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Training Manual
Release 2003.16.1.7
Participant Guide
May 2008
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Landmark WELLPLANTM Software Version 2003.16.1.7 Training Manual
Contents
Basics ................................................................................................................................... 1
Overview............................................................................................................................. 1
Exercise 1: Creating the Data Hierarchy ............................................................................ 2
Steps and Questions ..................................................................................................... 2
Answers ....................................................................................................................... 4
Exercise 2: Specifying Tubular Properties, and Working With Catalogs .......................... 12
Steps and Questions ..................................................................................................... 12
Answers ....................................................................................................................... 14
Exercise 3: Using the Case Menu, Libraries, and Configuring the Workspace ................. 22
Steps and Questions ..................................................................................................... 22
Using the Case Menu ............................................................................................. 22
Using Libraries ...................................................................................................... 25
Configuring the Workspace ................................................................................... 25
Configuring and Using Plots .................................................................................. 27
Answers ....................................................................................................................... 30
Using the Case Menu ............................................................................................. 30
Using Libraries ...................................................................................................... 38
Configuring the Workspace ................................................................................... 45
Configuring and Using Plots .................................................................................. 55
Drilling .................................................................................................................................. 1
Overview............................................................................................................................. 1
Data ........................................................................................................................ 1
Workflow ............................................................................................................... 1
Workflow Solution ................................................................................................ 2
What Is Covered .................................................................................................... 2
Torque Drag Analysis (Using the Torque Drag Analysis Module) ............................. 5
Input and Review Well Configuration and Analysis Options ............................... 5
Analyze Results at TD ........................................................................................... 7
Analyze Torque and Drag at Other Depths ........................................................... 9
Analyze Hydraulics (Using the Hydraulics Module) .................................................. 11
Input and Review Well Configuration and Analysis Options ............................... 11
Manual Overview
This manual contains one chapter covering basic functionality. The
remaining chapters cover three workflows: Drilling, Running Liner, and
Cementing. Each workflow is covered in two chapters. One chapter
contains the exercise or workflow steps, and the other chapter contains
the workflow solution. If the exercise steps do not provide enough
information to complete the step, please refer to the solution in the
subsequent chapter.
Data
The data used in this exercise is not from an actual well. Although an
attempt has been made to use realistic data in the exercise, the intent
when creating the data set is to display as much software functionality
as possible. Therefore, some data may not be realistic. Please do not let
the accuracy of the data overshadow learning software functionality.
The Tip section has some key information to increase your efficiency
using the application.
The Caution icon indicates critical information that will impact results.
Support information is always available on the Landmark Graphics Support internet page.
http://css.lgc.com/CustomerSupport/CustomerSupportHome.jsp
Overview
a) Name the project Class Project. Use Mean Seal Level as the
System Datum. Entry of other project information is not
required for this course at this time.
a) Specify general site information. Name the site Class Site. The
Default Site Elevation is 100 feet above MSL. Use Grid as the
North Reference. Do not apply a tight group. (Use
Unrestricted.) Entry of other site information is not required for
this course at this time.
b) What unit system will be used for any Design or Case associated
with this Well? (Hint: Use the online help.)
d) What datum will be used for Designs associated with this well?
(Hint: Use the online help.)
10. Create a case for design Class Design. Name the case Class Case.
Answers
1. Launch WELLPLAN using Start > Programs > Landmark
Engineer’s Desktop > WELLPLAN.
5. Create a new project when prompted or by using File > New >
Project.
a) Use the Site Properties > General tab to specify general site
information. Name the site Class Site. The Default Site
Elevation is 100 feet above MSL. Use Grid as the North
Reference. Do not apply a tight group. (Use Unrestricted.)
a) Use the Well Properties > General tab to specify general well
information. Name the well Class Well. Do not use a Tight
Group. Use API Well Units. Leave other fields on this tab
blank.
b) API units will be used for any Design or Case associated with
this Well.
c) Use the Well Properties > Depth Reference tab to specify the
well depth reference, configuration (offshore or onshore), and to
view a depiction of the datum. This is an subsea well in 500 ft of
water. Specify a 490 ft wellhead elevation.
d) Designs and Cases associated with this well will use the Datum
with the Default box checked.
10. Create a case for design Class Design when prompted. Name the
case Class Case.
11. If the case does not automatically open, you can open the case by
double-clicking on the case name in the Well Explorer.
4. Create a pipe grade named Class Grade. This grade has the
following properties:
6. Open the catalog you created and create a casing with the following
properties. If a property is not listed below, leave the entry for that
property blank.
7. Make a new Units set and name it ‘Class Units’. (Tools > Unit
System) Base the new unit set on API units.
c) Is the unit for density psi/ft? You can refer to Case > Fluid
Editor and determine what unit is associated with density.
Answers
1. Access the Materials spreadsheet by double-clicking on Materials
in the Well Explorer. You may need to expand the Tubular
Properties node.
4. Create a pipe grade named Class Grade. Add the new grade in the
first blank line at the end of the list. It is very important to specify
the Section Type. If not, the grade will not be available to you
when you create a new pipe in a catalog later in this exercise.
b) Save and close the catalog using the catalog node right-click
menu.
7. Use Tools > Unit System. Base the new unit set on API units.
Notice that the active Unit Set name is displayed in the Status Bar.
b) The active unit system is Class Units. You can tell what unit
system is active by referring to the Active Viewing Unit System
drop-down list on the Unit Systems Editor. The active unit
system is also displayed in the Status Bar.
d) Activate the API unit system using Tools > Unit System. Select
API using the Active Viewing Unit System drop-down list.
e) Refer back to the Case > Fluid Editor and note the units are
now ppg.
8. Save the case using File > Save As, or File > Save.
• Use 12,534 ft of API 13 5/8”, 88.2 lb/ft, Q-125 casing with 17.5”
effective hole diameter. (Effective hole diameter is only used in
the OptiCem module for cementing analysis.)
2. Define a simple drill string to become familiar with using the Case
> String Editor.
• Drill Pipe: API Drill Pipe Catalog, 17,045 ft, DP 5 in, 19.50 ppf,
G, NC50(XH), P
• Drill Collar: API Drill Collar Catalog, DC, 390 ft, 8” X 2.5”, 7
H-90
• PV: 24 cp at 70 oF
• YP: 12 Tau0 at 70 oF
6. Copy all pore pressure and fracture pressure from the file
WPPoreFrac.xls. Paste the pore pressure data into Case > Pore
Pressure and the fracture gradient data into Case > Fracture
Gradient.
a) How is the first row of the Case > Pore Pressure spreadsheet
calculated?
b) Select the following two pumps from the catalog. Activate only
the A1400PT pump.
Using Libraries
9. Export the string you created by clicking the Export button on the
Case > String Editor. Name the string 10.625” BHA.
10. Export the fluid titled 15.1 ppg OBM by clicking the Library
button on the Case > Fluid Editor. You could change the name if
you wished, but for this exercise we will not change the name.
12. Open the case you created in the previous step if it is not already
opened.
13. Open the Case > String Editor. Notice there is no string data in the
String Editor. Import the 10.625” BHA string you created from the
library. Set string depth to 17,950 ft.
