SPE 56564

An Integrated Solution of Extended-Reach Drilling Problems in the Niakuk Field,

Alaska: Part II- Hydraulics, Cuttings Transport and PWD
M. D. Green, SPE, and C. R. Thomesen, SPE, Baroid, A Division of Halliburton Energy Services,
L. Wolfson, SPE, Halliburton Energy Services, and P. A. Bern, SPE, BP Amoco plc

Copyright 1999, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 1999 SPE Annual Technical Conference and
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Abstract
The extended-reach drilling (ERD) program in the Niakuk
field, North Slope, Alaska, was suspended in January 1998
due to hole problems in the 8.5-in sections on two ERD wells.
An integrated study was undertaken to identify and address the
problems. The areas examined included wellbore stability,
drilling fluid optimisation, hydraulics and cuttings transport,
operational practices, and pressure-while-drilling (PWD) tool
utilisation. In the previous paper, the wellbore stability study
determined the optimum salinity, down-hole mud density and
limits for the equivalent circulation density (ECD) to minimise
wellbore damage. To minimise the ECD, a low viscosity fluid
with adequate cuttings transport was required. In this paper,
the hydraulics and cuttings transport models used to optimise
the rheology are discussed. An additional rheological concern
was to minimise barite sag. Laboratory tests were performed
to determine the fluid formulation to meet the rheological and
barite sag requirements. Operational practices were also
implemented to enhance cuttings transport in the long, high
angle intervals, and to reduce surge and swab pressures on
connections, when reaming and during trips.
The optimised drilling fluid and drilling practices were
successfully applied to a medium ERD well in June 1998.
Real-time PWD data analysis was essential to the operation.
The effects of rotation and annular cuttings loading on the
ECD were quantified through PWD tests in cased hole prior to
drilling the interval. The ECD was monitored and controlled
within the required limits during drilling. The hydraulic
models, drilling fluid design and operational practices were
further refined after that well. In August 1998, one of the

problem ERD wells was re-entered. Using the techniques

determined in the above studies, the well was successfully
drilled with no hole-related problems. In this paper, the
aspects integral to the success of these wells are discussed.
Introduction
The ERD program in the Niakuk field, North Slope, Alaska,
was suspended in January 1998 due to hole problems in the
8.5-in sections on two ERD wells. Prior to these two wells, the
Niakuk group had successfully drilled seven ERD wells with
departures from 14,000 to 18,000-ft (MD from 18,100 to
21,400-ft). The next well, NK-41, reached total depth (TD)
with a 19,016-ft departure (23,742-ft MD) after three plug
backs in the 8.5-in hole. The well was then plugged back to
drill to another bottom hole location. This sidetrack, NK-41A,
reached a TD with 19,265-ft departure (23,561-ft MD), but the
8.5-in hole was again lost. A second well was drilled, NK-11,
with a planned departure of 22,000-ft (26,000-ft MD), but was
suspended after reaching 17,500-ft departure (20,880-ft MD)
after two attempts. Problems encountered on NK-41, NK-41A
and NK-11 included wellbore breathing (fluid losses during
drilling that were regained on connections), lost circulation,
tight hole, pack-offs and stuck pipe. These problems
eventually lead to loss of the wells. An integrated study (a
peer assist1 followed by a number of further investigations)
was undertaken to identify and address the problems.
The areas examined in the study included wellbore
stability, drilling fluid optimisation, hydraulics and cuttings
transport, operational practices and PWD tool utilisation.
From the wellbore stability study2, a number of important
fluid design criteria were determined. To stabilise the problem
shales the following fluid properties were required:
The minimum static bottom-hole equivalent mud density
to minimise wellbore collapse in the high-angled wellbore
was 10.5 to 11.0-lb/gal. An 11.0-lb/gal density was
recommended.
The ECD to minimise cyclic tensile fatiguing of the
wellbore was estimated to be 13.0 to 13.5-lb/gal. A
maximum ECD of 13.0-lb/gal was recommended.
The optimum oil-based mud water phase salinity required
to stabilise the formation was 280,000 to 300,000-ppm.

M. D. GREEN, C. THOMESEN, L. WOLFSON, P. A. BERN

The objective was then to optimise the rheological

properties of the drilling fluid to accomplish the following:
Minimise the ECD
Maintain cuttings transport performance
Minimise barite sag.
The techniques used to determine the optimum flow rate,
rheology and composition of the drilling fluid are discussed in
this paper.
Operational practices were also reviewed and adjusted as
necessary to minimise any potential wellbore damage. Tests to
characterise the wellbore hydraulics prior to drilling the
interval were implemented. Extensive use of the PWD tool
was made. The improvements to operational practices are
discussed in this paper.
The changes to the drilling fluid and drilling operation
were applied to a medium ERD well, NK-34. The NK-34
wellbore trajectory is shown in Fig. 1. Based on the
experience gained on NK-34, the system was further refined.
The NK-11 wellbore was then re-entered, a section was milled
in the 9.625-in casing, and the NK-11A sidetrack was drilled.
The planned, initial and final wellbore trajectories on NK-11
and NK-11A are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The success of
these wells is described.
Drilling Fluid Optimisation
A controlled salinity, mineral oil-based fluid system was used
to drill all previous 8.5-in ERD sections in the Niakuk field.
The possibility of using a water-based fluid was considered,
but was rejected due to lubricity and wellbore stability
concerns.
Review of ERD Hydraulic Practices. To determine how
hydraulic practices on the Niakuk field compared with typical
ERD practices, a database was compiled containing
rheological and hydraulic information for high angle or
horizontal 8.5-in sections from wells drilled around the world.
To compare hydraulics on the wells, the ECD for each well
was calculated using the surface rheology, flow rate and drill
pipe size on each well. To standardise the calculations, a
constant fluid density of 10.3-lb/gal was used, and the
wellbore geometry on NK-11 was used in each case. The
results of these ECD calculations are shown in Fig. 4. Annular
pressure drops in the Niakuk wells were on average 30% (0.8lb/gal) higher than normal ERD practice. These high ECDs
resulted from a combination of the following:
Higher than normal pump rates
Higher than normal fluid rheology
Use of 5.5-in drill pipe, rather than 5.0-in drill pipe that is
normally used in 8.5-in hole.
In addition to the worldwide review of drilling practices,
the hydraulics and cuttings transport for the previously
successful wells in the Niakuk field were compared in detail
with the two recent failures. From the study, it was concluded
that hole cleaning was not the primary cause of the hole
problems. However, a 10 to 20% increase in hole diameter
(due to possible wellbore instability) severely affected the

