Integrated approach to drilling dynamics challenges in the Browse Basin
Y. Arevalo A , C. O’Sullivan A and A. Fernandes ASchlumberger.
The APPEA Journal 52(2) 666-666 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ11080
Published: 2012
Abstract
The use of drilling dynamics measurements has traditionally focused on improving downhole tool reliability. This, however, is a limited scope and in recognition of this, drilling dynamics is approached as a process that starts early in the planning stage of a project and targets the performance of the complete drillstring. Failures or inefficiencies associated with drillstring dynamics continue to occur in spite of the sophistication of today’s measurements, particularly in exploratory projects that extend the present drilling envelope.
Several methodologies were integrated to address the challenges of drilling dynamics and overcome frequent failures observed on the initial exploratory work on the Browse Basin. A steep learning curve was achieved by accelerating the improvement cycle using advanced modelling techniques and obtaining optimum designs without the need of multiple trial and error cycles.
This extended abstract also describes the use of real-time dynamics measurements to quantify the risks related to drillstring vibration, a critical need for the drilling environment observed in the basin that ties planning work into the execution stage. Finally, the project cycle is closed with the evaluation of drilling performance using data-handling tools that allow the effective use of large amounts of drilling data generated during the execution and feedback into a new planning cycle.
The extended abstract describes the implementation of drilling dynamics modelling to assist performance improvement, but more importantly, the methodology to incorporate it into a real-time decision-making process that maximises the value of technology implementation.
Yezid Arevalo is a senior drilling engineer with Schlumberger Drilling and Measurements, presently the drilling optimisation engineer for Australia. He started his field career as a measurements engineer (MWD/LWD) with Schlumberger and also worked as a perform (drilling optimisation) engineer, providing technical advice to improve performance. He also managed drilling-related risks in projects extending from high-angle, long-reach wells in remote eco-sensitive areas of the Amazon jungle to challenging deep wells in the tectonic region of the Andean foothills. Yezid later led the drilling engineering team supporting international operators for deepwater projects in Brazil before moving to Australia to assume his present position. He received his degree in electronics engineering from the University of Santo Tomas in Bogota, Colombia, in 1997. |
Cathal O’Sullivan holds a BEng (hons) (mining engineering) from Camborne School of Mines, the UK. He has more than 11 years of experience in the oilfield, starting his career in the North Sea as a mudlogger. In 2002, he joined Schlumberger Drilling and Measurements and worked his way from MWD Engineer to directional driller, working mainly within the North Sea region; he also has experience working in North Africa and the Middle East. In 2009, he transferred to Perth to take up a project management role, which has involved looking after projects from simple exploration wells to complex multi-lateral and extended-reach drilling campaigns. Member: SPE and IOM3. |
Ashley Fernandes is the drilling engineering manager for Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia in Schlumberger Drilling and Measurements. He has 29 years of experience in the drilling industry with previous assignments as the drilling engineering manager in Saudi Arabia and the Caspian Sea. He also worked as a drilling instructor for Schlumberger, where he developed training programs and taught at Schlumberger training centres in Houston and the UK. He started in Schlumberger as an MWD engineer and directional driller, having previously worked his way up from floor hand to rig manager in Atwood Oceanics. He holds a BSc (physics) from the University of Bombay. |
References
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