14. Open the Case > Fluid Editor. Notice there is no fluid data in the
Fluid Editor. Import the 15.1 ppg OBM fluid you created from the
library.
d) Create a tab titled Plots. Open the Inclination plot in this tab.
a) In the Well Explorer, highlight the case Class Case in the Class
Project. What items are linked at the case level?
e) Notice the Case > Hole Section Editor displays the hole section
data.
19. Copy the wellpath from the design Class Design in the Class
Project project to the design you created in step 11. Notice the
wellpath is now displayed on the Wellpath tab and the inclination
is displayed on the Plots tab.
20. Using the Associated Data Viewer, determine what data is linked
at various hierarchy levels (design, case, wellbore, etc.).
21. Save the tab configuration as a User Defined Workspace. Name the
workspace Class Workspace. Notice the workspace you created is
now listed as a User Defined Workspace in the Well Explorer.
23. Reopen the case. What tabs are displayed and why?
24. You can export your workspaces if you want to share them with
another person. Export the Class Workspace workspace you
created.
25. In the Well Explorer, notice the node titled System Workspaces.
System Workspaces are installed with the software. Can you
modify a System Workspace? Review the tab configurations
associated with each System Workspace.
26. Module Workspaces are a convenient way to use the same tab
configuration every time you use an analysis module regardless of
the case you are analyzing. To illustrate, continue to use the case
you created in step 11.
c) Save this as the default workspace for all Torque Drag analysis.
d) Open the case Class Case in the project Class Project to open
the case if it isn’t already opened.
e) Activate the Torque Drag Analysis module and notice the tab
configuration. What tab configuration is used?
a) Freeze the curve on the Inclination plot using the Plots tab.
Specify the color of the freeze line to be green, the width to 3,
and change the name of the curve.
c) Using the right mouse button, click on the curve with the 50
degree inclination. Select Hide Line. What happened to the line?
28. Generate a survey Vertical Section plot. Use the Plot tab.
a) Change the width of the data curve (vertical section line) on the
Vertical Section plot to 3. (Hint: Right-click on the curve and use
Line Properties option of the right-click menu.)
d) View X/Y coordinate data for the plot and then return to the plot
view.
29. Click on the Properties button to open the Properties tabs. The
following questions highlight the functionality of these tabs. (Hints:
To easily view the changes to the plot, move the Properties tabs
dialog box so that the plot is visible. Don’t forget to click the Apply
button to implement changes.)
a) Using the Axis tab, Draw the X axis where Y = 0, and remove
the tick marks from the Y axis.
b) Using the General/Grid tab, remove the grid lines from the plot.
c) Using the Labels tab, change the Y axis label to ‘True Vertical
Depth’.
d) Using the Font tab, change the axis labels to green and italic.
31. Export this Case at the company level using the filename of your
choice.
Answers
4. Use File > Import > Wellpath File to import the file
WP2003_16TrainingWellpath.TXT. Review the wellpath data using
Case > Wellpath > Wellpath Editor.
5. Enter mud properties on the Fluid Editor. Click the New button to
enter data for a new fluid. (Case > Fluid Editor). After you are
finished inputting fluid properties, click the Activate button to
indicate you want this fluid used in the analysis.
Click the New button to enter a
new fluid.
6. Copy all pore pressure and fracture pressure from the file
WPPoreFrac.xls. Use CTRL-C and CTRL-V to copy and paste the
data. In Excel, select the columns you want to copy and use CTRL-
C. In WELLPLAN, highlight the second row (because it is the first
empty row in the spreadsheet) and use CTRL-V to paste the data.
Paste the pore pressure data into Case > Pore Pressure and the
fracture gradient data into Case > Fracture Gradient. Because
these spreadsheets contain no data except for the first calculated
row of data, you can either Overwrite or Append the data into
these spreadsheets.
a)
b)
Click the
Add From
Catalog
button to
select a
mud pump
from the
catalog.
Using Libraries
9. Export the string you created by clicking the Export button on the
Case > String Editor. Name the string 10.625” BHA.
Click the Export
button to export
the string to a
library.
10. Export the fluid you created by clicking the Library button on the
Case > Fluid Editor. Highlight the fluid you want to move to the
library. In this example, highlight the 15.1 ppg OBM. Click the left-
facing arrow to copy the fluid to the library. The fluid will have the
same name in the library as it did in the Fluid Editor. You could
change the name if you wished, but for this exercise we will not
change the name.
12. Double-click on the case name in the Well Explorer to open the
case you created in the previous step if it is not already opened.
13. Open the Case > String Editor. After the import, notice that the
string data is displayed in the Case > String Editor.
Click the Import button. When the warning message appears,
click Yes to indicate that you want to overwrite any existing string
data.
14. Open the Case > Fluid Editor. Notice there is no fluid data in the
Fluid Editor until after you import the fluid from the library. You
must click the Activate button if you want to use the fluid in the
analysis.
15. Using the Well Explorer, right-click on the Database Icon, and
select Export from the right-click menu. Specify the filename you
want to use and be sure that the Save as Type says Library
Transfer Files (*.lib.xml). Click Save to create the library transfer
file. You, or the person you are giving the file to, can import the
library transfer file by selecting Import from the Database Icon
right-click menu.
Window splitters
a) Use View > Schematics > Well Schematic-Full String and then
use the Option drop-down list to select Not To Scale.
b) On the tab titled Editors, put Case > Hole Section Editor in one
pane and Case > String Editor in the other pane.
d) On the tab titled Plots, open the View > Wellpath Plots >
Inclination plot in this tab.
18.
a) In the Well Explorer, highlight the case Class Case in the Class
Project.
d)
e)
20. Using the Well Explorer, highlight the hierarchy level you are
interested in, and then view the linked data using the Associated
Data Viewer.
b) Rigs, hole section, assembly, and fluids are linked to the case
level.
Right-click on User
Defined Workspace
and select New from
the right-click menu.
22. Save and close the case by using the File menu, or by right-clicking
on the case name in the Well Explorer.
25. System Workspaces are installed with the software and cannot be
changed. You could use a System Workspace as the basis for a User
Defined Workspace, but you must always save your workspaces as
User Defined Workspaces. Review the tab configurations
26.
c)
a)
b)
c)
When a line is
hidden, it
disappears from
the plot.
28. Generate a survey Vertical Section plot using View > Wellpath
Plots > Vertical Section.
a)
Data Reader
d) Click on the Grid View button (fourth button from the left on the
Graphics Toolbar) to view X/Y coordinate data for the plot.
Click the Arrow button (left button on Graphics Toolbar) to
return to the plot view.
a) Using the Axis tab, Draw the X axis where Y = 0, and remove
the tick marks from the Y axis.
Remove Tick
Marks by
unchecking the
associated box.
b) Using the General/Grid tab, remove the grid lines from the plot.
c) Using the Labels tab, change the Y axis label to ‘True Vertical
Depth’.
d) Using the Font tab, change the axis labels to green and italic.
g)
30. Right click on the case name in the Well Explorer and select Close.
31. Export this Case at the company level using the filename of your
choice.
Overview
Data
The data used in this exercise is not from an actual well. Although an
attempt has been made to use realistic data in the exercise, the intent
when creating the data set is to display as much software functionality
as possible. Therefore, some data may not be realistic. Please do not let
the accuracy of the data overshadow learning software functionality.
