Single-Diameter Technology Capable of Increasing Extended-Reach Drilling by 50%

Bell, R.; Mckee, Rob; Zwald, Edwin; Lewis, Derrick; Suryanarayana, Phanish

doi:10.4043/17828-ms

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Hill et al [15] discussed designing and qualifying drill strings for ERD while Mason and Judzis [16] discussed the limit of ERD, and Suggett and Smith [17] addressed the issue of ERD limit for rig capacity. Bell et al [18] reported an application of significant increases in the lateral reach of a number of ERW's. Samuel [19] presented a new well-path design that can extend the reach of ERW through reducing torque and drag using curvature and torsion discontinuities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Analytical Model for Axial Force Transfer and the Maximum Compression Point of Work Strings in Extend Reach Drilling

Shaibu

2020

IMST

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Complex work string dynamics are often observed when one is investigating the limit of Extended Reach Drilling (ERD), yet the underlying physical causes of anomalous problems are often not fully understood and is thus a topic of ongoing research interest. Theoretical models capturing tubular dynamics have been previously proposed to analyze force transfer in work strings, yet there is significant confusion regarding these models because their published versions are not entirely consistent and, in many cases, do not meet engineering requirement. Further confusion is introduced through variations in pin-pointing locations where axial compression in the work strings should be checked for mechanical integrity. A simple and yet rigorous mathematical model is essential for adequate prediction of axial compression profiles in work strings for ERD. This article presents a simplified tubular mechanics model for describing axial force transfer under ERD conditions. We discuss the model in finding the point of peak compression in casing strings. This point is predicted to be in the arc section near the heel of a horizontal wellbore, under borehole drilling, and casing running conditions. The exact location of the peak axial compression changes with pipe-wall friction coefficient. For the friction coefficient in the range of 0.15 to 0.35, this point occurs in the range of inclination angle between 70.7 o and 81.5 o , averaging 76.1 o . The model can also be used for other purposes, including prediction of depth limit, bottom hole assembly (BHA) design, and locking up analysis of coiled tubing (CT) strings.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Analytical Model for Axial Force Transfer and the Maximum Compression Point of Work Strings in Extend Reach Drilling

Shaibu

2020

IMST

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Successful Field Appraisal Well Makes Single-Diameter Wellbore a Reality

Mckee

Fritsch

2008

All Days

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Developing revolutionary technology requires persistence, perseverance, and vision to take an idea to a reliable product. A key factor in achieving the objective stems from how effectively the product development philosophy garners real results. For the development of the single-diameter wellbore, this philosophy resulted in a phased process that brought the technology from a concept to a reality. This technology had to undergo final validation of some of the components before entering the final phase of the development process. This phase consisted of qualifying the tool for a specific application, with all of the components having been previously qualified for functionality. Successful integrated testing on the single-diameter system resulted in qualifying the phased-expansion system. The field appraisal test recently completed simulated the deployment operations by replicating hole angle, hole size, mud types, drill bits and other variables that factor into the complexity of the downhole conditions. This paper will explain the product development philosophy and process used to drive the validation of the single-diameter wellbore. It will detail the current status of the technology, the process to determine quantifiers and the actual field appraisal and results. In addition, this paper will explain the factors that led to the product development and determined the commercial viability of the technology. Introduction Development Philosophy A constant diameter in the wellbore has been a tempting proposition for years as rigorous testing, design and optimization has propelled development towards a tangible and applicable system. This technology is based on a sound foundation of solid expandable tubular knowledge including an advanced understanding of pipe metallurgy, properties and the effects of stresses and strains endured during the expansion process. The uniform-diameter system was developed according to pre-determined and specific requirements. A dynamic test philosophy for qualifying new tools enabled the creation of a very robust toolset for global applications. A key objective established during the design concept was to develop a reliable tool for a myriad of conditions and applications. To achieve this goal, the design concept itself was closely controlled and incorporated multi-disciplinary processes from the design team that included drilling experts, engineers, designers and end users. Using modular components proved to be the most practical plan for construction as it provided for easier customization to specific applications, simplicity in overall design and quick and easy assembly of tools during issue mitigation. Although foundation design concepts that have been around for years in the industry were used, most of the components did not exist. Development of the multi-functional tools necessitated an extensive design task to fulfill all of the extended requirements.1 This approach resulted in the successful development of a complete technology suite that when used in its entirety facilitates a constant diameter across multiple liners or when used in part can perform a variety of specialized wellbore operations.

