Impact of Static and Dynamic Wellbore Strengthening on Well Planning in Petroleum Development Oman

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter in 't Panhuis ◽  
Sandeep Mahajan ◽  
Cindy Prin ◽  
Ahmed Al Ajmi

Abstract Formation Integrity Tests (FIT) or Leak-Off Tests (LOT) are common techniques to reduce the uncertainty in Fracture Gradient (FG) prediction for well planning, but are usually performed at the casing shoe. This article will discuss the first examples of open-hole LOT and FIT in Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), targeting depleted formations in water injector or oil producer wells. The data was used to justify continued drilling of slim wells with two casing strings, where otherwise three casing strings would be required, provided dynamic wellbore strengthening is applied. In addition, the concept of static wellbore strengthening was also trialed for the first time in Oman, using the hesitation squeeze testing procedure, by which the effective leak-off pressure was incrementally increased to match the maximum ECD required for cementing.


2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniket Kumar ◽  
Robello Samuel

The “Smear Effect” observed during a casing-while-drilling operation helps reduce lost circulation, provides wellbore strengthening, and improves the fracture gradient so we can drill more effectively through depleted reservoirs. Several case studies have been reported confirming the formation of a smear zone around the wellbore wall, due to the plastering of cuttings and added lost circulation materials. However, even after successful application in a number of cases, a thorough understanding of the parameters affecting the formation of the smear zone and the subsequent increase in the fracture gradient is not available. This study analyses the theory behind the phenomenon of the smear effect mechanism using case studies and existing literature, and then applies analytical models to estimate the improvement in the fracture gradient based on the drilling parameters and reservoir properties. The formation of the smear zone has been investigated by modeling the mechanism of initiation of micro-fractures around the wellbore wall due to high equivalent circulating densities (ECDs) occurring during casing while drilling. The effect of plugging of these generated micro-fractures by the drilled cuttings and additional lost circulation material added has then been modelled, to estimate the resultant improvement in fracture gradients expected along the wellbore open hole section. In addition, the appropriate particle size distribution required to successfully plug the micro-fractures has also been presented. These analytical models have then been applied to a simulated field case study and the results have been analysed in the context of recorded field observations to simulate the smear effect using the proposed models. The contribution of the casing size and length, formation properties, and operating parameters on the initiation of micro-fractures and the increase in fracture gradient has also been presented to better demonstrate the mechanism of the formation of the smear zone. This analysis is one of the first of its kind of theoretical study to understand the fundamentals of the smear effect mechanism and can be suitably applied to enhance our understanding of the smear effect to use it better to our advantage.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chee Phuat Tan ◽  
Wan Nur Safawati Wan Mohd Zainudin ◽  
M Solehuddin Razak ◽  
Siti Shahara Zakaria ◽  
Thanavathy Patma Nesan ◽  
...  

Abstract Drilling in permeable formations, especially depleted reservoirs, can particularly benefit from simultaneous wellbore shielding and strengthening functionalities of drilling mud compounds. The ability to generate simultaneous wellbore shielding and strengthening in reservoirs has potential to widen stable mud weight windows to drill such reservoirs without the need to switch from wellbore strengthening compound to wellbore shielding compound, and vice-versa. Wellbore shielding and strengthening experiments were conducted on three outcrop sandstones with three mud compounds. The wellbore shielding stage was conducted by increasing the confining and borehole pressures in 4-5 steps until both reached target pressures. CT scan images demonstrate consistency of the filtration rates with observed CT scanned mud cakes which are dependent on the sandstone pore size and mud compound particle size distributions. In wellbore strengthening stage, the borehole pressure was increased until fracture was initiated, which was detected via borehole pressure trend and CT scan imaging. The fractures generated were observed to be plugged by mud filter solids which are visible in the CT scan images. The extent of observed fracture solid plugging varies with rock elastic properties, fracture width and mud compound particle size distribution. Based on the laboratory test data, fracture gradient enhancement concept was developed for the mud compounds. In addition, the data obtained and observations from the tests were used to develop optimal empirical design criteria and guidelines to achieve dual wellbore strengthening and shielding performance of the mud compounds. The design criteria were validated on a well which was treated with one of the mud compounds based on its mud loss events during drilling and running casing.



