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Firas Thesis Final PDF
Firas Thesis Final PDF
A THESIS
SUBMITTED TO THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF BAGHDAD IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER
OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
BY
FIRAS MOHAMMED HADI
B.Sc.1992
SUPERVISED BY
Dr. AYAD ABD AL-HALEEM ABD AL-RAZZAQ
AND
Dr. ABDUL AALI AL-DABBAJ
and love.
To my dear children
FIRAS
I
ABSTRACT
The study indicated that the most effective drilling parameters for
optimum hole cleaning were flow rate, yield point, mud weight, plastic
viscosity , rotation of the drill string, and pH .
II
The hole cleaning in deviated holes can be assisted by the following
issues:
Turbulent flow, low viscosity and high flow rates, maximize flow rates
at all times taken into consideration the problems associated with equivalent
circulating density which require lower rates, low viscosity sweeps followed
by high viscous weighted sweep to remove cuttings, pipe rotation at high
revolution per minute, and reaming and wiper trips to reduce the thickness of
cuttings beds.
III
NOMENCLATURES AND ABBREVIATIONS
IV
Symbols Description Unit
ERD Extended- Reach Wells
EPET Elevated Temperature Elevated Pressure
FWB Fresh Water Bentonite
GPM Gallon Per Minute
HCR Hole Cleaning Ratio
HWDP Heavy Weight Drill Pipe
HHP Hydraulic Horse Power
HIF Hydraulic Impact Force
IADC International Association Drilling Contractor
KOP Kick Off Point
LCM Lost circulation materials
LPAT Low Pressure Ambient Temperature
LWD Logging While Drilling
MWD Measurements While Drilling
MW Mud Weight (ppg)
MTV Minimum Transport Velocity (ft/min)
MD Measured Depth (ft)
NDC Nonmagnetic Drill Collar
NHWDP Nonmagnetic heavy weight drill pipe
PV (p) Plastic Viscosity (cp)
POOH Pull Out Of The Hole
Ps Pressure Losses In Surface Connections (psi)
ppb Pound per barrel
PP Pore Pressure ( psi )
Q Flow Rate (GPM)
V
Symbols Description Unit
ROP Rate Of Penetration (ft/hr)
RPM Rotation Per Minute
RIH Running In The Hole
TFA Total Flow Area in2
TUDRP Tulsa University Drilling Research Projects.
TVD True Vertical Depth (ft)
WQ West Qurna field
WOB Weight On Bit (Ton)
YP Yield Point (lb/100ft2)
Mud Density ( ppg)
VI
LIST OF CONTENTS
Literature Review 6
CHAPTER THREE
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
3-1 Preface 25
3-2 Hole Cleaning Variables 26
3-3 Circulation Before Trips 34
3-4 Basic and Theory 36
3-4-1 Rheological Models 36
3-4-1-1 Bingham Plastic Model 36
3-4-1-2 Power Law Model 37
VII
Paragraph No. Contents Page
3-4-1-3 Herschel-Bulkley Model 39
3-5 Pressure Drop Across Bit 40
3-5-1 Hydraulic Horsepower Method 40
3-5-2 Maximum Impact Force 41
3-6 Slip Velocity 41
3-7 Transport velocity 42
3-8 Cutting Transport Ratio 42
3-9 Cuttings Concentration 42
3-10 Total Flow Area (TFA) and Nozzle Selection 44
3-11 Carrying Capacity Index 47
3-12 Horizontal Drilling Well 52
CHAPTER FOUR
VIII
Paragraph No. Contents Page
4-7 Tayarat Formation 59
4-8 Shiranish Formation 60
4-9 Hartha Formation 60
4-10 Sadi Formation 60
4-11 Solids separator Equipment 60
4-12 Geological Composition for the Third hole 8 1/2" 61
4-13 Tanuma Formation 61
4-14 Khasib Formation 62
4-15 Mishrif Formation 62
4-16 Mud Properties for 2nd hole directional well 65
4-17 Mud Properties for the 3rd hole 8 .5" directional 66
well
4-18 Lithology of Halfaya oil Field 67
4-18-1 The First Hole (26") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-2 The second Hole (17.5") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-3 The Third Hole (12.25") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-4 The Fourth Hole (8.5") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-5 Horizontal hole (6") 68
4-19 Hydraulic parameters 70
4-20 Summary 71
CHAPTER FIVE
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
IX
Paragraph No. Contents Page
5-3 Sample of Calculation 79
5-4 Horizontal Drilling Proposal in West Qurna Oil 83
Field
5-4-1 Preface 83
5-4-2 Selection of the profile 84
5-4-3 Recommended Bits 85
5-4-4 Building up Interval 86
5-4-5 Casing Program 86
5-4-6 Horizontal Interval 87
5-4-7 Horizontal Section 91
5-4-8 Drilling Fluid Program 92
5-4-8-1 Drilling Fluid System For The First and Second 92
Hole
5-4-8-2 Drilling Fluid System For Build-Up and 92
Horizontal Section
5-4-8-3 Lubrication 92
5-4-8-4 Hole Cleaning 93
5-4-8-5 (8.5") Open Hole 93
5-4-8-6 Schedule Plan 93
5-4-8-7 Recommended flow rate with hole size 94
5-5 Summary 97
CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
X
Paragraph No. Contents Page
REFERENCES 105
APPENDICES
Appendix A Potential risks in West Qurna oil field
Appendix B Bottom Hole Assembly Details
Appendix C Casing Program and Cementing Operation
Appendix D Drilling Fluid Program
XI
LIST OF TABLES
XII
Table No. Title Page
(5-6) Recommended bit kinds for the suggestion 85
horizontal well
(5-7) Mud properties for deviated well 89
( 5-8 ) Values of angle factor at the angles (0-90) degree 91
(5-9) Hole size with recommended flow rate 95
XIII
LIST OF FIGURES
XIV
CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Hole cleaning and the problems due to poor hole cleaning are the most
important issues which occurred especially in directional and horizontal Iraqi
oil wells.
Poor hole cleaning can cause severe drilling problems including:
excessive over pull on trips , high rotary torque , stuck pipe , hole pack off,
excessive equivalent circulating density (ECD) , formation break down , slow
rates of penetration and difficulty running casing and logs. The sticking of the
drill string is very expensive to remedy.
This problem has been aggravated in some fields to the extent that lead
to shutting off the well because of stuck pipe or fishing operation due to
unsuccessful free pipe or catch the fish as well as the cost. A single stuck
pipe incident may be cost over one million dollars .
1
CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION
Figure (1-1): Iraqi oil fields distribution and the location of West Qurna field
in Basra city south of Iraq[1] .