Workflow
In this section we will drill one hole section in a well. During this
analysis, we assume previous hole sections have been drilled, and will
focus only on the current section being drilled.
The following is a brief, general overview of the workflow and does not
include a description of all workflow steps.
Initial analysis evaluates the stresses acting on the string when the bit is
at TD. Adjustments to the drill pipe are made based on this analysis.
Next, the torque and drag is evaluated at depths other than TD.
After all string adjustments based on torque drag analysis are completed,
hydraulics analysis begins. First of all, hole cleaning is reviewed. Flow
rate adjustments are made to improve hole cleaning. Pressure losses,
including system, string, and annulus are examined. Critical annular
velocities are determined. Pump horsepower requirements are
determined. ECDs are analyzed, and bit nozzle sizes are optimized. A
final design check is performed to ensure hole cleaning, pressure losses,
and ECDs are acceptable.
Well control analysis is the next step in the process. The kick type is
determined, as well as the expected influx volume. Using the estimated
influx volume, the kick tolerance is examined. A kill sheet is generated,
and the well control animation is used to display the pressures and other
parameters as the kick is circulated out of the wellbore.
Finally, the forces required to set, trip, and reset a jar in the event the
pipe becomes stuck are determined.
Workflow Solution
Solutions for the workflow steps in this chapter can be found in the
Drilling Solution chapter.
What Is Covered
During this workflow you will:
• Analytical methods
• Mechanical limitations
• Examine fatigue
Hydraulics Analysis
• Examine hole cleaning at various pump rates
• Check ECDs
• Optimize hydraulics
The Torque Drag Analysis module predicts the measured weights and
torques while tripping in, tripping out, rotating on bottom, rotating off
bottom, slide drilling, and backreaming. This information can be used
to determine if the well can be drilled or to evaluate conditions while
drilling a well. The module can be used for analyzing drillstrings, cas-
ing strings, liners, tieback strings, tubing strings, and coiled tubing.
The Torque Drag Analysis module includes both soft string and stiff
string models. The soft string model is based on Dawson’s cable model.
In this model, the work string is treated as an extendible cable with zero
bending stiffness. Friction is assumed to act in the direction opposing
motion. The forces required to buckle the string are determined, and if
buckling occurs, the mode of buckling (sinusoidal, transitional, helical,
or lockup) is indicated. The stiff string model includes the increased
side forces from stiff tubulars in curved hole, as well as the reduced side
forces from pipe wall clearance.
b. Does the drill pipe weight include the tool joint weight?
c. What type of connections are used for the drill pipe, and what is
the make-up torque for the drill pipe connection?
a. What is the best azimuth to view the View > Wellpath Plots >
Vertical Section plot?
b. How can you use this dialog to set the Vertical Section plot to
use that azimuth?
7. Apply tortuosity to the open hole section. Use the Sine Wave
Tortuosity Model, 12,500 ft MD Top, a 500 ft Angle Change
Period, a 0.5 degree magnitude, and a 30 ft Depth Interval.
b. When using the Sine Wave model, why should angle and pitch
not be a multiple of each other?
9. Specify the Torque Drag Analysis setup options. Check all the
boxes in the Mechanical Limitations section. This information
will now be displayed on the applicable plots.
Analyze Results at TD
Using the Normal Analysis mode, we will review the results when the
bit is at TD (total depth). Later we will use Drag Charts to review the
results when the bit is at other depths along the wellpath.
13. Review the Torque Graph to determine the location in the string
when the torque limit is exceeded for each operation that the
Summary Loads table indicated.
15. Review the load data to determine which limits are exceeded during
the Backreaming, Rotating On Bottom, and Rotating Off Bottom
operations. When backreaming, at what depth is the yield strength
and utilization factor exceeded?
16. What can you do to avoid the problems in the string? There are
several possible options. For this exercise, change the drill pipe.
a. One option would be to change the drill pipe to 5”, 25.6#, S, FH,
Class 1 pipe.
b. Review the make-up torque and fatigue limits for this pipe.
18. How could you save some money on the string? Continue to use the
S grade pipe in the top 7,500 ft of drill pipe. Because the original
drillpipe (5”, 19.5 lb/ft, G, NC50, P) was sufficient below that
depth, change to the original pipe below 7,500 ft. Review results
again using the Summary Loads table. (7,500 ft of S pipe is used
because the problems began about 7,000 ft. The additional 500 ft
allows for a margin of safety.)
Using the Normal Analysis mode, we reviewed the results with the bit
at TD (total depth). Now we will use Drag Charts to review the results
when the bit is at other depths along the wellpath.
23. Specify an RPM of 80 for the tripping operations (as with a top
drive). Notice the difference in the plot. Set the RPM back to zero
before proceeding.
24. Review the Minimum WOB chart. Look at the last data point and
compare the results to the Normal Analysis Summary table
results. Notice the Run Depth is the same as the bit depth.
b. What are the flow rates and pressure losses for the mud motor?
c. What are the flow rates and pressure losses for the MWD?
29. Review the Hole Cleaning Operational plot at 600 gpm and a rate
of penetration (ROP) of 50.
c. What is the bed height in the casing (between the drill pipe and
the casing)?
d. Will changing the flow rate help clean the annulus (not including
the riser)? Try 615 gpm.
b. How fast can you drill, and keep the wellbore clean, if you rotate
at 30 rpm?
33. Now that we know we need to pump at 615 gpm to clean the
wellbore, analyze pressure losses for a range of flowrates to
determine if our pumps can handle the required flow. Use the
following analysis parameters:
• 9 hr circulation time
34. Review the pressure losses. Are the system pressures losses too
high at 615 gpm?
35. Change from the 5660 psi pump to a 7500 psi pump.
c. If you want a turbulent flow regime in the open and cased hole,
how fast would you need to pump? (Hint: Use the Annular
Pump Rate plot.)
d. Activate the other 7500 psi pump, and use both in the analysis.
(Both 7500 psi pumps should be active.) (Hint: This is a two step
process. One step to activate the pump, and the other to use the
pump in the analysis.)
Check ECD’s
40. Continue using the Pressure: Pump Rate Fixed analysis mode to
check the ECD’s.
c. Hide the pore and fracture pressure curves displayed on the ECD
vs. Depth plot. .
f. Refer back to the ECD vs Depth plot and notice the difference
in the curves. Why is there a difference?
g. Review the Depth vs Pressure and ECD Chart. What does this
chart tell you?
Bit Optimization
41. Access the Optimization Planning analysis mode, and specify the
following analysis parameters. What size nozzles do we need to use
to optimize based on Bit Impact Force or HHP?
43. Use the Rate dialog to investigate the effect on HSI when the
nozzle sizes are changed.
c. Indicate that you do not want to use the String nozzles. What is
the HSI now?
48. Review the pore pressures. At what measured depth is there a 0.5
ppg pore pressure increase in the open hole section (other than at
the shoe)? (Hint: Use Convert Depth/EMW.)
• Swab analysis.
a. Why is the initial EMW presented on the plot not equal to the
original mud weight?
b. Is there a problem?
51. Run a trip schedule for the open hole. What is the recommended
safe trip speed?
52. Adjust the trip speed to 150 ft/min, and review the transient plots to
confirm the problem is resolved.
Tripping In Operation
53. Change the operation from swab to surge. Leave all other
parameters the same as for the swab operation.
