TM 6004 – Teknik Pemboran Lanjut

RESUME PAPER SPE-814-G FUNDAMENTAL

ENGINEERING PLANNING AND SUPERVISION
OF DIRECTIONAL DRILLING OPERATIONS

Babas Samudera Hafwandi (22220003)

Program Studi Magister Teknik Perminyakan ITB
1
Outline

1. Introduction
2. Need For Directional Wells
3. Planning
4. Detailed Planning
5. Results
6. Conclusions
7. Standard Related.

2
1. Introduction
• For many years the planning and supervision of directional
drilling operations have been more or less limited to those
organizations and individuals specializing in directional
work.

3
1. Introduction (Continued)
• Without attempting to minimize the importance of and
necessity for these directional specialists, operating
companies have become increasingly aware of the
contributions which competent engineering planning and
supervision can make toward a successful directional drilling
campaign.

4
1. Introduction (Continued)
• Careful and detailed planning preceded the operation. Among
the factors considered were:

1. Selection of directional drilling specialists

2. Study of rig requirements and selection of contractor
3. Target tolerance.

5
1. Introduction (Continued)

4. Kickoff depth
5. Casing and hole-size program
6. Drilling mud program.

6
1. Introduction (Continued)
• During the past decade an increasingly large proportion of
the wells drilled in the united states have utilized techniques
of controlled directional drilling.
• This increase is partly the result of expanding development in
the bay and offshore areas of the gulf coast where controlled
directional wells from sites on shore or multiple wells from
an offshore platform have become common place.

7
1. Introduction (Continued)
• In addition to the offshore development, directional activity
has generally increased as operators become increasingly
aware that directional drilling is not necessarily the
hazardous, last ditch proposition it once was considered.

8
1. Introduction (Continued)
• New tools and techniques have reduced the hazards and
limitations inherent in directional work so that more and
more directional wells have been drilled, in turn, the backlog
of experience gained has made subsequent wells that much
easier.

9
2. Need for Directional Wells
• Two broad classifications of wells where controlled
directional drilling is applicable are:

1. Wells redrilled because a change in the natural course is

desirable or necessary
2. New wells planned as directional wells because the
surface site renders vertical drilling either impossible or
impractical.

10
2. Need for Directional Wells (Continued)
• Examples of the first classification are wells in which the
bore has drifted excessively and requires straightening, wells
wherein lost tools or pipe must be sidetracked, or wells which
cut into the non-productive side of a fault and must be
deflected to the productive side.
• This group requires directional drilling as a result of some
circumstance not anticipated when the well was planned.

11
2. Need for Directional Wells (Continued)
• The second classification encompasses those wells with
bottom-hole locations underlying oceans, rivers, lakes,
buildings, etc.
• Wells drilled from a restricted area where one surface site
must serve for several boreholes and wells drilled to permit
control of wild wells-the so called "relief" wells.
• These wells are planned as directional operations from the
start, and it is here that engineering pre-planning pays big
dividends.
12
3. Planning
• The initial step in planning a directional well is to determine
if this operation actually does offer the cheapest and most
satisfactory method of drilling.
• In some cases, there is no choice-relief wells, for instance but
often there is a choice between the cost of preparing a
satisfactory vertical drilling site as opposed to the cost of
drilling a directional well from a less expensive site and
accepting the calculated risk directional drilling imposes.

13
3. Planning (Continued)
• It is in making this basic choice, or in assembling and
evaluating data so that management can make the choice, that
the engineer can offer one of his most important
contributions.
• The decision to directionally drill the offshore wells
mentioned previously is an example of the type analysis
which should precede a directional program.

14
3. Planning (Continued)
• The problem was to test a Marginulina sand section at a
depth of approximately 7,900 ft underlying the Gulf of
Mexico about 4,500 ft east of Padre Island, water depths at
the surface site were about 40 ft. Three possibilities were
considered:

15
3. Planning (Continued)

1.Vertical drilling from an ocean-going barge, platform and

tender, or self-contained platform.
2.Vertical wells drilled on tee heads constructed from shore to
the surface location.
3.Directional well from shore.

