scholarly journals Equivalent Circulation Density Analysis of Geothermal Well by Coupling Temperature

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuhua Zheng ◽  
Chenyang Duan ◽  
Zheng Yan ◽  
Hongyu Ye ◽  
Zhiqing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Geothermal Gradient ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Geothermal Well ◽  
Time Flow ◽  
Wellbore Pressure

The accurate wellbore pressure control not only prevents from lost circulation/blowout and fracturing formation by managing density of drilling fluid, but also improves productivity by mitigating reservoir damage. The geothermal pressure calculated by constant parameters for geothermal well would bring big error easily, as the changes of physical, rheological and thermal properties of drilling fluids with temperature were neglected. This paper researches the wellbore pressure coupling by calculating the temperature distribution with existed model, fitting the rule of density of drilling fluid with temperature and establishing mathematical models to stimulate the wellbore pressures, which is expressed as the variation of Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) under different conditions. With this method, temperature and ECDs in the wellbore of the first medium-deep geothermal well ZK212 Yangyi Geothermal Field in Tibet were determined, and the sensitivity analysis was simulated by assumed parameters, i.e. circulating time, flow rate, geothermal gradient, diameters of wellbore, rheological models and regimes, the results indicated the geothermal gradient and flow rate were the most influence parameters on the temperature and ECD distribution, and additives added in drilling fluid should be careful which would change the properties of drilling fluid and induce the temperature redistribution. To make sure the safe drilling, velocity of pipes tripping into the hole, depth and diameter of wellbore are considered to control the surge pressure.

New Model to Analyze Nonlinear Leak-Off Test Behavior

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Altun ◽  
E. Shirman ◽  
J. P. Langlinais ◽  
A. T. Bourgoyne
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Nonlinear Behavior ◽  
Injection Pressure ◽  
Maximum Pressure ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Total System ◽  
Verification Method ◽  
Fracture Pressure ◽  
Wellbore Pressure

A leak-off test (LOT) is a verification method to estimate fracture pressure of exposed formations. After cementing each casing string, LOT is run to verify that the casing, cement and formation below the casing seat can withstand the wellbore pressure required to drill for the next casing string safely. Estimated fracture pressure from the test is used as the maximum pressure that may be imposed on that formation. Critical drilling decisions for mud weights, casing setting depths, and well control techniques are based upon the result of a LOT. Although LOT is a simple and inexpensive test, its interpretation is not always easy, particularly in formations that give nonlinear relationships between pumped volume and injection pressure. The observed shape of the LOT is primarily controlled by the local stresses. However, there are other factors that can affect and distort LOT results. Physically the LOT, indeed, reflects the total system compressibility, i.e., the compressibility of the drilling fluid, wellbore expansion, or so-called borehole ballooning, and leak (filtration) of drilling fluids into the formation. There is, however, no mathematical model explaining the nonlinear behavior. Disagreement on determining or interpreting actual leak-off pressure from the test data among the operators is common. In this paper, a mathematical model using a well-known compressibility equation is derived for total system compressibility to fully analyze nonlinear LOT behavior. This model accurately predicts the observed nonlinear behavior in a field example. The model also predicts the fracture pressure of the formation without running a test until formation fracture.

A Wellbore Pressure Calculation Method Considering Gas Suspension in Wellbore Shut-In Condition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Zhang ◽  
Baojiang Sun ◽  
Zhiyuan Wang ◽  
Shaowei Pan ◽  
Wenqiang Lou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yield Stress ◽  
Calculation Method ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Gas Suspension ◽  
Wellhead Pressure ◽  
Suspension Concentration ◽  
Wellbore Pressure