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Dynamic Formations Rendered Less Problematic with Solid Expandable Technology

Jennings

2008

All Days

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To reach drilling objectives in dynamic formations requires robust technology that can adapt to unpredictable wellbore conditions. Such is the case with operations in Asia Pacific; a very tectonically active region. The shifting plates put the earth's crust under extreme stress, which has a propensity to cause various difficult drilling conditions including:FaultsHigh pore pressureWellbore instability These issues are difficult to predict, both in occurrence and true vertical depth (TVD), and are usually mitigated by running an unplanned string of casing. Unexpected conditions requiring a casing point put the drilling plan at risk when reservoir objectives are hole-size dependent. Standard oil country tubular goods (OCTG) reduce the wellbore inside diameter (ID) every time a casing string is set. When the situation dictates setting casing higher than planned, solid expandable technology has successfully minimized wellbore reduction and enabled the operator to get back to the casing program with an optimized hole size. Planning solid expandable systems into wellbore construction as a design element, rather than a contingency plan, has averted numerous problems identified during the drilling process. Conventional solid expandable systems minimize loss of hole size, while single-diameter expandable systems (including openhole cladding) provide solutions without loss of hole size. By utilizing single-diameter technology, zones and formations can be sealed, allowing the next hole section to be drilled with the same bit as the previous. In this capacity, expandable systems become an enabling technology for previously undrillable wells. This paper will discuss how solid expandable tubular systems have evolved to include a technology suite of options that addresses drilling challenges in active formations. Case histories will be used to illustrate the technical and economic value brought to projects by way of solid expandable system application. Introduction The Asia Pacific region contains significant hydrocarbon potential in environments ranging from prolific, shallow-depth reservoirs to heavily-faulted, folded formations. Continental shelf margins as well as deep and ultra-deep marine environments have been explored and developed in this geologically-diverse area. Land and offshore basins yield production formations found in deltaic, fluvial environments, and stacked pay sections. This hydrocarbon-rich region is replete with ongoing tectonic movement, earthquakes, underwater landslides, lost circulation zones, and uncontrolled mud flows, as well as geologically stable and simple depositional environments. The prevalent conglomerate, igneous, clastic, and carbonate-laden formations present a variety of drilling challenges to regional operations. Dynamic conditions add an extra element of difficulty when addressing the usual drilling problems such as lost circulation from a weak formation or borehole instabilities caused by complex lithologies. In an effort to preempt some of these problems, operators have taken to utilizing solid expandable tubulars by incorporating them into the initial wellbore design in both drilling and workover projects. Focusing on opportunity for the application of solid expandable technologies rather than on a need-based strategy has helped mitigate challenges once considered the hard boundaries that defined drilling limits and completion restrictions. The effectiveness of solid expandable tubulars to mitigate challenges has been well documented with over 920 applications to date. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Since the first installation in late 1999, the technology has evolved to include a suite of systems capable of addressing varied challenges even in extreme environments and dynamic formations.

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Single-Diameter Technology Capable of Increasing Extended-Reach Drilling by 50%

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

An Analytical Model for Axial Force Transfer and the Maximum Compression Point of Work Strings in Extend Reach Drilling

An Analytical Model for Axial Force Transfer and the Maximum Compression Point of Work Strings in Extend Reach Drilling

Successful Field Appraisal Well Makes Single-Diameter Wellbore a Reality

Dynamic Formations Rendered Less Problematic with Solid Expandable Technology

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