A Safe Approach to Drilling Underbalanced Starts with Project Management

Abstract

This paper will examine the management issues, safety concerns of planning and executing a high end underbalanced drilling project. The discussion will include general safety, training, equipment, and conclusions. Underbalanced drilling is inherently more dangerous than conventional drilling but the danger is mitigated by proficient project management, specifically, planning, training and the operational procedures followed during execution. Statistically, underbalanced drilling is still a very small percentage of worldwide drilling operations. This trend is changing as this disruptive technology is becoming more and more accepted throughout the industry. Our biggest challenge in the future will be to ensure that the past history of no major incidents or accidents attributed to Underbalanced drilling continues. The planning that goes into an underbalanced drilling operation is more extensive than the planning of a conventionally drilled well. Some of the tools used in the planning phase of underbalanced operations include hazard identification (HAZID), hazard and operability (HAZOP), detailed operational procedures, and drawings such as equipment layout drawings (ELD), process flow diagram (PFD), valve numbering diagram (VND) and a hazardous area drawing (HAD). These processes contribute considerably to reducing the time and cost of engineering the underbalanced drilling program. Introduction Project management is a set of processes, systems and techniques for effective planning and control of resources necessary to complete the project. These processes, systems and techniques should not only focus on the resources but should also include the control of hazards associated with UBD operations. Suitable project management will not only enhance the safety of the underbalanced program but will also reduce the overall cost of the project. This is more evident if the program calls for a multi-well effort. A step by step approach to these types of projects begins by identifying the needs of the customer. The earlier the project manager can be assigned, the sooner the drilling program can be executed. Clearly defining the objectives of the customer is one of the project manager's first duties. These duties often include:Conduct UBD operations safely and minimize impact on the environment.Prove that UBD is a technology that brings added value, by accelerating production and increasing recoverable reserves.Gather UBD performance data which will be incorporated in the future drilling plan.Gain experience on UBD operations and further develop the technology for the customer.Maintain an underbalanced condition throughout operations and the completion.Fast track planning and execution of the project.Evaluation of the reservoir's inflow performance based on an analogous well drilled conventionally in the same field.Measurement of the reservoir characteristics while drilling. As early as possible, the proposed well plan and any offset well data must be reviewed. Preliminary HSE considerations and customer HSE requirements often can be identified. Different project management activities are employed during phases in the UBD project. Three main phases are:PlanningExecutionReview and closeout A safe approach to underbalanced project management should follow an industry accepted management system model. Management Systems Management systems should, first and foremost, comply with ISO 9001 standards. The system should take in the contents of this paper, link it to the customer, and connect back to the management system for initiation of improvement. A high-quality management system is designed to meet operations, quality, and HSE management system needs. Consequently, a high performing management system is customer focused and driven.

Well-Completion Techniques and Methodologies for Maintaining Underbalanced Conditions Throughout Initial and Subsequent Well Interventions

“…Since underbalanced techniques can control or eliminate the problems listed above, more efficient wells can be planned, and the number of wells needed to meet production requirements in a field development program can be reduced. 1,2 The economic benefits of increasing production from a reduced number of wells will not be covered in depth in this paper. Instead, the discussion will focus on the equipment and systems that are needed to maintain these conditions throughout the life of the well.…”