Annular Pressure While Drilling

Kais Gzara and Iain Cooper

Drilling Planning and Interpretation Department

Sugar Land Product Center

APWD Slide 1
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Outline

 Introduction and Applications

 Definitions and Principles
 Examples
 Benefits and Conclusion

APWD Slide 2
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Outline

 Introduction and Applications

 Definitions and Principles
 Examples
 Benefits and Conclusion

APWD Slide 3
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 APWD Sensors

 APWD: Annular Pressure and Temperature

 IPWD: Internal Pressure and Temperature

APWD Slide 4
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Tools Specifications
Collar Sizes Service Sensors Max psi Accuracy Resolution
Including hysteresis

3-1/8 in Viper A&I 18 kpsi 45 psi 1 psi

4-3/4 in Sharp A&I 20 kpsi 0.1% FS 1 psi
4-3/4 in VISION475 A&I 25 kpsi 0.1% FS 1 psi
6-3/4 in VISION675 A 20 kpsi 0.1% FS 1 psi
6-3/4 in CDR A 20 kpsi 0.1% FS 1 psi
8-1/4 in CDR A 20 kpsi 0.1% FS 1 psi
9-1/2 in CDR A 20 kpsi 0.1% FS 1 psi

Notes:  Three pressure ranges 5kpsi, 10kpsi, 20kpsi

 Temperature is calibrated to 1°C

APWD Slide 5
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Sampling Rates

Gauge :  2sec averages

Memory:  Multiple of 2sec

 Does not apply to VIPER

Real-time:  Depends on telemetry settings

 Pumps have to be ON

 Memory data is available with LINC

 VIPER data is recorded on ‘Wireline’

APWD Slide 6
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Real-Time Availability

Pumps-ON: Pressure and temperature

Pumps-OFF: ‘Smart’ data only

With LINC: Pressure and temperature

With VIPER: Continuous readings

APWD Slide 7
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Applications

 Keep the pressure inside a

narrow operating margin
 Underbalance drilling
 Manage hole
cleaning  Monitor barite sag

 Early detection of  Track motor

shallow water flow performance

 Kick/influx detection  Accurate leak-off tests

 Discriminate influxes/weeping

APWD Slide 8
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Pre-APWD Practices

Empirical observations for hole cleaning

Model-based downhole annular pressures

Wells were not so complex

Overly conservative drilling practices

APWD Slide 9
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Outline

 Introduction and Applications

 Definitions and Principles
 Examples
 Benefits and Conclusion

APWD Slide 10
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Definitions



Pressure  APL
ESD=  ECD=ESD +
gTVD gTVD




ESD: Equivalent Static Density (Pumps OFF)

ECD: Equivalent Circulating Density (Pumps ON)
APWD Slide 11
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Principles

 The Physics

 Interpretation Guide

 ECD Calibration

 Pumps-off Analysis

APWD Slide 12
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Principles

 The Physics

 Interpretation Guide

 ECD Calibration

 Pumps-off Analysis

APWD Slide 13
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Pumps-off ESD

Losses
Cuttings
ESD Mud

APWD Slide 14
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 The Physics of ESD

Mud density changes

PPumpsoff 

 Mud losses
  Formation fluid influx

a.MMud
  bi .Mi
Cuttings 'i'

 ' Friction Losses'

APWD Slide 15
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 The Physics of ESD

Mud density changes

PPumpsoff 

 Mud losses
  Formation fluid influx
 Cuttings load

a.MMud  Mud heterogeneity

  bi .Mi
Cuttings 'i'

 ' Friction Losses'

APWD Slide 16
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 The Physics of ESD

Mud density changes

PPumpsoff 

 Mud losses
  Formation fluid influx
 Formation fluid influx  Cuttings load
 Mud losses
 Drill-string motion
a.MMud  Mud heterogeneity

(rpm, speed, acceleration)

  bi .Mi
Cuttings 'i'

 ' Friction Losses'

APWD Slide 17
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Pumps-on ECD

More
Losses
Cuttings
ECD Mud

APWD Slide 18
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 The Physics of ECD

 Mud density changes

 Mud heterogeneity
PPumpson 

Mud losses
Formation fluid influx
  Cuttings load

PPumpsoff
 ' Dynamic Friction Losses'

APWD Slide 19
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 The Physics of ECD

 Mud density changes

 Mud properties  Mud heterogeneity
 Drill-string motion
(rpm, speed, acceleration) PPumpson 

Mud losses
Formation fluid influx
 Flow rate and flow regime
 Annular flow restrictions
  Cuttings load

(pack-off, cuttings bed)

PPumpsoff
 ' Dynamic Friction Losses'

