A Dynamic Dual Gradient Model and its Use for Training Prior to DGD Operations in Norway and GoM

A dynamic integrated thermal and hydraulic model has been integrated into a lifecycle simulation system and utilized for a number of challenging well projects (HPHT, MPD and DGD projects). The model allows for single phase and multiphase modelling and thus also well control modelling. The model has been utilized in planning, training and also during real time operations for decision support. A sophisticated user interface including 3D Visualization of the well has been developed. This has been used to update the risk picture in real time, and communicate this to involved parties. The same advanced model has been built into a planning system; a downhole training simulator and a real time system. The real time model can be used in either a control mode or a supervisory mode. In the control mode the real time model has been used for maintaining constant bottomhole pressure with automatic choke control. During operation a real-time link was established with the rig, and WITSML data in addition to all well, fluid and string data was streamed into a dynamic, real-time simulation system. This simulation system provided the following; i) RT dynamic modelling of the pressure (ECD) and temperature profile in the wellbore; the cuttings distribution and its effects on the ECD; ii) Automatic look-ahead simulations of ECD and temperatures on the fly; iii) RT profiles of simulated versus measured pressure at the PWD, and simulated versus measured standpipe pressure; and iv) RT dynamically updated 3D Visualization of the downhole wellbore with a continuously updated risk picture made available for the drilling teams. This paper will present the model and results of its use in HPHT, MPD and DGD projects.

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Successful Use of Sophisticated Flow Modelling in the Planning and Operational Phase of Drilling, Liner Running and Cementing Operations: All in Managed Pressure Mode

Barr

Skjerve

Haaland

et al. 2016

SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition

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The managed pressure drilling (MPD) technique was chosen to drill a well on the Gullfaks A platform as a risk mitigating factor. In addition, the MPD technique gives accurate flow measurement, provides the potential to handle pressure variations quickly, and determines the drilling window. This paper presents the successful implementation of a sophisticated hydraulic model during planning and execution of a MPD operation in Gullfaks Well A-10B. MPD service was delivered by a major service company with equipment coupled to a third-party real-time advanced transient hydraulic model. This model was used to calculate upstream choke pressure during MPD. It was also used in the planning stage to ensure operation was feasible within the pressure window with the selected fluids and drilling parameters. The system was run in automatic mode. Initially, only one section was planned for drilling in MPD mode. However, because of the losses observed and bottomhole pressure (BHP) flexibility provided by the MPD system, it was decided to drill the next section in addition to running and cementing the liner. When the well was completed, three sections were drilled and two liners were run and cemented using MPD. The use of an automatic MPD system with a sophisticated hydraulic model helped ensure the well delivery was achieved according to plan without any major issues. The losses that occurred were detected and reduced significantly only by reducing the bottomhole target pressure. Dynamic drawdown tests in addition to a dynamic formation integrity test (FIT) confirmed the drilling window before drilling the second section. During the planning of cement job, a close working relationship between all parties was established in order to find the best possible solution for the well and achieve a delivery of a successful well. The planning tool used is a sophisticated hydraulic model that calculates a constant dynamic well pressure during the simulation of the cement job. The simulations were verified during the cementing job, with a good cement job as the result. Both liners were run and cemented with full returns and rotation. This paper presents the challenges involved during this well project, how these challenges were handled by thorough planning, and finally the operational phase itself with focus on the MPD system, including the advanced flow model.

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A Dynamic Dual Gradient Model and its Use for Training Prior to DGD Operations in Norway and GoM

Cited by 4 publications

References 7 publications

Physical experiment on the feasibility of variable-gradient drilling method based on downhole separator

Physical experiment on the feasibility of variable-gradient drilling method based on downhole separator

How Dynamic Hydraulic and Well Control Modeling has been Utilized for Planning, Well/Rig Specific Training and RT Supervision for HPHT, MPD and DGD Operations in an Integrated Lifecycle Simulation System

Successful Use of Sophisticated Flow Modelling in the Planning and Operational Phase of Drilling, Liner Running and Cementing Operations: All in Managed Pressure Mode

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