Intelligent Drilling System: Expanding the Envelope of Wired Drill Pipe

Abstract

The intelligent drilling system (IDS), based on the 57,000 bits per second and bi-directional wired drill pipe telemetry, has been under experimental trial in the industry in a variety of applications. Several SPE papers have covered these applications, which include: drilling optimization, hole cleaning, drilling risks and NPT reduction. The IDS can also be utilized with other tools to expand the window of drilling optimization applications to include the risk management approach, where the system value and the impact on drilling operations will be greater. To achieve this change, it is important to expand and improve the current techniques and develop new methods that will expand the application of the wired drill pipe (WDP) system. This paper will describe the application of WDP in middle east during a trial test, showing how it was expanded and customized to suit complex drilling environments. This field trial involved a three-phase approach. Each of these phases tested the functionality and application of the IDS to determine the potential benefit for different projects. Phase 1 aimed at testing the system functionality and integrity. This includes along string measurements (ASMs), logging while drilling (LWD) data transmission, wired bottomhole assembly components, top drive and surface system, and interface sub and signal boosters. Phase 2 aimed at testing the top-of-mud measurements derived from the ASMs pressure readings. The objective was to test the algorithm and validate the results to ensure accurate readings. Measuring the fluid level is critical in managing total loss situations. Phase 3 aimed at early kick detection simulation. In this phase, a kick was simulated by pumping a heavy mud pill and checking ASM response while the pill was progressing up the annulus. This simulation has important applications in early downhole kick detection in total loss situations where there are no returns to surface. Finally, the paper will outline future applications of the IDS in managing risk in complex and risky drilling environments. This is where total losses are encountered while drilling across high-pressure reservoirs. Fluid level, in total losses situation, will be monitored by high-frequency downhole pressure measurments at multiple depths. These measurements of the downhole hydrostatic and dynamic pressure will also be providing early kick detection.