1980 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 257
Author(s):  
R.W. King

Production platforms required for the development of the North Rankin gas/condensate field will be founded on deep deposits of loose to weakly cemented calcareous material of predominantly marine origin. Although the data base for foundation design in these materials is extremely limited, experience has shown that calcareous sediments exhibit unusual engineering characteristics and that in situ load tests appear to be the most reliable indicator of soil-bearing potential.The foundation investigations performed at North Rankin, in 1978, integrated conventional soil sampling techniques with cone penetrometer testing (CPT), which is a small-scale load test that provides a semicontinuous profile of soil resistance. This being the first time that CPT had been used extensively in calcareous sediments, a series of innovative prototype in situ load tests were performed to provide data for calibration of the core resistance profile.A modified carbonate classification system was introduced into the programme and, together with detailed geological analysis of specimens, it provided an insight into subtle variations in lithology and cementation throughout the profile.These new developments and the comprehensive nature of the investigation produced a large amount of data that are relevant to other locations where similar sediments exist.As a result of these investigations and subsequent studies, Woodside Petroleum Development has been able to progress confidently in the definition of a suitable foundation system and the design of the North Rankin platforms.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meshal Al-Khaldi ◽  
Dhari Al-Saadi ◽  
Mohammad Al-Ajmi ◽  
Abhijit Dutta ◽  
Ibrahim Elafify ◽  
...  

Abstract This project began when a 9-5/8" in 43.5 ppf production casing became inaccessible due to the existing cemented pipe inside, preventing further reservoir section exposure and necessitating a mechanical side-track meanwhile introducing the challenge of loosing one section and imposimg slim hole challenges. The size and weight of the double-casing made for challenging drilling, as did the eight very different formations, which were drilled. The side-track was accomplished in two steps, an 8½ in hole followed by a single long 6⅛ in section, rather than the three steps (16 in, 12¼ in, 8½ in) that are typically required. The optimal kick off point carfully located across the dual casing by running electromagnetic diagnostics, the casing collar locator, and the cement bond log. The double casing mill was carefully tailored to successfully accomplish the exit in one run. Moreover, an extra 26 ft. MD rathole was drilled, which helped to eliminate the mud motor elongation run. A rotary steerable system was utilized directly in a directional BHA to drill an 8½ in open hole building section from vertical to a 30⁰ inclination. A 7.0 in liner was then set to isolate weak zones at the equivalent depth of the outer casing (13-3/8"). Subsequently, a single 6⅛ in section was drilled to the well TD through the lower eight formations. Drilling a 6⅛ in section through eight formations came with a variety of challenges. These formations have different challenging behaviors relative to the wellbore pressure that typically leads to the drilling being done in two sections. Modeling the geo-mechanical characteristics of each formation allowed the determination of a mud weight range and rheology that would stabilize the wellbore through all eight formations. The slim, 6⅛ in, hole was stabilized with higher equivalent circulating density (ECD) values than is typically used in larger boreholes. Optimizing mud weight and drilling parameters, while managing differential sticking with close monitoring of real-time ECD, helped to stabilize the high-pressurized zones to deliver the well to the desired TD with a single borehole. This project represents the first time in Kuwait that double casings in such large sizes have been cut and sidetracked. It is also the first time these eight formations have been cut across such a smaller hole size, slim hole (6⅛ in) in a single shot. Geo-mechanical modeling allowed us to stabilize the pressurized formations and to control the ECD. The well also deployed the longest production liner in the field commingling multiple reservoirs with differnt pore pressure ramps, with excellent cement quality providing optimal zonal isolation.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irfan Kurawle ◽  
Ansgar Dieker ◽  
Adriana Soltero ◽  
Svetlana Nafikova

Abstract BP returned to Caspian deepwater exploratory drilling in 2019. The exploration well was drilled on the Shafag-Asiman structure in water depths greater than 2,000 ft. Well challenges included high shallow water flow (SWF) risk with multiple re-spuds on the nearest offset, lost circulation due to complex wellbore geometry combined with a narrow pore and fracture gradient window, and uncertainty in pore pressure prediction in abnormally pressured formations with a new depositional model. In addition, a well total depth more than 23,000 ft, eight string casing design and bottom-hole pressures greater than 20,000 psi presented a truly modern-day challenge to well integrity. A six-month planning phase for the cementing basis of design concluded by delivering slurry designs capable of combating SWF, qualified by variable-speed rotational gel strength measurement. Engineered lost circulation with selective placement of wellbore strengthening materials in combination with cement and mechanical barriers to provide isolation and integrity for the life of the well. Exhaustive pilot testing to account for changes required a cement design based on pore pressure variation and comprehensive modeling for hydraulics, centralizer placement, and mud displacement. This was complemented by a custom centralizer testing process specifically designed to simulate forces exerted in wells with similar complexity. Long-term effects on cement were evaluated, not only for placement but also for future operations including pressure and temperature cycles during wellbore construction or abandonment.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussien Alzaki ◽  
Nadhir Rahmani ◽  
Matthew Carr

