Modeling of Expandable Slotted Tubulars

Abstract

fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractAdvanced technologies are implemented for successful completion of wells and have become paramount objective especially in high-risk, high-cost environments, such as ultradeep water extended reach wells. Challenges are associated not only with complex well architecture but also completing the wells successfully using slotted tubulars, slotted liners and etc. Expandable slotted tubulars have been found to improve well production, reduce sand production and thereby reduce well costs compared with conventional approaches to sand control. While performing these completion operations the maximum running hook loads and static drag encountered during pre and post expansion process are indispensable for making appropriate well-completion decisions. Comparatively little research or modeling has been done to estimate these operating parameters. Traditionally, operating parameters such as torque and drag are estimated using the traditional torque and drag calculations with adjusted friction factors. This will result in under estimation of the values and pose problem in successfully completing the zone. Unduly conservative design or under estimation may pose poor result and lead to undesirable increase in the well cost and may be significant in challenging wells. To avoid this, a simple mathematical model has been developed and presented in this paper. Several simulations were carried out with synthetic as well actual data and have been found that the model prediction is very good as compared to the actual data. This paper documents the comparison between the predicted mathematical simulation results with the actual data.