SPE 56564

cuttings transport performance. The hydraulics analysis

showed that ECDs were highest on the problem wells and
were 2.3 to 3.2-lb/gal greater than the surface density.
Surge/swab pressures were also extremely high, and for
NK-11, the equivalent density increased/decreased by 1.3 to
2.1-lb/gal.
It was then postulated that causes of the difficulties
encountered on the problem wells were the high ECD and
high surge/swab pressures damaging the wellbore through
cyclic loading/unloading. Hole enlargement occurred (wellbore instability caused by incorrect fluid density and/or
salinity would also have the same effect), cuttings transport
worsened, and the problems then escalated.
From these reviews, there was a strong argument for a
reduction in flow rate, rheology and/or drill pipe size to bring
the Niakuk wells in line with current ERD practice around the
world.
Drilling Fluid Density. To obtain a static bottom-hole
equivalent mud density of 11.0-lb/gal, it is necessary to use a
surface density that accounts for annular cuttings loading and
compressibility effects of the oil-based fluid due to down-hole
temperature and hydrostatic pressure3,4. Using the Baroid
DFG+Win hydraulics modeling software program, the
dynamic temperature profile in the well was predicted. Input
data for the modeling included estimated formation
temperatures (the 1,800-ft permafrost section was significant),
hydraulic and physical properties of the fluid, pit and flow line
temperatures and circulation time. The fluid density profile in
the well was then determined (based on a matrix of measured
properties of the base fluid under controlled temperature and
pressure). The predicted density profiles for the static and
dynamic fluid temperature profiles are shown in Fig. 5. For
the dynamic temperature profile, essentially no change in
bottom-hole equivalent density is predicted. However, if the
fluid is allowed to reach static temperature equilibrium with
the formation, a 0.2-lb/gal increase in bottom-hole equivalent
density is predicted (due to cooling and compression of the
fluid in the permafrost). On trips, the wellbore is stabilised by
the effective increase in fluid density.
The effect of annular cuttings loading on the static bottomhole equivalent density was calculated. Based on a typical
flow rate, rate of penetration and a calculated cuttings
transport efficiency, a 0.2-lb/gal increase was predicted
(equivalent to a 2 to 3% annular cuttings loading).
To maintain a static bottom-hole equivalent mud density of
11.0-lb/gal to minimise wellbore collapse, a surface mud
density of 10.7 to 10.8-lb/gal would be required. These
predictions were verified by recorded-mode PWD data after
drilling the interval, or after a trip.
Flow Rate, Rheology and Drill Pipe Size. The optimisation
of the wellbore hydraulics on these ERD wells was critical.
While drilling, the bottom-hole equivalent mud density had to
be constrained between 11.0 and 13.0-lb/gal, and adequate
cuttings transport had to be maintained. The objective then
was to reduce the cuttings-free annular pressure drop by 50%

SPE 56564

SOLUTION OF ERD PROBLEMS IN THE NIAKUK FIELD, ALASKA: PART II- HYDRAULICS, CUTTINGS TRANSPORT AND PWD

from that developed with the fluid system used on previous

wells, or to 1.5-lb/gal over the static bottom-hole fluid density.
Surge and swab pressures would be similarly reduced. An
appropriate reduction in flow rate, rheology and/or drill pipe
size would be required.
Several modeling tools were used to optimise the flow rate
and the fluid rheology. The annular pressure drop, ECD and
total stand-pipe pressure were calculated using BPs DEAP
and Baroids DFG+Win hydraulics models. Cuttings transport
was predicted using BPs DEAP model5 and Baroids
transport efficiency model6,7,8.
Rheological measurements on trial formulations under
down-hole conditions were conducted using the Fann 70
instrument. For the temperature and pressure conditions at
Niakuk, only small differences between surface and downhole rheology were evident; surface rheology was thus used
for all modeling.
Extensive simulations were performed to evaluate the
effects of various rheology, flow rate and drill pipe size on the
ECD and cuttings transport. The NK-11 wellbore geometry
was used for the calculations. The rheologies tested are shown
in Table 1. The rheology used on NK-11 was compared with
typical rheologies used on the Wytch Farm, England, and
Milne Point, Alaska, ERD operations. Shown in Fig. 6 is an
example of the effect of various rheologies on the ECD. A
significant reduction in ECD was predicted using the thinner
rheology. The effect on the cuttings transport for the same
rheologies is shown in Fig. 7. Based on past experience6,7,8,
good hole cleaning is achieved in a 70 hole if the transport
efficiency is greater than about 0.2. The effect of drill pipe
rotation is not modeled which dramatically improves cuttings
transport in high-angled wellbores6,7. An even slightly
negative transport efficiency can thus provide acceptable
cuttings transport in some situations. In Fig. 7, the transport
efficiency was reduced for the thinner rheologies, but was still
adequate to clean the hole at flow rates greater than 400 gpm.
Based on hydraulics and cuttings transport modeling, the
decision was made to continue the use of 5.5-in drill pipe. The
benefit of reduced ECD with 5.0-in drill pipe was significantly
offset by the higher drill string pressure loss and slightly lower
cuttings transport performance.
The results from the hydraulics and cuttings transport
analysis can be summarised as follows:
Continue the use of 5.5-in drill pipe.
Reduce the low-shear rheology of the mud. Maintain the
yield stress, 0, in the range 6 to 8-lbf/100-ft2. This should
equate to a Bingham yield point in the 15 to 20-lbf/100-ft2
range. Note that slightly lower rheology was used in
actual practice.
Maintain the flow rate in the range 450 to 500-gpm.

