Application of Multiphase Flow Methods to Horizontal Underbalanced Drilling

Abstract

Multiphase flow can be present in all aspects of underbalanced drilling. This paper outlines the ways in which multiphase flow pressure loss calculations can be used by drilling engineers in the design and optimization of underbalanced drilling operations. Then, detailed field measurements for several horizontal wells drilled underbalanced with coiled tubing are used to evaluate the application of existing pressure loss calculation methods to this unique application. Introduction Underbalanced drilling (UBD) is rapidly gaining popularity in the oil and gas industry. The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board ID94–3(1) defines underbalanced drilling as follows: "When the hydrostatic head of a drilling fluid is intentionally designed to be lower than the pressure of the formation being drilled, the operation will be considered underbalanced drilling. The hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid may be naturally less than the formation pressure or it can be induced. The induced state may be created by adding natural gas, nitrogen, or air to the liquid phase of the drilling fluid. Whether induced or natural, this may result in an influx of formation fluid which must be circulated from the well and controlled at surface." Benefits of Underbalanced Drilling Maintaining the pressure in the wellbore below the reservoir pressure allows reservoir fluids to enter the wellbore while UBD operations proceed, thus preventing flow of drilling fluids (and associated solids) into the formation, thereby minimizing or even eliminating formation damage. This is of particular importance in the drilling of horizontal wells as the formation is exposed to the drilling fluids for an extended period of time. Although formation damage reduction is the most widely recognized benefit of underbalanced drilling, several additional benefits are outlined below: Increased Penetration Rates Underbalanced drilling can achieve higher rates of penetration due to reduced "chip holdown" and decreased hydrostatic pressure at the bit face. Reduction in "chip holdown" refers to easier removal of drilled solids from the vicinity of the drill bit due to the flow of drilling and reservoir fluids, thus allowing the bit to drill into fresh rock continuously. The decreased hydrostatic pressure at the bit face reduces stress in the rock being drilled, allowing it to fail more easily. The experience of drilling engineers(2) familiar with UBD is that the rate of penetration can be increased by between three and ten times that of conventional drilling. Minimal Lost Circulation Underbalanced drilling gives better control in situations where fractured, low pressure, or high permeability formations may lead to the loss of drilling fluids and the associated problems that can cause. Evaluation While Drilling Data acquired in real time during underbalanced drilling operations allow for both the short term on site optimization of the UBD operation, and the longer term assessment of the well's potential. On site, the data acquired can be used to optimize drilling parameters such as the well's horizontal length, vertical depth, and orientation. Other data that can be obtained, useful both on site and long term, include fluid properties, productivity, and geological interpretations of the formation.

Mechanistic Modeling of Annular Two-Phase Flow While Underbalanced Drilling in Iran

“…Smith et al 11 compared the accuracy of various correlations used to calculate the BHP by using the data of 4 wells. Perez-Tellez et al 12 proposed a comprehensive mechanistic model for bottom hole pressure predictions throughout a well during UBD operations.…”

Multiphase Flow Modeling of Surface Equipment in Managed Pressure Drilling Operations

“…Experimental/field work related to multiphase flows is reported by Kawagachi et al [1] and Hammadi et al [3]. Numerical modeling for multiphase flows as associated with drilling operations in underbalanced drilling is reported by Zhou et al [6], Smith et al [7] and Langlinais et al [8]. The numerical approach used for this work is a combination of a variety of techniques illustrated in the above mentioned literature survey.…”

A New Comprehensive, Mechanistic Model for Underbalanced Drilling Improves Wellbore Pressure Predictions

“…However, it is recognized by the petroleum industry that most of these empirical correlations were developed from large experimental databases, thereby making extrapolation hazardous 2 . Moreover, the Beggs and Brill 1 correlation has been shown to over predict or fail to predict bottom hole pressures for both vertical or horizontal UBD operations 3,4 .…”