scholarly journals An Integrated Approach for Drilling Optimization Using Advanced Drilling Optimizer

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hankins ◽  
Saeed Salehi ◽  
Fatemeh Karbalaei Saleh

The ability to optimize drilling procedures and economics involves simulation to understand the effects operational parameters and equipment design have on the ROP. An analysis applying drilling performance modeling to optimize drilling operations has been conducted to address this issue. This study shows how optimum operational parameters and equipment can be predicted by simulating drilling operations of preexisting wells in a Northwest Louisiana field. Reference well data was gathered and processed to predict the “drillability” of the formations encountered by inverting bit specific ROP models to solve for rock strength. The output data generated for the reference well was formatted to simulate upcoming wells. A comparative analysis was conducted between the predicted results and the actual results to show the accuracy of the simulation. A significant higher accuracy is shown between the simulated and actual drilling results. Once simulations were validated, optimum drilling parameters and equipment specifications were found by varying different combinations of weight on bit (WOB), rotary speed (RPM), hydraulics, and bit specifications until the highest drilling rate is achieved for each well. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the optimized results was conducted to assess the potential operational and economic benefits on drilling operations.

Author(s):  
Daiyan Ahmed ◽  
Yingjian Xiao ◽  
Jeronimo de Moura ◽  
Stephen D. Butt

Abstract Optimum production from vein-type deposits requires the Narrow Vein Mining (NVM) process where excavation is accomplished by drilling larger diameter holes. To drill into the veins to successfully extract the ore deposits, a conventional rotary drilling rig is mounted on the ground. These operations are generally conducted by drilling a pilot hole in a narrow vein followed by a hole widening operation. Initially, a pilot hole is drilled for exploration purposes, to guide the larger diameter hole and to control the trajectory, and the next step in the excavation is progressed by hole widening operation. Drilling cutting properties, such as particle size distribution, volume, and shape may expose a significant drilling problem or may provide justification for performance enhancement decisions. In this study, a laboratory hole widening drilling process performance was evaluated by drilling cutting analysis. Drill-off Tests (DOT) were conducted in the Drilling Technology Laboratory (DTL) by dint of a Small Drilling Simulator (SDS) to generate the drilling parameters and to collect the cuttings. Different drilling operations were assessed based on Rate of Penetration (ROP), Weight on Bit (WOB), Rotation per Minute (RPM), Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE) and Drilling Efficiency (DE). A conducive schedule for achieving the objectives was developed, in addition to cuttings for further interpretation. A comprehensive study for the hole widening operation was conducted by involving intensive drilling cutting analysis, drilling parameters, and drilling performance leading to recommendations for full-scale drilling operations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Batruny ◽  
Hafiz Zubir ◽  
Pete Slagel ◽  
Hanif Yahya ◽  
Zahid Zakaria ◽  
...  

Abstract Conventionally, a bit is selected from offset well bit run summaries. This method of selection is not always accurate since each bit is run under different conditions which might not be reflected in an offset study analysis. The large quantities of data generated from real time measurements in offset wells makes machine learning the ideal tool for analysis and comparison. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a relatively simple machine learning tool that combines inputs and calculation layers to compute a specified output layer. The ANN is fed over thousands of data points from 17-1/2 in hole sections across multiple wells. A specific model is then trained for every bit with weight on bit (WOB), rotary speed (RPM), bit hydraulics, and lithological properties as inputs and rate of penetration (ROP) as output. The model is finalized when a satisfactory statistical set of KPI's are achieved. Using a combination of Monte-Carlo analysis and sensitivity analysis, different bits are compared by varying parameters for the same bit and varying the bit under the same parameters. A bit and its optimized parameters are proposed, resulting in an average instantaneous ROP improvement of 32%. Performance benchmarked with individual drilling parameters shows improved ROP response to WOB, RPM, and bit hydraulics in the optimized run. This project solidifies machine learning as a powerful tool for bit selection and parameter optimization to improve drilling performance. Machine learning will become a significant part of well planning, design, and operations in the future. This study demonstrates how ANN's can be used to learn from previous operations and influence planning decisions to improve bit performance.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaston Lopez ◽  
Gonzalo Vidal ◽  
Claus Hedegaard ◽  
Reinaldo Maldonado