2
CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION
3
CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION
ESTIMATED ESTIMATED
AGE FORMATION
DEPTHS (m) THICKNESS(m)
Middle
Cretaceous
4
CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION
5
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTERE TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
It has been known for many years that the removal of the cuttings from
a wellbore during the drilling of horizontal and deviated wells poses special
problems. Insufficient hole cleaning leads to the accumulation of cuttings in
the annulus especially of a deviated wellbore. As the cuttings settle down in
the drilling mud, a cuttings-bed is grew along the bottom of the hole. Forming
cutting bed may cause severe drilling problems including excessive over-pull
on trips, high drag and torque, stuck pipe, hole pack-off, wellbore steering
problems, excessive equivalent circulating density, formation break down,
premature bit wear, slow rate of penetration (ROP) , and difficulty in running
casing and logs.
Sample K.J., Bourgoyne[3] (1978)used two parameters to define the
transport efficiency . Transportation of drilled cuttings to the surface during
drilling operations in horizontal and highly deviated wellbores is more
complex and problematic than in vertical and near vertical wellbores. In
vertical and near vertical wells, the cuttings are transported when the axial
component of fluid velocity exceeds the particle settling velocity. The
difference between the average particle velocity and the average fluid velocity
is called transport velocity and their ratio is called transport ratio.
6
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
[4]
Tomren et.al (1983) studied the main cuttings transport patterns in
different layers. At further higher mass flow rates, a small portion of sparsely
populated cuttings may be seen to travel away from the bed surface and in the
open flow area this layer is called as the suspension layer. A schematic
illustration of these aforementioned cuttings transport patterns is shown in
Fig. (2-1) .
7
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
suspension as well as rolling and sliding action over the low side of the
annulus. These particles tend to settle down and form an unstable, thin
stationary bed on the low side of the annulus.
The main problem in this category is the downwards sliding of the
unstable stationary cuttings bed and formation of very high cuttings
concentrations instantaneously as a result. The third category is the near
horizontal inclinations which are typically 60 to 90 degrees. Majority of these
particles are transported in a moving bed pattern while a small portion of
these particles moves in a suspension pattern. The main problem in this
category is the formation of thick and stable stationary beds by downwards
particle settling that is difficult to remove [4].
Okranji and Azar[5] (1985), found that the yield point /plastic viscosity
(YP/PV) should be as high as possible to better hole cleaning .
8
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
9
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Zamora B., M.[8] (1988) showed that major drilling problems such as
poor hole cleaning, excessive torque or drag, wellbore instability, stuck of
drill string, loss of circulation, subsurface pressure control, poor cementing
jobs, difficulties associated with running electric logs and formation damage
can result if the drilling fluid is poorly designed or executed .
They also observed that the cuttings bed size was reduced if the shear
stress at the actual pump rate was increased.
10
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
11
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Bradely W.B.[66] (1991) showed that the average stuck pipe problem
may be cost per well amounted to (1.5-2) million dollars for every well
drilled between 1985 and 1988. For a long time, a lot of scholars have been
studying hole cleaning problems for complex structural wells, and some
achievements were made.
Zamora et al.[15] (1993)opposed to what happens in conventional wells
(increasing thixotropy improves cutting transport), in highly deviated wells
and even more so in horizontal wells, the drilled cuttings have to come up
through variously inclined, where the optimum parameters required for hole
cleaning may vary greatly from one section to the other. Cutting transport is
not only a problem in horizontal conditions but hole angles of 25 to 65 can
be even more critical when parameters such as mud rheological properties and
velocities are not optimized
[16]
Campos et.al, (1994) developed a model for estimating the critical
velocity with the cuttings-bed thickness for subcritical flow conditions. The
models estimations are good for light weight muds, but this model should be
further refined to account for heavy mud's and pipe rotation.
12
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
wells (extended-reach wells) after they missed one well for the reason that of
poor hole cleaning. Their schedule was designed to increase the footage
drilled between wiper trips (to remove settling cuttings) and eliminate hole-
cleaning back reaming trips (to ensure lifting cuttings) before reaching the
casing seat depth. They planned a creative way to prevent significant cuttings
growth by carefully monitoring the pickup weight, rotating weight, and slack
off weight as drilling continued. Cuttings accumulation were observed in the
hole caused by the difference between the pickup weight and the slack off
weight to keep increasing, while lifting capacity and cleaning the hole
decreased the difference. By noting the changes in these factors and by the
use of other readily obtainable information, they were able to closely monitor
hole cleaning efficiency and control the situation.
Bassal , A.[19] (1995) showed that drill string rotation has a moderate to
significant effect on hole cleaning, and that this effect also depends on hole
angle and other cuttings properties. He found out that the rotation of drill
string improves hole cleaning more while using drilling fluid with a higher
viscosity and smaller cuttings sizes. He found that for hole angle at 65
degrees, and at horizontal, the effect drill string rotation caused an
improvement in cuttings transport.
Kenny et al,[20] (1996) defined a lift factor as a combination of mud
velocity in the lower part of the annulus and particles settling velocity and
used it as an indicator of cuttings transport performance in highly deviated
wells . Analysis of data indicated that the fluid "n" factors calculated using the
yield power law [Herschel-Bulkley] rheological model play a dominate role.
High values of fluid "n" factors promote more flow under the eccentric drill
pipe.
13
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
14
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Cho et al.[27] (2000) showed that the several earlier models gave inaccurate
predictions when compared to experimental data, were unable to provide
15
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
16
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
17
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
accumulation and erosion on the bed remain dynamic, their net balances
results in the stationary bed height. The stationary bed height is measured
from the lowest side of the annulus to the bed surface. When the stationary
bed reaches equilibrium, particles are transported in a narrow layer just above
the stationary bed surface by rolling and sliding action. This layer is called as
the moving bed layer.
Ozbayoglu et al.[32] (2004) studied an extensive experiments to evaluate
the effects of main parameters on lifting capacity efficiency using an eight
inch one hundred feet length Low-Pressure Ambient-Temperature (LPAT)
flow loop. This experiment showed that average annular velocity is the
controlling parameter on hole cleaning, and the turbulent flow is very
important to prevent bed development. Also, cuttings properties, fluid
density, inclination and eccentricity have some effects on the cuttings
transport besides the analysis of drill pipe rotation and mud rheology .
Valluri et al.[33] (2006) studied the effect of rheology of the sweep fluid on
sweep efficiency under Low Pressure Ambient Temperature( LPAT) and
elevated temperature elevated pressure (EPET) states. The low pressure
ambient temperature tests were showed on an 8 inch 90 feet length flow loop.
The EPET tests were implemented on a 5.76 inch 73 feet long flow loop.
These studies show in the absence of drill pipe rotation, high viscosity and
high mud weight sweeps were found to be ineffective in a high deviated and
horizontal pattern, and the rheological properties of drilling mud change by
effect of temperature because the temperature could affect the sweep
efficiency by changing rheological properties.