in the fluid was optimised to improve the low-shear rheology

without overly increasing the high-shear rheology.
The High Angle Sag Test (HAST)12 device was used to
evaluate the sag potential of the fluid under static conditions.
The HAST device measures the movement of the center of
mass of the test fluid, and based on that time function, a Sag
Coefficient is calculated that characterises the sag potential for
the system.
On the first well, NK-34, significant barite sag occurred on
two occasions during prolonged unplanned periods out of the
hole. On the first occasion, after drilling out the cement at the
9.625-in casing shoe, a trip was made for the drilling
assembly. The freshly prepared oil-based mud (OBM) was left
static down-hole for 48 hours. Being a fresh system, the
organophillic clays in the formulation had insufficient time to
adequately shear through the bit and fully yield, and the
entrained drill solids content was low, which further increased
the sag potential. In normal operations, displacement to the
OBM is performed immediately prior to drilling ahead into
new formation. However, by displacing the system prior to
drilling the cement, a cleaner displacement is achieved, and
the cement is drilled faster. The second barite sag incident
occurred at TD when the fluid was left static for three days
while the BOPs were worked on.
Modification to the low-shear rheology of the system was
required to minimise barite sag on the next well. The rheology
was already optimised for cuttings transport and ECD. An
additional parameter that could be adjusted was the oil-water
ratio (OWR). The initial fluid was formulated with an 80/20
OWR based on historical data that suggested that a high OWR
minimised barite sag. However, given the unusually low
rheology used here, a series of laboratory tests were initiated
to determine the effect of a reduced OWR. With the reduced
OWR, the organophillic clay content was also lowered to
offset the increased viscosity that resulted from this change.
The standard 16 hr HAST measurement for barite sag was
insufficient to model the static period that may be occur in an
ERD well of this type. Extended tests were conducted at
200F and at 65 (the worst angle for sag) for 90 hours. In Fig.
8 are HAST results that compare the initial 80/20 OWR with
75/25 and 70/30 OWR. The results show that the sag potential
increases the longer the fluid is static, but is significantly
reduced with the lower OWR.
On the next well, NK-11A, a 72/28 OWR was used.
Except for a small amount of sag experienced initially with the
fresh fluid, there was essentially no sag for the duration of the
well. The effectiveness of the reduced OWR in minimising
barite sag was thus demonstrated.
An additional benefit of the reduced OWR was a lower
cost drilling fluid. Less base fluid and less organophillic clays
were required to provide the necessary rheology.

Barite Sag. With the reduced rheology, barite sag, the slow
sedimentation of barite particles under static and dynamic
conditions, was a major concern9,10,11. Adequate low-shear
rheology is critical to prevent barite particles from settling. To
minimise barite sag, the high-grade organophillic clay content

Drilling Practices and the PWD Tool

Real-time PWD information was crucial on these ERD wells
in order to maintain the ECD within the required range to
prevent wellbore instability13,14,15. A number of drilling

M. D. GREEN, C. THOMESEN, L. WOLFSON, P. A. BERN

practices based on the PWD tool were implemented in the

Niakuk ERD operations. These practices were further refined
after drilling NK-34 and are now discussed.
ECD Control. The conventional application of the PWD tool
during drilling is to use a constant flow rate, monitor the ECD,
and, if the ECD exceeds the set maximum value, circulate the
hole clean or reduce the rate of penetration16. To maximise
cuttings transport, a different approach was used here. The
drill string rotation speed was maximised at all times (limited
to 130-rpm to ensure the integrity of the MWD tools) unless
slide drilling. While drilling, as the cuttings load increased,
increasing the ECD, the flow rate was reduced to maintain the
ECD at the maximum permissible value, here 13.0-lb/gal. If
flow rate reduced significantly, drilling was stopped and the
hole was circulated clean until the flow rate could be increased
to the previous level. In this way, cuttings transport was
maximised during both slide and rotary drilling modes. The
time required to clean the hole after sliding intervals and prior
to trips was also reduced.
Elimination of Surge/Swab on Connections. Using standard
drilling practices, large surge pressures were observed on
connections, as illustrated in the PWD data in Fig. 9a. To
reduce the surge pressure, the following modified procedure
was implemented. After a stand was drilled, a short time was
waited to ensure cuttings were clear of the BHA, backreaming was commenced, then just prior to reaching the top
of the stand, the pump rate was reduced. The stand was
reamed down at the reduced pump rate and at a controlled
speed to avoid surging the hole.
Any time the drill string was moved down, the pump rate
was reduced (to a maximum of 400-gpm with no rotation, or if
rotating, then to a maximum of 350-gpm). Any time the drill
string was moved up when the pump was off, running speed
was controlled to avoid swabbing the hole particularly when
near the bottom.
The implementation of these practices virtually eliminated
surge and swab pressures during the drilling operation. Shown
in Fig. 9b is a PWD trace for a typical connection made after
these measures were introduced. Any wellbore damage caused
by pressure fluctuations was thus minimised.
Trip Speed Optimisation. Analysis of recorded-mode PWD
data during trips enabled the trip speed to be optimised for all
future trips (not possible in real-time when flow rate is zero).
To minimise the swab pressure on the final trip out of the hole
after drilling, the mud density was also increased by 0.2-lb/gal
prior to the trip. Surge and swab pressures were thus
controlled to minimise wellbore instability.
To minimise surge pressures when tripping into the hole,
the well was periodically circulated for at least one annular
hole volume. The mud in the pits was also heated during this
time. By warming the mud in the hole, the rheology was
lowered, reducing the frictional pressure drop and the density
was lowered, reducing the hydrostatic pressure (up to
0.2-lb/gal as previously determined). Although a costly