Abstract Losses, wellbore instability, and influxes during drillings operations in unconventional fields result from continuous reactivity to the drilling fluid causing instability in the microfractured limestone of the Quintuco Formation in Argentina. This volatile situation becomes more critical when drilling operations are navigating horizontally through the Vaca Muerta Formation, a bituminous marlstone with a higher density than the Quintuco Formation. Controlling drilling fluids invasion between the communicating microfractures and connecting pores helps to minimize seepage losses, total losses, wellbore fluid influxes, and instabilities, reducing the non-productive time (NPT) caused by these problems during drilling operations. The use of conventional sealants – like calcium carbonate, graphite, asphalt, and other bridging materials – does not guarantee problem-free drilling operations. Also, lost circulation material (LCM) is restricted because the MWD-LWD tools clearances are very narrow in these slim holes. The challenge is to generate a strong and resistant seal separating the drilling fluid and the formation. Using an ultra-low-invasion technology will increase the operative fracture gradient window, avoid fluid invasion to the formation, minimize losses, and stop the cycle of fluid invasion and instability, allowing operations to maintain the designed drilling parameters and objectives safely. The ultra-low-invasion wellbore shielding technology has been applied in various fields, resulting in significantly improved drilling efficiencies compared to offset wells. The operator has benefited from the minimization of drilling fluids costs and optimization in drilling operations, including reducing the volume of oil-based drilling fluids used per well, fewer casing sections, and fewer requirements for cementing intervals to solve lost circulation problems. This paper will discuss the design of the ultra-low-invasion technology in an oil-based drilling fluid, the strategy for determining the technical limits for application, the evaluation of the operative window with an increase in the fracture gradient, the optimized drilling performance, and reduction in costs, including the elimination of NPT caused by wellbore instability.


Author(s):  
Abdelsalam N. Abugharara ◽  
John Molgaard ◽  
Charles A. Hurich ◽  
Stephen D. Butt

Abstract This work concentrates on the investigation of enhancing drilling performance through increasing drilling rate of penetration (ROP) by using a passive vibration assisted rotary drilling (pVARD) tool. It also involves analysis of how ROP was significantly increased when drilling using pVARD compared to drilling using conventional system “rigid” using coring and drilling in shale rocks. The apparatus used was a fully instrument laboratory scale rig and the bits were dual-cutter polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit for drilling and diamond impregnated coring bit for coring. The flow rate was constant of (7 litter / min) using clean water at atmospheric pressure. In addition, for accuracy data recording, a data acquisition system (DAQ-Sys) using a LabVIEW software was utilized to record data at 1000HZ sampling rate. The output drilling parameters involved in the analysis included operational rpm, torque (TRQ), and ROP. All the output-drilling parameters were analyzed with relation to downhole dynamic weight on bit (DDWOB). The result of this work explained how pVARD can increase the DDWOB and improve ROP. The result also demonstrated generating a balanced and concentric increase in DDWOB and minimizing the wide-range fluctuation of DDWOB generated in rigid drilling, particularly at high DDWOB.


Author(s):  
Jeronimo De Moura ◽  
Yingjian Xiao ◽  
Daiyah Ahmed ◽  
James Yang ◽  
Stephen D. Butt