Al-Zubaidi ,N.[34] (2007) investigated the effect of fluid rheology and
cuttings sizes on the circulation rate required to ensure that the drilling
cuttings in horizontal wells are efficiently transported to the surface . The
results of this study observed that much higher annular velocities are required
18
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
for effective hole cleaning in horizontal wells . It was also observed that
higher viscosity drilling fluid yield better transport than lower viscosity
drilling fluid within the same flow regime.
19
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Duan et al [38] (2008) explain and study three sizes of cuttings (0.45 mm
3.3 mm) in an 8 inch 100 feet flow loop . The tests were operated with water
and polymeric fluids. The end result showed that the smaller cuttings is more
difficulty to be lifting than larger cuttings when tested by water.
In spite of this, when tested with 0.25 ppb PAC (Poly-Anionic cellulose)
solutions, the smaller cuttings is simpler to be lifted and transported.
Furthermore, rotation the pipe and mud rheology were the factors in
controlling small cuttings lifting.
Ozbayoglu et al.[39](2008) observed specifically the effect of drill pipe
rotation on hole cleaning using a 3 inch 12 feet long flow loop . It was noticed
string rotation has an important improvement on cuttings transport and hole
cleaning , especially making an orbital motion, and drastically decreases the
critical velocity required to remove stationary cuttings bed totally. However,
drillpipe rotation has no an additional support to hole cleaning after a certain
revolution speed.
20
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
(0.47%XG) indicates fiber sweep improved hole cleaning abilities than the
base fluid in the horizontal section . When tests are conducted in an inclined
configuration (68 from vertical), improvement in the lifting capacity and
hole cleaning ability of the fluid due to the addition of fiber is balanced.
Li et al.[42] (2009) studied the effecting drill pipe rotation on hole cleaning
in horizontal wells with CFD. The physical model was that 215.9 mm-127
mm annulus, 0.5 eccentricity and 20 m length. The simulations indicate:
1. Drill string revolution drives mud and solid circumferential movement.
2. Helical movement is the main style for fluid and solid.
3. Drill string rotation decreases solid concentration in annulus, as well
as causes cuttings go faster.
4. Particles distributions are irregular in annulus.
5. Revolution speed between 80 and 120 rpm has a important effect on
cuttings bed.
Sun[43](2009) simulated the velocity field, pressure and trace of mud for
cuttings bed ejection tool using CFD. It was noticed that a V-shape slot can
make velocity field helical distribution and inlet velocity rise about 100% in a
very small axial distance. The velocity increases the most especially, at the
tool bottom , this increases in velocity leads to more cuttings transport
effective.
Sorgun[44](2010) studied the drill pipe rotation effect. The effect indicates
that rotation of drill pipe significantly reduce cuttings bed height and critical
fluid velocity needed to avoid unmoving bed expansion for both water and
drilling mud , specially if the drill pipe is completely in eccentric position .
Also, after a certain pipe revolution speed , no additional support of pipe
rotation is noticed on critical velocity . Furthermore, stop the pipe rotation and
low rotation case, mud viscosity increases , Reynolds Number decreases
21
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
and reduces the carrying capacity and hole cleaning of drilling fluids, but this
effect reduces when the speed of pipe rotation is increased.
22
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
23
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
formation break down , slow rates of penetration and difficulty running casing
and logs. The cruelest of these is sticking of the drill pipe .This condition may
be very costly to treat, where the cost of single stuck pipe incident may be
over one million dollars.
24
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
CHAPTER THREE
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
3-1 Preface
There are three types of horizontal wells which are short radius,
medium radius, and long radius Fig. (3-1)[50]
25
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
There are three hole cleaning variables that can be controlled at the rig:
1-mud weight
2-annular velocity
3- viscosity .
The hole cleaning variables that cannot be controlled on the rig are:
1-Diameter of particle
2-Density of particle
3-Hole enlargement.
26
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
27
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
where:
In holes where inclinations are less than thirty degrees, the cuttings are
mostly suspended by the fluid shear and beds do not form [Zone 1 &3]. In
such cases, conventional transport calculations based on vertical slip
velocities are applicable. Beyond 30 degrees, the cuttings make beds on the
low side of the hole which can slip back down the well, resulting annular
pack-off. Cuttings which form on the low side of the hole can either move
masses as a sliding bed [Zone 4], or may be transported at the bed/drilling
fluid interface as dunes or nipples [Zones 2]. The perfect zones for best hole
cleaning are Zone1 and 2[51].
In general hole cleaning in a directional well is affected by:
1) Angle of Inclination
There are three distinct regions of inclination in a directional well ,
Fig.(3-4)
28
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Turbulent Flow
In high angle hole intervals, the cuttings are no longer fully supported
by fluid drag and it is inappropriate to make predictions of hole cleaning from
techniques based on the fall velocity of the particles.
In high hole angles, the cuttings concentrate on the low side of the hole
in the form of a bed. If the circulation rate is very low; cuttings are unlikely to
be removed from the well bore. Upon increasing the flow rate, the bed
becomes progressively eroded. The mobile cuttings on the interface salt ate
and form dunes or large ripples. The bed then starts to move and cuttings are
29
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
cleaned from the well bore. This mechanism of bed movement is a more
noticeable feature of hole cleaning with low viscosity fluids. [54]
2) Flow Rate:
Annular velocity is a function of flow rate divided by cross sectional area
Va= annular velocity = flow rate / cross sectional area of the annulus .
With higher flow rates the threshold velocity will be attained with smaller
cuttings beds. So, cuttings bed height decreases linearly with an increase in
flow rate .
3) Cuttings Beds
Cutting characteristics such as shape, size and density are related to their
dynamic behavior in a flowing media. The terminal velocity, drag force,
buoyant forces and shear forces between cuttings are affected by both the
characteristics of the cuttings and the properties of the circulation fluid. The
sphericity of a cutting particle is the ratio of the surface area of sphere of
same volume to the surface area of the particle, Table(3-1 ) .
Shape Sphericity
Sphere 1.0
Octahedron 0.85
Cube 0.81
Prism 0.77
30
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
is of 0.76 mm diameter. They also concluded that smaller particles are harder
to clean out than larger ones when the particle size is larger than 0.5 mm, but
for particles smaller than 0.5 mm, the smaller particles are easier to clean out.
The critical velocity needed to transport different sizes of particles is also
dependent on the cutting concentration[ 55].
4) Rheology
Rheology can be defined as the science of deformation and flow of
matters, it refers to the different properties and characteristics of the drilling
fluid. These properties which related to circulation fluid can cause a problem
in horizontal well , the shear stress at the bed interface plays the key role in
solids transport. Eccentricity, flow regime and hole geometry also affect the
rheological state of the liquid and have an important impact on solids lifting
and removal.