SPE 56564

procedure, the overall surge pressures were reduced and the

wellbore integrity was maintained.
NK-34 Drilling Operation
The NK-34 well was drilled in June 1998 to evaluate the
modified fluid system and operational practices prior to
re-entry in the more challenging NK-11 well. The wellbore
trajectory is shown in Fig. 1. The 9.625-in casing was set at
16,478-ft MD at a tangent angle of 67. After drilling out with
an 8.5-in bit, the angle was held at 67 through Colville shale.
The hole angle was lowered to 57 to drill the unstable HRZ
shale and held to TD at 19,854-ft.
PWD Tests. Hydraulic tests in cased hole were conducted
prior to drilling the 8.5-in interval. Similar tests were recently
conducted on some ERD and HPHT wells in the North
Sea3,4,17. The objectives here were to provide a baseline for
evaluation of the real-time ECD while drilling the interval,
and to enable the feasibility of future ERD drilling in the
Niakuk field to be assessed. Note that the MD/TVD ratio or
the hole angle must remain constant for accurate extrapolation
of the results.
After conditioning the fresh OBM in the 9.625-in cased
hole, the cement plug and 10-ft of new formation were drilled
and a leak-off test was performed. The following are two
series of hydraulics tests that were conducted in the clean,
cased hole:
Variable flow rate (0 to 600-gpm) at fixed rotation speed
(0 and 110-rpm)
Fixed flow rate (400, 500 and 600-gpm) at variable
rotation speed (0, 50, 100 and 150-rpm)
At each test condition, the stable ECD as measured by the
PWD tool was recorded. Results from the tests are shown in
Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fluid properties during the test are listed
in Table 2. Major findings from the tests include the
following:
At the expected drilling flow rate and rotation speed,
505-gpm and 110-rpm, the ECD was 12.2 to 12.3-lb/gal.
Sufficient margin was therefore available for cuttings
loading and the extended open hole length at TD.
Rotation at 110-rpm consistently increased the ECD by
0.2-lb/gal for flow rates 200 to 600-gpm, in agreement
with findings by McCann, et al18.
Rotation at 50-rpm had little or no effect on the ECD at
400 to 600-gpm. For enhanced cuttings transport at
relatively low flow rates, adequate rotation is essential19.
The PWD test information provided an excellent baseline
to determine the effect of cuttings accumulation in the annulus
at any flow rate and rotation speed used when drilling. By
comparison of the ECD when drilling with that measured in
the test, the annular cuttings loading could be evaluated. An
informed decision about when to stop drilling and circulate the
hole clean could thus be made.
Cuttings Transport Monitoring. To better analyse the
hydraulic performance during this extended interval, the rheo-

SPE 56564

SOLUTION OF ERD PROBLEMS IN THE NIAKUK FIELD, ALASKA: PART II- HYDRAULICS, CUTTINGS TRANSPORT AND PWD

logical properties of the fluid were measured every two to

three hours. Based on the current rheology and flow rate, the
cuttings transport efficiencies were calculated for the casing
and open hole sections, and are plotted in Fig. 12. In this way,
the cuttings transport performance was monitored during the
drilling.
The cuttings transport performance was initially poor, due
to the fresh, thin fluid (organophillic clays not fully sheared
and yielded). The rheology improved while drilling; typical
properties are listed in Table 3. During the course of the
drilling interval, the transport efficiency generally ranged
between 0.1 and 0.2. The cuttings transport was thus
satisfactory since these transport efficiencies are modeled for
sliding conditions only.
Regular rheological measurements were important to
evaluate cuttings transport performance while drilling.
Examination of trends in the calculated transport efficiency
and the correlation with drill floor observations enabled any
potential cuttings transport problem to be identified and
treated in good time.
Results. The drilling operation on NK-34 went very smoothly.
The 8.5-in interval was drilled in 4.5 days with one BHA run.
Cuttings transport was excellent as indicated by the following:
Consistent cuttings load over the shakers.
No tight hole or packing off incidents. The torque and
drag were the lowest recorded in the drilling programme.
Wellbore breakout was reduced. The ultra-sonic caliper
recorded an average hole diameter of 8.75-in compared
with over 9.0-in in previous wells.
Fibrous sweeps were effective, but did not generate
enormous amounts of cuttings. The optimised rheology
and flow rate of the drilling fluid for hole cleaning was
thus vindicated.
Moderate circulation times were used to clean the hole
prior to short trips (1.4 annular volume) and at TD (2
annular volume).
Overall, the wellbore stability in the high angle 8.5-in
interval was enhanced using the modified fluid system and
operational procedures.
Hydraulic Model Validation
After drilling NK-34, a study was initiated to validate the
hydraulic model predictions for the ECD and stand-pipe
pressure (SPP) during the drilling operation. Using the DEAP
model, the hydraulics were calculated for each stand of the
8.5-in interval using the rheological and operational data that
were measured every two to three hours.
ECD Modeling. The effect of tool joints was included in the
hydraulics modeling (ECD increased by 0.2-lb/gal). The ECD
was then corrected for drill string rotation and cuttings
loading. The ECD correction for rotation speed was
determined using data from the PWD tests (Fig. 10 and Fig.
Fig. 11). The ECD correction for cuttings loading was
determined from recorded-mode PWD data during each

