Wellbore Fluids Model Provides Basis for Drilling Optimization

Swanson, B. W.; Heritage, J.R.; Lawson, Daniel E.

doi:10.2118/22583-ms

Cited by 6 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…In the EKD system, the model of the wellbore is based on the wellbore fluids simulator. 9 Modifications have been made to the model to account for the unique behaviour of slimholes, to allow the model to run continuously, and to run the model in real time. The complexity of the wellbore model was such that it required the development of a simplified interface for ease of use at the rig site.…”

Section: The Concepts Behind Ekdmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many of the models have been previously described in Ref. 9. The additional models required for the slimhole case are described here.…”

Section: The Technology Behind Ekdmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The numerical procedure for solution of the conservation equations in the EKD system was identical to that described in Ref. 9. The emphasis of the original wellbore model was on large timesteps to reduce run time; this was not appropriate for the EKD application.…”

Section: The Technology Behind Ekdmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The point of transition between laminar and turbulent conditions was determined by considering both the axial and rotational Reynolds numbers. Non-Newtonian fluid rheology was modeled as a Herschel-Bulkley fluid, 9 and fluid viscosity was varied with temperature and pressure using empirical models described in Refs. 16 and 17. Predictions from the model incorporated into a simple pressure drop calculator are shown in Fig.…”

Section: The Hydraulic Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A simple pressure-drop calculation confirms that in slimhole the annulus will provide the bulk of pressure losses, a result confirmed by Bode et al 1 The annular pressure drop is also very sensitive to the rotational speed of the drillpipe. A number of authors 1,[5][6][7]9 have demonstrated the increase in annular pressures caused by drillpipe rotation at high speed. The additional pressure caused by pipe rotation is such that pressures and flowrates will be affected throughout the well.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Slimhole Early Kick Detection by Real-Time Drilling Analysis

Swanson

Gardner

Brown

et al. 1997

SPE Drilling &Amp; Completion

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Early kick detection has been identified as being of primary importance in slimhole wellbores. Small annular volumes mean that, to maintain the integrity of the well, allowable kick volumes must be small. Gas influxes must therefore be detected and shut in rapidly. This paper describes an early kick-detection system developed for slimholes to detect and confirm the presence of an influx rapidly. This system has been run successfully on a number of slimhole operations.The early kick-detection (EKD) system is based on real-time analysis of drilling data obtained directly from a comprehensive mud-logging system on the rig. The analysis technique compares predictions of mud flow out and standpipe pressure from a dynamic wellbore model with corresponding values from the rig. The predicted values are derived from a model driven in real time by rig data such as pump rate and pipe rotation rate. Kick detection is based on deviations between measured data and idealized model predictions.The EKD system has been incorporated into an operational engineer-oriented graphical interface, which has provided easy access to the model for both input and output of data, and for the interpretation of results. This paper describes the design considerations and technology behind the EKD system and the engineering interface. The paper also presents examples of the system running in real time at a slimhole rig site.

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Section: The Concepts Behind Ekdmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many of the models have been previously described in Ref. 9. The additional models required for the slimhole case are described here.…”

Section: The Technology Behind Ekdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Technology Behind Ekdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Hydraulic Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Slimhole Early Kick Detection by Real-Time Drilling Analysis

Swanson

Gardner

Brown

et al. 1997

SPE Drilling &Amp; Completion

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The Design and Field Implementation of a Drilling Hydraulics Application for Drilling Optimization