A consistent conclusion indicate that for a horizontal or near horizontal
well bore, hole cleaning is more satisfied if a low viscosity mud is pumped in
a turbulent flow regime comparing with high viscosity mud in a laminar
regime[55]
5) Rate of Penetration (ROP)
According to studies by Scott Walker[55], cutting bed is thicker for a higher
ROP than it is for a lower ROP with the same circulation fluid rate. Also for a
given ROP higher circulation fluid flow rate results in a lower bed height.
When the ROP is constant, increasing the circulation flow rate results in a
lower cutting concentration and a decreasing of the bed height. Also with a
fixed circulation rate, increasing ROP results in a higher cutting concentration
and a higher bed height.
The cuttings velocity as a function of the rate of penetration is given in the
equation below[56].
31
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
= ..(3-1)
.
Because of drill pipe rotation, fluid flow between a rotating pipe and
the formation or a cased well is seldom stable. Pipe rotation tend to make
flow turbulent and this turbulent like motion makes the frictional pressure loss
to increase, causing an increased shear stress on the cutting bed surface. This
increased shear stress will assist in cutting removal.
Pipe eccentricity is hardly achieved in most wells, in eccentric cases the
pressure loss and thereby the ability to remove cuttings is increased because
the effect of pipe rotation causes fast flowing fluid from the wide part of the
hole down into narrow sections sandwiched between the formation and the
drill pipe[57] Fig. (3-5) .
32
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Figure (3- 5): Pipe rotation helps fluid flow in the narrow side of an
eccentric annulus [58]
33
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
7) Time
The time to effectively clean the well bore increase as the angle increases.
The numbers that go into the Table (3-2) must be arrived at empirically from
field experience with the various hole angles , flow rates , and muds in use .
The goal with this table is to find the total number of strokes necessary to
clean the wells. To do this, the well is first divided into sections, depending
on hole size and angle. The measured depth of each hole section is then
multiplied by the appropriate Circulating Section Factor (CSF) and added
together to get a total adjusted depth . We then calculate the total strokes
necessary to circulate one bottom up from the total adjusted depth.[52]
According to clean the hole the mud pumps shut off to begin the trip
Table (3-2) offers a general guideline to compute circulation volume.
34
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
-In vertical wells, hole cleaning efforts are focused on reducing the settling of
cuttings.
-In directional holes, emphasis is on dragging cuttings off the cuttings bed and
into suspension.
35
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
36
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
For flowing inside the pipe, determine average velocity and critical velocity
.
V ...(3-4)
.
Vc= 97 p + 97 .........(3-5)
If V Vc flow is turbulent
The pressure calculated from
. . . .
P= .
...(3-6)
If V Vc flow is Laminar
P= + .. .(3-7)
^
Annular Flow
.
V= ..(3-8)
.
Vc= 97 p + 97 (3-9)
De=Dh Dp
If VVc flow is turbulent
. . . .
P= ( ) ( ) .
...(3-10)
If V Vc flow is Laminar
P= + ..(3-11)
37
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
( ) ) ( )
. . (
Vc = ....(3-17)
Annular Flow
.
V=
( ) ) ( )
. . (
Vc = ...(3-20)
If V Vc flow is turbulent
. . . .
P= ( ) ( ) .
.(3-21)
38
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
If V Vc flow is Laminar
. ( )
P= [ ][ ]^n ..(3-22)
Table (3-3) shows the length and inside diameter of stand pipe , rotary
hose , swivel , and Kelly for four known surface equipment .
The factor E can be found using Table (3-4)
39
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
40
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
AT = 0.0096 * Q ...(3-29)
dn= 32 * ....(3-30)
Slip velocity can be defined as the rate at which settling particle of solids out
of the well fluids because of the annular velocity less than transport velocity .
41
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
where:
dp = particle equivalent diameter in
p = particle density , ppg
f = fluid density , ppg
e = effective viscosity , cp
. ( ) ( )
e =[ ]^n * ....(3-33)
( )
Vt = Va Vs (3-34)
Vt = Transport velocity
.
Va = annular velocity Va=
where:
Cc = drill cuttings concentration
ROP = rate of penetration, ft/hr
42
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
( )
Spherical Chips Vs =113.4 .......(3-37)
( )
.
Rp= .....(3-38)
If Cd= . ...(3-39)
. ( )
= .....(3-40)
where:
Cd: drag coefficient
( )
Vs=171 ....(3-41)
where:
Vs : slip velocity
43
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
The annular velocity (Va) is the most important factor in the hole
cleaning issue. The annular velocity should be optimized, every time, staying
within any pressure limitations applied by surface equipment or ECD[16].
Vertical Horizontal
al
The following procedure steps have been considered for the prepare of
increasing annular velocity to ensure efficient hole cleaning efficiency is
increased at all times[54]
45
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Table (3-5) Minimum values flow rate for vertical well [54]
46
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
9. Nozzle velocity should not be more than 300 ft/s in the unconsolidated
formations are to be penetrated. If nozzle velocity too high, should be choose
larger nozzles.
where:
47
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
.
V=
Quite often, good hole cleaning is expected when the CCI is equal to or
greater than one .
48
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2000
PV
1800
5 cp
1600
10 cp
K Viscosity, equivalent cp
1400 15 cp
1200 20 cp
25 cp
1000
30 cp
800
35 cp
600 40 cp
e 400
200
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Figure (3-9) represent hole cleaning chart for (17.5",12.25" and 8.5") holes .
49
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Figure (3-9) Hole cleaning chart for 17.5" , 12.25" and 8.5" hole
50
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Vcut= .
.(3-47)
[ ][ . ]
Assume Vs1
Vcut =
[ ( / )]
where :
51
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
In this design, the hole angle is built up from zero at the KOP to 90
degrees at the entry point in to the reservoir , Fig. ( 3-10). If this design is
used the build-up tendencies of both the formation and the rotary or steerable
BHA should be known in order to avoid missing the target due to excessive or
insufficient build up rates.
Also the build-up rate (BUR) should be selected to land exactly on the
target. If the BUR is too low the well path will fall below the target and if the
BUR is too high the well path falls above the target. In both cases, expensive
well correction is required.
52
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
where:
R=5730/BUR .....(3-56)
53
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
CHAPTER FOUR
54
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
55
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
56
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
Yp lb/100ft2 22
PV cp 6-8
Ph 10
57
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
Shale Shakers: Shaker #1 and # 2 were dressed with 50/50/50/50 API screens.
Coarse screen used to avoid losses over shaker however.
Mud Cleaner: The desilter and desander pumps performed well. They
separated, fine silt size sand, very well. It is strongly recommended to have
centrifuges on the system to minimize dumping and dilution.
To ensure optimize hole cleaning in this section, the flow rate range will be
713-793 gpm.
The second hole 12.25" was drilled in West Qurna oil field through the
formations listed in Table (4-3)
58
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
59
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
60
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
drilling this section then dressed with 140 170 API screens for more
efficiency of removing fine solids and can't dresses fine screens to avoid
losses over shakers.