Abstract Long-extended reach drilling (ERD) well has become necessary to reach untapped resources. This paper will describe pre-planning, execution and post results of drilling ERD wells with large bore design of 12¼" as the main step out section and deploying 9⅝" casing on shallow TVD of 4,200’. Progressive increase of the ERD ratio and complexity from one well to the next was planned and executed till we reached the longest well deploying 8 KM of 9⅝" casing with 5.4 ERD ratio at 26,179' TD horizontally all the way. A learning curve was established on drilled wells while progressively increasing reach and complexity. Subject well was the longest of any well planned in the field by far. Success involved implementation of technically modeled engineered solutions and verified during execution. Operational procedures including but not limited to: proper planning and execution of well profile to ensure optimum placement in a specific formation and minimum side forces. Drilling and tripping procedures to ensure the lowest friction factor (FF) and allow drilling to target depth (TD) with optimum rig capability. Engineered solution for casing running technologies, which involved rotation and conventional running and floatation. The longest ERD well was drilled to 26,179' TD with field ROP record in 12¼" hole section, maintaining very good hole quality proved by smooth bit trips out of hole and the final trip at TD on elevators. Hole cleaning and fluids strategy was developed and executed efficiently to measure FFs as low as possible for successful 9⅝" deployment. Engineered solution was proposed for 9⅝" deployment and was successfully trial tested on a shorter well to validate simulations. Casing rotation FFs came close to the modeled FFs. The 9⅝" Casing was deployed to bottom as planned and the cement job was performed successfully. Various records were achieved: the subject well achieved the deepest 9⅝" horizontal casing, the deepest 12¼" horizontal at TVD shallower than 5,000'. The longest 12¼" horizontal open hole at TVD shallower than 5,000' with section footage of 16,164'. The 9⅝" casing was deployed as a long string, eliminating the cost and challenges of a liner hanger and the need for a future tieback and also keeping hole sizes available for main and contingency sections to drill the reservoirs ahead. In addition to existing developed procedures and practices for ERD wells, subject well was dealing with the challenge of drilling a long 12 ¼" hole with a torque limitation of 30K lbsf.ft on TDS, and 4200 psi on surface equipment, and running the longest casing horizontally at such a shallow TVD, which is being done the first time globally. The success proved that challenging ERD wells can be drilled with optimum investments on rig capabilities.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard O'Reilly ◽  
Alvin W. Chan

Abstract Depleted Fracture Gradients have been a challenge for the oil and gas industry during drilling and cementing operations for over 30 years. Yet, year after year, problems related to lost circulation, borehole instability (low mud weight due a low fracture gradient), and losses during cementing operations leading to NPT and remedial work continue to rank as some of the top NPT events that companies face. This paper will demonstrate how the geomechanical modeling, well execution and remedial strengthening operations should be implemented to provide for a successful outcome. The use of a Fracture Gradient (FG) framework will be discussed, and the use of a negotiated fracture gradient will highlight how the fracture gradient can be changed during operations. This paper will also show actual examples from Deepwater operations that have successfully executed a detailed borehole strengthening program. Through our offset studies and operational experience, we will provide a format for navigating complex depleted drilling issues and show an example on recovering from low fracture gradients. This paper will demonstrate (1) how our framework facilitated multi-disciplinary collaborative discussion among our subsurface and well engineering communities; (2) how the impacts of drilling fluids and operational procedures can change this lost circulation threshold; and (3) how our negotiated FG approach has successfully delivered wells drilled in narrow margins.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Shakhova ◽  
Natalia Lisyutina ◽  
Irina Lebedeva ◽  
Oleg Valshin ◽  
Roman Savinov ◽  
...  

