China's first independently developed intelligent drilling system, the "Changlong", has been officially put into operation, marking a significant milestone in advancing the digital and intelligent transformation in the country's energy sector, according to China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) on Wednesday.
The "Changlong" intelligent drilling system integrates intelligent drilling rigs, intelligent well sites, and intelligent decision-making platform into one unified system, capable of providing intelligent engineering support for oil and gas exploration at depths of nearly 10,000 meters underground.
The intelligent system enables real-time data exchange between downhole sensor networks and intelligent platform on the ground, automatically executing critical operations including collecting geological parameter, optimizing drilling trajectory, and monitoring equipment status, significantly enhancing both drilling efficiency and operational safety.
"The 'Changlong' intelligent drilling system has achieved drilling operations for the first time in the country, realizing full-process automation control in 'measurement-analysis-decision-execution,' which has replaced manual operations and decision-making with intelligent technology," said Chi Lijun, deputy manager of PetroChina Great Wall Drilling Company.
The system has not only achieved full-process digitalization of drilling operations, but also established internationally advanced oil and gas exploration and development solutions. "The 'Changlong' intelligent drilling system has achieved multiple technological breakthroughs, offering oil and gas exploration and development solutions at an internationally advanced level. It has laid a solid foundation for further exploration of intelligent drilling in the future and provided strong support for the efficient development of inner-earth resources and better safeguarding national energy security," said Yin Jiafeng, general manager assistant of PetroChina Great Wall Drilling Company.
China's first independently developed intelligent drilling system put into operation
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth Special Olympic Games will conclude on Monday, with a full-dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony held Saturday night at Shenzhen Sports Center.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the rehearsal seamlessly integrated artistic performances with core ceremonial elements, including the entrance of sports delegations, flag reception, flag raising, and the singing of national anthem.
The ceremony aims to highlight themes of inclusion and unity, underlining the spirit of perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Messages of harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals, shared values across the Greater Bay Area, and collective progress were central to the evening's presentation.
A total of 600 performers are participating in the closing ceremony, including about 130 persons with disabilities. Organizers worked to ensure a supportive environment by pairing each visually impaired performer with a non-disabled guide to assist during rehearsals and performances.
Behind the scenes, thoughtful design turns inclusiveness into action. Though visitors will see a simple, elegant stage, hidden modifications make it fully accessible. Traditional stairs have been replaced with ramps on both sides of the stage to accommodate wheelchair users and all performers, and anti-slip carpets have been laid throughout to ensure safety, especially for performers with mobility challenges.
Technical teams are also fine-tuning every detail, including stage visuals and lighting effects.
A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations registered for this year's Games, held for the first time jointly across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. The competition includes 1,876 events in 46 sports, with six winter sports already concluded. Highlights also include 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events in nine Special Olympics sports.
Under the slogan "Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area," the Games are also being used to promote innovation in assistive technologies. A range of advanced products will be put into use during competition, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing and market application.
Full-dress rehearsal for National Para Games' closing ceremony held in Shenzhen