54. Review the transient plot. Why was the analysis not performed?
55. Adjust the moving pipe depth, and review the transient response
plot at all three moving pipe depths. Are there any problems?
66. What is the expected influx volume, and how long did it take to
detect the kick?
b. Is the annular pressure at the shoe between the pore and fracture
pressures as the kick is circulated out?
e. Review the Safe Drilling Depth plot. What does this plot tell
you?
72. View the animation using the Driller’s method. What fluid is in the
wellbore and string at the end of the animation?
• Use a choke and kill line. (590 ft line length, and both choke and
kill line IDs are 3.5 inches)
• Leak off mud weight used for the leak off test is 13.8 ppg
b. The leak off test was performed at the casing shoe. What is the
casing shoe measured depth, and how can you easily determine
the true vertical depth at the shoe?
c. How can you easily determine the air gap and sea depth?
79. Review the kill sheet analysis parameters. Specify a 6 bbl pit gain.
Select the pump with the 40 spm speed.
d. How many strokes, and how many minutes does it take to fill the
drill pipe?
The Critical Speed Analysis module identifies critical rotary speeds and
areas of high stress concentration in the drillstring. The analysis uses an
engineering analysis technique called Forced Frequency Response
(FFR) to solve for resonant rotational speeds (RPMs). The Critical
Speed Analysis module is based on a nonlinear finite element solution
written to include intermittent contact/friction, finite displacement,
buoyancy and other effects that occur while drilling.
85. Review the mesh zone parameters. Use the default parameters.
b. Where in the string are these stresses likely to occur at 140 rpm?
Consider re-scaling the plot to view the data easier.
e. Explain the difference between the View > Position Plots >
Stress Components plot and the View > Rotational Speed >
Stress Components plot. (Hint: Split the window and display
each plot in a vertical pane.)
Predict BHA Build and Drop (Using Bottom Hole Assembly Module)
Engineers in other fields have often relied on the Finite Element Analy-
sis Method to solve complex problems. The Finite Element Analysis
(FEA) method solves a complex problem by breaking it into smaller
problems. Each of the smaller problems can then be solved much easier.
The individual solutions to the smaller problems can be combined to
solve the complex problem. Depending on the number of elements
(smaller problems) that the complex structure (overall problem) is com-
prised of, the solution can become very laborious. Fortunately, the com-
bination of the increasing speed of computing power and creative
mathematics have significantly simplified FEA analysis.
91. Review the mesh zone parameters. Use the default parameters.
92. Input analysis data and review results. How is the bit tilt relative to
the wellbore?
93. Examine the results for drilling ahead 300 ft. Unless noted
otherwise, use the same analysis data as in the previous step.
• Record interval is 30 ft
• Bit coefficient is 50
• Formation hardness is 30
5 15
25 35
35 50
a. How will the build and walk rates be affected by weight on bit?
The Stuck Pipe analysis module calculates the forces acting on the drill-
string at the stuck point. It can be used to determine the location of the
stuck point, the overpull possible without yielding the pipe, the mea-
sured weight required to set the jars, and the surface action required to
achieve the desired conditions at the back-off point.
103.What are the forces to set, trip, and reset the jar?
105.Determine if the loads required to set, trip, and reset the jar cause
the string to fail. Is the pipe buckling or yielding?
• Increment is 10 kips
Backing Off
106.Activate the Backoff Analysis mode.
Overview
This chapter contains the answers for the exercises found in the previous
Drilling chapter.
Depth Reference tab plus the Elevation (100 ft) also specified
on the Depth Reference tab.
b. The default friction factors are used. These (0.2 for cased hole,
and 0.3 for open hole) friction factors are the generally accepted
within the industry as defaults, or a place to begin your analysis.
b. The drill pipe weight includes the tool joint weight. This
information can be found in the online help topic titled String
Drill Pipe Data Dialog.
c. To determine the type of connections used for the drill pipe, and
the make-up torque for the drill pipe connection, double-click on
a non-editable cell in the spreadsheet row describing the drill
pipe. The String Drill Pipe Data dialog will appear. The pipe is
5”, 19.5 lb/ft (the stated weight of 21.92 lb/ft includes the tool
joints), G grade, P class pipe with a makeup torque of 21,914 ft-
lbf. The connections are NC50(XH).
Vertical section
plot with vertical
section azimuth
set to 0.0 degrees.
Vertical section
plot with vertical
section azimuth
set to 224.84
degrees.
7. Use Case > Wellpath > Options, or click the Options button on
the Wellpath Editor to specify tortuosity.
b. When using the Sine Wave model, angle and pitch should not be
a multiple of each other because the result will go to zero. Refer
to the online help for an example.
c. Review the View > Wellpath Plots > Inclination and View >
Wellpath Plots > Azimuth plots. The “corkscrews” are caused
8. Use the Case > Fluid Editor. The 13.8 OBM is used.
To activate a fluid,
highlight the fluid
name and then click
the Activate button.
9. Specify the Torque Drag Analysis setup options using Case >
Torque Drag Setup. The Soft String model will be used because
the Use Stiff String Model box is not checked.
10. Use the Parameter > Mode Data dialog to review additional
analysis parameters.
Analyze Results at TD
11. Access the View > Table > Summary Loads table. The Measured
Weight indicated in this table is the hookload.
b. Using this table it is not possible to tell where in the string the
problems occur. In the following steps, we will look at other
plots and tables that provide this information.
d. The overpull margin is -2.6 kips, and the yield utilization factor
is exceeded during tripping out.
12. Access the View > Plot > Effective Tension plot.
a. The True Tension plot should only be used for stress analysis. If
you want to determine when the string will buckle or fail due to
tension, use the Effective Tension plot.
13. Access View > Plot > Torque Graph. Notice where the curves
cross the Torque Limit line. The curves for all rotating operations
indicate when the string is at TD the makeup torque is exceeded
above 6,900 ft MD.
14. Access the View > Plot > Fatigue Graph. Notice the Backreaming
and Rotating Off Bottom operations have a Fatigue Ratio greater
than 1.0 at about 5,200 ft MD indicating a fatigue problem.
b. Use View > Wellpath Plots > Dogleg Severity to review the
doglegs. Notice the high doglegs beginning about 5,200 ft.
16.
a. Use Case > String Editor to change the drill pipe to 5”, 25.6#,
S, FH, Class 1 pipe. To edit the drill pipe data, double-click on a
non-editable cell in the spreadsheet row describing the drill pipe.
The String Drill Pipe Data dialog will appear. Click the From
Catalog button to display the Drill Pipe Specification dialog.
On this dialog, select the API Drill Pipe catalog from the Type
drop-down list.
Notice the drill pipe has been changed on the Case > String
Editor.
b. Review the make-up torque (View > Plot > Torque Graph) and
fatigue limits (View > Plot > Fatigue Graph) for this pipe.
Notice the problems are resolved.
18. You must first insert another row of drill pipe. Because we want to
use the S grade pipe in the top 7,500 ft, insert a row of drill pipe
below that pipe. To insert another row, highlight the existing row in
the spreadsheet immediately below where you want to insert a row,
and then press the Insert key on the keyboard. A blank row will be
created.
Select Drill Pipe from the Section Type drop-down list. The Drill
Pipe Specification dialog will appear. Use this dialog to select the
desired pipe. Click OK to close the dialog.