Abstract In the oil industry, the drilling fluid is yield stress fluid. The gas invading the wellbore during the drilling process is distributed in the wellbore in the form of bubbles. When the buoyancy of the bubble is less than the resistance of the yield stress, the bubble will be suspended in the drilling fluid, which will lead to wellbore pressure inaccurately predicting and overflow. In this paper, the prediction model of gas limit suspension concentration under different yield stresses of drilling fluids is obtained by experiments, and the calculation method of wellbore pressure considering the influence of gas suspension under shut-in conditions is established. Based on the calculation of the basic data of a case well, the distribution of gas in different yield stress drilling fluids and the influence of gas suspension on the wellbore pressure are analyzed. The results show that with the increase of yield stress, the volume of suspended single bubbles increases, the gas suspension concentration increases, and the height at which the gas can rise is reduced. When the yield stress of drilling fluid is 2 Pa, the increment of wellhead pressure decreases by 37.1% compared with that without considering gas suspension, and when the yield stress of drilling fluid is 10Pa, the increment of wellhead pressure can decrease by 78.6%, which shows that when the yield stress of drilling fluid is different, the final stable wellhead pressure is quite different. This is of great significance for the optimization design of field overflow and kill parameters, and for the accurate calculation of wellbore pressure by considering the suspension effect of drilling fluid on the invasion gas through the shut in wellhead pressure.

Estimation of Undisturbed Geothermal Gradient in Wells From Measured Drilling Data: A Numerical Approach

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Cantinelli Sevillano ◽  
Jesus De Andrade ◽  
Sigbjørn Sangesland
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Thermal Properties ◽  
Temperature Distribution ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Geothermal Gradient ◽  
Computer Code ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Drilling Fluids

The undisturbed geothermal gradient is a key thermal boundary that drives heat transfer processes occurring in oil and gas wells throughout their lifetime. However, the temperature distribution with depth is somewhat uncertain, and this is often assumed to be a linear approximation from the mudline to the bottom of the well. During drilling, the circulating temperature may significantly affect the rheology of the drilling fluids and the cement setting processes. Therefore, erroneous estimates of the wellbore temperature may affect the overall performance of the drilling phase and subsequent well operations. Further, it is important to know the accurate temperature distribution within the formation for assessment of the petroleum prospectivity through source rock maturation and reservoir quality. This paper presents a numerical methodology to estimate the undisturbed geothermal gradient while drilling in offshore wells. This methodology may also be applied to onshore wells by simplification. The new approach is based on an in-house axisymmetric wellbore transient thermal model, in which the equations are solved using the finite difference method. The model computes the heat transfer between the well and riser system with the surroundings. However, other computational codes may also be used following the framework presented in this study. The computer code should provide a detailed representation of the geometry of the wellbore, the physical properties of the drilling fluid and formation, the suitable thermal boundary conditions and temporal discretization. The temperatures of the fluid at the inlet of the drillstring and at the bottom hole assembly (BHA), in the annulus A, are used as input to the numerical model that iteratively adjusts the undisturbed geothermal gradient, which generated the temperature recordings while drilling. The paper comprises cases studies of hypothetical wells drilled in relevant offshore areas in the world, each with their distinctive and variable geothermal gradient, defined by the different rock formations encountered. Uncertainties regarding the thermal properties of the rock were also considered to ascertain the robustness of the code. The water depth of the drilling site was also observed to impact the convergence of the algorithm. The results obtained by the numerical approach are in good agreement with the expected values of the undisturbed formation temperatures. The novelty of the numerical framework is the ability to provide reliable and satisfactory estimates of the undisturbed geothermal gradient for wellbores with any configuration, lithology and rock properties. These estimates are based on temperature measurements of the circulating drilling fluid at the BHA and account for uncertainty in rock thermal properties; in reasonable time using standard engineering computers.