connection. Given the negligible compressibility of the fluid

(verified in cased hole with no cuttings), the difference
between the surface density and the static down-hole density is
the effective weight of cuttings on the down-hole equivalent
density. The average equivalent density increase due to
cuttings loading was 0.2-lb/gal, in agreement with previous
predictions.
The ECD as measured by the PWD tool and the predicted
ECD (corrected for rotation and cuttings) are plotted in Fig.
13. The actual ECD was under-predicted by 0.1-lb/gal. The
trend was followed almost exactly and a high degree of
confidence in ECD predictions for future wells was developed.
Stand-Pipe Pressure Modeling. SPP predictions are inherently difficult due to limited pressure loss data for the downhole equipment. The SPP predicted by DEAP accounted for
the surface, drill string, bit and annular pressure losses. In
addition, the pressure loss across the MWD tools, adjustable
stabiliser and motor were included. Correlations were
available for these down-hole equipment. The pressure loss
associated with the creation of torque in the motor was
calculated based on the real-time down-hole torque and
included in the summation. The pressure loss in the annulus
due to drill string rotation and cuttings, as determined in the
previous ECD predictions, were also added. Data for the
pressure drop across the motor were based on water and were
corrected for the more dense and viscous drilling fluid.
The SPP as measured on surface and the predicted SPP,
including the down-hole equipment and cuttings and rotation
corrections, are plotted in Fig. 14. The SPP was predicted to
within 5% of the actual SPP, and again, the trend was
followed almost exactly. The high accuracy of the predictions
was due to the rigorous modeling of the pressure losses in the
down-hole equipment.
The ability to accurately predict the ECD and SPP is
essential in ERD operations. The confidence gained by
validating the hydraulics models on the NK-34 well was very
important to enable the more technically challenging wells to
be attempted.
NK-11A Drilling Operation
The NK-11 wellbore was re-entered in August 1998. The
wellbore trajectories of the planned well, the two initial
plugbacks and the final actual well are illustrated in Fig. 2 and
Fig. Fig. 3. The well was planned to drill through two target
zones. The NK-11A sidetrack was made at 17,460-ft MD. An
80 tangent was built that included a 48 azimuthal turn. The
unstable shale formations above the first target area were then
penetrated at 60. The attack angle through the unstable shales
was reduced from the originally planned 74 to alleviate
potential wellbore stability problems2. After the first target
zone was reached, the decision was made to abandon the
second target. The total depth was 23,885-ft.

M. D. GREEN, C. THOMESEN, L. WOLFSON, P. A. BERN

Section Milling Operation in 9.625-in Casing. To begin the

sidetrack, a 60-ft section was cut in the 9.625-in casing. The
milling fluid properties required to perform this operation in
the 74 wellbore at 17,460-ft MD were critical. The oil-based
fluid, with rheological properties designed to drill the interval,
would have been inadequate to clean the large metal shavings
produced by the section mill. Modification of the rheology for
the milling operation, then restoration of the original rheology
for drilling, would have been prohibitively expensive and time
consuming. Instead, a custom-built inhibited KCl/polymer
water-based drilling fluid was designed. Typical properties of
the fluid are listed in Table 4. The milling rate was limited to
3-ft/hr, and with a flow rate of 600-gpm and utilising regular
low/high viscosity sweeps, the fluid system was extremely
successful in cleaning the metal cuttings from the wellbore. A
90% recovery of metal was measured.
Stand-Pipe Pressure Test. With only the bit, motor and
down-hole tools assembled and in the hole, circulation was
established, and the stand-pipe pressure was measured for a
range of flow rates. The pressure loss across the motor and
down-hole tools was thus accurately determined. The
predicted pump pressure required at TD was therefore more
accurately calculated than when empirical correlations for the
motor and down-hole tools were used.
Note that the rheology of the drilling fluid during these
tests should be as close as possible to that used when drilling.
With the temperature-sensitive oil-based fluid used here, good
temperature control was critical.
PWD Tests. A basic PWD test was conducted in the 9.625-in
casing prior to drilling out. The test results are shown in Fig.
10. Fluid properties during the test are listed in Table 5. Here,
the rheology was slightly higher than on NK-34, and the drill
string length was longer, but the ECDs measured were only
slightly higher than on NK-34. The effect of drill string
rotation on the ECD was similar. The more comprehensive
results determined on NK-34 were thus used on NK-11A. The
confidence to drill to TD using the same rheology was gained.
Drilling Operation Monitoring. Rheological properties,
cuttings transport performance and PWD data were monitored
on a continual basis during the drilling operation in a similar
manner to that on NK-34. The fluid rheology was very similar
to that used on NK-34 (see Table 3). During the latter stages
of the interval, however, the rheology was thinned further to
control the ECD. The yield stress, 0, was lowered to 4 to
5-lbf/100-ft2 to achieve a 0.1 to 0.2-lb/gal ECD reduction.
Results. Once the window was cut in the 9.625-in casing and
the kick-off was made, the 8.5-in interval was drilled in 14
days with two BHA runs (including an unscheduled trip to
replace the MWD tool). The NK-11A sidetrack reached
23,885-ft MD (19,804-ft departure) setting a new ERD record
in North America.