Use View > Table > Summary Loads and notice the problems are
resolved.
20. Using the Parameter > Run Parameters dialog, analyze every
100 ft from 0 to TD. Notice much of the information on this dialog
defaults from the values specified in the Normal Analysis.
21. Access the View > Plot > Tension Point/Hook Load chart.
a. This plot displays the torque at the surface unless the box titled
Torque/Tension Point Distance from Bit box is checked on the
Parameter > Run Parameters dialog.
b. There is 0 torque for trip in and trip out because the RPM field
for both tripping operations is set to 0 on the Parameters > Run
Parameters dialog.
23. Use the Parameter > Run Parameters dialog to enter the RPM.
Notice the difference in the plot. Set the RPM back to zero.
24. Access the View > Plot > Minimum WOB chart. The results
reported in the Normal Analysis Summary table assume the bit is
at the string depth specified on the Case > String Editor. In this
case, the string depth is set to TD (20,000 ft). Use the Data Reader
26. Review the Case > String Editor information. To view or edit the
parameters defining a component, double-click on a non-editable
field associated with the component. A dialog will become
available for you to edit or review the data associated with the
component.
29. Review the View > Plot > Operational plot at 600 gpm and a rate
of penetration (ROP) of 50. Use the sliders at the bottom of the
view to change the ROP and pump rate if necessary. Use the Data
a. The minimum flow rate to clean the wellbore is about 717 gpm.
This flow rate is required to clean the riser. About 614 gpm is
required to clean inside the casing.
c. The bed height in the casing (between the drill pipe and the
casing) is less than one half inch.
e. A flow rate of 720 gpm did clean the riser. Because 615 gpm
cleaned the cased hole section, and 720 gpm cleans the riser, 105
gpm of additional flow is required to clean the riser.
30. Access View > Plot > Minimum flow Rate vs ROP plot.
b. About 60 ft/hr.
c. Specify the rotary speed in the Rotary Speed field at the bottom
of the window.
32. Review the surface equipment and mud pump information using
Case > Circulating System.
34. Use View > Plot > Pressure Loss plot. The system pressures losses
are too high. Notice that at a 615 gpm flow rate, the system pressure
losses are in the “red zone”.
35. Using the Case > Circulating System dialog, change from the
5660 psi pump a the 7500 psi pump.
c. Use View > Plot > Annular Pump Rate. Over 2400 gpm would
be required for turbulent flow in the riser. 834 gpm is required
for turbulent flow in the open hole, and 870 gpm in the cased
hole.
a. The stand pipe pressure is 5982 psi which is less than the 7,500
psi of the pump.
b. Using View > Pie Charts > Power > Drill String and, View >
Pie Charts > Power > Annulus review the power losses in the
drillstring and annulus. The power loss in the drill string is 2072
hp, and in the annulus is 38 hp. This is greater than the pump
power of 2,000 hp.
c. Using View > Pie Charts > Pressure > Drill String and, View
> Pie Charts > Pressure > Annulus, review the pressure losses
in the drillstring and annulus. The pressure loss in the string is
5776 psi, and in the annulus is 106 psi. This is less than the pump
pressure.
d. Use Case > Circulating System > Mud Pumps to activate the
other pump. (Check the box next to the pump name to activate
it.) Click the Obtain from Circulating System button on the
Parameter > Rate dialog to include the second pump in the
analysis.
Check ECD’s
40.
a. Using the View > Plot > Pressure vs. Depth plot, the string and
annulus pressure stay within the pore pressure and fracture
gradient boundaries.
b. The View > Plot > ECD vs. Depth plot indicates the ECD
remains within the pore pressure and fracture gradient
boundaries in the open hole section.
c. Hide the pore and fracture pressure curves displayed on the plot
by right-clicking on the curve and selecting Hide from the right-
click menu.
d. Right-click on the ECD curve, and select Freeze Line from the
menu. Change the line color and thickness using the displayed
dialog.
f. Refer back to the ECD vs Depth plot and notice the difference
in the curves. The difference occurs because suspended cuttings
are now included in the analysis. There would be a larger
difference if there was a cuttings bed in the annulus.
g. The View > Plot > Depth vs Pressure and ECD Chart displays
the ECD and pressure when the bit is at different depths in the
open hole section. This plot can also be used to compare the
Bit Optimization
41. Access the Optimization Planning analysis mode using the Mode
drop-down list. Specify the following analysis parameters using
Parameter > Solution Constraints. To optimize based on Bit
Impact Force or HHP we need three 15/32nd nozzles.
42. Access the Pressure: Pump Rate Fixed analysis mode using the
drop-down list.
b. Click the Nozzles button to specify the nozzle size. Use the
Local tab. The String tab indicates the nozzles used on the
String Editor. The TFA is 0.518 in2.
c. Be sure to un-check the Use String Editor Bit Nozzles box. The
HSI is now 5.5 hp/in2.
d. Using the Rate dialog, notice the stand pipe pressure is close to
the maximum pump pressure (7,500 psi), so use three 16/32nd
nozzles instead. To use the three 16/32nd nozzles, click the
Nozzles button and specify this nozzle configuration on the
Local tab. The HSI is now 4.2 hp/in2.
e. Click the Copy to String button on the Bit Nozzles > Local tab
to copy these nozzles to the String Editor.
45. Select the Pressure: Pump Rate Fixed analysis mode using the
Mode drop-down list. Review the View > Plot > Pressure vs
Depth plot. There does not appear to be any issues.
46. Access the View > Plot > ECD vs Depth plot. There doesn’t
appear to be any issues.
48. Use Case > Pore Pressure to review the pore pressures. The over
pressured zone is at 10,743.8 ft TVD. Press F11 to access the
Convert Depth/EMW dialog. Specify the TVD, and click the
Convert button to determine the MD.
50. Use the View > Operations Plot > Transient Response plot to
review pressures or EMW vs Time. Use the right-click menu to
select the correct plot.
a. The initial EMW on the plot is less then the original mud weight
because mud temperatures effects are included in the analysis.
b. Yes, there is a problem because the EMW when the moving pipe
depth is at TD falls below the pore pressure as denoted by the
“red zone” on the plot.
51. Use View > Operation Plot > Trip Schedule. The recommended
safe trip speed is 150 ft/min.
52. Specify the trip speed using the Parameter > Operations Data
dialog. Use View > Operation Plot > Trip Schedule to review
results at all depths.Refer back to Operations Data dialog, and use
150 ft/min for the trip speed and notice the issue is resolved.
Tripping In Operation
53. Use Parameter > Operations Data to change the operation from
swab to surge.
54. Use View > Operation Plot > Transient Response. The
calculations cannot be performed for a surge operation when a
moving pipe depth is at TD. The maximum moving pipe depth
allowed is TD minus one stand length. In this example, the
maximum moving pipe depth would be 19910 ft.
55. Use Parameter > Operations Data to change the moving pipe
depth. There are no predicted problems.
65. Parameter > Influx Volume Estimation > Reaction Times tab to
review the reaction time.
68. Use the Case > Well Control Setup > Operational tab to specify
the method.