16
3. Planning (Continued)
Legends:
= Shale
= Sand
= Carbonates

A1-A5 = Foraminifera marker horizons

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of statigraphic

section of marginulina sands in gulf of
mexico (Swanson et al., 2013)
17
3. Planning (Continued)

• Cost estimates were readily made for the methods listed

under point 1 and varied from $300,000 to $500,000 per well.
• The cost of a tee-head was found to be so prohibitive as to
preclude serious consideration.
• The cost estimate for a directional well required considerable
study as Sun's personnel had little experience in drilling high-
angle, large-displacement wells.
18
3. Planning (Continued)

• A program of review and familiarization was required before

a reasonable estimate could be derived.
• Other operators who had drilled directional wells in the area
were consulted, various directional drilling specialists were
contacted, and the problem was discussed with manufacturers
of special tools and survey instruments a review of the
literature on the subject was conducted.

19
3. Planning (Continued)
• With the information thus gained, it was possible to make an
estimate of $140,000 provided unusual difficulties were not
encountered.
• The difference between the minimum cost of $300,000 for a
vertical well and the $140,000 anticipated for directional
drilling warranted the acceptance of the risk high-angle
directional work imposes.
• The directional program was recommended by the
engineering departement and approved by management.
20
4. Detailed Planning
• After deciding that a directional well offers the best means to
secure the desired end, specific and detailed plans should be
made. Following are several factors which should be
considered.

21
4. Detailed Planning
• After deciding that a directional well offers the best means to
secure the desired end, specific and detailed plans should be
made. Following are several factors which should be
considered:

22
4. Detailed Planning (Continued)

1. Selection of directional drilling company

2. Study of the rig
3. Target tolerance
4. Kickoff depth and rate of angle build up.

23
4. Detailed Planning (Continued)

5. Casing and hole size program

6. Mud program
7. Supervision
8. Conferences.

24
4.1. Selection of Directional Drilling Company
• The importance of a competent and experienced directional
control specialist cannot be over emphasized.
• Fortunately there are a number of excellent specialists so that
the task is one of selecting an outstanding or particularly
well-qualified individual.

25
4.1. Selection of Directional Drilling Company
(Continued)
• Personal interviews, frank discussions with other operating
companies, and information gained from directional drilling
service equipment representatives provide valuable
information upon which to make a selection.
• If possible, it is advisable to select a man experienced in the
particular area where operations are proposed, as each area
has its own peculiarities and problems.

26
4.2. Study of Rig
• The selection of the proper rig should be given ample thought
and study before undertaking any drilling operation.
• Securing an adequaterig for a directional well is imperative,
as many of the problems encountered in vertical drilling are
compounded in high-angle wells.

27
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• More so than in vertical wells, time is of the essence.
• Experience has shown that the longer an openhole section is
exposed, the greater the tendency for sloughing and bridging
rapid drilling and casing operations minimize such hole
trouble.

28
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• In directional work, drilling rates are often unavoidably
curtailed by the time required to make surveys and set
deflecting tools, and occasionally lessened rates are required
to aid directional control, so that it behooves an operator to
employ a rig which can make the fastest hole conditions
warrant.

29
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• The rig should be in first class mechanical condition.
• Mechanical breakdowns can be extremely dangerous on
directional wells, jeopardizing the entire well investment.

30
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• While it is difficult to single out one particular factor,
possibly the most critical single feature of the rig is the
circulating system.
• High circulation rates, coupled with correct bit nozzles,
produce increased rates of penetration, and high annular
velocity rates (a minimum of 2 ft/sec) are needed to keep
cuttings washed out of the hole and the bit free from balling.

31
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• Probably the most common source of trouble on high angle
directional wells is stuck drill pipe or stuck casing.
• The hazard of this inherent problem is increased if the hole is
not washed clean while drilling or prior to making trips and
running casing.
• The problem of cutting removal is more difficult in
directional wells because of the nature of the circulating
system down the hole.