SPE 56564

While drilling the 80 tangent, the solids content of the

fluid increased and the rheology increased. To maintain the
rheology and ECD control, fine solids had to be removed from
the system. In addition to centrifugation on site, dilution and
replacement of the fluid system was implemented using fresh
unweighted mud containing no organophillic clays. The
rheological properties were thus maintained, and the ECD was
kept at or below 13.0-lb/gal during the entire interval.
The drill string was initially rotated at 130-rpm to
maximise cuttings transport in the high-angle wellbore.
However, excessive vibration of the BHA led to an MWD tool
failure. After replacement, the rotation speed was reduced to
110-rpm. Flow rate was controlled at 470 to 490-gpm during
the interval. Adequate cuttings transport was maintained with
the lower rotation speed.
Cuttings transport and wellbore stability on NK-11A were
again excellent, as indicated by similar observations to those
on NK-34. In addition, the following were concluded:
Barite sag was minimal and able to be controlled.
Gauge hole was drilled; the average wellbore diameter
was 8.6-in as measured by the ultra-sonic caliper tool.
There was no evidence of breathing or sloughing, and
there were no tight hole or packing off incidents (all were
major problems on the first two attempts that were
plugged back).
Overall, the drilling operation was an outstanding technical
success.
Conclusions
The success of the NK-11A extended-reach drilling operation
was due to the following primary achievements:
Determination of the fluid equivalent density range and
salinity to improve wellbore stability
Optimisation of the fluid rheology and flow rate to
minimise the ECD and maintain cuttings transport
Maximisation of the drill string rotation speed and flow
rate at all times to maximise cuttings transport
Real-time PWD data acquisition and analysis to
characterise the well prior to drilling and to monitor and
control the down-hole equivalent fluid density at all times
Improvement of operational practices to minimise
wellbore damage due to pipe movement.
The integration of these modifications into the well plan
and their application in the drilling operation was the key to
the success of the well.
Acknowledgments
We thank BP Amoco (Alaska) Inc. and ARCO Alaska Inc. for
permission to publish this paper; Dave Higbie, Baroid Alaska,
for all his hard work behind the scenes; Brandon McNerlin for
his hydraulics analysis; Les Peak, Mike Whiteley and the crew
on Pool 7 for their diligence and openness to new ideas; and
all the Anadrill engineers for data acquisition.

SPE 56564

SOLUTION OF ERD PROBLEMS IN THE NIAKUK FIELD, ALASKA: PART II- HYDRAULICS, CUTTINGS TRANSPORT AND PWD

References
1. Judzis, A., Stoltz, D. S., Wolfson, L.: Managing Peer Assists
Case Study of Improved Extended Reach Drilling
Performance, SPE/IADC 52775 presented at the 1999
SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
9-11 Mar.
2. Dowson, S. L., Willson, S. M., Wolfson, L., Tare, U.: An
Integrated Solution of Extended-Reach Drilling Problems in the
Niakuk Field, Alaska: Part I- Wellbore Stability, SPE 56563
presented at the 1999 SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition, Houston, Texas, USA, 3-6 Oct.
3. Charlez, Ph. A., Easton, M., Morrice, G., Tardy, P.: Validation
of Advanced Hydraulic Modeling using PWD Data, OTC 8804
presented at the 1998 Offshore Technology Conference,
Houston, Texas, USA, 4-7 May.
4. Gao, E., Estensen, O, MacDonald, C., Castle, S.: Critical
Requirements for Successful Fluid Engineering in HPHT Wells:
Modeling Tools, Design Procedures & Bottom Hole Pressure
Management in the Field, SPE 50581, presented at the 1998
SPE European Petroleum Conference, The Hague, The
Netherlands, 20-22 Oct.
5. Luo, Y., Bern, P. A., Chambers, B. D., Kellingray, D. S.:
Simple Charts to Determine Hole Cleaning Requirements in
Deviated Wells, IADC/SPE 27486 presented at the 1994
IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, Dallas, Texas, USA, 15-18
Feb.
6. Kenny, P., Sunde, E., Hemphill, T.: Hole Cleaning Modelling:
Whats n Got to Do With It? IADC/SPE 35099, presented at
the 1996 IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA, 12-15 Mar.
7. Hemphill, T., Pogue, T.: Field Applications of ERD Hole
Cleaning Modeling, SPE/IADC 37610, presented at the 1997
SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
4-6 Mar.
8. Green, M. D., Power, D.: Cuttings Transport Performance
Prediction in High Angle Wellbores, paper 99-132, presented
at the 1999 CADE/CAODC Spring Drilling Conference,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 7-8 Apr.
9. Bern, P. A., van Oort, E., Neusstadt, B., Ebeltoft, H., Zurdo, C.,
Zamora, M., Slater, K.: Barite Sag: Measurement, Modelling
and Management, IADC/SPE 47784 presented at the 1998
IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Conference, Jakarta, Indonesia,
7-9 Sep.
10. Bern, P. A., Zamora, M., Slater, K. S., Hearn, P. J.: The
Influence of Drilling Variables on Barite Sag, SPE 36670,
presented at the 1996 SPE Annual Technical Conference,
Denver, Colorado, USA, 6-9 Oct.
11. Dye, W., Brandt, M., Wesling, T., Hemphill, T., Greene, B.:
Rheological Techniques to Minimise the Potential for Barite
Sag, presented at the 1999 AADE Annual Technical Forum
Improvements in Drilling Fluids Technology, Houston, Texas,
USA, 30-31 Mar.
12. Jamison, D. E., Clements, W. R.: A New Test Method to
Characterise Settling/Sag Tendencies of Drilling Fluids Used in
Extended Reach Drilling, presented at the 1990 Drilling
Technical Symposium, ASME, PD-Vol. 27 (1990) 109-113.
13. Hutchinson, M., Rezmer-Cooper, I.: Using Downhole Annular
Pressure Measurements to Anticipate Drilling Problems, SPE
49114, prepared for the 1998 SPE Annual Technical
Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 27-30 Sept.
14. Ward, C. D., Andreassen, E.: Pressure While Drilling Data
Improves Reservoir Drilling Performance, SPE/IADC 37588,

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

presented at the 1997 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference,

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 4-6 Mar.
Mallary, C. R., Varco, M., Quinn, D.: Using Pressure-WhileDrilling Measurements To Solve Extended-Reach Drilling
Problems on Alaska's North Slope, SPE 54592, presented at
the 1999 SPE Western Regional Meeting, Anchorage, Alaska,
USA, 26-28 May.
Easton, M. D. J., Nichols, J., Riley, G. J.: Optimising Hole
Cleaning by Application of a Pressure While Drilling Tool,
SPE 37612, presented at the 1997 SPE/IADC Drilling
Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 4-6 Mar.
Isambourg, P., Bertin, D., Brangetto, M.: Field Hydraulic Tests
Improve HPHT Drilling Safety and Performance, SPE 49115,
prepared for the 1998 SPE Annual Tec Technical Conference,
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 27-30 Sept.
McCann, R. C., Quigley, M. S., Zamora, M., Slater, K. S.:
Effects of High-Speed Pipe Rotation on Pressures in Narrow
Annuli, SPE Drilling and Completion, (June 1995) 96-103.
Sanchez, R. A., Azar, J. J., Bassal, A. A., Martins, A. L.: The
Effect of Drillpipe Rotation on Hole Cleaning During
Directional Well Drilling, SPE/IADC 37626, presented at the
1997 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, 4-6 Mar.

