Examples of its implementation in critical areas of therig and its integration with the company’s safety management (HS) programs are illustrated.

The implementation of AI solutions has had a profound impact on reducing the injuryfrequency rate (IFR) in GeoPark drilling operations compared to the last five years.

Read the full paper here