Nitrogen-Based Back Pressure Unit Modernizes Managed Pressure Drilling Operations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wamidh Louayd Al-Hashmy
Keyword(s):  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Drill String ◽  
Back Pressure ◽  
Managed Pressure Drilling ◽  
Core Function ◽  
Wellbore Pressure ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Pressure Unit ◽  
Static Conditions

Abstract Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) solutions are no longer the anomaly to Operator strategies, but rather another tool in their belts. With this continual utilization, MPD is evolving to become compact, more effective and safer. The inventive use of a Nitrogen Backup Unit (NBU) has eliminated the reliance of MPD operations on sizable Auxiliary Pumps. The core function of MPD operations is maintaining the total wellbore pressure by manipulating surface applied back pressure. MPD relies on circulating fluid as back pressure is generated by restricting flow against its choke(s). While drilling, fluid circulation is a given; however, that is not the case during static conditions such as drill string connections. The NBU solves this issue by injecting a small volume of nitrogen into the MPD lines upstream of the choke at a pre-set pressure. This supplements the back pressure control at surface should additional pressure be needed after closing the choke or if pressure diminishes during long static periods. Prior to the NBU design, the only effective solution was an Auxiliary Pump setup. This solution doubles the choke manifold footprint, relies on mechanical maintenance, and requires additional dedicated personnel at times. Most critically, the Auxiliary Pump lags the operation minutes before each use and is therefore functioned before static conditions when possible. However, unplanned and sudden events are commonplace – such as Rig Pump failures. When drilling formations with narrow pressure margins, unsafe gases, or crucial hole instability pressure limits, a few minutes can result in considerable and costly outcomes. Once installed during initial rig-up, the NBU is capable of injecting nitrogen-sourced back pressure instantaneously at the literal click of a button – avoiding costly and sometimes hazardous conditions. The NBU modernizes MPD operations and renders the Auxiliary Pump setup outdated in many applications. This paper details this innovative implementation of maintaining wellbore pressure, highlights several field examples of the NBU maintaining back pressure at critical times and shows how the layout used minimizes the operational footprint.

Detailed Modeling of Drilling Fluid Flow in a Wellbore Annulus While Drilling

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgeny Podryabinkin ◽  
Valery Rudyak ◽  
Andrey Gavrilov ◽  
Roland May
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Newtonian Fluids ◽  
Rheological Parameters ◽  
Flow Mode ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
New Model ◽  
Wellbore Pressure ◽  
Analytical Approaches

To produce a well safely, the wellbore pressure during drilling must be in a range that prevents collapse yet avoids fracturing. This range is often called “the operating window”. Exceeding the limits of this range can trigger wellbore instability or initiate well control incidents. Pressure prediction requires an understanding of the hydrodynamics processes that occur in a borehole while drilling. Describing these processes is complicated by many factors: the mud rheology is usually non-Newtonian, the flow mode can be laminar or turbulent, and the drillstring can rotate and be positioned eccentrically. Known semi-analytical approaches cannot account for the full range of fluid flows that can arise during drilling. These techniques don’t take into account all factors. Accurate numerical simulation of the flow of drilling fluids is a means to describe the fluid behavior in detail. For numerical solutions of hydrodynamics equations a unique algorithm based on a finite-volume method and a new model of turbulence for non-Newtonian fluids was developed. The model considers string rotation and eccentricity of the drillstring. Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids as described by the Herschel–Bulkley rheological model have been implemented. Data obtained via systematic parameter studies of the flow in a borehole are available for fast determination of parameters like pressure drop, velocity field, and stresses corresponding to any drilling condition. Applying the new model for the annulus flow and comparing the results to the parallel plate flow approximation enabled us to quantify the error made due to the approximated solution for non-Newtonian fluid rheology. The difference between the solutions grows as the annular gap increases. This situation is a function of the rheological parameters. Secondary flow effects can only be seen when applying the new solution method.

scholarly journals Experimental investigation on barite sag under flowing condition and drill pipe rotation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 3497-3503
Author(s):  
Saeed Zaker ◽  
Pegah Sarafzadeh ◽  
Amin Ahmadi ◽  
Seyyed Hamid Esmaeili-Faraj ◽  
Roohollah Parvizi
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drill Pipe ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Flow Loop ◽  
Well Control ◽  
Mud Loss