SI Metric Conversion Factors

cP 1.0*
E-03 = Pa.s
ft 3.048*
E-01 = m
in 2.54*
E-02 = m
lbf 4.448 222 E+00 = N
lbf/100-ft2 2.088 543 E+00 = Pa
lb/gal 1.198
E-01 = kg/m3
gal (US) 3.785 412 E-03 = m3
psi 6.894 757 E+03 = Pa
*Conversion factor is exact

TABLE 1 Rheology Used to Evaluate Hydraulics

Speed (rpm)
600
300
200
100
6
3
PV (cP)
YP (lbf/100-ft2)
n
K (lbf sn/100-ft2)
0 (lbf/100-ft2)

NK-11
87
55
43
29
11
10
32
23
0.76
0.43
8.7

Wytch Farm
43
28
23
17
8
7
15
13
0.74
0.22
6.9

Milne Point
45
30
23
15
6
5
15
15
0.71
0.32
4.2

TABLE 2 NK-34 Fluid Properties During PWD Test

Speed
600
300
200
100
6
3

Reading
52
31
22
14
5
4

Density
PV
YP
n
K
0

Properties
10.6
lb/gal
21
CP
10
lbf/100-ft2
0.864
0.128
lbf sn/100-ft2
3.9
lbf/100-ft2

M. D. GREEN, C. THOMESEN, L. WOLFSON, P. A. BERN

TABLE 3 NK-34 Fluid Properties During Drilling

Speed
600
300
200
100
6
3

Reading
70
42
33
22
7
6

Density
PV
YP
n
K
0

Properties
10.7
lb/gal
28
cP
14
lbf/100-ft2
0.787
0.290
lbf sn/100-ft2
5.4
lbf/100-ft2

TABLE 4 Section Milling Fluid Properties

Speed
600
300
200
100
6
3

Reading
69
56
50
41
22
19

Density
PV
YP
n
K
0

Properties
9.7
lb/gal
13
cP
43
lbf/100-ft2
0.37
4.6
lbf sn/100-ft2
11.4
lbf/100-ft2

TABLE 5 NK11A Fluid Properties During PWD Test

Speed
600
300
200
100
6
3

Reading
60
36
27
18
6
5

Density
PV
YP
n
K
0

Properties
10.7
lb/gal
24
cP
12
lbf/100-ft2
0.817
0.202
lbf sn/100-ft2
4.7
lbf/100-ft2

SPE 56564

SPE 56564

SOLUTION OF ERD PROBLEMS IN THE NIAKUK FIELD, ALASKA: PART II- HYDRAULICS, CUTTINGS TRANSPORT AND PWD

Displacement (ft)
0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

0
2,000

TVD (ft)

9.625" Casing

4,000

67

6,000
8.5" Open Hole
16,478 ft

8,000

57
19,854 ft

10,000
Fig. 1The well trajectory of Niakuk NK-34.

Displacement (ft)
0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

0
8.5" Open Hole

TVD (ft)

2,000
4,000
6,000

13.325" Casing @ 8,035 ft MD

74
9.625" Casing
@ 20,021 ft MD

8,000
10,000

NK-11 Plug Back 2

NK-11 Plug Back 1

NK-11A
Planned

Fig. 2The inclination well trajectory of Niakuk NK-11 and NK-11A showing the planned trajectory, the two initial plug backs and the final
NK-11A sidetrack.

10

M. D. GREEN, C. THOMESEN, L. WOLFSON, P. A. BERN

Planned

NK-11A

SPE 56564

8.5" Open Hole

15,000
9.625" Casing @ 20,021 ft MD

Displacement North (ft)

Plug Back 1
Plug Back 2

10,000

5,000
13.325" Casing @ 8,035 ft MD

0
-15,000

-10,000

-5,000

Displacement East (ft)

Fig. 3The azimuthal well trajectory of Niakuk NK-11 and NK-11A showing the planned trajectory, the two initial plug backs and the final
NK-11A sidetrack.

13.5
Surface mud density = 10.3 lb/gal

ECD (lb/gal)

13.0
12.5
12.0
11.5

P-block, P2-SE-1

Pierce, 23/22a-SP3

West Brae, 16/7a-W4

Mossel Bay, E-AR03P

Aquila, 3/3Dir A

Statfjord, C-02

Alba, Generic

Alba, Generic

Captain, Generic

Dunbar, Generic

Sleipner, 15/9-A-02T2

Well

Foinaven, Generic

Wytch Farm, Generic

Milne Pt., L-34

Milne Pt., F-34

Milne Pt., F-17

Milne Pt., F-41

Milne Pt., F-65

Milne Pt., F-50

Niakuk, NK-62

Niakuk, NK-29

Niakuk, NK-17

Niakuk, NK-15

Niakuk, NK-41

Niakuk, NK-11

11.0

Fig. 4World-wide survey of ECDs calculated for high angle or horizontal 8.5-in sections based on NK-11 well geometry, 10.3-lb/gal
surface fluid density, and the flow rate and surface rheology for each particular well.

