Realizing the potential benefits automation brings, many operators have turned to managed pressure drilling (MPD) techniques as a technical and cost-reward solution to hard-to-reach assets, an approach which not only saves time but also enhances the safety capabilities of the operation. The evolving industry shift toward MPD-ready rigs demonstrates the significant need for a reliable software system to interact with the equipment and simultaneously deliver enhanced models able to precisely control annular pressure in geological complexities where drilling windows are narrow. Several studies have demonstrated the operational benefits of MPD through the application of the constant bottom hole pressure (CBHP) method, imbedded automated kick detection, and control capabilities. MPD technology relies substantially on applying surface back pressure (SBP) using automated chokes to precisely control the annular pressure profile in a closed loop circulation system. During drilling, CBHP connections, mud displacements and fluid anomaly incidents, the SBP is dynamically adjusted in response to operational changes that yield annular pressure changes; such as circulation rate, top drive speed, and rate of penetration to name a few. The integrated MPD drilling software platform is used in combination with interactive models and surface and downhole data measurement in a unified computing system to enhance real-time analysis of drilling performance. By employing real-time models such as hydraulics, well control, pore and fracture pressure estimation, surge and swab, and drilling optimization torque and drag, the system quantifies the boundaries and aid in understanding the real operational limits. Additional software platform applications deliver the common integration baseline that enables both operations within the pre-drilling, while drilling and post analysis. The current automated MPD software has been successfully used in several onshore and offshore wells with narrow drilling windows. This paper discusses the applications and the newest developments in the MPD integrated software to automatically and precisely manage wellbore pressure. The results to be presented include the summary of planning, while drilling analysis, and post drilling analysis of an offshore case study where a detailed parametric analysis of measured and estimated data are compared.

Special solutions of the equation for a solenoidal vector field subject to prescribed flux boundary conditions are described. A unique gradient solution is found and proved to be the least energy solution of the problem. This solution has a representation in terms of certain Σ − Steklov−eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Error estimates for finite approximations of these solutions are obtained. Some results of computational simulations for two-dimensional and axisymmetrical problems are presented.

Openhole, multi-stage fracturing systems are commonly used today in many applications, including unconventional shale gas reservoirs. As many as forty stages have been successfully completed in a single horizontal well and the industry is aiming even higher. One problem that has a major impact on job success is the ability to accurately calculate maximum pump rates for a given surface pump pressure. When frac fluid is pumped through a downhole multi-stage fracturing system, each time a new stage is completed, the flow splits at different sleeves in the completion string. To determine minimum surface pump pressure and maximum pump flow rate, predicting split flow rate and the resulting pressure loss at each stage is essential. Traditionally, laboratory tests and field experience are used to predict these values. However, these types of predictions are not possible for hydraulic fracturing jobs that use a multiple sliding sleeve system, as is commonly employed. To simulate the hydraulic fracturing process, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach has been used, as it is a proven methodology. However, extensive CFD analysis requires computational overhead and significant software and hardware costs. This paper presents a methodology which combines CFD and theoretical approaches to calculate split flow rate and pressure loss for non-Newtonian frac fluids in a multiple sliding sleeve system. These methods are incorporated into the multiple sliding sleeve design process and hydraulic fracturing plan optimization. The method can also be extended as a general solution for calculating pressure loss due to split flow.

fax 01-972-952-9435.Abstract Visualization technology has evolved into an important G&G tool to view and interpret seismic data, 3D logs, geocellular models, grids, horizons, and well placements. Directional drillers also benefit from visualizing complex placements in 3D; however, this is one of very few drilling applications that currently exists for this technology. I ntroduced in this paper is software that for the first time permits interactive 3D visualization of the inside of a virtual wellbore. I n this initial offering, downhole drilling hydraulics and related conditions can be critically examined while navigating the well from surface to TD using a standard PC and a j oystick. The new software system has application for interpreting large data sets, mitigating drilling problems, training, and encouraging collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams.Stunning 3D perspective rendering can show internal and side proj ections of well tortuosity, cuttings beds, drill string ( including eccentricity) , annular velocity profiles, formations ( texture, rugosity, and breakout) , downhole engineering parameters ( temperature, ESDs, etc.) , and downhole tools, among others. " I ntelligence" is incorporated that can direct the software to automatically find, display, and visually inspect anomalies and potential hydraulics-related problems. Simulated data are provided by an advanced hydraulics program; a real-time version is planned that also will include other key drilling and wellbore parameters. Both options are suitable for use in real-time drilling centers.The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development, application, and opportunities of this wellbore visualization software. Special emphasis is placed on the quality and uncertainty of models, and methods used to drive the 3D graphics. The design, development, and implementation of the fit-for-purpose graphics platform also are discussed.

fax 01-972-952-9435.Abstract Visualization technology has evolved into an important G&G tool to view and interpret seismic data, 3D logs, geocellular models, grids, horizons, and well placements. Directional drillers also benefit from visualizing complex placements in 3D; however, this is one of very few drilling applications that currently exists for this technology. I ntroduced in this paper is software that for the first time permits interactive 3D visualization of the inside of a virtual wellbore. I n this initial offering, downhole drilling hydraulics and related conditions can be critically examined while navigating the well from surface to TD using a standard PC and a j oystick. The new software system has application for interpreting large data sets, mitigating drilling problems, training, and encouraging collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams.Stunning 3D perspective rendering can show internal and side proj ections of well tortuosity, cuttings beds, drill string ( including eccentricity) , annular velocity profiles, formations ( texture, rugosity, and breakout) , downhole engineering parameters ( temperature, ESDs, etc.) , and downhole tools, among others. " I ntelligence" is incorporated that can direct the software to automatically find, display, and visually inspect anomalies and potential hydraulics-related problems. Simulated data are provided by an advanced hydraulics program; a real-time version is planned that also will include other key drilling and wellbore parameters. Both options are suitable for use in real-time drilling centers.The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development, application, and opportunities of this wellbore visualization software. Special emphasis is placed on the quality and uncertainty of models, and methods used to drive the 3D graphics. The design, development, and implementation of the fit-for-purpose graphics platform also are discussed.