Determining the Accuracy of Ultrasonic Caliper Measurements for Real Time Drilling Application

Elahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Frühwirth, R.; Thonhauser, Gerhard

doi:10.2118/158160-ms

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…At the heart of this transformation is the utilization of advanced tools like wired drill pipes and high-speed data transmission systems that establish seamless communication between downhole operations and the surface. These technologies enable real-time data collection, analysis, and decisionmaking, which is paramount for enhancing drilling operations [13].…”

Section: Digitalization and Automation Of Mpd And CMLmentioning

confidence: 99%

Managed Pressure Drilling and Cementing and Optimizing with Digital Solutions

Elahifar

2024

Advances in Oil and Gas Well Engineering

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This manuscript provides a comprehensive examination of cutting-edge drilling technologies and their implications for the energy industry. Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and Controlled Mud Level (CML) are meticulously dissected, uncovering their techniques, equipment, and operational intricacies. Additionally, Managed Pressure Cementing (MPC) is explored, showcasing the ingenious application of MPD during cementing operations. The chapter then ventures into the realm of digitalization and automation, highlighting the role of Wired Drill Pipe as a conduit for high-speed data transmission, transforming drilling through real-time monitoring and decision-making. The convergence of digitalization and automation with MPD and CML systems is unveiled, elucidating how these technologies can create semi or fully automated systems that optimize drilling processes, enhance accuracy, and reduce nonproductive time (NPT). This manuscript invites readers on a journey into the frontier of drilling technology, where innovation knows no bounds, and the future of energy exploration and production is being reshaped.

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Section: Digitalization and Automation Of Mpd And CMLmentioning

confidence: 99%

Managed Pressure Drilling and Cementing and Optimizing with Digital Solutions

Elahifar

2024

Advances in Oil and Gas Well Engineering

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“…For this reason analysis of circle fitting algorithms based on the Kasa method have been implemented. Elahifar et al [2012] have performed several experiments in various environments; in different drilling fluids as well as under different drilling conditions and positions of the tool in the borehole (Figure 1). Tests have been performed in three different drilling fluids; air, water and bentonite mud.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Real Time Measurement of Borehole Shape and Diameter by Using Ultrasonic Caliper in Different Drilling Fluid and Wellbore Conditions for Detecting Instabilities

et al. 2012

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Drilling programs continue to push into new and more complicated environments. As a result, accurate measurements of drilling data in real time are becoming more critical by means of minimizing the risks as well as the costs. An ultrasonic caliper sensor is a key measurement for determining the borehole diameter in MWD and LWD tools. Important is the use of ultrasonic caliper tools to offer a method for calculating borehole volumes, on the final bit run, the sensor collects data while tripping out of the hole for determining borehole size and furthermore required cement volumes. Real-time applications of ultrasonic caliper measurements also strongly support the early detection of borehole instability.This paper describes the experiments related to the accuracy of the ultrasonic sensor measurements for estimation of the wellbore diameter. A fully automated test robot has been designed and tests have been performed in different fluids and geometrical conditions. That test robot allows emulating vertical as well as lateral movements of a sensor head in an artificial wellbore which can be run with different fluids. The results of the tests were compared and the weak points and problems of the sensor for detecting the echoes were determined. Numerical simulation of the ultrasonic measurements and comparison of the simulated results to the recorded data gives estimates about the accuracy dependency to different drilling conditions. Tests with different decentralized positions of the ultrasonic caliper tool inside the wellbore give estimates about the accuracy dependence with respect to the decentralization of the tool. Finally measurements were performed in wellbores with geometrical anomalies like washouts and squeezing formations. It is shown that such anomalies can be detected in an appropriate accuracy if circle fitting methods like the Kasa method in combination with robust error models are applied.

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Real Time Determination of the Instability in the Borehole by Using 4D Images of the Wellbore with High Accuracy Ultrasonic Caliper

2013

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An ultrasonic sensor has been developed for MWD (measurement while drilling) and LWD (logging while drilling) applications that perform real time borehole caliper measurements and also wellbore stability monitoring. The caliper determines the oval shape of the borehole with a defined accuracy and resolution, and will allow drawing conclusions on the stress field. Recognition of variations in borehole shape in real time drilling allow the drilling engineer to actuate appropriate counteractions to avoid costly failures, or to implement alterations in the drilling practices to optimize the shape of the borehole and thus improve the drilling efficiency. The received data helps the driller to make proper decisions such as reaming a critical zone, changing the flow rate to reduce erosion or modifying the string rotation speed to reduce vibrations. This paper reviews tests and experiments, which have been performed using two different ultrasonic sensors in different drilling fluids and also different wellbore conditions. The comparison of the results of high frequency and low frequency sensor will help to design and manufacture an ultrasonic caliper which can detect instabilities in the wellbore with high resolution recorded data. Effects of drilled cuttings and gas bubbles on both sensors are analyzed and the attenuation and scattering of the signals were reduces by the new design of the caliper. In the new design of the ultrasonic caliper, sound velocity could be determined in real time at the pressure and temperature of the downhole condition. This will increases the accuracy of the measured diameter and the shape of the borehole in real time application. Finally, even with the modern technology improvements, ultrasonic caliper cannot provide absolute accurate information for all drilling environments and conditions. Several operational factors such as mud density, borehole wall roughness and tool position in the borehole among others need to be considered in order to optimize the accuracy of the borehole caliper data. For this reason analysis of circle fitting algorithms based on the Kasa method have been implemented. Using this method and the new design of the caliper tool, accuracy of the recorded data increases.

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Determining the Accuracy of Ultrasonic Caliper Measurements for Real Time Drilling Application

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

Managed Pressure Drilling and Cementing and Optimizing with Digital Solutions

Managed Pressure Drilling and Cementing and Optimizing with Digital Solutions

Real Time Measurement of Borehole Shape and Diameter by Using Ultrasonic Caliper in Different Drilling Fluid and Wellbore Conditions for Detecting Instabilities

Real Time Determination of the Instability in the Borehole by Using 4D Images of the Wellbore with High Accuracy Ultrasonic Caliper

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