APWD Slide 20
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Principles

 The Physics

 Interpretation Guide

 ECD Calibration

 Pumps-off Analysis

APWD Slide 21
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Interpretation Guide (1/2)
Event/procedure
Mud gelation,
pump startup
Cuttings pick-up
Plugging annulus
Cuttings bed formation
Plugging below sensor
Gas migration
APWD Slide 22
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
ECD change Other indications Comments
Sudden, short-lived Similar pressure surge in Avoid surge by slow
pressure surge possible pump pressure pumps and break rotation
Increase then level as Cuttings at surface Increase may be more
steady-state reached noticeable with rotation
Intermittent surge Standpipe pressure Packoff may 'blow-through'
increases Surge increase ? before formation
Torque/RPM fluctuations breakdown
High overpulls
Gradual increase Total cuttings expected If near plugging, may get
not seen at surface pressure surge spikes
Increased torque
ROP decreases
Sudden increase as High overpulls Monitor both standpipe
packoff passes sensor 'Steady' increase in pressure and ECD
- none if pack-off stays standpipe pressure
below sensor
Increase if well shut-in Shut-in surface pressure take care if estimating gas
increase linearly (approx.) migration rate
 Interpretation Guide (2/2)
Event/procedure ECD change Other indications Comments
Running in hole Increase - magnitude Monitor trip tank Effect enhanced if nozzles
dependent on gap, speed, plugged
rheology, etc…
Pulling out of hole Decrease - magnitude Monitor trip tank Effect enhanced if nozzles
dependent on gap, speed, plugged
rheology, etc…
Making a connection Decrease to static mud Pumps on/off indicator Watch for significant
density Pump flow rate lag changes in ESD
Barite sag Decrease in static mud High torque and overpulls While sliding periodically or
density, or unexplained rotating wiper trip to stir-up
density fluctuations deposited beds, correct
mud rheology
Gas influx Decreases in typical hole Increases in pit level and Initial increase in pit gain
sizes differential pressure may be masked
Liquid influx Decreases if lighter than Look for flow at mudline if Plan response if shallow
drilling fuid relevant water flow is expected
Increases if influx is
accompanied by solids

APWD Slide 23
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Diagnostic Format
Depth Weight Time Torque Rotation Flow Pressure Alarms
Bit Depth Hookload TVD Surface RPM Flow-rate ECD/ESD B K K
torque a i i
Depth Hookload Cuttings TRPM ECD baseline l c c
value baseline TQA l k k
baseline Lateral SPPA- Pore/Fracture
o - +
ROP Surface shock IPWD
Standpipe o
weight Downhole
Block D Flow n
torque
speed Downhole SPPA baseline i
weight Torsional Total gas n
WMUD in g
vibration
Axial Pit level
WMUD out
shock

Bit on bottom
APWD Slide 24
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Diagnostic Format Sample

APWD Slide 25
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Principles

 The Physics

 Interpretation Guide

 ECD Calibration

 Pumps-off Analysis

APWD Slide 26
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Stand-alone ECD Example

?
APWD Slide 27
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Modeled ECD Example

APWD Slide 28
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ECD Calibration

For a robust interpretation of APWD, we need at

least to account accurately for the contribution of

flow rate and RPM to ECD.

APWD Slide 29
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Hydraulic Matrix Concept
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5

RPM1 ECD11 ECD12 ECD13 ECD14 ECD15

RPM2 ECD21 ECD22 ECD23 ECD24 ECD25

RPM3 ECD31 ECD32 ECD33 ECD34 ECD35

RPM4 ECD41 ECD42 ECD43 ECD44 ECD45

RPM5 ECD51 ECD52 ECD53 ECD54 ECD55

Note: The same procedure can apply to other measurements

APWD Slide 30
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ECD Calibration Example
Flow-rate
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 (gpm)
0

50

RPM 100

150

200
APWD Slide 31
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ECD Calibration Plot
13.25
ECD (ppg)
ECD (Lb/Gal) RPM = 0
12.75
RPM = 50
12.25
RPM = 100

11.75 RPM = 150

RPM = 200
11.25
RPM = 250
10.75
Raw Data
Flow-rate(Gpm)
Flow-rate (gpm)
10.25
0 200 400 600 800
APWD Slide 32
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ECD 3D Calibration Plot

13.75 ppg

ECD

10.25 ppg
650 gpm
240

RPM Flow-rate
0 0 gpm
APWD Slide 33
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ECD Calibration Dilemma

Just calibrate hydraulic model once ?

Once at the casing shoe and then after ? ft

When mud density changes by ? g/cc

When mud viscosity changes by ? cp

When hole geometry changes by ? deg

APWD Slide 34
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Efficient ECD Calibration

Flow-rate

 


RPM   


 

APWD Slide 35
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Efficient ECD Calibration Example

12.00 ppg

ECD

11.50 ppg

70
800 gpm

RPM Flow-rate
0 0 gpm
APWD Slide 36
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ECD Calibration Extrapolation

ECD

(RhoMud  RhoMud,0 )
 f (RPM,0)
TVDC S MD Mud
 (f (RPM, Q)  f (RPM,0))   
TVD MD C S Mud,0

APWD Slide 37
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Principles

 The Physics

 Interpretation Guide

 ECD Calibration

 Pumps-off Analysis

APWD Slide 38
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Pumps-off Challenge

