Along String Pressure and Temperature Measurements in Real-Time: Early Field Use and Resultant Value

Abstract

Abstract High-speed drill-string telemetry technology is being adopted with increasing frequency into challenging drilling environments around the world. In addition to allowing instantaneous upward and downward transmission of data between surface and measurement tools located close to the drill bit, this technology also enables measurements to be acquired and transmitted to surface from many points along the string while drilling. Real-time along-string annular pressure and temperature measurements have strong potential to provide never before seen visibility of the dynamics of drilling cuttings cleaning, equivalent circulating density (ECD) and fluid influx/loss issues at multiple points along a wellbore. In many cases this information is dramatically different from traditionally held assumptions and can be used to more effectively manage flow rates, mud weight, rate of penetration (ROP), string rotation and the use of lost circulation material to significantly reduce the risk of stuck pipe, formation fracture and excessive losses. This paper shares and discusses previously unseen data from early field uses of along string pressure and temperature measurements with comparisons to normally available data from bottom-hole measurement tools. Particular attention is paid to the drilling decisions taken based on this additional information and the impact of those decisions on efficiency and well cost. Introduction In land drilling operations, combining Logging While Drilling (LWD), Directional Drilling (DD), Rotary Steerable (RSS) tools, and wired pipe has not been seen as providing significant advantages over traditional methods. In a drilling test, an operator and service providers for LWD, DD, RSS, and wired pipe united to evaluate the advantages of transmitting data over high-speed drill string telemetry in land wells. The test used five-inch tubulars in mud-based drilling and four-inch tubulars in foam-based drilling (tubular dimensions and specifications are the same as those of non-wired tubulars). During the implementation described in this document, the overall concept of wired pipe related technologies was tested in combination with several downhole technologies. All learning experiences while using the equipment were recorded. Those elements that provided advantages to the efficiency of the drilling process were particularly noted. Early findings indicate that wired pipe equipment transparently connects to the downhole tools using an interface sub that provides a mechanical and electrical crossover between the two systems. Proper training of rig personnel on double shouldered connections was necessary since tubular handing and care was of utmost importance in maintaining good communications through the high-speed telemetry network. No safety hazards were identified with the use of any of the equipment involved. Tubular dimensions and specifications are the same as non-wired double shouldered tubulars. Several industry milestones were achieved during this implementation described below. Technologies Involved Wired-Pipe Telemetry Network: The wired-pipe telemetry network enables high-speed transmission of data and commands to and from downhole tools. The network permits a much greater level of surface control over a bottom-hole assembly (BHA) while running rotary steerable tools or other advanced sensors, such as formation pressure testing and seismic while drilling.