Rethinking the Typical Line-Item DWOP Exercise: Does it Present a Complete Picture?

Abstract

The Drill Well on Paper (DWOP) exercise is an accepted tool for use in planning an offshore well, and in post-drilling analysis to demonstrate real and potential efficiency gains when comparing latest generation drilling and floater designs. However, given accelerated advances in drilling systems and operational practices, does the DWOP methodology of strictly analyzing fixed line-item data adequately capture non-apparent flat time and enhance overall operational efficiencies? This paper explores areas where the traditional DWOP may not clearly reflect the efficiencies and HSE gains intrinsic of the latest generation drilling environment, and makes the case for transforming to more of a project management-like approach. For instance, efficiencies demonstrating reduced well delivery days would logically translate into a corresponding reduction in injuries/man-hour, but results of that accepted metric are not recorded in a post-well DWOP. Additionally, despite simultaneous rig operations, often denoted as off-line activities, the typical DWOP only looks at one operation, or line item, at a time. Thus, any efficiencies or bottlenecks in these parallel operations are often neither identified nor recorded in the DWOP. The authors will present direct comparisons to illustrate how a typical DWOP exercise may not capture and detail the consequential reductions in lost time incident rates (LTIR), flat times and invisible lost time (ILT) achievable with advanced rigs and drilling systems. Standardized robotic pipe manipulators, floaters with increased storage capacity for casing and other consumables that reduce supply vessel requirements, and new rig designs and/or moon pool dimensions that widen the operable window and reduce weather-related downtime, are among the efficiency drivers the authors suggest should be reflected in a DWOP analysis. Additionally, improved operational practices, like pre-installation of casing centralizers, and automated pipe tally and monitoring systems contribute to improved efficiencies and economics, which further justify modifications to the standard DWOP thought process. This paper aims to broaden the readers our understanding of how deepwater rigs can be assessed with respect to efficiency and HSE gains; thereby, leading to a rethinking of the current methodology used in rig comparison DWOPs.

Petroleum Well Blowouts as a Threat to Drilling Operation and Wellbore Sustainability: Causes, Prevention, Safety and Emergency Response

“…These address each stage of the well construction process ensuring that the safety requirements adopted are fit-for-purpose and rig crews are proficient at implementing them. Drill the Well on Paper (DWOP) is a pre-drilling reviewing process [7][8] and engineering analysis of a drilling operation schedule with the objective of better organizing it to improve efficiency, reduce nonproduction time and costs, and adequately consider risk management. Built upon years of operational experience and tackling challenging gas and oil fields, DWOP and other pre-drill review systems seek to ensure that all drilling crews are fully aware of their duties, the equipment available to them and provide the best practices with which to guide the drilling projects towards meeting their goals without incident or accident.…”