eDrilling is a new and innovative system for real-time drilling simulation, 3D visualization and control from a remote drilling expert centre. The concept uses all available real-time drilling data (surface and downhole) in combination with real-time modeling to monitor and optimize the drilling process. This information is used to visualize the wellbore in 3D in real time. eDrilling has been implemented in an onshore drilling center in Norway and has been used on several drilling operations. This article focuses on utilization of an advanced flow model for real-time supervision and control of ECD and ECD-related effects.
Figure 1 (above): In air drilling, often the classical fire triangle is ignored. Figure 2 (below) shows the minimum oxygen concentration required for combustion of methane is 12% by volume at sea level. Figure 3 (right): With an ignition source, the chemical reaction with the methane will be uncontrolled until the fuel is completely combusted. Drilling with compressed air continues to enjoy vast popularity. It is often the application of choice in dry, hard rock because the drilling fluid medium is inexpensive and, compared with water or weighted drilling mud, respectable rates of penetration can be achieved. In terms of economic considerations with respect to drilling fluid expenditures, air drilling has virtually no equal. However, air drilling is not without its impediments; not the least of which is its reactivity with hydrocarbons.
In 2005, BP Alaska began evaluating the application of underbalance drilling technology as a method for drilling multilateral wells in the Lisburne Field. The evaluation process was enacted as a response to three key challenges at Lisburne: 1. Slow ROP through the Wahoo’s hard carbonate formation. 2. Frequent total losses of drilling fluid when drilling conventionally.
Trends on high-capacity, larger rigs used to drill deeper wells have changed design requirements for derrick tugger sheaves and their arrangement in the derrick.