Mud Cleaner: The desilter and desander ran all times to reduce solids content
to the lowest values. The screen used was 200 meshes. Mud cleaner was run
under flow to waste pit all the time to control mud weight as low as possible.
4-12 Geological Lithology For Formations Penetrated In The Third Hole
(8 .5")
The 3rd hole 8.5" was drilling in West Qurna oil field through the
formations listed in the table (4-4).
61
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
these problems like tight hole, swelling, sloughing shale and caving are likely
to happen .
The mud properties used in this section are listed in Table ( 4-5) as following
62
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
p centipoises(cps) 12-16
Yp lb/100ft2 16-25
pH 9-10
The calculated parameters include TFA , HIS and JIF were given in Table
63
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
Table (4-6) Obtained data the well WQ-404 for 3rd hole [61 ]
Applying such bit hydraulics with flow rate in Table (4-7) , a good hole
cleaning in directional well (with 29 inclination ) can be obtained .
64
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
Yp lb/100ft2 25-35
Drilled Solid % <6
6 rpm lb/100ft2 12-15
pH 9-10
Hole Angle Degree 29
Similarity , an optimum hole cleaning for third section (8.5") can be achieved
with the listed parameters , Table (4-9)
65
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
4-17 Mud Properties For The 3rd Hole 8.5" directional oil well (WQ-416)
deviated angle about 30 degree .
Through studying another directional oil well (WQ-271) high deviated angle
60 degree, the following can be noticed:
66
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
Clearly, it can be shown that the unique difference was in pH value, while the
remaining drilling fluid parameters still the same in spite of the degree of
inclination (i.e. 30 and 60 ).
This hole was drilled to depth 495 ft through the formation Upper Fars
Quaternary: Clay, calcareous and Mollusca shells
Upper Fars most problems: No lost circulation, may be the bit and stabilizer
balled up, wash out BHA.
4-18-2 The Second hole (17.5") in the well (HF-69)
Lower Fars tight hole, pipe stuck, anhydrite and rock salt.
The 4th hole was drilled through the listed formations and depths :
67
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
The final section in this well was drilled horizontally through Mishrif
formation to depth 9860 ft (TVD), and the total measured depth (MD) is
13425 ft .
The different lithological formations with their expected drilling problems are
listed in Table (4-11):
68
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
Table (4-11) Formation and expected problems for the HF-69 in Halfaya field
Mud properties for the horizontal section Drilling (6") hole are listed in Table
(4-12) below
69
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
Hydraulic parameters and mud properties for optimum drilling operation for
this well are listed in table (4-13).
70
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
4-20 Summary
1. As a result of drilling in West Qurna field , it was found that the first
section 17.5" hole in well (vertical) used the above applied parameters
Table (4-2) to clean the hole beside the following notes :
a) Hole swept with 3 sticks of rapid sweep was added at each connection.
b)Start the section using coarse mesh screens 70/50"s to minimize losses
over shakers
2. The recommended mud weight values for the various formations in 1st hole
in West Qurna oil field can be summarized as follows:
b) During drilling the formation and RIH or POOH must ensure good hole
cleaning by maintaining yield point more than 20 lb/100 ft2.
71
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
4. Recommended drilling mud weight for the 2nd hole (12.25") in West Qurna
oil field :
-It is recommended to set the casing +/- 49 ft into Sadi formation top to
seal off the upper formations which has mud losses.
Sweep hole with 3 Rapid Sweep sticks every connection while drilling.
Pumped 5m3 high viscous pill as required to ensure hole cleaning option.
5.Recommended mud weight for the 3rd hole(8.5") in West Qurna oil field :
72
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
CHAPTER FIVE
Many drilling sites were visited and the contacts with their activities
were achieved. Below conclusions on that investigation based upon field
observations and practical experiences:
1) Generally, at the site the equation which can be used to estimate the
required minimum flow rate for PDC bit may be expressed in the form
12.72*D1.47 .
3) At high deviated wells where the inclination is greater than 45, lifting and
removing of cuttings beds by pumping high viscous patch is not effective.
73
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
13) Monitoring the shale shakers before trip out or pull out of the hole
(POOH) in order to ensure that cuttings return rate has reduced.
14) During drilling operation, it is common to circulate wellbore several
times (the process is called circulate bottom-up) before starting tripping
out of hole. The purpose is to avoid drill pipe sticking during pull out and
be able to reach the bottom hole with drill bit or casing, when running
74
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
into the hole again (RIH). The common practice is to have at least three
bottoms-up with slow pipe rotation before tripping out of the hole. If ECD
measurement tool is available on the BHA, it has to be controlled that the
ECD has dropped to normal level.
5-2 Concentration of the Cuttings
75
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
If a comparison has been made to show the total time of drilling the
mentioned state of wells, once can notice:
b) The total time for drilling operation of directional well less than 30
degree well (WQ-416) is about thirty-two (32) days, Fig. (5-3) .
The similarity in needed time can be attributed to use the same drilling
factors which affect on hole cleaning in vertical wells and directional wells
less than 30 degree.
Fig (5-2) Pie chart show time vs hole size for vertical well(WQ404)
76
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
17.5"
7 day
8.5"
12.9 day
12.25"
11.37 day
Fig (5-3): Pie chart show time vs hole size for directional well (WQ-416)
Accordingly, for the directional well with high deviated angle (WQ-
271) (62 degrees) the total time of drilling operation is about fifty- five (55)
days, Fig. (5-4) ,whereas for horizontal well( HF-69) the total time is (90)
days, Fig. (5-5) . From the previous cases, it is evident that time values
increases rapidly as hole inclination increases.
77
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fig. (5-4): Pie chart show time vs hole size for directional well (WQ-271)
78
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
26"
4Days 17.5"
2% 14Days
6" 9%
33Days
45%
12.25"
15Days
16%
8.5"
24Days
28%
Fig.(5-5): Pie chart show time vs hole size for well (HF-69)
Following a sample of CCI , pressure losses ,TFA ,HSI ,and flow rate
calculations for selected sections of some wells are prepared to show the
optimality of the field data in achieving the best hole cleaning.
Tables (5-1) , (5-2) , and (5-3) show the CCI and hydraulic calculations
using field data for the 1st hole respectively. It is important to mention that
Table (5-2) represents the input data while Table (5-3) represents the results
of hydraulic.