32
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• As illustrated in Fig. 2., the drill pipe tends to rest on the low
side of the hole, and an area of more-or-less dead mud, laden
with cuttings, is formed between the pipe and the wellbore on
the low side of the hole.
• A high circulation rate minimizes this tendency.

33
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)

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Fig. 2. Cross-section of hole during directional drilling

operation (Edison. 1957). 34
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• Another problem to consider when selecting a rig is that of
torque.
• It is readily apparent that in high-angle wells a large portion
of the drillpipe weight rests on the low side of the hole,
creating abnormal pipe to wall friction, and greatly increasing
the rotational torque.
• One experienced authority states that a minimum of 400
delivered horse power should be available to the rotary table
for peak loads.
35
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• To minimize the shock load imparted to the drill string, some
form of dynamatic coupling or torque converter should be
used to permit smooth and gradual application of power to
the rotary.
• As a rough general observation, it is good practice to oversize
the rig one size larger than would be required for a vertical
well of similar measured depth.

36
4.2. Study of Rig (Continued)
• This practice is by no means mandatory, but it may be
considered as a form of insurance or a means of reducing the
calculated risk.

37
4.3. Target Tolerance
• It is reasonable that the larger the target, the better the chance
of scoring a hit.
• To simplify the directional control problem, as large a
bottomhole target as possible should be specified.
• Often the size of the target is determined by geological
considerations, proximity to lease lines, or by some form of
spacing requirements, so that target diameters of 25, 50, or
100 ft are common.

38
4.3. Target Tolerance (Continued)
• If exact location of the bottom-hole target is not required ( as
in wildcat wells on large blocks of acreage), specification of
a large diameter target will often permit the use of fewer
whipstocks and generally speed the operation.
• Where possible, a target diameter of at least 200 ft is
specified.

39
4.4. Kickoff Depth and Rate of Angle Build-up
• On large displacement directional wells, common practice is
to begin directional operations at a fairly shallow depth,
generally well within the region to be covered by surface
casing.

40
4.4. Kickoff Depth and Rate of Angle Build-up
(Continued)
• This practice has two advantages:
1. By starting deflection at a shallow depth the average angle
of inclination to secure the desired displacement will be
reduced,
2. It is possible to set casing through the section of the hole
where angle and direction have been established.

41
4.4. Kickoff Depth and Rate of Angle Build-up
(Continued)
• Occasionally it is possible to have the course so well
established by the time surface casing is set that no further
whipstocks are required, this practice lessens the likelihood
of keyseat development.

42
4.4. Kickoff Depth and Rate of Angle Build-up
(Continued)
• While the rate of angle build-up cannot be controlled
precisely because of variance in local formations, common
practice is to increase the angle about 2½° per 100 ft until the
maximum required angle is reached.
• To avoid abrupt angle changes (dog legs), it is often specified
that the change in angle should not exceed 5° per 100 ft.

43
4.4. Kickoff Depth and Rate of Angle Build-up
(Continued)
• No hard and fast rules can be set for selecting the kickoff
point.
• However, when the rate of angle build-up has been agreed
upon, consultation with the directional specialist on such
factors as desirable formation, maximum angle, and the
casing program will arrive at the most suitable depth for the
particular problem.

44
4.4. Kickoff Depth and Rate of Angle Build-up
(Continued)
• In this program, it was planned to kickoff at a depth of 350 ft
and build angle at the rate of 2½° per 100 ft so that an angle
of 33° would be reached at 1,600 ft by holding that angle, the
desired 4,500-ft displacement at a true vertical depth of 7,900
ft would be reached at a measured or drilled depth of 9,200
ft.

45
4.5. Casing and Hole Size Program
• If practicable, a bit one size larger than normally would be
used for a given size of casing should be employed for high-
angle directional wells.
• The greater clearance affords more ease and safety during the
casing and drilling operations.

46
4.5. Casing and Hole Size Program (Continued)
• Normal practice in south texas is to drill an 8¾-in. hole if
5½-in. casing is to be set a 9-7/8 in.
• Bit is recommended for directional wells if 5½-in. casing is
to be set.

