Integrated Underreamer Technology with Real-Time Communication Helped Eliminate Rathole in Exploratory Operation Offshore Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphael Chidiogo Ozioko ◽  
Humphrey Osita ◽  
Udochukwu Ohia

Abstract This paper describes the successful deployment of integrated underreamer technology with real-time communication through mud-pulse telemetry system, to drill and eliminate rathole in 17 1/2-in × 20-in successfully in one run and helped set casing as close as possible to the depth of suspected pressure ramp on an exploratory well offshore Nigeria. This technology uses the same communication system (actuator bypass) as Measurement While Drilling tools (MWD), Logging While Drilling tools (LWD) and Rotary Steerable System (RSS). Integrated underreamers broadly used in the drilling operations support optimized casing and completion programs and helps reduce operational risks such as wellbore instability. The ball drop and hydraulically activated reamer technologies available today comes with limitations and HSE risks. The distinctive functionalities of the integrated underreamer technology described here, such as unlimited and fast activation and deactivation via downlinking and real time downhole feedback, reduce uncertainties and operational costs in the complex and challenging deep offshore drilling operations. The real-time communication through mud-pulse telemetry system enabled the placement of integrated underreamer 6 meters from the bit thereby reducing rathole length to approximately 9 meters compared to 80 meters for conventional underreamer application. The integrated underreamer is compatible with existing RSS and provide unlimited activation cycles. The integrated underreamer offers flexibility in placement in the bottom hole assembly (BHA) and it can be used as a near bit reamer, or as main reamer or as both. In this case, the integrated near bit underreamer eliminated the need for a dedicated rathole removal run. It also offered a feedback confirmation of the cutter blades activation status and provided hole opening log thereby reducing the operational uncertainties for the under reaming, saving rig time up to 16 hours for shoulder test. The underreamer was successfully deployed to drill and ream the challenging 14 ¾" × 17 ½" and ream 17 ½" × 20" section offshore Nigeria. Both sections were drilled and reamed to section Total Depth (TD) in one run with all directional reuirements and Measuring While Drilling (MWD)/Logging While Drilling (LWD) met saving client approximately 4 days of rig spread cost. The reamer appeared to provide an in-gauge borehole allowing for successful running and cementing of liners without any issues, demonstrating superior borehole quality. The new Technology proved to be a reliable and flexible hole enlargement while drilling solution that help to improve drilling performance, reduce operational risks and save cost.

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-28
Author(s):  
Alaba O Clement

The study compares the drilling performance of Kymera and PDC bits in salt formation using River and Delta State Continental Shelf of Nigeria as a case study. The measurement while drilling (MWD) and the logging while drilling (LWD) methods were used to measure the real time well drilling operation. well formation and drilling statistics. The data obtained from the Ogbaimbiri. Ossiomo. Utorogu and Okporhuftu wells have the penetration rate of 6.2 m/hr. 5.9 m/hr. 12.2 m/hr. 6.3 m/hr for Kymera bit and 4.2 m/hr. 3.4 m/hr. 6.8 m/hr. 3.9 m/hr for PDC bit respectively. The pearson correlation coefficient has a value of r = 0.897. n = 4. p<0.05 and r = 0.784. n = 4. p<0.05 for both kymera and PDC bits. The results established a strong and positive correlation between the penetration rate and distance drilled in each bit. It also shows that the higher the penetration rate the more the distance drilled by each bit. The study concluded that the Kymera bit was more efficient as it was able to penetrate the different formations with a lesser time and at a greater penetration rate.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farit Rakhmangulov ◽  
Pavel Dorokhin

Abstract One of the main challenges from operating companies is the continuous reduction of well construction time. During drilling, considerable time is spent on static measurements to determine the wellbore location and to verify that the actual well path matches the planned one. The electromagnetic telemetry system (EMT) allows the taking of static directional survey measurements during connections, when the drill string is in slips. Transmitting commands to the rotary steerable system (RSS) through the EMT does not cause the drilling process to stop, which also reduces well construction time. The work describes well drilling experience with the use of the electromagnetic channel for communication with the rotary steerable system and the positive displacement downhole motor not only in horizontal section but in all well sections, starting from the top hole. Combined use of the complete logging while drilling tools (LWD) with this type of the telemetry system is a valuable finding. The article describes BHA, operational principles of this type of the telemetry system, and problems which may arise during operation.