Abstract This study is an evaluation of drilling mechanisms for widening drilling operations, which are also called hole opening or enlarge drilling operations, in hard rock formations during drilling operation with fixed cutter bits. This paper focuses on correlating drilling performance, or Rate of Penetration (ROP), with drilling parameters such as Weight on Bit (WOB), rotary speed, Torque on Bit (TOB) and bit type. Laboratory Drill-Off Tests (DOT) were conducted using a drilling simulator. Natural granite specimens were penetrated using different types of fixed cutter bits with different diameters. Various magnitudes of WOB were applied during these drilling experiments in order to study drilling performance in this type of formation. A well-organized drilling experimental plan was proposed to cover both procedures of pilot holes and widening drilling operations. Comparison were made between performance conditions obtained during the drilling operations of pilot holes and similar conditions during widening drilling operations. Furthermore, bit-rock interaction was studied by comparing experimental data with that obtained from empirical models. The focus of this paper was to analyze the ROP during each stage of the widening drilling operations of a pilot hole and its correlation with other parameters. The applicability of current empirical models and their limitations in widening drilling operations in hard rock formation was analyzed. In this way, this drilling model is applied in widening drilling operations of hard rock formation with fixed cutter bits.


Author(s):  
Massinissa Derbal ◽  
Mohamed Gharib ◽  
Shady S Refaat ◽  
Alan Palazzolo ◽  
Sadok Sassi

Drillstring–borehole interaction can produce severely damaging vibrations. An example is stick–slip vibration, which negatively affects drilling performance, tool integrity and completion time, and costs. Attempts to mitigate stick–slip vibration typically use passive means and/or change the operation parameters, such as weight on bit and rotational speed. Automating the latter approach, by means of feedback control, holds the promise of quicker and more effective mitigation. The present work presents three separate fractional-order controllers for mitigating drillstring slip–stick vibrations. For the sake of illustration, the drillstring is represented by a torsional vibration lumped parameter model with four degrees of freedom, including parameter uncertainty. The robustness of these fractional-order controllers is compared with traditional proportional-integral-derivative controllers under variation of the weight on bit and the drill bit’s desired rotary speed. The results confirm the proposed controllers effectiveness and feasibility, with rapid time response and less overshoot than conventional proportional-integral-derivative controllers.


1982 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. E. Eronini ◽  
W. H. Somerton ◽  
D. M. Auslander

A rock drilling model is developed as a set of ordinary differential equations describing discrete segments of the drilling rig, including the bit and the rock. The end segment consists of a description of the bit as a “nonideal” transformer and a characterization of the rock behavior. The effects on rock drilling of bottom hole cleaning, drill string-borehole interaction, and tooth wear are represented in the model. Simulated drilling under various conditions, using this model, gave results which are similar to those found in field and laboratory drilling performance data. In particular, the model predicts the expected relationships between drilling rate and the quantities, weight on bit, differential mud pressure, and rotary speed. The results also suggest that the damping of the longitudinal vibrations of the drill string could be predominantly hydrodynamic as opposed to viscous. Pulsations in the mud flow are found to introduce “percussive” effects in the bit forces which seem to improve the penetration rate. However, it is known from field observations that drill pipe movements, if strong enough, may induce mud pressure surges which can cause borehole and circulation problems. Bit forces and torques are shown to be substantially coupled and the influence of certain rock parameters on variables which are measurable either at the bit or on the surface support the expectation that these signals can furnish useful data on the formation being drilled. Other results, though preliminary, show that the effects of the lateral deflections of the drill string may be large for the axial bit forces and significant for the torsional vibrations. For the latter, the unsteady nature of the rotation above the bit increases and the resistance to rotation due to rubbing contact between the drill string and the wellbore accounts for very large power losses between the surface and the bit.


1984 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
R. P. Barmby ◽  
R. A. Haines

SANTOS Ltd, as drilling operator in the Cooper Basin of South Australia, has experimented with polycrystalline diamond (PCD) drilling bits in a variety of medium-cost drilling programs. PCD bits were originally designed for use in high rotary speed, low weight on bit, shale drilling environments. The operator has succeeded in reducing drilling costs by 32 per cent in some low rotary speed, high weight on bit, sandstone drilling sections. This was achieved without significant alterations to the existing drilling program.The test runs of PCD bits also established optimum lithologies, optimum drilling parameters and techniques for detecting bit failure for use in the Cooper Basin. Drilling fluid systems and wellbore deviation control techniques were not altered while utilizing PCD drilling bits.SANTOS has also concluded preliminary testing of PCD core bits, and believes their economic application will expand in the future.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efe Mulumba Ovwigho ◽  
Saleh Al Marri ◽  
Abdulaziz Al Hajri