47
4.5. Casing and Hole Size Program (Continued)

Table 1. A typical casing program in south texas field (Edison.

1957).
Footage, ft Hole Size, in Casing Size,
in
Conductor 150 20 16
Surface 3000 15 10-3/4
Production 9200 9-7/8 5-1/2

48
4.5. Casing and Hole Size Program (Continued)
• When the surface casing is set at angles approaching 40°,
considerable wear can be expected from the tool joints on the
drill pipe while drilling below surface.
• Each joint of drill pipe which rotates inside the surface casing
should be equipped with a protective rubber, and the diameter
of these rubbers should be calipered each trip.

49
4.5. Casing and Hole Size Program (Continued)
• As the drill pipe is withdrawn on each round trip, the shoe
joint of the surface casing is subjected to repeated abrasion
from the tool joints.
• Some operators use special heavy casing shoes and reinforce
the lower joints of surface casing with 2-in.
• Steel bands welded 2 ft apart along the length of the lower
joints.

50
4.5. Casing and Hole Size Program (Continued)
• While running casing a concerted effort should be made to
complete the operation smoothly and rapidly.
• Differential fill-up equipment, power casing tongs, long
uniform-length joints, and extra rig personnel help reduce the
critical time required to run casing.

51
4.6. Mud Program
• The use of oil emulsion drilling muds is a definite advantage
in directional drilling.
• Such muds provide increased rates of penetration, impart
excellent lubrication to the hole walls, thus reducing torque
and tendency to stick, and permit minimum water-loss and
filter-cake thickness at an economical cost.

52
4.6. Mud Program (Continued)
• While it would not be accurate to state that high-angle wells
cannot be drilled without emulsion muds (too many were
drilled before the development of emulsion muds) such muds
do offer so much of an advantage that only the most unusual
circumstances should preclude their use.

53
4.6. Mud Program (Continued)
• As with other factors related to directional drilling, close
control of the drilling mud is of greater importance than on
vertical wells.
• The importance of constant control should be impressed upon
the mud service company and the rig personnel.

54
4.7. Supervision
• Close, cooperative supervision by company personnel, the
directional specialist, and the tool pusher are essential to a
successful directional program.
• Again, time is of the essence all operations should be
preplanned so as to eliminate any lost motion.

55
4.7. Supervision (Continued)
• Tools and equipment must be on the drilling site when
needed, service companies should be alerted far enough in
advance so that there is no waiting time, and every
mechanical device which will enable more rapid drilling or
casing operations should be provided.
• A high angle directional well is no place for slipshod
operations.

56
4.8. Conferences
• To assure that everyone connected with the operation clearly
understands the problems peculiar to a particular directional
problem, it is worthwhile to hold an informal conference to
specify and discuss the objective, procedure, tools, or any
other pertinent information.

57
4.8. Conferences (Continued)
• This conference should be attended by the directional
specialist who will be in direct control of the job, the tool
pusher of the rig selected, the operating company's field
personnel, representatives of the surveying tool company, the
drilling mud engineer, and the operating company's
supervisory personnel.

58
4.8. Conferences (Continued)
• It was found that such conferences promoted a valuable
exchange of information as well as engendering a spirit of
cooperation and understanding which was instrumental in the
successful completion of the job.

59
5. Results
• With the exception of one short fishing operation caused by a
keyseat, the directional operations which were preceded by
the foregoing planning progressed in a satisfactory and
trouble free manner.
• As shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5, the horizontal and vertical
projections of all holes bottomed well within the target limits.
• The drilling times listed in Table 2 are considered quite good
for this specialized operation.

