A challenging HPHT well was drilled with Managed Pressure Drilling. In the preparation phase, an advanced dynamic drilling simulator was used by the operator in order to test and verify operational procedures as well as the HPHT & MPD well control manual. This drilling simulator is based on advanced dynamic models developed from first principles, and will respond very realistically on the operators actions when "drilling", "circulating", "managing the well control problems" etc; like a "Drilling Flight Simulator". All relevant HPHT effects are modeled, like mud density, compressibility and rheology as function of Pressure and temperature; gas solubility in Oil Based Muds, transient thermal interaction in the well and surroundings etc. An MPD module has been developed in the simulator, allowing testing and training of all relevant procedures and operations related to MPD. Also, the drilling rig characteristics (pumps, surface lines, choke and BOP, MPD toolkit etc.) are modeled according to the real rig specifications. The testing lead to several significant changes to the operator's manual and operational procedures. At the same time it allowed the Engineering team to test and rectify the Drilling program prior to deployment of the operation. The MPD technique was tested in the simulator as well, and the various contingency procedures were assessed. It allowed the rig contractor, operator, and the MPD provider to find the operational routine, communication and best practice prior to start operation offshore. The team's decision trees where reviewed and updated during the simulator training. Since the crews actively had a part in the final revision in the manual, the operator experienced that the crews took an ownership in the making of the manual and the offshore operation. As a resultant effect, the drilling crew and MPD operators rapidly adapted to the MPD procedures agreed upon during training, when operation started. This paper will briefly present the advanced drilling simulator, and focus on the testing and verification of procedures and well control manual. The modifications done will be presented, and the operation itself will also be described, highlighting the benefits of utilizing the drilling simulator prior to operation.
A Life Cycle Drilling Simulation System (LCDSS) was utilized during planning, training, and operation in support of a very challenging drilling operation in the Norwegian Sea. The LCDSS constitute a total modeling system tailor-made for planning, advanced training real-time simulation and decision support. In order to utilize the LCDSS, the work processes were modified and fit-for-purpose communication lines were established. In preparation, an advanced training session was performed using a dynamic downhole training simulator linked to a topside rig simulator, for training of the drilling teams. Prior to operation data transfer was established so that during the operation simulations was performed in real time using the ongoing operational parameters as input. Automatic look-ahead simulations of ECD and temperatures were performed with the calibrated models on the fly as support for decisions. Every day drilling forecasts were made 12 to 24 hours ahead. This was done by means of a transient planning model populated with all relevant data from the operation. These forecasts were communicated to the drilling team as a basis for the upcoming operation. This paper will first present the Life Cycle Drilling Simulation System, then elaborate on the use of this in the preparation/training phase and operational phase including forecasting. Special focus will be given to how the work process and communications were modified and the results thereof. The operation was successful, and the LCDSS was a contributor to this.
Dynamic Real Time Simulation, Forecasting and 3D Visualization was utilized extensively in support of a very challenging HPHT drilling operation in the Norwegian Sea. The well was a vertical exploration well in the Haltenbanken area. In preparation to the operation, an advanced training session was performed using a dynamic downhole training simulator linked to a topside rig simulator, for training of the drilling teams. A real-time link was established with the operation, and WITSML data in addition to all well, fluid and string data was streamed into a dynamic, real-time simulation system. This simulation system provided the following; RT dynamic modelling of the pressure (ECD) and temperature profile in the wellbore; the cuttings distribution and its effects on the ECD;Automatic look-ahead simulations of ECD and temperatures on the fly was performed with the calibrated models as support for decisions.RT profiles of simulated versus measured pressure at the PWD, and simulated versus measured standpipe pressureRT dynamically updated 3D Visualization of the downhole wellbore with a continuously updated risk picture made available for the drilling teams. Seamlessly linked to the RT system was a sophisticated what-if and planning model. 24 hour forecasting of operation was provided every day, and this gave a very good indication of future possible operational impacts. In addition to 24 hours forecasting, pre-planning simulations of upcoming sub-operations as well as what-if simulations on the fly were performed. The results from these simulations were used to update the risk register and made available in the 3D Visualization window. Three specific cases will be discussed in the paper; Pre-simulation of running the 9 7/8″ casingPre-simulation of cementing the 9 7/8″ casingRT modeling of ESD in case of mismatch between rig calculated and measured values In these cases the simulations provided valuable results which increased the risk awareness and prevented problems. The paper will also discuss the RT 3D Visualization and its impact on reducing risks and communicating the dynamic risk picture. The total simulation system with infrastructure, models and challenges will also be presented. The operation was successful, and the results from the simulation system was a contributor to this.
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