Alternative applications of wired drill pipe in drilling and well operations

Abstract

Oil and gas companies target to carry out drilling and other well operations in a safe and cost-effective manner with focus on the long-term integrity of the wells. Well operations become more challenging in environments such as depleted formations, extended reach horizontal well and deep-waters. In the recent years, the industry developed new technologies and methods to manage and enhance the efficiency of drilling operations in these environments. However, there are still challenges faced by the industry. For this, the industry developed a wiredpipe (WDP) technology to improve the data quality, quantity as well as speed of transfer. As a result, WDP technology improved the drilling activity significantly. The recently approved plan for development and operation (PDO) has granted Snorre field expansion project (SEP) to Equinor ASA. The field being depleted has planned equal number of injection and production wells, which could have both the pore pressure and formation stress altered. In general, one may expect operational challenges in the field.

A total of eight field case studies were conducted on the application of WDP technologies. Based on the lessons learnt, problems associated with the conventional method and the corresponding possible WDP solutions to be utilized in SEP or future field development activities are proposed.

Results from the field case study shows that the valued contributions of wiredpipe are faster drilling rate, time-efficient rig operations, risk reduction, enhanced well placement/quality and reduction in mud losses. Results from the possible alterative WDP solution for SEP are with regards to tripping, cementing, wellbore cleanout, perforation, completion and side-tracking operations. The author believes that integrating the solutions will enhance SEP operations, reduce non-productive time and therefore will be cost-effective.