60
 Surface Location
5. Results
(Continued)
Surface Casing Seat

Initial Target Fig. 3. Well 975-I horizontal

At 8331 TVD, 3920’ S.70oE 9324’ MD and vertical projection course
(Edison. 1957).
61
 Surface Location
5. Results
(Continued)
Surface Casing Seat

At 7902 TVD, 4492’ N.89oE Fig. 4. Well 976-I horizontal

Initial Target 9238’ MD
and vertical projection course
(Edison. 1957).
62
 Surface Location
5. Results
Surface Casing Seat
(Continued)

Initial Target

At 7932.7 TVD, 4341.36’ N 9206’ MD

Fig. 5. Well 1018-I horizontal
82o.30oE and vertical projection course
(Edison., 1957)
63
5. Results (Continued)
Table 2. Summary of directional drilling operations (Edison.
1957).
Well Number 1018-I 976-I 975-I
Measured depth, ft 9209 9238 9324
Vertical depth, ft 7932 7900 8331
Horizontal displacement, ft 4341 4493 3920
Maximum angle, degrees 43-1/2 37-1/2 31-1/2
Days drilling 32 40 42
Number of whipstocks 7 3 5
Surface casing (10-3/4 in.), ft 1993 3102 3002
Production casing (5 in.), ft 9209 9230 9324
64
5. Results (Continued)
• Costs, including casing investment, averaged about $125,000
per well.
• Cost per foot of measured or drilled depth averaged about 15
per cent higher than vertical wells in this area cost per foot of
vertical depth was about 30 percent higher.

65
5. Results (Continued)
• As a matter of interest, rig-time analyses showed that an
average of 45 per cent of the total rig time was spent rotating,
20 per cent making trips, and 9 percent taking surveys.
• Approximately 20 per cent of the total rig time was
chargeable directly to directional operations.

66
5. Results (Continued)
• No difficulty was experienced during any of the casing
operations casing was run and cemented without incident.
• Conventional thread-and coupled casing was used, but
production casing strings were somewhat heavier than those
required by normal practice.

67
5. Results (Continued)
• Both surface and production strings were equipped with
centralizers, but no scratchers were used.
• Surface casing was reciprocated while cementing production
casing "froze" on bottom and no pipe movement was
possible.
• None of the primary cementing operations required
corrective squeeze operations.

68
6. Conclusions
• Controlled directional drilling has proven a valuable tool for
exploring and exploiting portions of the tidelands.
• A successful directional program may be attributed largely to
the following factors, all of which will enhance the chance
for success on any directional program:

69
6. Conclusions (Continued)
1. Careful and detailed planning
2. Close, informed supervision
3. A competent and responsible directional specialist
4. Adequate drilling rig and equipment
5. Cooperative and experienced rig personnel.

70
7. Standard Related

1. API SPEC 5CT (2002)

This spesification covered spesification of casing and tubing,
and related to directional drilling.

71
7. Standard Related (Continued)

2. API RP 7G (2004)
This recommended practice involves not only the selection of
drill string members, but also the consideration of hole angle
control, drilling fluids, weight and rotary speed, and other
operational procedures.

72
7. Standard Related (Continued)

3. API Spec 7 (2001)

This specification covers requirements on drill-stem members,
including threaded connections, gauging practice, and master
gauges.

73
7. Standard Related (Continued)

4. NORSOK D-010 (2004)

This NORSOK standard focus on well integrity by defining

the minimum functional and performance oriented
requirements and guidelines for well design, planning and
execution of well operations.

74
References

• Edison, J.E. (1957). Engineering planning and supervision of

directional drilling operations. Journal of Petroleum
Technology.
• Swanson, S. M., Karlsen, A. W. & Valentine, B.J (2013).
Geologic Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources—
Oligocene Frio and Anahuac Formations, United States Gulf of
Mexico Coastal Plain and State Waters. Reston, Virginia:
United States Geological Survey.

75
References (Continued)

• API Spec 7 (2001): Specification for Rotary Drill Stem

Elements. American Petroleum Institute. Washington DC –
USA.
• API Spec 5CT (2002): Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries-
Steel Pipes for Use as Casing and Tubing for Wells. American
Petroleum Institute. Washington DC – USA.
• API RP 7G (2004): Recommended Practice for Drill Stem
Design and Operating Limits. American Petroleum Institute.
Washington DC – USA.

76
References (Continued)

• NORSOK D-010 (2004): Well integrity in drilling and well

operations. Standards Norway. Lysaker – Norway.

77