79
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Mud
Variables Value Units Pump
Information
Mud weight 8.75 ppg Triplex
Flow rate 700 gpm Diameter 6.5
Plastic viscosity 14 Cp Stroke 10
lbf/100 Rod
Yield point 20
ft Diameter
Motor Pressure Loss 0 Psi SPM 45
Jet 1 17.2653478 /32 in Efficiency 0.95
Jet 2 17.2653478 /32 in gal/stk 4.09
Jet 3 17.2653478 /32 in Flow Rate 184
OD(in) ID(in) Length(ft) Dh(in)
Drillpipe 5 4.276 2380 17.5
Drillcollars 8 3 800 17.5
Total 3180
80
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Similarly, Table (5-4) and Table (5-5) represent the CCI calculations for the
81
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
It can be noticed in the second hole ( WQ-416) that the CCI value
which equal to 0.7 represent poor hole cleaning and this case may be cause
many problems especially the stuck pipe so increasing yield point value is
necessary to obtain proper hole cleaning.
Absolutely, the CCI results for the selected section show that the
drilling parameters used in different well types are the same. Simply, the need
to change the parameters begins with high deviated wells.
82
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5-4-1 Preface:
83
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this design, the hole angle is built up from zero at the KOP to 90
degrees at the entry point into the reservoir, consisting of vertical-build-
horizontal sections use only one rate to build up the hole inclination from 0
degree to maximum. If this design has been used , the build up tendencies of
both the formation and the rotary or steerable BHA should be known in order
to avoid missing the target due to excessive or insufficient build up rates.
Also the build-up rate (BUR) should be selected to land exactly on the target .
84
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The present proposal consist of four holes , starting first hole using bit
26" to drill then running in hole casing 20" and then cemented to surface .
The goal is to isolate formation having sloughing shale and caving.
The second hole 17.5" bit can be used to drill then running in hole casing
13.375" and then cemented to surface.
The objective of casing is:
-Isolate the upper lost circulation formation (Dammam ) , and to prevent hole
collapse in the upper interval when the loss circulation happens .
-Isolate the formation having sulphure water (Umm Erradhuma and Tayarat
formations ) .To prevent tight hole in Shiranish formation , cement to surface .
The third hole using bit 12.25" to drill the curvature hole to top of Mishrif
formation and running in hole 9.625" casing , using the stage collar to cement.
Finally a hole 8.5" bit can be used to drill the production formation (pay
zone) of Mishrif (horizontal interval) and open hole completion.
5-4-3 Recommended Bits
Based on the bit information analysis from the drilled wells in this field , the
following drill bits are recommended to drill the suggested well, Table (5-6).
Table (5-6) Recommended bit kinds for the suggested horizontal well
85
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Steerable BHA consisting of MWD and single bend motor can be used
in this interval (12.25"hole ) with a maximum hole deviation of 55-60.
Figure (5-6) illustrates the diagram of casing program for the suggested
horizontal well which show the depth of formations with the casing sizes.
12.25" bit + 8" (1.25-1.5) single bend motor + flapper valve + 8"NDC(one
joint) + 8"MWD + 5"NHWDP (two joints) + 5"HWDP(six stands) + drilling
jar + 5" HWDP (two stands) + 5" DP
Data sheet of casing program and brief description of casing program are
listed in Appendix (C)
86
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Drill out the 9.625"casing collar / shoe without motor and LWD .
POOH to change BHA as listed below, further drill 65-100 ft of holding
section then build up to 90 .
BHA : 8.5" or 8.375" bit +6.75" (1-1.25) single bend motor+ flapper valve +
6.75" LWD + 5" NHWDP (two joints) + 5" DP (70 joints)+ 5" HWDP (nine
stands)+Jar + 5" HWDP (five stands) + 5" DP
Drilling operation: Slide drilling and rotary drilling mode is used for hole
cleaning bed ,and to correct the hole trajectory timely by adjusting tool face ,
drilling parameters and drilling mode .
Steerable drilling technology is used with MWD tool from KOP to a hole
inclination of 60 and a survey is made every 10 m .
LWD tool is used for drilling the hole interval with an inclination of over 60,
and real time analysis should be conducted to the measured geological data
as well as the cutting samples, and once the pay zone is confirmed has been
penetrated, the hole trajectory should be corrected accordingly with a
proper build up rate to achieve the target.
87
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Conductor Pipe
30" for
Figure (5-7) Show the Casing Program @ 328
the ft
Casing 20"
@ 2624 ft
Casing
13.375"@6390ft
The KOP @
7017.5 ft
Casing 9.625"
At top of Mishrif
@7665.36 ft
88
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Drilling parameters: WOB =3-6 Ton , Rotation motor 30 rpm , Pump rate 400
gpm .
The hydraulic motor is rotated by a flow rate of the drilling fluid down
the drill pipe. also rotate the drill bit without revolving the drill string . This
permits the bit to drill a direction that deviates from the direction of the drill
string .
After installed the motor the drill bit and drill pipe are reduced back
down the well and the bit drills a direction that guides the well bore from
vertical to directional or horizontal above a distance about many hundred
feet. When the well has been turned to the proper angle, straight-ahead
drilling continues and the well follows the goal rock unit. Observance the well
in a thin rock unit needs careful steering. Downhole tools are used to
determine the azimuth and the drilling direction . This data is used to direct
the drill bit.
89
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
TI= RF * AF * / 8.33
=0.95*1.02 *10.4/8.33
= 1.2
where :
TI = Transport Index
4- For deviated well section, using TI value and the angle factor, read off safe
ROP from charts or with TI and desired ROP, read off CFR for proper
hole cleaning, using charts
ROP safe (chart) =23 ft/hr
90
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
0 2.03
25 1.51
30 1.39
35 1.31
+40 1.24
45 1.18
50 1.14
55 1.10
60 1.07
65 1.05
70~80 1.02
80~90 1.0
TI= RF * AF * /8.33
Safe ROP may be obtained from chart( 3-9 ) which is equal to 14 ft/hr
91
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5-4-8-1 Drilling Fluid System For The First and Second Holes
There are some dolomite , anhydrite and marl in the second hole
formation , however , according to the information collected , it has influence
on the drilling fluid's parameters and there is many problems happened (losses
in Dammam formation , Sulpher water in Tayarat formation , marl in
Shiranish formation )
In the build-up and horizontal sections, the following two issues must
be taken into consideration.
5-4-8-3 Lubrication
92
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
lubricant includes graphite and small plastic ball, which attribute to physical
lubrication.
The oil lubricant includes the crude oil and diesel oil, and it can be
adsorbed on the surface of the drilling fluid cake to reduce the friction
between the drilling tools and borehole .
Depends upon the drilled wells information and the oil field
observations with the practical experience a schedule plan required to drill
different sections of the suggested horizontal well can be listed as following:
93
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3- For 12.25" building and holding section at top of Mishrif formation casing
shoe at(7665 ft MD), drilling, survey, tripping (19Days) &circulation ,risk
, misc (4Days) and the total is 23 days.
5-4-8-7 Recommended Flow Rate With Hole Size For The Proposal
Horizontal Well In West Qurna Oil Field
94
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Hole Size
Flow Rate (Gallon Per Minute)
(inch)
26" 1100 1200 at least. The very large hole size is
typically drilled for surface section therefore you will
not have a lot of annular pressure loss. The limitation
that you will have is your pump capacity. Split flow rate
evenly for each pump to ensure you will get the
constant and maximum total flow rate without too much
risk for pump failure.