Abstract Using drilling fluids with optimum density is one of the most important approaches to stabilize the pressure of the bottom formation and prevent blowout through the drilling process. One of the common methods for this purpose is adding some additives with high specific gravity to the drilling fluid to tune its density. Among the possible chemicals, barite and hematite with the density of 4.2 and 5.2 g/cc are the most common additives. Unfortunately, although the application of these additives is advantageous, they have some drawbacks which the most important one is separation and settlement of solid phase called barite sag. The barite sag comes from barite, or other dense materials particles deposition resulted in undesired density fluctuations in drilling fluid can lead to mud loss, well control problems, poorly cementing and even pipe sticking which occurs in severe cases. With respect to these concerns, the current investigation is concentrated to obtain the relation between the dynamic conditions such as flow rate (0.308 and 0.19 l/s) and deviation angles of 30°,45°,60° and 90° and barite sag phenomenon through a flow loop equipment. Besides, the effect of drilling string rotational speed (70 rpm) on the barite deposition is investigated. The results not only indicate that increasing the flow rate from 0.19 l/s to 0.308 l/s can reduce the deposition rate, but also increasing the deviation angle from 45 to 60 o enhance the barite deposition to its maximum value. Graphic abstract

Pressure Profile in Annulus: Solids Play a Significant Role

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feifei Zhang ◽  
Stefan Miska ◽  
Mengjiao Yu ◽  
Evren Ozbayoglu ◽  
Nicholas Takach
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Pressure Loss ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Pressure Profile ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Circulation System ◽  
Precise Knowledge ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wellbore Pressure ◽  
Drilling Operations

In drilling operations, accurate estimation of pressure profile in the wellbore is essential to achieve better bottom hole pressure control. Adjusting the drilling fluid properties and optimizing flow rate require precise knowledge of the pressure profile in the circulation system. Annular pressure profile calculations must consider solids present in the drilling fluid because the solids drilled from formations may have a significant effect on pressure in the wellbore. In cases of high solids fraction or solid pack off, the pressure loss caused by solids is much higher than the friction pressure loss. This paper looks into the effect of solids on the wellbore pressure profile under different conditions. An extensive number of experiments were conducted on a 90-ft-long, 4.5″x8″ full-scale flow loop to simulate field conditions. The effects of solids on pressure profile in the annulus are investigated. In the experimental results, a significant difference is found between the pressure profile with solids and without solids in the wellbore. A practical approach to calculate the pressure profile by considering the effects of solids in the wellbore is developed. This approach is based on the results of solids behavior in the wellbore. Both solids fraction in the well and solids pack off are considered in the proposed approach. The prediction results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The results of this study show how the pressure profile in the wellbore varies when solids present in the annulus. The pressure gradient with solids can be several times larger than the pure friction loss without solids. A decrease in flow rate may lead to a higher pressure profile and the risk of solids pack off in the wellbore because it increases the solids fraction. Results of this paper may have important applications in drilling operations.

Gas-Kick Simulation in Oil-Based Drilling Fluids with Nonequilibrium Gas-Dissolution and -Evolution Effects

SPE Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Zhengming Xu ◽  
Xuejiao Chen ◽  
Xianzhi Song ◽  
Zhaopeng Zhu ◽  
Wenping Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Gas Evolution ◽  
Dissolved Gas ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Nonequilibrium Gas ◽  
Gas Kick ◽  
Wellbore Pressure ◽  
Outflow Rate ◽  
State Models

