Monitoring equivalent circulation density and efficiency of borehole cleaning practices

Background. The extended-reach drilling requires integrated approaches in the construction of wells. Drilling through unstable intervals and the risk of mud loss are the main potential problems in drilling. The length and deviation increase in the intervals of intermediate and production casing complicate the process of well cleaning and construction. Existing methods of wellbore stability monitoring require additional tools. Aim. The set of optimal approaches for a comprehensive assessment of the wellbore has been formed and applied. The main goal is to show the value of the methods used in geomechanics real-time support. Materials and methods. An approach based on control of the annular pressure has been used for the estimation of the wellbore condition in real-time. The logging while drilling (LWD) and measurement while drilling (MWD) data transferred from the telemetry system has been compared with the geomechanical model during the remote operation control. The annular space condition has been assessed by analysis of the equivalent circulation density while drilling, flushing, run in hole (RIH), and pull out of hole (POOH) operations. The calculated method of cleaning efficiency based on actual data allowed us to assess the annular space condition. Results. Comparison of the annular space condition data with the one-dimensional geomechanics model and cave-in mud data on the oil-rig vibrating screen allowed us to avoid possible issues. Recommendations from the remote operation center engineer contained intervals that whether safe or flushing need and duration of the flushing. Preparation for lowering the casing eliminates the requirements for drilling mud parameters change and went without additional lifting operations. Conclusions. Presently, the methods mentioned in the article are successfully used in geomechanical real-time support of drilling. It makes possible to optimize individual operations during the construction of wells.

geomechanical model, equivalent circulating density, well drilling support, cave-in mud, turbulently flow

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