17.5" 1000 Due to quite large hole size, drilling with high
ROP will not be good practice with low flow rate
because you cannot clean hole properly. Carefully
watch for hole condition, torque/drag and weight.
12.25" 790 1000 If you can add more flow, please do it.
Ensure that surface pressure and ECD are in a safe limit.
8.5" 400 600 Watch your surface equipment and ECD
limitation.
Also in the directional drilling the results showed that the flow rate must
be increased and the annular velocity must be increased to prevent settling or
bedding the cuttings to get excellent hole cleaning especially in the
formations hartha , saadi ,and the inclination angle in these formations have
high effect on the transporting the cuttings because of the composition
geology for these formation . Therefore the results and the parameters in the
tables showed the optimum drilling parameters starting by zero degree to the
deviated 30 degree (WQ-416) or high deviated angle 60 degree (WQ-271).
95
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fig. (5-7): Pie chart represent time vs hole size for the proposal of horizontal
well in West Qurna oil field
96
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fig. (5-8): Pie chart represent recommended flow rate for each hole size
5-5 Summary
- 30" conductor casing will be run and cemented prior to well spud.
-The DV tool will be placed in the 13.375" casing string ~ 328 ft TVD above
the top of the Hartha formation, but no shallower than 5674 ft.
-Many problems may be happened when drill the surface hole (vertical hole)
in the wells (WQ-404,WQ-416) in West Qurna field especially when
97
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
drilling the first formation (Dibdiba) because of the caving and unstable the
hole wall as shown in Appendix A.
-The suggestion is to increase the mud weight from 8.75 ppg to 9.2 ppg or
more than that to prevent caving the wall of the hole.
-Circulation to clean the hole is good option at the end of drilling each single
of drill pipe. Appendix A explain the treatment for the expected problems in
this hole .
There are some complex problems happened in the second hole such as loss
circulations in Dammam formation, probably sulphure water in Tayarat
formation, tight hole in Shiranish formation , so polymer drilling fluid system
is recommended to be used to control the problems happened in this section .
By using the high drilling fluid density the caving can be prevented, and the
drilling fluid density is 8.66.
The fresh water bentonite (F.W.B) drilling fluid system can be used
here and some polymers such as Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) can also
be added into the drilling fluid system to improve the ability of cuttings
lifting.
-Steerable drilling technology with LWD and suitable single bend motor
should be used to control the hole trajectory in the horizontal section, and
make sure it is kept in the pay zone. Drilling with rotary table and motor
should be applied to remove the cutting beds effectively.
98
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In case of remarkable loss weight on bit during drilling (e.g., drilling into a
cavity, etc.), stop drilling immediately and measure the Kelly in and
calculate the accurate hole depth, run in to tag the bottom and work out the
free drop length and record . If lost circulation occurs at the same time ,
pull the string inside the 9.625" casing and check the flow and loss rate . If
necessary, pull out of hole and pump down the prepared mud for sealing
the lost circulation. In case of a cement plug should be made, when drilling
out the plug MWD or LWD should be used to avoid drilling a new hole .
- Every time to pull out of hole , before tripping out , circulate the hole for
two rounds with high pump rate to clean the hole sufficiently .
-As this is an open hole interval, during such operations as logging, special
persons should be designated to check the well flow.
-The cutting lifting capacity of mud should be improved in this interval due
to the relatively smaller hole size
99
CHAPTER SIX : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER SIX
6-1 CONCLUSIONS
Based on the theoretical and field observations and analyses, the following
conclusions can be drawn regarding optimization of hole cleaning in
horizontal oil well:
1- Throughout this work, it is apparent that there are optimum limits of some
drilling parameters to have an efficient practical removal of cuttings or
satisfied hole cleaning.
-Turbulent flow
-Maximize flow rates at all times unless ECD problems require lower
rates
100
CHAPTER SIX : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4- A complete drilling plan for the case of horizontal well of short radius type
in West Qurna oil field have been suggested. The purpose behind that is to
get the benefits associated with horizontal drilling like drilling time and
total cost.
5- Field data indicate that the annular cuttings concentration is the main
factor that causes pipe sticking, high torque, and drag. Annular cuttings
concentration is the parameter that should be considered for the cuttings
transport in directional well drilling.
6- In case of highly inclined or tight well, it is important to ream the wellbore
with help of a back reamer. It helps creating a bigger hole that can
eliminate risk of stuck drill-pipe.
7- The fresh water betonite (F.W.B) drilling fluid system can be used to solve
problems at the surface and the first hole such as loss circulations of the
Dammam formation , the calcium ion contamination and caving in the
Lower Fars Formation . Polymer Mud drilling fluid system also can be
used to solve the problems in the second hole such as flow of sulphur
water in Tayarat formation .
8- Rotation of the drill-pipe can prevent cuttings beds build-up, and thus
improve hole cleaning. Drill pipe rotation is effective on hole cleaning
since it results in a turbulent flow in the annulus. Drill pipe rotation is
more advantageous in viscous drilling fluid and in small wellbore.
101
CHAPTER SIX : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
10- Small cuttings create more packed cuttings bed. The height of cuttings
bed is higher at inclination between 65 to 70 degrees, since hole cleaning
is more difficult in this interval. In this case, a high rotary speed with a
high viscosity mud would benefit to transport small-sized cuttings. When
the drill pipe does not rotate, a low viscosity mud cleans the wellbore
better than high viscosity mud.
11- In unstable formations, like sandstone, a high rpm values should be
avoided, since the drill string rotations can cause loss of some parts of
wellbore formation (washouts). In addition, high rpm can cause high
vibration in the drill string and thus, damage the electronics part in the
BHA, like Geo-Pilot or the MWD tools.
12- The flow rate should be high enough (during drilling operation) or
increased to its upper level, especially in the range of higher angles
between 55 to 90 degrees to obtain optimum hole cleaning.
13- Generally, from the results of this study and field investigations, it was
found that the best values to drill the horizontal hole can be summarized
as:
102
CHAPTER SIX : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6-2 Recommendations
1- At high deviated wells where the inclination greater than 45 degree lifting
cuttings and remove cuttings beds by pumping high viscous patch will be
not effective . In other words, the following steps can be recommended
instead of pumping high viscous patch especially at high deviated wells:
2- Oil base mud (OBM) or Polymer drilling fluid system has the outstanding
abilities on cuttings lifting , lubrication , hole cleaning etc , so it is very
important to be used for the successful drilling in the build-up and
horizontal sections.