Summary The nonequilibrium dissolution and evolution characteristics of gas in oil-based drilling fluids (OBDFs) greatly affect the ratio of free gas to dissolved gas in the wellbore, thus influencing the prediction accuracy of the wellbore-pressure and surface responses. Previous equilibrium-state models can result in the incorrect estimation of the multiphase-flow parameters during a gas kick in OBDFs. Therefore, a nonequilibrium gas/liquid two-phase-flow model is developed for simulations of gas kicks in OBDFs. Nonequilibrium gas-kick behaviors in OBDFs are investigated using the proposed model, and it is concluded that there is a unique gas-dissolving stage in comparison to the equilibrium gas-kick conditions. In this stage, the pit gain decreases to a large extent, and this phenomenon can be misinterpreted by the drilling crew as a loss of circulation or a decrease in the gas-kick intensity. The drilling-fluid-outflow rate is not a reliable gas-kick indicator because of the lower increment in the drilling-fluid-outflow rate under both nonequilibrium and equilibrium gas-dissolution conditions. Neglecting the gas-evolution rate in OBDFs could lead to overestimations of the maximum pit gain and the drilling-fluid-outflow rate. More gas moves from the wellbore in the form of dissolved gas under noninstantaneous gas-evolution conditions. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the safe and efficient treatment of gas kicks in OBDFs.

scholarly journals Wellbore Temperature and Pressure Field in Deep-water Drilling and the Applications in Prediction of Hydrate Formation Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wantong Sun ◽  
Na Wei ◽  
Jinzhou Zhao ◽  
Shouwei Zhou ◽  
Liehui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Hydrate Formation ◽  
Prediction Method ◽  
Geothermal Gradient ◽  
Formation Region ◽  
Fully Implicit ◽  
Wellbore Pressure ◽  
Wellbore Temperature ◽  
Influence Degree

In the process of deep-water drilling, gas hydrate is easily formed in wellbores due to the low temperature and high pressure environment. In this study, a new, systematic, and accurate prediction method of temperature, pressure, and hydrate formation region in wellbores is developed. The mathematical models of wellbore pressure and transient heat transfer are established, the numerical solution method based on fully implicit finite difference method is developed, and the accuracy is verified by comparing with the field measured data. Combined with the hydrate phase equilibrium model, the hydrate formation region in wellbore is predicted, and the sensitivity effects of nine factors on wellbore temperature, pressure, and hydrate formation region are analyzed. Finally, the influence regularities and degree of each parameter are obtained. The increases of circulation time, geothermal gradient, displacement of drilling fluid, and injection temperature will inhibit the formation of hydrate in wellbores, and the influence degree increases in turn; the increases of wellhead backpressure and seawater depth will promote the formation of hydrate in wellbores, and the influence degree increases in turn. The changes of drilling fluid density, well depth, and hole deviation angle have little effect on the formation of hydrate in wellbores.

Dynamic Differential Pressure Effects on Drilling of Permeable Formations

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. L. Hoberock ◽  
G. J. Bratcher
Keyword(s):  
Rock Strength ◽  
Penetration Rate ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Differential Pressure ◽  
Pressure Effects ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Bottom Hole ◽  
Wellbore Pressure ◽  
Dynamic Quantity

In the mathematical modeling of bit penetration rate for tri-cone roller bits in permeable formations, virtually all of the current techniques assume that the differential pressure between the bottom-hole wellbore pressure and the formation is a “static” value. This work shows that the appropriate differential pressure is a dynamic quantity, because for overbalanced drilling, fluid filtrate from the wellbore requires a finite time to flow into the formation, producing a changing pressure gradient ahead of the bit. Moreover, this dynamic gradient is directly dependent upon the rate of drill bit penetration, which is in turn dependent upon the dynamic gradient itself. Accordingly, coupled penetration rate and dynamic gradient equations must be solved, which frequently result in the prediction of higher drilling penetration rates than when the static gradient is used. The appropriate dynamic differential pressure equations are developed and applied to an example drilling situation. It is shown that with water-based drilling fluids, for rock with permeability greater than a few microdarcies at virtually all penetration rates, and for penetration rates less than 3 m/h (9.84 ft/h) at permeabilities greater than 1 μd (microdarcy), the dynamic differential pressure is significantly less than the static differential pressure. Accordingly, using the conventional static differential pressure results in the prediction of penetration rates that are much too low. Moreover, using measured penetration rates from the field, the conventional approach yields predicted in-situ rock strength that is much too high.

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