69. Specify the kick tolerance analysis parameters using Parameter >
Kick Tolerance.
a. Use the View > Plot > Allowable Kick Volume plot. The
maximum allowable influx volume is 57 bbls.
b. Use the View > Plot > Pressure at Depth plot at the shoe. The
pressure is between the pore and fracture pressures while the
kick is circulated out.
c. Use the View > Plot > Pressure at Depth plot to analyze the
annular pressure at the surface. Use the right-click menu to select
the correct plot. The highest choke pressure is 1386 psi.
d. Review the View > Plot > Maximum Pressure plot. The
Maximum Pressure plot displays the maximum annular
pressures that will occur at any measured depth with an influx of
constant volume in the well. The Pressure at Depth plot
displays the pressure at a specified depth of interest in the
annulus as the kick is circulated.
e. Access the View > Plot > Safe Drilling Depth plot. Use this plot
to display the maximum pressure at a specified depth of interest
using a constant influx volume occurring at the bit as the
wellbore depth increases. The analysis begins at the last casing
shoe depth, and continues over the distance specified as the
Depth Interval to Check on the Parameter > Kick Tolerance
dialog. (The ending depth of the analysis will be the casing shoe
depth plus the Depth Interval to Check.)
g. Use View > Plot > Full Evacuation to Gas. Yes, there will be a
problem if there is a full evacuation to gas because the annular
pressure exceeds the fracture gradient.
72. Use Case > Well Control Setup > Operational to change the kill
method. The light mud is in the wellbore and string at the end of the
animation.
73. Use Case > Well Control Setup > Operational tab to change the
kill method.
75. Using the Case > Well Control Setup tabs to specify the analysis
parameters.
76. Click the toolbar button to access the Notebook module, and
Miscellaneous mode. Use the Parameter > Leak Off Test dialog
to specify the test pressure as 450 psi.
a. Use the mud density of the active fluid on the Case > Fluid
Editor.
b. The leak off test was performed at the casing shoe. The casing
shoe measured depth is 12,500 ft. Use the Convert Depth/
EMW tool (press F11) to determine the TVD (9493.8 ft.).
77. Activate the Well Control Analysis module using the toolbar
button, and the Kill Sheet mode using the Mode drop-down list.
78. Use Case > Well Control Setup to review the slow pump
information.
79. Access Parameter > Kill Sheet and specify a 6 bbl pit gain. Click
the Select Pump/Kill Speed button and select the pump with the 40
spm speed. Notice the other data, including the annulus and string
volumes are already specified.
b. Use Case > Circulating System > Mud Pumps to change the
pump efficiency for pump #1 to 90%.
82. Access the View > Report and select Kill Sheet. Click Preview to
view the report.
85. Review the mesh zone parameters. (Parameter > Mesh Zone) Use
the default parameters.
b. The BHA will be divided into elements based on the input values
for Aspect Ratio 1 and Length 1. Refer to the online help for
more information.
a. 140 and 35 rpm may result in high relative stress in the string.
(View > Rotational Speed Plots > Resultant Stresses)
b. Use View > Position Plots > Resultant Stresses. At 140 rpm,
these stresses likely to occur 12 ft (mud motor) and 37 (MWD)
ft from the bit. (Use the Rescale button to enlarge a portion
c. These stresses are likely to occur in the mud motor (12 ft) and
MWD (37 ft).
e. The View > Position Plots > Stress Components plot displays
the stress components for a range of rotational speeds. The View
Predict BHA Build and Drop (Using Bottom Hole Assembly Module)
91. Review the mesh zone parameters using Parameter > Mesh Zone.
Use the default parameters.
92. Use Parameter > Analysis to input analysis data and review
results. The bit is tilted downward 0.06 degrees. The negative bit
force indicates the force is acting downward. Refer to the online
help for more information.
93. Examine the results for drilling ahead 300 ft. Use Parameter >
Analysis to input analysis data and review results. Unless noted
otherwise, use the same analysis data as in the previous step.
95.
a. The greatest side forces are located at the contact points we saw
on the previous plot.
97. Using Parameter > Analysis, specify the following WOB and
ROP data.
a. Use View > Plot > Weight on Bit to determine how the build
rate is affected by weight on bit. After 25 kips WOB, additional
WOB doesn’t have much affect on the build rate. There is not
much change in walk after this point either. At some point, the
string settles into an equilibrium state and is less sensitive to
WOB changes.
99. Use Case > Stuck Pipe Setup to input analysis parameters.
c. Refer to the Case > String Editor. Yes, the stuck point is below
the jar.
102.Use the String Jar Data dialog to specify the jar operating
parameters. To access the String Jar Data dialog, double-click on
a non-editable field associated with the jar on the Case > String
Editor.
103.Use Parameter > Analysis to determine the forces to set, trip, and
reset the jar.
Backing Off
106.Use the Mode drop-down list to select the Backoff Analysis
mode.
Overview
Data
The data used in this exercise is not from an actual well. Although an
attempt has been made to use realistic data in the exercise, the intent
when creating the data set is to display software functionality.
Therefore, some data may not be realistic. Please do not let the accuracy
of the data divert attention from acquiring knowledge of software
functionality.
Workflow
In this section we will analyze running a liner in the wellbore section
drilled in the last workflow.
The final step in the workflow involves conditioning the well prior to
cementing.
Workflow Solution
Solutions for the workflow steps in this chapter can be found in the
Running Liner Solution chapter.
What Is Covered
During this workflow you will:
Answers for the exercises in this chapter can be found in the chapter
titled Running Liner Answers.
Important:
In order to update results in the Quick Look section, you must click the
Copy to Standoff Devices button on the Parameter > Centralizer
Placement view. Therefore, if you change any data, click this button to
update the results. If not, the results calculated using standoff devices
may not be accurate.
12. Use the same analysis parameters that you did for the bow
centralizer. What is the maximum hookload and where does it
occur?
13. Review the Torque Drag Analysis plot using the rigid centralizers.
How does it compare to the torque drag using bow centralizers?
14. How many rigid centralizers are required? Use the same tab that
you viewed the Torque Drag plot.
18. Review the hook loads for each operation with and without
centralizers. Are the loads within the yield limit and rig capacity
with and without centralizers when tripping out? (Hints: Use Freeze
line. Use the Standoff Devices dialog to indicate when you want
the centralizers used in the plot results.)
10,000 313
12,500 293
15,000 271
17,500 276
20,000 284
25. Do the friction factors in use (from Case > Hole Section Editor)
match actual load data?
12,500 155
15,000 155
19910 155
b. Using the Transient Response plot at TD, freeze the curves that
are fracturing. Change the names of the curves to indicate a
conventional float is used.
32. Does auto-fill help resolve the problem? (Use a different tab to
access the String Editor.)
a. What is the trip speed at TD, at the shoe, and at the depth of
interest?
Reciprocating
35. Select the Reciprocation analysis mode.
• Reciprocation length 22 ft
43. Specify the analysis parameters. Don’t include tool joints in the
analysis, but do include mud temperature effects. Analyze every
500 ft between 12,500 and TD. Circulate for 8 hours.
44. Review the ECDs as a function of depth. Freeze the ECD curve on
the plot using Freeze Line.
45. Do tool joint pressure losses alter the results? If so, why? Freeze
this ECD curve also on the plot using Freeze Line.
46. Include the centralizers. Is there a change in ECD? Why is the ECD
increased after 15,000 ft MD?
