Optimization of Rotary Steerable System Bottomhole Assemblies Minimizes Wellbore Tortuosity and Increases Directional Drilling Efficiency

Stroud, Daryl; Peach, Simon; Johnston, I.

doi:10.2118/90396-ms

Cited by 12 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 7 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Computer-based engineering models and further full scale laboratory drilling tests resulted in refinement of BHA configurations to deliver improved dogleg capability and more predictable directional performance (Stroud, Peach & Johnston, 2004). Several further reviews of both experimental lab and field data concluded that lateral bit stability is a dominant factor in the performance of this point-the-bit RSS (Barton, Pierce & Stroud, 2009).…”

Section: Evolution Of the Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Successful Evolution of an LWD Rotary Steerable System for Air Drilling

et al. 2011

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This paper will present the evolution of a third-generation, point-the-bit rotary steerable system (RSS) and its successful application for air drilling of directional wells and lateral intervals.There are a number of applications for air drilling; the primary one is obviously to drill hydrostatically underbalanced where extremely low bottomhole formation pressures are encountered. In certain circumstances, the requirement to have a very small rig footprint makes drilling with air preferable to drilling with mud systems.The engineering requirements for drilling with air obviously differ from more conventional drilling fluids. Pressure integrity of the mechanical components of the RSS device has to be sufficiently robust to withstand more extreme differential pressures. This paper will describe the steps in the evolution of the RSS design to accommodate this requirement and other functionalities of the system.Transmission of downhole information drilling with dry air necessitates effective communication of data via electromagnetic (EM) wave in the absence of the medium for conventional mud pulse telemetry (MPT). The timeline over nine years to integrate basic EM with more high-end LWD and steering devices is illustrated (Fig. 1). Optimization of controllable constraints to extend the reach of acceptable EM transmission is addressed.Results of successful deployments on over twenty bit runs so far will be demonstrated, along with a step-change in tool reliability delivered. Performance improvements were achieved using the surface output of the existing rig fleet without modifications. Lateral reach capability was extended, largely due to improved hole quality over the air motor drilling system used previously. This delivered greater production footage from fewer wellbores as well as the increased ability to reach topographically constrained payzones.

show abstract

Section: Evolution Of the Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Successful Evolution of an LWD Rotary Steerable System for Air Drilling

et al. 2011

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…An alternative method for drilling and controlling the trajectory of laterals is through the use of rotary steerable systems (RSS) (Rasheed et al, 2005;Stroud et al, 2004). An alternative method for drilling and controlling the trajectory of laterals is through the use of rotary steerable systems (RSS) (Rasheed et al, 2005;Stroud et al, 2004).…”

Section: Rotary Steerablementioning

confidence: 99%

Leveraging Innovative Technologies to Recover Reserves in the Bakken Formation

Lloyd¹,

Starkey

Jany

2010

All Days

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Bakken formation in the Williston Basin has received increasing recognition over the past five years due to the ability of operators to consistently deliver wells with prolific production results and extraordinary economics. This has been made possible by the steady advancement of technologies associated with drilling and completing horizontal wells in addition to the majority of the wells being located in the core of the formation where reservoir pressure gradients are at their maximum.The magnitude of the Bakken formation means that the majority of the acreage is considered intermediate or outlying from the core presenting the challenge of making the normal pressured reservoir in these areas economically viable. This paper presents a unique combination of drilling optimization with advanced open hole, multi-stage fracturing system (OHMS) technology, which together are pushing the envelope for continued improvement in operational and production efficiencies. This paper will present directional drilling advantages and artificial lift benefits using rotary steerable technology and advancements in OHMS allowing increased stage density for production optimization. Through the proper implementation of these leveraging technologies, the time to drill and complete a well in the Bakken has been reduced and fracture stage density has been increased over current standards igniting a continuing trend to increase stage density in the Bakken formation as a result of significant gains in sustained recovery.This systematic approach to streamlining the drilling and completion programs has resulted in notable improvements in the economic metrics for the play. The technological progress presented has resulted in a dramatic shift in the industry in terms of drilling and completion in the Bakken formation and the techniques described can be adapted and applied in virtually any resource play.

show abstract

“…To be compatible with the push-the-bit RSS, this bit must be run with a special ledge trimming sub. Alternatively, a tricone bit with lug pads can be used to increase lateral stability of the bit as reported by Stroud et al 16 .…”

Section: Bit E (Tricone Bit)mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of the Industry's First 3-D Mechanical Caliper Image While Drilling Leads to Optimized Rotary-Steerable Assemblies in Push- and Point-the-Bit Configurations

Sugiura

Jones

2008

SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

It has been widely recognized that poor hole quality causes tight borehole, packing off, high torque/drag, stick-slip, degraded logging-while-drilling (LWD) and wireline log quality, unpredictable directional performance, and consequently problematic casing runs. Conventionally, borehole quality is monitored with LWD standoff caliper logs and caliper images. In wireline application, multi-arm mechanical calipers are used to create such logs. Until today, it is believed that the use of such equipment is the only way to detect 3-D borehole problems, such as borehole oscillation. This paper presents the industry's first 2-D and 3-D mechanical caliper image while drilling and back-reaming with rotarysteerable systems (RSS). The near-bit mechanical caliper integrated into the specific RSS 1,2,3 takes measurements 4 ft from the bit in push-the-bit configuration and 7 ft from the bit in point-the-bit configuration. This pad-contact mechanical caliper provides both real-time and memory-based caliper images.The advantage of this new type of near-bit caliper measurement is that the sensor measures borehole geometry right at the bit as compared to 50-100 feet behind the bit with conventional LWD sensors. Borehole washout, for example, does not necessarily occur at the bit, but could be caused by string stabilizers far away from the bit. The ability to detect borehole washout in real-time helps the operator take immediate corrective action while drilling to maintain borehole integrity since near-bit washout often affects the steerability of RSS.In this paper, 2-D and 3-D near-bit caliper logs are extensively examined from different RSS assemblies and bits. The downhole data were gathered through controlled non-commercial field tests, as well as commercial runs. Frequency analysis using the discrete Fourier transform is also applied to the depth-based caliper images to identify the BHA and borehole oscillation issues. The effect of bit selection, stabilizer size/profile/geometry, and spacing on borehole quality is analyzed using the 2-D and 3-D near-bit caliper logs. As a result, this new sensor information helped to improve the RSS assembly performance and resulted in optimized BHAs in both push-and point-the-bit configurations for superior steerability, stability and borehole quality.

show abstract

Optimization of Rotary Steerable System Bottomhole Assemblies Minimizes Wellbore Tortuosity and Increases Directional Drilling Efficiency

Abstract: TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.

Cited by 12 publications

References 7 publications

The Successful Evolution of an LWD Rotary Steerable System for Air Drilling

The Successful Evolution of an LWD Rotary Steerable System for Air Drilling

Leveraging Innovative Technologies to Recover Reserves in the Bakken Formation

The Use of the Industry's First 3-D Mechanical Caliper Image While Drilling Leads to Optimized Rotary-Steerable Assemblies in Push- and Point-the-Bit Configurations

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About