Real-Time Whirl Detector Aids Drilling Optimization

Minett-smith, Daniel John; Stroud, Daryl; Pagett, John

doi:10.2118/135110-ms

Cited by 15 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…As experience continued, it was realized that the most common mode of vibration-related tool failure is backward whirl. Further computer modeling and addition fullscale laboratory simulations were employed to develop and qualify a new onboard sensor, which is able to detect the presence of backward whirl and provide a real-time indication of its intensity (Minett-Smith, Stroud & Pagett, 2010). This device is capable of supplying real-time alerts as wells as detailed memory data for further interpretation.…”

Section: Evolution Of the Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2011

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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.

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Section: Evolution Of the Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2011

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“…Full-scale laboratory tests and downhole drilling tests have exhibited loading frequencies in the range of 6-30 times the drill-string rotation rate (Minett-Smith et al, 2010). Figure 2 shows actual test results illustrating the motion of the drillstring centerline under backward whirl.…”

Section: Dangers Of Backward Whirlmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploration of the Interaction Between Drill Bit Gauge Profile and Point-The-Bit Rotary Steerable Systems

2011

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This paper describes an investigation of bit passive gauge profiles for a latest generation point-the-bit Rotary Steerable System (RSS) shown in Figure 1. Using theoretical analyses, a methodology has been developed for exploiting lateral stability afforded by extended passive gauge, without limiting steerability or creating stick-slip or high torque. Results of laboratory testing and field studies are presented, showing a step-change improvement in drilling performance and efficiency. Figure 1: Schematic diagram of a point-the-bit rotary steerable systemFull scale laboratory testing and field studies explore the impact of extended passive gauge in maintaining lateral stability. Results show that typically much longer passive gauge length than is common can be applied without adversely affecting steerability or stick-slip. These practical results are fully explained by theoretical analyses that predict critical gauge lengths. The optimum gauge profile is shown to be dependent on hole size and formation type.

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“…Different BHA whirl types have been identified using transverse bending-moment sensors and transverse magnetometers (Close et al 1988;Shyu 1989;Vandiver et al 1990;Macpherson et al 2001). Other researchers have used two sets of accelerometers in a rotary steerable system (RSS) to detect and quantify collar/stabilizer whirl (Minett-Smith et al 2010). Using the same sensor, Stroud et al (2011) showed the motion of the collar in transition from "rolling-sliding" to "backward whirl" in laboratory testing.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Continuous High-Frequency Measurements of the Drilling Process Provide New Insights into Drilling System Response and Transitions between Vibration Modes

Bowler

Logesparan

Sugiura

et al. 2014

SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition

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The oil and gas industry has become increasingly interested in drilling dynamics and vibration as causes of drilling inefficiency and reduced drilling performance. Generally, drillstring vibration is measured with shock-and-vibration sensors installed in measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools, logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools, and rotary steerable systems (RSS). Although these tools provide valuable real-time and recorded-mode information on the dynamic conditions, they are not generally designed to capture continuous high-frequency mechanics and dynamics data, and burst data may miss important information about the evolution of the system response and state.A downhole mechanics measurement tool has been developed that makes a comprehensive suite of measurements of the drilling process, including forces, accelerations, rotational speed, pressures, and temperatures. In addition to providing information in real-time, the tool has the capability to capture long durations of continuous data at frequencies between 50 and 2,000 Hz. The recorded-mode information obtained has provided significant insight into the response of the drilling system to initiating rotation; drilling procedures and parameter modifications; and exposure to excitation from sources including, but not limited to, rig heave, bottomhole assembly (BHA) component imbalance, and bit-rock interaction. A wide range of occurrences has been captured in which the drilling system switches from a dominant vibration mode, typically torsional (downhole rotation-velocity oscillations or stick/slip) into a different mode, such as axial (bit bounce) or lateral (whirl). Transitions between different types of whirl have also been recorded.Several cases were studied to investigate the evolution and response of drilling system behavior based on the in-depth interpretation of relatively long durations (minutes to hours) of high-frequency data sets in the operational context. The findings verify the value of using continuous high-frequency vibration data to understand the drilling system and increase drilling performance.

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Real-Time Whirl Detector Aids Drilling Optimization

Cited by 15 publications

References 4 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

Exploration of the Interaction Between Drill Bit Gauge Profile and Point-The-Bit Rotary Steerable Systems

Continuous High-Frequency Measurements of the Drilling Process Provide New Insights into Drilling System Response and Transitions between Vibration Modes

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