Abstract This paper provides the results that were achieved and shares the drilling unique practices that were implemented to deliver the first complex bilateral extended reach drilling (ERD) well in Odoptu-more field (North Dome). Well design driven by geological objectives considered drilling 215.9mm main and pilot holes (PH). Well complexity was governed by the type of a profile having ERD ratio of 5.22 (main hole) / 4.60 (PH) and trajectory's 3D nature (turn in azimuth of 90 degrees) compared to previous wells in the project drilled mainly with 2D profiles. Apart from the problems connected with drilling and casing upper sections key challenges comprised kicking off in 215.9mm open hole at 5955m MD and 1512m TVD with rotary steerable system, setting cement plugs at shallow true vertical depth (TVD) at 89 degrees of inclination to abandon laterally drilled PH, delivering 168.3mm production liner to bottom with a risk of entering a lateral while running in hole. An effective collaboration between integrated engineering team and customer departments went far beyond ERD standard set of operations already existing in the project thus allowing to break its own records and to set new achievements due to integrated technological approach. The longest 444.5mm section (2975 m) was drilled in one run achieving the record daily drilling rate and rate of penetration (ROP). Cementing of 244.5mm floated liner resulted in the highest good cement bond integrity percentage ever achieved among other wells in project due to new ways of casing standoff and fluid rheology hierarchy modeling. For the first time in the project 215.9mm main horizontal hole in extreme reach ERD well has been drilled by kicking off in open hole from the pilot horizontal one with push-the-bit rotary steerable system without a kickoff plug with pilot hole being abandoned by setting cement plugs. Project-specific risk assessment conducted by team allowed successful deployment of 168.3mm liner into the main hole. Moreover, due to thorough engineering planning electrical submersible pump (ESP) was run without extending 244.5mm liner to surface by tie-back thus saving additional 7 days. Drilling first bilateral ERD well unlocked opportunities for the operator to reach, explore and develop different extended geological targets thus eliminating well construction process of additional wells on drilling upper sections.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayat. Abdi Jibar ◽  
Muhammad Syafruddin ◽  
Maad Subaihi ◽  
Karem Alejandra ◽  
Mariam AL Reyami ◽  
...  

Abstract ADNOC has started several years ago few CO2 pilot projects to explore its feasibility for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in Rumaitha oil field in United Arab Emirates. The CO2 injector wells, to be discussed in this paper, were completed with open-hole horizontal completion, aiming to maximize CO2 injectivity by increasing the contact area between a wellbore and the formation. However, logging these wells for surveillance and intervention has been a challenge, due to the corrosive wellbore environment, tubing minimum restriction and depth reach limitation for both Coiled Tubing (CT) and conventional Tractor conveyance. The current study focusses on using new Slim-hole Tractor, run first time worldwide in CO2 injector wells to convey the logging tools across these long open-hole horizontal wells for rig-less reservoir monitoring and injection optimization. The advanced design Slim Tractor uses high expansion and reciprocating system for increased contact area with the wellbore, to convey logging tools in the horizontal open-hole and cased-hole completions. Several improvements were made over the existing conventional Tractors, such as the increase of pull out of hole capabilities, increased debris tolerance, improved gripping and be able to operate in sour environments. Furthermore, logging while tractoring feature for this advanced Tractor is a key differentiator in horizontal logging to achieve logging objectives the earliest possible while minimizing the acquisition time, reducing the footprint on the well sites, hence less HSE issues and better operations efficiency. This paper presents field experiment conducted on 3 wells in Rumaitha field. The Novel Slim Openhole Tractor was run successfully, first time worldwide in CO2 injector, to convey multiphase production logging tool across a long openhole horizontal completions, in order to determine CO2 zonal injectivity, investigate the presence of possible thief zones, CO2 flow behind the casing. These jobs were conducted real-time to optimize the logging operation and reduce CO2 exposure on the tools. Over 30,000 ft successful tractoring across the 3 horizontal openhole wells. Tractor depth reach exceeded the expectations, almost 100% achieved in 2 wells. The Slim Tractor has also successfully negotiated and passed across multiple washout zones and restrictions encountered, without any issues and the tools were retrieved to surface without any debris clogged on the Tractor arms. Excellent data quality was acquired from the multiphase production logging tool and pulsed Neutron tool during shut-in and flowing at different injection rates in extremely shorter time compared to CT, saving days of operating time. This study helped to delineate the conveyance strategies to be adopted in the upcoming CO2 openhole wells and contributed to enhance the understanding of zonal injectivity distributions across the reservoir. The results will be also incorporated into the reservoir model to understand the effect of injectivity on pore pressure, fracture and faults initiations and their effects on sweep efficiency in EOR and Carbon sequestration in carbon storage projects.





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