Salomão Luís Antônio, a prominent Brazilian engineer and researcher, is leaving an indelible mark on the oil industry with his pioneering contributions to drilling technologies and sustainability. Recognized for his in-depth analyses and innovative solutions, Salomão has dedicated himself to transforming oil and gas exploration by merging operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. His research, published in renowned scientific journals such as the International Seven Multidisciplinary Journal and Revista Científica Sistemática, positions him as a central figure in advancing the global petroleum industry.
In his article “Technological Advancements in Well Drilling: The Role of Rotary Steerable Systems” (International Seven Multidisciplinary Journal, 2024), Salomão underscores the revolutionary impact of Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS) on well drilling. He details how this technology, successfully applied in Oklahoma, enabled the drilling of the state’s fastest well in the Anadarko Basin. The use of RSS, which maintains continuous rotation of the drill string while guiding the wellbore path, reduced friction, enhanced stability, and minimized non-productive time (NPT). Salomão notes that integrating real-time monitoring and automated controls achieved unprecedented rates of penetration (ROP), cutting costs and improving precision in complex formations. His studies demonstrate that RSS outperforms traditional systems like the Motor-Driven Curved Casing, delivering cost reductions per foot drilled and up to 4.8 times faster penetration rates in vertical sections.
In “Technological Advances in Drilling Efficiency and Sustainability in the Permian Basin” (Revista Científica Sistemática, 2025), Salomão turns his focus to the Permian Basin in Texas, one of the world’s leading oil production hubs. He documents the record-breaking drilling of a conventional lateral well exceeding 5,000 feet, completed in minimal time thanks to the integration of digital systems, optimized bottom hole assemblies (BHAs), and Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD). His analysis reveals that MPD, applied in the Wolfcamp D formation, boosted ROP by 23.8%, saved 5.85 days per well, and cut drilling fluid costs by 25%. Salomão also emphasizes sustainability, advocating for the reuse of produced water to reduce freshwater consumption and mitigate environmental risks tied to hydraulic fracturing—a critical challenge in unconventional production.
In the industry, Salomão’s contributions carry large-scale practical implications. His advocacy for automation and digitization, such as the shift to remote operations, reduces worker exposure to risks and slashes carbon emissions—in one case, by up to 697,261 kg of CO₂ equivalent. He shows how combining predictive analytics and machine learning enables dynamic drilling adjustments, optimizing parameters and boosting efficiency in horizontal and extended-reach wells, which now dominate the sector. In the U.S., for instance, the average length of horizontal wells jumped from 10,000 feet in the early 2000s to 18,000 feet by 2019—a trend Salomão credits to technologies like RSS.
Salomão also tackles the industry’s environmental challenges. He warns of the need for continuous groundwater quality monitoring in the Permian Basin, where hydraulic fracturing can cause transient contamination, and proposes practical solutions to mitigate these risks. His vision balances innovation with accountability, establishing him as a leader who not only accelerates production but also makes it safer and more sustainable.
Through his contributions, Salomão Luís Antônio is redefining oil industry standards. His work sets new benchmarks for efficient and eco-friendly drilling, influencing operations from Oklahoma to the Permian Basin. As energy demand rises, his ideas chart a course for a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, cementing his legacy as one of the global petroleum sector’s great innovators.
