Application of Reelwell Drilling Method in Offshore Drilling to Address Many Related Challenges

Mirrajabi, Mehdi; Nergaard, Arnfinn; Hole, Ove; Vestavik, Ola Michael

doi:10.2118/123953-ms

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 9 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In field practice, a shallow horizontal trial well was completed onshore in Alberta, Canada with dual-channel drillpipes [15]. Improvements are also expected in offshore drilling performance with dual-channel drillpipes by eliminating the need for the long riser [16][17][18]. Theoretical studies were also performed on the flow behavior and well cleaning efficiency of dual-channel drilling.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study on the Mechanical Extended-Reach Limit Prediction Model of Horizontal Drilling with Dual-Channel Drillpipes

Tan

Zhang

2021

Energies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Extended-reach horizontal wells are critical for the development of unconventional reservoirs. Dual-channel drill pipe drilling has a great advantage in improving the horizontal section length, while the research on its mechanical extended-reach limit prediction model is insufficient. In this paper, the torque and drag model is built considering the additional axial force of the sliding piston on the dual-channel drillpipe. Based on the torque and drag model, the mechanical extended-reach limit model for dual-channel drilling is established. A case study including a comparison to the conventional drilling method and sensitivity analysis is conducted. The result shows that under the same conditions, the mechanical extended-reach limit of the dual-channel drilling method is 10,592.2 m, while it is 9030.6 m of the conventional drilling method. The dual-channel drilling method achieves a further mechanical extended-reach limit than the conventional drilling method. To improve the mechanical extended-reach limit of dual-channel drilling, a higher back pressure on the sliding piston, a deeper measured depth of the sliding piston, a higher density of the passive drilling fluid, a smaller outer diameter of the outer pipe, a lower weight on bit and rate of penetration should be adopted. The work in this paper completes the extended-reach limit theory of dual-channel drilling, providing a guide for better use in unconventional reservoir development.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study on the Mechanical Extended-Reach Limit Prediction Model of Horizontal Drilling with Dual-Channel Drillpipes

Tan

Zhang

2021

Energies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

A New Riserless Method Enable Us to Apply Managed Pressure Drilling in Deepwater Environments

et al. 2009

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Managed Pressure Drilling has been proven to be a tool for extending access to previously unattainable drilling targets in many deepwater areas across the world, such as deepwater Gulf of Mexico. 21" Low-Pressure risers do not allow for application of Constant Bottom Hole Pressure (CBHP) technique by floaters. Since it is not designed to hole the pressure, it prevents setting up a closed circulation loop in our drilling system which is an essential tool for MPD.A high-pressure riser along with a surface Rotating Control Device is required to perform CBHP drilling technique. However, we know that deployment of such high pressure risers in long lengths and harsh environments has not come to be practical.An alternative drilling method from floaters at any water depth proves to be Reelwell Drilling Method (RDM). Reelwell AS, Shell, StatoilHydro, and the Research Council of Norway launched a JIP in 2005 to develop RDM, which is a riserless drilling method based on concentric drill pipe. Mud is circulated in a closed loop in this system. The pressure and flow of mud is dynamically controlled by a computer system on the return path on the surface. Many tests including the latest pilot test in March 2009 has proven that the downhole pressure can be controlled precisely and that the system fits perfectly for CBHP. Deployment of this technology by smaller floating rigs is possible with no limitation on water depth as huge and long 21" LP riser is eliminated from the system. The volume of mud is limited to bring about even more cost and rig space savings.

show abstract

The Application of the Reelwell Drilling Method in Drilling and Casing a Vertical Well in One-Hole Section

Tantawy

2015

All Days

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Since the sequence of geological formations penetrated whilst drilling have different pore and fracture pressures as well as characteristics, the well cannot be drilled in one section to total depth. The conventional well design consists of different hole sections and multiple sized casing strings used mainly to isolate each section and protect it from hazards in subsequent formations to reach the target safely. Depending on the conditions encountered whilst drilling, three, four or more casing strings might be required. The cost of the casing strings represent approximately 20-40% of the total well cost. Additionally, running and cementing the casing consume rig time adding additional costs to the well. The Reelwell Drilling Method (RDM) is a new method developed and tested that is based on the use of a Dual Drill String (DDS) where the drilling fluid flows to the bit via the drill string annulus, and the return flow carrying cuttings to the surface is through an inner pipe as the annulus is sealed off using a Rotating Control Device (RCD) atop the Blow Out Preventer (BOP). With this unique flow arrangement, nothing is flowing in the annulus. The following is a proposal of how the RDM can be used to drill a vertical well in one hole section to the target. This includes stacking different drilling fluids possessing different weight and properties against each section, the procedures to do that safely without problems and the recommended practices. It is found feasible that the well can be drilled in one-hole section saving the cost of extra casing strings and rig time consumed.

show abstract

Application of Reelwell Drilling Method in Offshore Drilling to Address Many Related Challenges

Cited by 3 publications

References 9 publications

Study on the Mechanical Extended-Reach Limit Prediction Model of Horizontal Drilling with Dual-Channel Drillpipes

Study on the Mechanical Extended-Reach Limit Prediction Model of Horizontal Drilling with Dual-Channel Drillpipes

A New Riserless Method Enable Us to Apply Managed Pressure Drilling in Deepwater Environments

The Application of the Reelwell Drilling Method in Drilling and Casing a Vertical Well in One-Hole Section

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About