| dc.description.abstract | Mud weight, or as referred to in this paper as Equivalent Circulating Density, is a crucial element in sustaining wellbore stability and preventing drilling-related issues and has historically been difficult to monitor, precisely in real-time. One of the main issues has been the lack of real-time data, which results quite often in delays responding to dynamic changes in challenging well conditions. In addition to that, the inaccuracy of ECD calculations has been problematic since the data that was used is acquired through surface measurements sensors and inferential calculations, leading to miscalculations and misinterpretations about downhole conditions. These complications arise due to the complexity and variety of unconventional wells that the operators are aiming to have access to, which results in ineffective mud weight management and subsequent non-productive time.
The introduction of High-Speed Telemetry Wired Drill Pipe technology has revolutionized this aspect by enabling the transmission of real-time, high-resolution data, including ECD-related parameters. This enables continuous monitoring, which leads to proactive and well-informed decision making, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of drilling operations.
This research examines the practical application of this technology by highlighting Its usage in drilling a well in the Norwegian North Sea, including its prospective benefits, limitations, and implications for drilling operations. A detailed analysis will be provided, showcasing the importance of closely monitoring ECD trends and how effective It can be to early detect potential abnormal downhole incidents.
The findings demonstrate that the effective implementation of this technology can substantially reduce non-productive time, mitigate operational risks, and optimize drilling performance. In addition, when combined with modern data analytics, the technology facilitates predictive modelling, enabling drillers to anticipate and respond to harmful drilling conditions. | |