RT data goes off when the pumps go off:

 ESD

 LOT Data

Can we do something about it ?: Yes

APWD Slide 39
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Downhole Pressure During LOT’s

When the mud is cuttings-free and the drill string is at rest:

PA nnular Hydrostatic offset




I
 J.PS
Q S PS Q S PS
 K.  L.  M. .
t t t t
APWD Slide 40
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Downhole Pressure During LOT’s

When the mud is cuttings-free and the drill string is at rest:

PA nnular Hydrostatic offset




 Mud compressibility
I  Hole/casing compliance

 J.PS
Q S PS Q S PS
 K.  L.  M. .
t t t t
APWD Slide 41
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Downhole Pressure During LOT’s

When the mud is cuttings-free and the drill string is at rest:

PA nnular Hydrostatic offset




 Mud compressibility

 Pressure friction losses

I  Hole/casing compliance

 J.PS
Q S PS Q S PS
 K.  L.  M. .
t t t t
APWD Slide 42
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 LOT Model Validation
For all practical purposes: PA nnular  I  J.PS
5,350

PAnnular

4,150
0 PStandpipe 1,200
APWD Slide 43
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Hysteresis Effects during LOT’s
Hysteresis effects can be misleading:

5,500


PAnnular


4,600
0 PStandpipe 900
APWD Slide 44
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 LOT Example
550 3750

520

480
 460
445
435 430
430 420 415
410 405 405
400

350

PStandpipe PAnnular, Predicted

(psi) 260 (psi)

PAnnular, Memory
165


80

50  3250
240 540 840 1140 1440
Time (sec)
APWD Slide 45
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 IDEAL LOT Interface

APWD Slide 46
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ESD Pumps-off challenge

What is the ESD ?

 Min?
 Average?
 Else?

Typical connection pressure profiles

APWD Slide 47
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
APWD Slide 48
8150
8350
8550
8100
8300
8500
8700
8900

1 3 :5 2 :1 9 0 7 :3 1 :2 6

December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM

1 3 :5 5 :1 2 0 7 :3 2 :1 0

0 7 :3 2 :5 3
1 3 :5 8 :0 5
0 7 :3 3 :3 6
1 4 :0 0 :5 8
0 7 :3 4 :1 9
1 4 :0 3 :5 0
0 7 :3 5 :0 2
1 4 :0 6 :4 3
0 7 :3 5 :4 6

1 4 :0 9 :3 6 0 7 :3 6 :2 9

1 4 :1 2 :2 9 0 7 :3 7 :1 2

IP
IP

AP
AP

Au to -E n d
Au to -E n d

8100
8200
8300
8400
8500
8600
8700
8800
8900
9000
8100
8300
8500
8700
8900

1 5 :5 4 :4 3 0 9 :2 7 :2 2
0 9 :2 8 :0 5
1 5 :5 7 :3 6 0 9 :2 8 :4 8
0 9 :2 9 :3 1
1 6 :0 0 :2 9
0 9 :3 0 :1 4
0 9 :3 0 :5 8
1 6 :0 3 :2 2
0 9 :3 1 :4 1
0 9 :3 2 :2 4
1 6 :0 6 :1 4
0 9 :3 3 :0 7

1 6 :0 9 :0 7 0 9 :3 3 :5 0
0 9 :3 4 :3 4
1 6 :1 2 :0 0 0 9 :3 5 :1 7
IP
IP

AP
AP

Au to -E n d
Au to -E n d
End of Connection Detection
 Pressure Transients Analysis
 BHA transients obey dampened harmonic oscillator laws:
2
 ZBHA ZBHA 2
2
 2.   .(ZBHA  Z  )  0
t t

 Wellbore storage obeys an exponential decay law,

disturbed by the BHA transient.

 Cuttings falling out of suspension and ongoing invasion do

contribute a steady linear decay.

APWD Slide 49
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Final Step to ESD

=
+ +

APWD Slide 50
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Pumps-off Recap

Accurate LOT are possible using a two-point calibration

to convert standpipe pressure into downhole pressure.

Accurate ESD can be derived using a fit that accounts

for wellbore storage effects and BHA oscillation
transients.

APWD Slide 51
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Pumps-off ‘Smart’ D-Points
PMax
TPumps OFF – 20sec TPumps ON
 TMax 
Pumps-off

PStatic

PMin
Pumps-on
TMin 
  
TPumps OFF TEnd of connection TPumps ON

APWD Slide 52
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Utility-frame D-Points Presentation

APWD Slide 53
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 ESD Processing Field Validation
10100 10100

9600 9600
10:28 10:47 12:10 12:29
10300 10900

9800 10400
21:24 21:43 3:05 3:24

APWD Slide 54
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM
 Outline

 Introduction and Applications

 Definitions and Principles
 Examples
 Benefits and Conclusion

APWD Slide 55
December 4, 2019 - 10:19 AM