Cite: Aimable N., (2017): Comparison Between Underbalanced and Overbalanced Drilling.

Review; December 14, 2017

Contact: aimable.niyomugabo2016@gmail.com

UNDERBALANCED DRILLING AND OVERBALANCED DRILLING

By
Aimable NIYOMUGABO, Petroleum Engineer

Abstract

This paper discusses major points that drilling industries consider before making choice between underbalanced
and overbalanced drilling methods. It also shows advantages and disadvantages that each method presents.

Introduction There are advantages and disadvantages of using

underbalanced instead of overbalanced drilling,

Some drilling operations use and vis-versa.

underbalanced drilling technique. It is an

alternative method to conventional drilling Underbalanced Drilling Techniques

(overbalanced drilling) (strata Energy Service,

2014). During underbalanced drilling, the According to Shell Global Association,

wellbore pressure is maintained below the well engineers pump thick fluid into well shafts

formation pressure. Ring operations choose to neutralize pressure from oil and gas in the

underbalanced drilling because it offers adjacent reservoirs. However, high pressure

numerous advantages under certain conditions. added can cause formation rock damage, which

However, overbalanced drilling method also results in reduction of oil and gas flow rate. The

plays a major role in many drilling industries. innovative solution came with new technology
Cite: Aimable N., (2017): Comparison Between Underbalanced and Overbalanced Drilling. Review; December 14, 2017
Contact: aimable.niyomugabo2016@gmail.com

which is underbalanced drilling. The main perform any king of underbalanced drilling.

benefit of underbalanced drilling is to reduce Special pumps, mixers, tanker (Cryogenic

invasive formation damage due to skin effect tankers to store gases) and compressors are used

during drilling of vertical or horizontal well (Tao with respect to type of fluid they want to achieve

Zhu, Len Volk and Herbert Carrol, 1995). This and to inject into wellbore (SPE, PetroWiki,

damage is a product of numerous factors 2013). Fortunately, various facilities that are

including solid invasions, phase trapping, clay being used in overbalanced drilling are still

swelling, and emulsification (Adewumi et al, compatible with underbalanced drilling.

1993). Underbalanced drilling is appropriate for mature

fields, reservoir with water-sensitive producing

There are about four underbalanced zones and under-pressured reservoirs.

drilling techniques that are currently being used.

Those techniques include air drilling (gas), mist Applying underbalanced drilling

drilling (in wet formation, the small amount of increases net present value and increases the

water is injected with air, nitrogen, natural gas quantity of economically recoverable reserves.

carbon dioxide or inert gas), foam drilling (foam The additional benefits of underbalanced drilling

consisting of water, surfactant solution and gas) over overbalanced drilling include reduction of

and aerated mud drilling (mud mixed with air, lost circulations, elimination of differential

nitrogen or carbon dioxide). Any selected drilling pressure sticking, improving bit performance,

technique helps the operation to perform low mud cost and reduction of environmental

underbalanced drilling for a variety of impacts. However, using underbalanced drilling

specialized drilling applications (Tao Zhu, Len technology in unsafe situation like drilling in

Volk and Herbert Carrol, 1995). Furthermore, high formation pressure reservoir or shale rock

different drilling equipment can be used to can result in unpredictable accidents such as
Cite: Aimable N., (2017): Comparison Between Underbalanced and Overbalanced Drilling. Review; December 14, 2017
Contact: aimable.niyomugabo2016@gmail.com

blowout and fire or explosion. In addition, there differential pressure is negative (which recalls

may be a chemical instability that is linked to underbalanced drilling), the displacement of the

shale and claystone formations and chemicals of chip is stimulated thus increasing the rate of

underbalanced drilling fluid. penetration, lengthening bit life and reducing

time on the drilling project.

Overbalanced Drilling

Conclusion

Overbalanced drilling (Conventional

Drilling) is achieved by using heavier mud fluid In summary, underbalanced drilling

to maintain wellbore pressure above formation offers a range of advantages that include

pressure. This will slow penetration rates due to a increasing production rate, increasing bit

chip hold down effect. The degree to which penetration rate and reducing formation damage.

drilling is slowed is a function of the differential Underbalanced drilling is importantly applicable

pressure. In fact, difference between wellbore to mature fields, reservoir with water-sensitive

pressure and formation pressure plays role in producing zones and under-pressured reservoirs.

driving fluids. If this differential is positive, However, underbalanced drilling may be costly

drilling is slowed by inhibiting displacement of in terms of designing and modelling its fluids

the chip and by acting as a detaining pressure and and equipment. This makes some companies to

strengthening the rock. Therefore, it pushes back regularly use overbalanced drilling in some

into formation rock some chip (Air Drilling situations instead of underbalanced drilling.

Associates Inc, 2011). In contrast, if this

Cite: Aimable N., (2017): Comparison Between Underbalanced and Overbalanced Drilling Techniques. Review; December 14, 2017
Contact: aimable.niyomugabo2016@gmail.com

References

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Houston, TX, Aug. 25-27, 1993

http://www.strataenergy.net/, web. Viewed September 17/2015

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Pennian Basin Oil and Gas Recovery Conference, Midland, Texas, March, 1996.

Joseph, Robert A.1995A. Planning Lessens Problems, Gets Benefits of Underbalance: Underbalanced
Holizontal Drilling_1Oil & Gas Journal March 27: p41-7, 86-9.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. Effect of overbalance pressure on formation damage, 36
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