Abstract On a Deep Gas Project in the Middle East, it is required to drill 3500 ft of 8-3/8" deviated section and land the well across highly interbedded and abrasive sandstone formations with compressive strength of 15 - 35 kpsi. While drilling this section, the drill string was constantly stalling and as such could not optimize drilling parameters. Due to the resulting low ROP, it was necessary to optimize the Drill string in order to enhance performance. Performed dynamic BHA modelling which showed current drill string was not optimized for drilling long curved sections. Simulation showed high buckling levels across the 4" drill pipe and not all the weight applied on surface was transmitted to the bit. The drilling torque, flowrate and standpipe pressures were limited by the 4" drill pipe. This impacted the ROP and overall drilling performance. Proposed to replace the 4" drill pipe with 5-1/2" drill pipe. Ran the simulations and the model predicted improved drill string stability, better transmission of weights to the bit and increased ROP. One well was assigned for the implementation. Ran the optimized BHA solution, able to apply the maximum surface weight on bit recommended by the bit manufacturer, while drilling did not observe string stalling or erratic torque. There was also low levels of shocks and vibrations and stick-slip. Doubled the on-bottom ROP while drilling this section with the same bit. Unlike wells drilled with the previous BHA, on this run, observed high BHA stability while drilling, hole was in great shape while POOH to the shoe after drilling the section, there were no tight spots recorded while tripping and this resulted in the elimination of the planned wiper trip. Decision taken to perform open hole logging operation on cable and subsequently run 7-in liner without performing a reaming trip. This BHA has been adopted on the Project and subsequent wells drilled with this single string showed similar performance. This solution has led to average savings of approximately 120 hours per well drilled subsequently on this field. This consist of 80 hours due to improved ROP, 10 hrs due to the elimination of wiper trip and a further 30 hrs from optimized logging operation on cable. In addition, wells are now delivered earlier due to this innovative solution. This paper will show how simple changes in drill string design can lead to huge savings in this current climate where there is a constant push for reduction in well times, well costs and improved well delivery. It will explain the step-by-step process that was followed prior to implementing this innovative solution.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1223-1232
Author(s):  
Ahmed Bani Mustafa ◽  
Ahmed K. Abbas ◽  
Mortadha Alsaba ◽  
Mamoon Alameen

AbstractThe prediction of the drilling rate of penetration (ROP) is one of the key aspects of drilling optimization due to its significant role in reducing expensive drilling costs. Many variables could affect ROP, which can be classified into two general categories; controllable operational variables and uncontrollable or environmental variables. Minimizing the drilling cost can be achieved through optimizing the controllable drilling parameters. As a direct result, the drilling speed will be increased while maintaining safe practices. The primary purpose of this study is to address the simultaneous impact of controllable parameters such as weight on bit (WOB), revolutions per minute, and flow rate (FR) on the rate of penetration (ROP). Response surface methodology was applied to develop a mathematical relation between operational controllable drilling parameters and ROP. To accomplish this, actual field datasets from several wells drilled in Southern Iraq in different fields were used. The second purpose of this study was to identify all prospective optimal ranges of these controllable parameters to obtain superior drilling performance with an optimum ROP. The obtained results showed that the developed model offers a cost-effective tool for determining the maximum ROP as a function of controllable parameters with reasonable accuracy. In addition, the proposed model was used to estimate optimal combinations of controllable drilling parameters for various depths. The results have shown that FR has the most significant effect on ROP variation with a sum of squares values of 23.47. Applying high WOB does not permanently improve ROP but could result in reducing ROP for some cases. The developed mechanical specific energy model for polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit with vertical and deviated wells can estimate combinations of controllable drilling parameters. The developed model can be successfully applied to predict and optimize the drilling rate when using PDC bits, hence reducing the drilling time and the associated drilling cost for future wells.


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