Advanced Real-Time Monitoring Provides Early Detection and Prevention of Costly Well Problems

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how advancedrealtime monitoring (ARM) utilizing advanced hydraulic and mechanical modelling of the drilling process provided early detection of anomalies by giving diagnostic messages during drilling operations. These achievements can minimize non-productive time and invisible lost time and maximize the benefits and value of operations; if they are utilized to its full potential by operations. Some well cases are used to illustrate the methodology and its results. Among problems diagnosed are losses, stuck pipe during drilling and casing running, downhole equipment leakage and improper hole cleaning. In some cases, action was taken based on the diagnostics; and the operational conditions were modified to mitigate the situation. In other cases, the warnings were not taken seriously, the situation worsened until the problem was irreversible and a stuck situation occurred. In one well presented in the current study a stuck pipe situation happened during drilling 8½" section which led to a downtime of more than 20 days. By utilizing the ARM, it couldhave been possible to detect some early signs of the stuck conditions in the wellbore and avoid it. Another stuck situation in awell during 14-inch Casing running, led to downtime of more than 10 days which involved breaking out the casing above the stuck point and performing P&A. The ARM provided early signs of stuck casing that was about to occur, and these signs first started appearing about 15 hours before the pipe got completely stuck. This paper will present the Advanced realtime Monitoring ARM System and the modelling behind this. Also, the plans for further implementation and integration of this in the work processes will be discussed, before results from the first year of utilization will be presented with examples.