3- In cases, where drill pipe does not rotate, it is difficult to remove cuttings
bed. In these situations, wiper trips are necessary to improve hole
cleaning. Usually, a normal range of drill pipe rotation is around 90 to
180 rpm. The pipe can rotate up to 120 rpm when drill bit is on-bottom,
and 180 rpm drill bit is off-bottom.
103
CHAPTER SIX : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
104
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
105
REFERENCES
10. Becker, T.E., Azar J.J., and Okranji, S.S.: Correlations of Mud
Rheological Properties with Cuttings Transport Performance in
th
Directional Drilling, SPE paper presented at the 64 Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, October 8-11, 1989.
11. Brown, N.P., Bern, P.A. and Weaver, A.: Cleaning Deviated Holes: New
Experimental and Theoretical Studies, paper SPE/IADC 18636 presented
at the1989SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, New Orleans, February 28
March 3.
12. Ford, J.T., Peden, J.M., Oyeneyin, M.B. et al. 1990. Experimental
Investigation of Drilled Cuttings Transport in Inclined Boreholes.
Presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, New
Orleans, 2326 September. SPE-20421-MS.
13. Sifferman, T.R., & Becker T.E: "Hole Cleaning in Full-Scale Inclined
Well Bores" SPE 20422,65thAnn.Tech.Conference of SPE in New
Orlands (Sept. 1990).
14. Becker, T.E., Azar, J.J., and Okrajni, S.S. 1991. Correlations of Mud
Rheological Properties With Cuttings-Transport Performance in
Directional Drilling. SPE Drill Eng 6 (1):1624; Trans., AIME, 291. SPE-
19535-PA.http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/19535-PA.
15. Zamora, M., Jefferson, D. T. & Powell, J. W. (1993): Holc-Cleaning
Study of Polymer-Based Drilling Fluids. SPE 68th Annual Technical
Conference & Exhibition. Houston. Texas. 3-6 October, 151-162, paper
SPE 26329.
16. Campos, W. et. al. 1994. A Mechanistic Modeling of Cuttings Transport
in Highly Inclined Wells. ASME FED Liquid-Solid Flows 189: 145155.
106
REFERENCES
107
REFERENCES
25. Adari, R.B., Miska, S., Kuru, E., Bern, P. and Saasen, A.: Selecting
Drilling Fluid Properties and Flow Rates for Effective Hole Cleaning in
High Angle and Horizontal Wells, SPE Paper 63050 presented at the
2000 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Dallas,
Texas, 1-4 October 2000.
26. Hyun Cho, et. al. : A Three Segment Hydraulic Model for Cuttings
Transport in Horizontal and Deviated Wells, presented at the 2000 SPE /
Petroleum Society of CIM International Conference on Horizontal Well
Technology held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 6 8 November 2000.
27. Bilgesu, H. I. M.W. Ali, K. Aminian, and S. Ameri, "Computational
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a Tool to Study Cutting Transport", at the SPE
Eastern Regional Meeting, 2002, pp. 1-4.
28. Bilgesu, H.I. N. Mishra, and S. Ameri, "Understanding the Effects of
Drilling Parameters on Hole Cleaning in Horizontal and Deviated
Wellbores Using Computational Fluid Dynamics", at the SPE Eastern
Regional Meeting, 2007, pp. 1-7.
29. Ali, M.W. "A Parametric Study of Cuttings Transportation in Vertical and
Horizontal Well Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)", M.S.
thesis, West Virginia University, West Virginia, U.S.A, 2002.
30. Yu, M., Melcher, D., Takach, N., Miska, S.Z., and Ahmed, R.: "A New
Approach to Improve Cuttings Transport in Horizontal and Inclined
Wells", paper SPE 90529 presented at the 2004 SPE Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition, Houston, September 26 29.
31. Kelessidis ,V.C. and G.E. Mpandelis," Hydraulic Parameters affecting
cuttings transport for Horizontal Coiled Tubing Drilling", at the 7 th
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108
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110
REFERENCES
111
REFERENCES
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112
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
A-1
APPENDIX A
Maintain MW at 9.33ppg
-POOH slowly and note Ream down and
tight spots (over pull and pump out of
torque). wellbore.
Tight hole /
Shiranish -Do not over pull more -Wiper trip to
Stuck Pipe
than 10 MT the 13 /8"casing
-Work tight spots before shoe.
making connection
A-2
APPENDIX A
A-3
APPENDIX A
Circulate
Observe for cuttings on
Wellbore wellbore with
Tanuma the shakers for shape and
Instability hi-vis sweep
size.
until clear
Include CaCo3 and KCL Pump LCM pill
Losses Khasib
as weighting agent.
No sliding interval
through Mishrif
Increase flow
-Minimize connection
rate to erode
time
filter cake
-Control MW
-Spot pipelax
Stuck drill -Keep string rotating
and leave it to
string/casing Mishrif while connection using
soak
(differential) rotary table
-Ensure acid is
-Use of proper sized
available. Pump
bridging material
if pipe lax is
unsuccessful
A-4
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX B
Vertical hole :
26" bit + 9" D.C (3 joints) + 8" Spiral D.C (3 joints) + 5" HWDP (5 stands)
+ 5" D.P
171/2" bit +9" D.C (3 joints) + 8" spiral D.C (3 joints) + 5" HWDP (5 Stands)
+ 5" D.P
Drilling Parameters :
Directional hole
12.25" bit + 8"(1.25-1.5) Down hole motor + check valve + LWD + 8.25"
nonmagnetic drill collar (NMDC) (1 single) + 8" spiral D.C (12 joints) + 5"
HWDP (5 Stands) + 8" Jar (1 single) + 5" H.W.D.P (5 Stands ) + 5" D.P as
required
Drilling Parameters :
B -1
APPENDIX B
Horizontal hole
8.5" PDC bit + 6.75" Down hole motor + LWD + 6.5" N.M.D.C (1 joint)
+ 6.75" D.C (12 joints) + 6.75" Jar + 5" HWDP (5 Stands) + 5" D.P as
required
Drilling Parameters :
B -2
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX C
26" hole surface casing cementing . It is drilled to depth 2624 ft and run in the
20" casing to depth 2620 ft , cement to surface .
17.5" hole second casing cementing. It is drilled to 6390 ft and run in the
133/8" casing , cement to surface .
12.25" hole third casing cementing. 12.25" bit is used to drill to depth 7665ft
top of Mishrif and run the 95/8" casing into 49 ft of Mishrif , the circulation
temperature is 50-60C . Cement system of dual densities and dual cementing
time is selected due to the long interval and lost circulation prevention
measures should be taken for the lower part.
Upper part : Light weight cement , cement + fluid loss agent + early strength
agent + dispersing agent + bentonite + stabilizing agent .
Lower part : Cement slurry of loss control and plugging functions with
normal weight , cement + fluid loss agent + early strength agent + dispersing
agent + loss control / plugging agent .
C-1
APPENDIX C
C-2
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX D
D-1
APPENDIX D
D-2
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