Novel High Speed Telemetry System with Measurements Along the String Mitigate Drilling Risk and Improve Drilling Efficiency

Abstract

Abstract Novel systems such as the wired-pipe or networked drillstring telemetry system have allowed broadband communication with downhole tools in various operating areas around the world, including in deepwater. Two capabilities are vital to offer operators and service companies with cost effective drilling and completion in challenging scenarios: High speed: real-time, bi-directional data transfer at a rate of 57,600 bits per second (bps) enables downhole and subsurface conditions to be measured and controlled, Measurements all along the string: annular pressure and temperature measurements distributed at network nodes beyond just at the drill bit enable early warning of developing trouble events. This paper describes cases where the broadband network provided downhole information for identifying poor hole cleaning, determining sweep efficiency, revealing cutting accumulation and recognizing pack offs early on. Further, examples are described that improved drilling risk mitigation by the capability to measure as many as 45 different drilling dynamics parameters that are updated every few seconds revealing bit whirl, stick slip, lateral and axial movement while drilling trouble zones. The successful mitigation of downhole vibration resulted in a 68% increase in time on bottom and a 58% increase in rate of penetration (ROP). Annular pressure evaluation all along the drillstring ensured adequate hole cleaning in challenging wellbores.