Author(s):  
Sviatoslav Pelipenko ◽  
Nicolas C. Flamant ◽  
Simon C. Impey

Abstract Proper control of downhole pressure during cementing operations is critical to maintaining well integrity, i.e. avoiding getting a well kick or fracturing the formation. Contrary to drilling operations where pressure can be monitored in real time thanks to measurement while drilling by downhole tools, no such measurements are available while cementing. Cementing operations must therefore rely on the use of simulations to estimate pressures downhole and ensure that the well integrity is not compromised. These simulations are typically performed ahead of the operations, but for critical wells it is paramount to also perform the calculations in real time to account for any deviation from the plan. We will first provide a description of the hydraulics simulator used for real time simulations. A key feature is the ability to account for fluctuations in injected fluid density, as a result of the cement slurry mixing process. This effectively results in tracking a high number of fluids with different density properties. The simulator also takes into account fluid compressibility and pressure and temperature dependent fluid viscosity, the magnitude of the effects of which we examine in application to generic field cases. Another salient feature of the simulator is its ability to determine whether fluid is lost to the formation by using flow returning from the well as an additional input. We highlight the work accomplished to achieve the performance required for real time computations and then illustrate how the simulator gets used during operation through a case study.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Jose Landaeta Rivas ◽  
Michael Bradley Cotten ◽  
Paulinus Abhyudaya Bimastianto ◽  
Shreepad Purushottam Khambete ◽  
Suhail Mohammed Al Ameri ◽  
...  

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic shifted the conventional working paradigms, forcing an accelerated adaptability to remote working, ensuring the wellbeing of the employees without sacrificing the effectiveness, in compliance to 100% HSE. To overcome this challenge, Drilling Real Time Operations Center (RTOC) transformed the conventional Monitoring Onsite Hub into a full virtual collaborative remote center operated from each individual's place. This paper describes how RTOC successfully, continued to support drilling operations off-site through secure portal during work-from-home period. RTOC ensured to have the sufficient connectivity resources and security protocols to access the IT company environment and execute the tasks at the same productivity level, as operating from the hub. The platform design involved virtual machine remoting in an integrated communication environment, in synergy with the conventional ways of communication. Several data access points were developed to ensure an unstoppable link between operational teams and the data deliverables. To grantee productivity, KPIs were established and closely monitored, e.g. active rigs count, connectivity issues, software support, real-time drilling performance reporting, engineering computations, with continuous quality audits. Despite several challenges at start due to change in the nature of the work, RTOC successfully overcame the difficulties by having proper procedures and infrastructure in place. The virtual collaborative environment allowed the team to operate the center remotely and meet the targets for deliverables. Defining a clear communication protocol created efficiency when addressing data aggregation problems. As a result, RTOC was able to maintain the resolution time for data aggregation issues and continue to produce drilling performance reports within time. RTOC launched a mobile application for drilling real-time monitoring to support user mobility prior to the mandate of work-from-home policy. RTOC continued to support drilling operations during work-from-home period by providing real-time computations for drilling operations, doing real-time interactions for drilling events and introducing data analytics platform for users to analyze drilling performance. In summary, systematic implementation of the workflows and following clear chain of command have proven to be effective in ensuring business continuity of RTOC. Building trust and respect helped boost the morale and productivity of the team while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. The pandemic has been, indeed, a tough period for the world but the shift of working lifestyle was indeed a unique experience. It broadened the horizon for RTOC to develop advanced collaboration tools and upgrade the infrastructure to be future-ready for higher mobility. This novelty can also be adopted as standard procedure for Emergency Response Plan.


