Real-Time Drilling Engineering: Hydraulics and T&D Modeling for Predictive Interpretation While Drilling

Abstract

Abstract In the early stages of real-time data transmission from the rigsite, real-time monitoring engineers focused on viewing data as it was presented on the rigsite. While this setup was ideal for service quality and event mitigation, it fell short of providing predictions of wellbore condition. As remote real-time monitoring matures in its use of "while drilling" data, remote engineers need to identify issues before they affect drilling operations and are evident to rigsite personnel. Using a combination of data analysis, engineering models, algorithms for data reduction, historic behavior, and experience, a remote monitoring engineer is able to see the data in the context of the drilling environment and to identify developing incidents. However, as data volume increases, remote engineers must focus their analysis on the tools by which they can have the biggest impact and effectiveness. Real-time hydraulics and torque and drag (T&D) analysis are such tools, and by using engineering models, engineers can judge the condition of a wellbore before it impacts operations. Two examples show how effective monitoring of "while drilling" models of hydraulics and T&D identified events, allowing them to be prevented before they were evident on the rigsite and caused nonproductive time.