Techno-economic evaluation of hard rock drilling technologies - Establishing a baseline

Abstract

The industry is moving forward to drilling in harder and more abrasive formations. This challenging environment poses a challenge upon bit technologies and rate of penetration (ROP). The aim of this thesis is to gain a better understanding on what variables influence ROP in conditions experiencing higher temperatures and pressures. Rate of penetration can be viewed as a driver for drilling costs and the duration of an operation. Therefore, a proposed ROP prediction model has been developed throughout this thesis via analysing historical bit records and mathematical statistical modelling. The preliminary results of this proposed model indicates a prediction range that falls within the field measured ROP value when trialled on existing fields and a synthetic field. As a consequence of limited data available, more correlations and investigations are required before concluding the model suitable for all drilling conditions.