47. What is the circulating temperature at TD, and what is the return
temperature at the surface?
Overview
This chapter contains the answers, to the exercise questions presented in
the Running Liner chapter.
2. Access the Case > String Editor. The liner overlap is 250 ft.
(Previous casing shoe is at 12,500 ft.)
3. Ensure the mud weight is 13.8 ppg using Case > Fluid Editor.
9. Use View > Plot > Torque Drag Analysis to view a graphical
representation of the hookload with and without centralizers and
compare to results using bow centralizers. There is less hookload
with centralizers because there is more drag and the drag force acts
in the opposite direction of motion.
13. Click the tab that contains the View > Plot > Torque Drag
Analysis to compare the hookload using bow and rigid centralizers.
14. Using the same tab that you viewed the Torque Drag plot, access
the Parameter > Standoff Devices to determine how many rigid
16. Access the Drag Charts analysis mode using the Mode drop-down
list.
Use Freeze Line to ensure the curves for running with centralizers
remain so that you can compare the results to those without
centralizers. (To access Freeze Line functionality, right-click on the
curve, select Freeze Line, and change the properties using the
displayed dialog.)
Access the tab with the plot again. Notice the results without
centralizers is now displayed on the Tension Point/Hookload
Chart along with the results using centralizers. Notice that all loads,
for all operations are within the yield limit of the pipe. This plot can
also be used to compare the rig capacity to expected loads. In this
particular case, there is 100 kips difference between the expected
tripping out with centralizers load and the rig capacity.
19. Access Parameter > Standoff Devices and check the Use Standoff
Devices box on the Standoff Devices spreadsheet.
21. Check the Enable Sensitivity Plot check box on the Run
Parameters dialog.
22. Click the Input Friction Factors button on the Run Parameter
dialog to access the Sensitivity Plot Friction Factors dialog.
23. Use Parameter > Actual Loads to input the actual load data.
24. Use Case > Hole Section Editor to determine the friction factors
we are currently using. We are using 0.2 in cased sections, and 0.3
in open hole sections.
25. Use View > Plot > Sensitivity Plot-Tension/Hook Load Chart to
determine if the friction factors in use (from Case > Hole Section
Editor) match actual load data. Notice the actual load data points
fall along the curve corresponding to a 0.2 friction factor in cased
hole, and 0.3 in open hole. These are the values we are using in the
Hole Section Editor.
26. Use Parameter > Run Parameters to specify the rpm, and use
View > Plot > Torque Point/Surface Chart. When rotating at 20
rpm, we exceed the make- up torque limit.
28. Use Case > String Editor to review the string data.
b. Click the Help button to access the online help to determine the
difference between conventional and autofill options. The
following is an excerpt from the online help.
29. Use Parameter > Standoff Devices to review the standoff devices.
These are the rigid centralizers analyzed previously.
Press F11 to access the Convert Depth/EMW dialog and use this
dialog to determine the MD corresponding to this TVD. 10,743.8 ft
TVD corresponds to 15,000 ft MD.
The following plot displays the results at the depth of interest (15,000 ft
MD) for all three moving pipe depths. Notice that the formation fracture
gradient is exceeded at this depth when the pipe depth is at the shoe, or
the depth of interest, or near TD.
Using the right-click menu again, display the results at TD. Notice the
fracture gradient is exceeded when the pipe is at 19,910 ft MD, and also
slightly into the red zone when the pipe is at the depth of interest
(15,000 ft MD).
32. Use Case > String Editor to change the float option to autofill.
b. The largest reduction, about 2.1 ppg, occurs about 0.6 minutes
into tripping the stand. Use the Data Reader toolbar button to
assist you.
a. The trip speed at TD, at the shoe, and at the depth of interest is
127, 125, and 117 ft/min respectively.
34. First, using the Parameter > Operations Data dialog to specify
the revised trip speeds for each moving pipe depth. Then, review
the View > Operation Plot > Transient Response plot at each
depth. Notice the problems are resolved.
Reciprocating
35. Select the Reciprocation analysis mode using the Mode drop-
down list.
37. The EMW falls below the pore pressure at TD while reciprocating.
38. Use Parameter > Operations Data to specify the flow rate. Yes,
the issues are resolved.
40. Use the Mode drop-down list to access the Pressure: Pump Rate
Fixed analysis mode.
41. Use the Parameter > Standoff Devices dialog to indicate standoff
devices (centralizers) are not used in the analysis.
42. Determine how long it takes to circulate two circulations. Press F12
to determine the annular volume. Using this volume, it will
approximately four hours to circulate one time.
45. Use Parameter > Rate to include tool joint pressure losses by
checking the Include Tool Joint Pressure Losses box.
Use the Rescale toolbar button to enlarge the portion of the plot
containing the curve data. Notice the tool joint pressure losses increase
the ECD as depth increases because the tool joints reduce the annular
volume. A tool joint may also result in reduced internal pip volume if
the tool joint ID is less than the pipe ID.
46. Include the centralizers by checking the Use Standoff Devices box
on the Parameter > Standoff Devices dialog. The centralizers also
reduce the annular volume. The increase begins at 15,000 ft
because that is where the centralizers begin.
47. Review the geothermal data using View > Plot > Geothermal
Gradient. The circulating temperature at TD is 209 degrees F, and
the return temperature at the surface is 76 degrees F.
Overview
Data
The data used in this exercise is not from an actual well. Although an
attempt has been made to use realistic data in the exercise, the intent
when creating the data set is to display as much software functionality
as possible. Therefore, some data may not be realistic. Please do not let
the accuracy of the data overshadow learning software functionality.
Workflow
In this section we will cement the 9 5/8” liner we analyzed in the
previous workflow.
Workflow Solution
Solutions for the workflow steps in this chapter can be found in the
Cementing Solution chapter.
What Is Covered
• Integration between WELLPLANTM software modules
• Plugs
• Shoe tracks
• Job stages
• Displacement volumes
• Circulating pressures
• Downhole pressures
5. What is the total annular volume and the annular volume in the
open hole? Why is the Between Strings volume zero?
6. What is the total annular volume and the annular volume in the
open hole if there is a 15% washout?
12. Review the fracture gradient data. Where is lowest fracture gradient
in the open hole?
Centralizer Placement
You can use multiple types of centralizers. You can create a “pattern”
of centralizers. For example, you can alternate between two types of
centralizers, or use two of one type centralizer followed by another
type. There are several patterns available for use.
15. Review the centralizer placement. Notice these are the same
centralizers used in previous Running Liner case.
17. Activate the Hydraulics module and the Pressure: Pump Rate
Fixed analysis mode.
18. Specify a flowrate of 400 GPM. (This is the same flow rate used to
condition the hole in the Running Liner case.) Include the effects of
mud temperature in the analysis. Circulate for 9 hours. This allows
for approximately 2 circulations.
19. What are the circulating annular bottom hole and surface
temperatures?
21. Input BHCT, surface temperature, and the mud outlet temperature.
22. Specify the following cement job data using Parameter > Job
Data. Notice that all fluids are pumped at 10 bbl/min except for the
tail slurry.
• As the wellbore fluid, use the 13.8 ppg OBM. Specify a rate of
10 bbl/min. (Because this fluid is designated as the active fluid
on the Case > Fluid Editor, it will appear in the top row of the
Job Data dialog by default.).
