Drilling dynamics

The aim of drilling-dynamics measurement is to make drilling the well more efficient and to minimize nonproductive time (NPT).

Measured parameters

Approximately 75% of all lost-time incidents of more than 6 hours are caused by drilling-mechanics failures. Therefore, extensive effort is made to ensure that the drilling-mechanics information acquired is converted to a format usable by the driller and that usable data are provided to the rig floor.

The most frequently measured downhole drilling-mechanics parameters are:

• Downhole mud pressures (pressure while drilling (PWD))
• WOB(Weight on bit)
• Torque on bit
• Shock
• Temperature
• Caliper

Applications with formation testing while drilling (FTWD)

Formation testing while drilling (FTWD) provides key formation pressures for drilling optimization. The data provided by these measurements are intended to enable informed, timely decisions by the drilling staff and thereby improve drilling efficiency. The two main causes of NPT are hole problems (addressed by hydraulics measurement and wellbore-integrity measurement) and drillstring and tool failure (addressed by drillstring-integrity measurement).

Data delivery to driller

To have a positive effect on drilling efficiency, drilling dynamics must have a quick feedback loop to the driller. Recent advances have made it possible to observe the cyclic oscillations in WOB.If the oscillations exceed a predetermined threshold, they can be diagnosed as bit bounce, and a warning is transmitted to the surface. The driller can take corrective action (such as altering WOB), and observe whether the bit has stopped bouncing on the next data transmission. Other conditions, such as “stick-slip” (intermittent sticking of the bit and drillstring with rig torque applied, followed by damaging release or slip) and torsional shocks, also can be diagnosed and corrected.

Application of downhole shock sensors

Another application is the use of downhole shock sensors, which count the number of shocks that exceed a preset force threshold over a specific period. This number of occurrences is then transmitted to the surface. Downhole shock levels can be correlated with the design specification of the MWD tool. If the tool is operated above design thresholds for a period, the likelihood of tool failure increases proportionally. Of course, a strong correlation exists between continuous shocking of the BHA and the mechanical failure that causes the drillstring to part. In most cases, lateral-shock readings have been observed at significantly higher levels than axial (along the tool axis) shock.

Hydraulics management with PWD

Hydraulics management with PWD has proved a key enabling technology in extended-reach wells where long tangent sections may have been drilled. Studies performed on such wells have shown that hole cleaning can be difficult and that cuttings can build up on the lower side of the borehole. If this buildup is not identified early enough, loss of ROP(Rate of Penetration) and sticking problems can result. A downhole annulus-pressure measurement can monitor backpressure while circulating the mud volume, and, assuming that flow rates are unchanged, it can identify precisely if a wiper trip should be performed to clean the hole. Fig. 1 shows an example in which cuttings have fallen out of suspension in the annulus during a period of sliding. Once rotation is resumed, the cuttings are agitated and suspended once more in the mudstream with a consequent increase in equivalent circulating density (ECD).

• 

  Fig. 1—Downhole sensors provide useful drilling measurements.

In wells in which there is a narrow window between pore pressure and fracture gradient (e.g., deep water), the uncertainties can be reduced greatly through the use of PWD and FTWD technology. Downhole measurement and transmission of leakoff tests eliminate errors associated with surface measurements. Real-time Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) measurements pinpoint key pressure parameters frequently and accurately. Finally, real-time measurement of pore pressure identifies exactly the mud weight required.

See also

PEH:Drilling-Data_Acquisition

Noteworthy papers in OnePetro

Dubinsky, V.S. and Baecker, D.R. 1998. An Interactive Drilling Dynamics Simulator for Drilling Optimization and Training, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 27-30 September. 49205-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/49205-MS.

Heisig, G., Sancho, J. and Macpherson, J.D. 1998. Downhole Diagnosis of Drilling Dynamics Data Provides New Level Drilling Process Control to Driller, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 27-30 September. 49206-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/49206-MS.