Monitoring of real time drilling operational processes, and early downhole problems detection

Abstract

In this thesis work, the real-time drilling monitoring software, DrillSceneTM has been used to monitor two case studies of wellbores drilled in North-Sea, Norway. Basically the thesis consists of three main parts: • DrillScene is based on advanced models. Because of confidentiality, it is not possible to review the models. Therefore, for better understanding of drilling response, the first part reviews simple basic models. These are mechanical, hydraulic, thermodynamic and cutting transport models.

• The second part is to review research papers related to DrillScene monitoring of downhole conditions. This part describes how the system set up and data acquisition of the software work, calculations processes and how the models simultaneously calibrated as it goes along with monitoring.

• Finally, using DrillScene to monitor drilling operations of two wells drilled in Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The monitoring was carried out at SEKAL AS onshore drilling operation center. The results of monitoring have been comprehensively explained. These results contain how DrillScene can be used to detect any drilling problem ahead of the dangerous situation in order to avoid it as well as giving advice of how the ongoing operation could be optimized.