SPE 56564

SOLUTION OF ERD PROBLEMS IN THE NIAKUK FIELD, ALASKA: PART II- HYDRAULICS, CUTTINGS TRANSPORT AND PWD 11

Equivalent Density (lb/gal)

10.8

11.0

11.2

11.4

Surface Density
10.8 lb/gal

2,000

TVD (ft)

Dynamic

4,000

Static

6,000

Transport Efficiency

10.6

1
0.75
0.5
0.25
0

Rheology Used:
Actual
Wytch Farm
Milne Point

-0.25
-0.5
-0.75
-1
300

8,000

400

600

Flow rate (gpm)

10,000
Fig. 5The predicted static down-hole equivalent density profiles
for NK-34 show a 0.2-lb/gal increase in bottom-hole density for
the static temperature profile, and essentially no change in
bottom-hole density for the dynamic temperature profile.

Fig. 7The predicted cuttings transport performance on NK-11 is

shown here as a function of flow rate for various rheologies. The
actual rheology used on the well is modeled, as well as typical
rheologies used on the Wytch Farm, England, and the Milne Point,
Alaska, ERD projects. [Hole ID: 9.0-in, Pipe OD: 5.5-in, Hole angle:
70, Eccentricity: 0.5, Cuttings size: 0.25-in]

Mud density = 10.3 lb/gal

50

Sag Coefficient

13.0

ECD (lb/gal)

500

12.0
Rheology Used:
Actual
Wytch Farm
Milne Point

11.0

10.0
300

400

500

600

Flow rate (gpm)

Fig. 6The calculated ECD on NK-11 is shown here as a function
of flow rate for various rheologies. The actual rheology used on
the well is modeled, as well as typical rheologies used on the
Wytch Farm, England, and the Milne Point, Alaska, ERD projects.

80/20
75/25

40

70/30
30
20
10

Tests Conducted
200F, 65 angle

0
0

20

40

60

80

100

Time (hr)
Fig. 8The high angle sag test (HAST) results for the Niakuk fluid
as a function of oil/water ratio (OWR) show that the fluid with
lower OWR is less conducive to barite sag.

12

M. D. GREEN, C. THOMESEN, L. WOLFSON, P. A. BERN

a)
Reaming

13.0
NK-34 0 rpm
NK-34 110 rpm
NK-11A 0 rpm
NK-11A 120 rpm

Pumps Off

12.5

13

ECD (lb/gal)

ECD (lb/gal)

14

12
BackReaming

11

12.0
11.5
11.0

Static Down-hole
Equivalent Density

10
16:40

16:50

10.8 lb/gal
Surface Density

17:00

17:10

10.6 lb/gal surface density

10.5
0

17:20

b)
Reduced
Flow Rate

13

13.0

11
10.8 lb/gal Surface Density

20:10

20:20

20:30

Time

ECD (lb/gal)

12

20:00

400

600

Fig. 10Shown here are the bottom-hole ECDs measured by the

PWD tool as a function of flow rate during the hydraulics tests on
NK-34 and NK-11A in 9.625-in casing with no cuttings. Fluid
properties during the tests are listed in Tables 2 and 5.

14

10
19:50

200

Flow Rate (gpm)

Time

ECD (lb/gal)

SPE 56564

10.6 lb/gal surface density

12.5

12.0

400 gpm
500 gpm
600 gpm

11.5

11.0

0
Fig. 9Recorded-mode PWD data of connections showing the
effects of a) no flow rate reduction when reaming and b) flow rate
reduction when reaming.

50

100

150

Rotation Speed (rpm)

Fig. 11Shown here are the bottom-hole ECDs measured by the
PWD tool as a function of rotation speed during the hydraulics
test on NK-34 in 9.625-in casing with no cuttings. Fluid properties
during the test are listed in Table 2.

SPE 56564

SOLUTION OF ERD PROBLEMS IN THE NIAKUK FIELD, ALASKA: PART II- HYDRAULICS, CUTTINGS TRANSPORT AND PWD 13

Transport Efficiency

NO ROTATION

Cuttings: 0.25 in, 2.5 s.g.

Flow Rate: Actual
Hole ID: 8.681, 8.75, 8.75 in
Eccentricity: 0.5, 0.5, 0.4
Hole Angle: 67, 67, 57

0.75
0.5
0.25
0

TD

Short
Trip

-0.25

Casing 67
Open Hole 67
Open Hole 57

-0.5
Start
Drilling

-0.75

10Jun 12:00

10Jun 00:00

09Jun 12:00

09Jun 00:00

08Jun 12:00

08Jun 00:00

07Jun 12:00

07Jun 00:00

06Jun 12:00

06Jun 00:00

05Jun 12:00

-1

Fig. 12The cuttings transport efficiencies calculated during drilling the 8.5-in interval on NK-34 are plotted here for the 9.625-in
casing, and the open hole sections at 67 and 57.

ECD (lb/gal)

13.0

12.5
12.0
PWD
Predicted (inc. Cuttings + Rotation)
Predicted

11.5
11.0
16,500

17,000

17,500

18,000

18,500

19,000

19,500

20,000

Measured Depth (ft)

Fig. 13The average ECDs determined by the PWD tool during drilling each stand of the 8.5-in interval on NK-34 are plotted here
and compared with model predictions. The ECD predictions that account for annular cuttings loading and the effect of rotation
agree with the actual data very well.

14

M. D. GREEN, C. THOMESEN, L. WOLFSON, P. A. BERN

SPE 56564

Pressure Loss (psi)

5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
16,500

17,000

17,500

18,000

18,500

19,000

19,500

20,000

Measured Depth (ft)

Actual Stand-Pipe Pressure
Total Calculated
Drill Pipe/Bit/Annulus
BHA
Torque/Cuttings/Rotation
Fig. 14The average stand-pipe pressures measured during drilling each stand of the 8.5-in interval on NK-34 are plotted here and
compared with model predictions. The pressure loss predictions that account for down-hole equipment, torque development in
the motor, annular cuttings loading and the effect of rotation, agree with the actual data very well.