1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 290
Author(s):  
D. Bond ◽  
N. Brock ◽  
G. Chapman ◽  
K. Lay ◽  
G. Wormald

The Timor Sea is the most remote and under-explored oil province in Australia. In order to compensate for the high exploration costs which result in frontier areas, new technology has been introduced by BHP Petroleum in order to increase drilling efficiency, assist in well evaluation and enhance the reliability of production technology. Examples of innovation and the importation of advanced techniques into the Timor Sea region are discussed. Advanced mud systems and PDC bit designs have been developed to aid the drilling of wells. Measurement While Drilling tools and tritium tracers have been used to enhance correlation and evaluation techniques. Equipment and procedures which emphasise the philosophy of reliability and longevity have been developed for sub-sea completions. These innovations have not only assisted with cost reduction, but have also enhanced BHP Petroleum's exploration and production success in the Timor Sea.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed M Al-Rubaii ◽  
Dhafer Al-Shehri ◽  
Mohamed N Mahmoud ◽  
Saleh M Al-Harbi ◽  
Khaled A Al-Qahtani

Abstract Hole cleaning efficiency is one of the major factors that affects well drilling performance. Rate of penetration (ROP) is highly dependent on hole cleaning efficiency. Hole cleaning performance can be monitored in real-time in order to make sure drilled cuttings generated are efficiently transported to surface. The objective of this paper to present a real time automated model to obtain hole cleaning efficiency and thus effectively adjust parameters as required to improve drilling performance. The process adopts a modified real time carrying capacity indicator. There are many hole cleaning models, methodologies, chemicals and correlations, but majority of these models do not simulate drilling operations sequences and are not dependent on practicality of drilling operations. The developed real time hole cleaning indicator can ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of hole cleaning performance during drilling operations. The methodology of real time model development is by selecting offset mechanical drilling parameters and drilling fluid parameters where collected, analyzed, tested and validated to model strong hole cleaning efficiency indicator that can extremely participate and facilitate a position in drilling automations and fourth industry revolution. The automated hole cleaning model is utilizing real time sensors of drilling and validate the strongest relationships among the variables. The study, analysis, test and validation of the relationships will reveal the significant parameters that will contribute massively for model development procedures. The model can be run as well by using the real time sensors readings and their inputs to be fed into the developed automated model. The developed model of real time carrying capacity indicator profile will be shown as function of depth, drilling fluid density, flow rate of mud pump or mud pump output, and other important factors will be illustrated by details. The model has been developed and validated in the field of drilling operations to empower the drilling teams for better and understandable monitoring and evaluation of hole cleaning efficiency while performing drilling operations. The real time model can provide a vision for better control of mud additives and that will contribute to mud cost effectiveness. The automated model of hole cleaning efficiency optimized the rate of penetration (ROP) by 50% in well drilling performance as a noticeable and valuable improvement. This optimum improvement saved cost and time of rig and drilling of wells and contributed to accelerate wells’ delivery. The innovative real time model was developed to optimize drilling and operations efficiency by using the surface rig sensors and interpret the downhole measurements and that can lead innovatively to other important hole cleaning indicators and other tactics for better development of downhole measurements models that can participate for optimized drilling efficiency.


Author(s):  
Gabriel de Almeida Souza ◽  
Larissa Barbosa ◽  
Glênio Ramalho ◽  
Alexandre Zuquete Guarato

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2743-2761
Author(s):  
Caetano P. S. Andrade ◽  
J. Luis Saavedra ◽  
Andrzej Tunkiel ◽  
Dan Sui

AbstractDirectional drilling is a common and essential procedure of major extended reach drilling operations. With the development of directional drilling technologies, the percentage of recoverable oil production has increased. However, its challenges, like real-time bit steering, directional drilling tools selection and control, are main barriers leading to low drilling efficiency and high nonproductive time. The fact inspires this study. Our work aims to contribute to the better understanding of directional drilling, more specifically regarding rotary steerable system (RSS) technology. For instance, finding the solutions of the technological challenges involved in RSSs, such as bit steering control, bit position calculation and bit speed estimation, is the main considerations of our study. Classical definitions from fundamental physics including Newton’s third law, beam bending analysis, bit force analysis, rate of penetration (ROP) modeling are employed to estimate bit position and then conduct RSS control to steer the bit accordingly. The results are illustrated in case study with the consideration of the 2D and 3D wellbore scenarios.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ebrahimi ◽  
P. J. Schermer ◽  
W. Jelinek ◽  
D. Pommier ◽  
S. Pfeil ◽  
...  

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