• Drop a plug. To do this, add a second row of 16.4 ppg Tail slurry.
Un-check the New Stage box so that this entry becomes the 4-2
stage of the tail slurry. Specify a shutdown time of 5 minutes to
drop the plug.
• Select Mud in the Type drop-down list. Displace the cement with
the 13.8 ppg OBM mud pumped at 10 bbl/min.
• Because the annulus is open to the atmosphere, use 14.7 psi for
the Back Pressure and use 0 bbl Return Volume.
• Select Top Plug option and enter 350 PSI for bumping the plug.
b. How many sacks of lead and tail cement are needed for this job?
c. If the shoe track was 160 ft how many extra tail slurry sacks
would be require? Important: Set it back to 80 ft after checking.
24. What is the pipe volume, and why doesn’t the displacement volume
in the previous step equal the pipe volume?
Analyze Results
d. What does the Gas Rate represent on right side of the plot?
Review Hookloads
31. Access View > Plot > Hook Load Simulation.
c. Remove the line of interest from the plot. When is the maximum
hookload predicted during the job?
b. Set the down hole pointer to19,000 ft. annulus (the mid-point of
the tail slurry). View the schematic To Scale.
34. Access the View > Plot > Erodibility Profile plot. What is the
displacement efficiency in the tail slurry section of the annulus?
a. Access the Analysis Data dialog, and click the Entire Open
Hole Section radio button. Click OK to re-run the calculations.
Re-Examine ECDs
36. Use the Downhole Pressure Profile plot to determine how did
erodibility affected the ECDs in the open hole. Where is the
increase in ECD most likely to cause a problem?
37. Change the fracture zone of interest from 12,500 ft to 20,000 ft.
39. Add a safety factor of 150 psi using automatic rate adjustment.
40. Are the circulating pressure still close to the fracture gradient?
(view in volume)
41. How have the rates changed, and how many barrels will be pumped
at the lower rate?
42. Access View > Plot > Downhole Pressure Profiles and notice the
maximum ECD is not as close to the fracture gradient as it was
prior to the rate adjustment.
a. What does the red color remaining in the annulus at the end of
the job represent?
b. What is the predicted top of the lead slurry with the mud
remaining?
c. What is the revised predicted top of the spacer with the mud
remaining?
Overview
This chapter contains the answers, to the exercise questions presented in
the Cementing the Liner chapter.
• String data
• Wellbore fluid
• geothermal
• Wellpath
• Shared centralizers
Data specifically related to a cement job that must be entered for this
exercise includes:
• Slurries and spacers need to be defined using the Case > Fluid
Editor.
6. Use Case > Hole Section Editor and change the Excess % to
15.00 %.
7. Use Case > Hole Section Editor and set the Excess % back to
zero.
8. Use Case > String Editor. This is the same string configuration
that was used in the Running Liner case.
9. Use Case > String Editor. Yes, this is the same wellpath used in
the previous two designs.
12. Use Case > Fracture Gradient. The lowest fracture gradient of
14.75 ppg is at the prior shoe 9493.8 ft TVD
Centralizer Placement
15. Use Parameter > Centralizer Placement.
the casing shoe depth (12500 ft). We entered these depths because
the MD of the well at TD has the highest pore pressure in the open
hole, and the casing shoe depth has the lowest fracture gradient in
the open hole. You can enter any depths of interest for these zones
(weak zones or abnormal pressure zones not necessarily at prior
shoe depth or well depth) if desired.
19. Access View > Plot > Geothermal Gradient. Use the Data Reader
button to determine the temperatures, or click the Grid View
toolbar button to view the data in tabular form.The annular
surface temperature is 73.6 degrees F.
21. Use Parameter > Additional Data. Select the BHCT option.
23. Use Parameter > Job Data. The displacement volume includes the
cumulative volume of fluids after the plug is dropped. 10 bbls
(spacer) + 723.17 bbls (mud) = 733.17 bbls.
24. Use Tools > Volume Calculations to determine the pipe volume.
The volumes are not equal because of 5.66 bbls shoe track volume.
Analyze Results
26. Use View > Plot > Circ Pressure and Density - Reservoir Zone.
(Hint: Use right-click menu to view pressure vs. volume.) No, there
is not a problem because the circulating and hydrostatic pressures
do not fall below the pore pressure at TD during the entire job.
a. Use this plot for quick overall picture to determine if you will
have well control or ECD issues at any depth in the open hole.
a. This plot displays the total annular return rate and corresponding
pump rates versus the fluid pumped into the well (a comparison
of the volume of material pumped in with the volume coming out
of the well.) The difference between the two rate curves
indicates free fall. If free fall occurs and well goes on vacuum,
the rate out will initially exceed and then fall below the planned
pumped rate.
c. The free fall does not appear to be severe enough. The predicted
rates (in and out) are about the same for most of the job.
d. This is for foam jobs when both liquid and gas phases are
present. However, it is not applicable in this design.
Review Hookloads
31. Access View > Plot > Hook Load Simulation.
a. No, the predicted hookloads during the entire job are well above
the neutral buoyancy.
a. Right-click on the plot to access the View > Animation > Fluid
Positions dialog. Un-check all the boxes associated with labels,
and check the 1/2 Cutaway option.
b.
d. Click the button to begin the animation. 488 bbls have been
pumped when free fall occurs. You can tell when free fall begins
because the color indicator (black) for free fall appears. Hint: use
the VCR buttons to stop, start, and step through the simulation.
e.
g. 132 minutes.
34. The tail slurry section is predicted to be fully cleaned with 100%
mud removal.
a. Access the Analysis Data dialog, and click the Entire Open
Hole Section radio button. Click OK to re-run the calculations.
b. Access View > Plot > Erodibility Profile. There is mud cake
remaining. There is an increase in mud cake between the
previous shoe and 15,000 ft because this interval does not have
centralizers.
interval containing the lead slurry, there is a small (less than 3%)
mud cake.
37. Use Parameter > Additional Data dialog. Click OK to close the
Additional Data dialog and re-run the simulator to update results.
38. Access View > Plot > Circulating Pressure and Density -
Fracture Zone (in volume). Notice the circulating pressure is very
close to the fracture zone towards the end of the displacement at
TD.
39. To add a safety factor, use Parameter > Job Data dialog to select
Automatic Rate Adjustment with 150 psi safety factor.
40. Access View > Plot > Circulating Pressure and Density -
Fracture Zone. Notice the circulating pressure are no longer near
the fracture gradient because the rates have been adjusted towards
the end of the job. Note the safety factor region has been added to
the plot.
41. Access View > Plot > Comparison of Rates In and Out. Notice
the rates dropped near the end of cement job. Approximately the
last 50 bbls are pumped at the slower rate of 5 bpm instead of the
planned 10 bpm.
42. Access Plot > Downhole Pressure Profiles. Notice the decrease in
ECD as a result of the reduced flow rates.
43. .
a. The red denotes the section where the mud was not fully
removed. Use the Erodibility plot to determine the percentage
of mud remaining.
b. Place the mouse pointer over the top of the lead slurry in the
animation schematic to view the predicted top of lead slurry. It
c. Place the mouse pointer over the top of the spacer in the
animation schematic to view the predicted top of spacer. It is
11,200 ft. versus planned 11,848 ft.