1994

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Ttis PaW was selec!ea f., PrEse"la!ion by a" SPE P[ogmnl CVmmiUe@ following review 01 tn{onmtio" con!.ained 1" m abstract s"bminmi by Ihe aulhw(s). COn!e"!S of the m,%,, as presented, have not been r@wed @ w Society of Petroleum E.g(neers and are subJect.to .wmectlon by me wthw(,]. The rna!er,d, as prwe.ted, does noi pcesswily ref)acl my Fowon of the Socie$y of Petroleum En@ers, {% olflcars, m members, PWW8 pmemed at SPE meetings am s.biec! to wblicallo. wiEw by Ed(kxbal Committee% 01 me .Sadety of Petroleum Engineers. Pmliss!mto copy is restricted 10 an ab,tracl of ,0! mme than 3C+I.+, Illustrations may "01 be CCQled, The ,bsl'ad should ca"l.." CO"@CUO"S .Wk"owl.dgmen! of where and by whom the paper is presented. AbstractOptimum drilling conditions have to date been determined using either trial and error at the rigsife or by repetitive and time consuming calculations, generally involving a number of different PC based programs. Calculating optimum drilling fluid flowrate conditions to ensiure the highest possible penetration rate for example, involves manipulating variables such as drillstring configuration, nozzle diameters and 'rnud propeflies to satisfy constraints such as the ability to clean the hole, bit specific en"ergy, system pressure distribution and rig capability. This optimization" process is ideally suited to automation, however, the number of variables and constraints on the problem requires careful design of the user interface.

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The Applicability of Current Slimhole Hydraulics Algorithms Under Field Conditions - A Critical Review

Thonhauser

Millheim

Spoerker³

1995

SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition

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Numerous publications have addressed the problems inherent to calculating well hydraulics in slimhole applications Accurate grasp of well hydraulics is of increased importance under slimhole conditions. Most models are valid in a controlled environment, but fail to fulfill the expectations under field conditions. Factors influencing the hydraulic behavior of the well have to be critically examined, and the accuracy of these factors entering into the calculations has to be quantified together with their relative impact on the results. This work has compared several "established" approaches with field data from five deep slimhole wells, and critically reviewed limitations and possible advances in slimhole hydraulics' calculations. Analyzing field data showed phenomena that are not considered in existing simulations. This work tries to define these phenomena and evaluate their impact on future simulations. These factors influencing pressure loss and ECD development are listed and quantified, and examples from well data are presented. A successful development of simulators of such complex systems is demanding a new way of thinking, away from the deterministic towards a probabilistic view of the problem. Introduction Controlling wellbore hydraulics has always been one of the primary - if not the main - concerns in slimhole drilling technology acceptance. While it was of minor importance for the mining industry - having utilized slimhole concepts for decades in penetrating hard, crystalline rocks - the oil and gas drilling community quickly learned, that experiencing 90 % of the total pressure losses in the annulus rather than inside the drillstring created unprecedented difficulties. Equivalent circulating densities (ECD's) of up to 3 or even 5 ppg higher than the static mud weight all but eliminated slimhole applicability from many possible areas. "Connection gas" had already previously been a known phenomenon among oilfield drillers, however, a 30–40 % reduction in bottom hole pressure whenever stopping circulation or a 10–20 % reduction when simply slowing down rotary RPM accounted for enough hazardous incidents to give slimhole drilling an "unsafe and experimental" reputation. The changed behavior of fluid flowing under special conditions, as observed in slimholes, has already been recognized by authors decades ago. As slimhole drilling showed the potential to drill in a more economic way than conventional drilling, the increased interest in this type of technology led to the need to predict the pressure losses in the wellbore more accurately. Consequently it has been proven in numerous applications all over the world that slimhole wellbores can be controlled safely and that slimhole wells can be drilled with at least the same degree of control - if not even better - than compared to conventional wells. These changed requirements regarding pressure loss calculations resulted in numerous algorithms to predict pressure losses in slimhole wells. P. 393

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Wellbore Fluids Model Provides Basis for Drilling Optimization

Cited by 6 publications

References 12 publications

Slimhole Early Kick Detection by Real-Time Drilling Analysis

Slimhole Early Kick Detection by Real-Time Drilling Analysis

The Design and Field Implementation of a Drilling Hydraulics Application for Drilling Optimization

The Applicability of Current Slimhole Hydraulics Algorithms Under Field Conditions - A Critical Review

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