• Stuart, G.
• Nelson, C.
• Wang, P.
• Wright, C.

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title>ABSTRACT</jats:title><jats:p>A previously developed geomechanical model for a drilling test site was updated for a new, innovation test well drilled on the same site. New offset loss circulation data were evaluated and updated for the minimum horizontal stress profile. Critical mud weight window considering different well orientations and the temperature effect are presented. It was demonstrated that critical bottom-hole pressure data were missed during real-time pulsing but recorded in the PWD (pressure while drilling) tool memory. Multiple loss circulation data during drilling and cementing, real-time and memory ECD (equivalent circulating density) data, updated formation tops and formation geothermal gradient measured from a permanent fiber-optic cable are incorporated into the updated model. 36+ additional vertical/directional/horizontal wells up to ∼11,500 ft (3505.2 m) TVD (true vertical depth) were drilled from four different surface hole locations since publishing the last model. It is demonstrated in this paper that geomechanical study is critical to maintaining wellbore integrity during different stages of the well operations even for non-hydrocarbon-bearing drilling design and executions.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>INTRODUCTION OF THE TEST RIGS AND THE TEST FACILITY</jats:title><jats:p>At the time the paper was written, a total of 66+ wells have been drilled from four different surface hole locations on the premise of the drilling test facility since October 2014. The testing facility is located in Navasota in Grimes County, Texas. The testing facility is permanently equipped with an automated Ideal Prime 1 drilling rig (1500 hp) and a 5C mobile completion rig (200 kips or 100 US tons static hook load capacity).</jats:p><jats:p>The Prime 1 rig consists of an automated Iron Roughneck (ST-100) and 3 permanently installed Robots for pipe handling automation. The first floor Robot (RTX-L1, RTX = Robotic Transfer of Material) handles pipe tailing between the well center and the setback area as well as picking up a single joint from the Pipecat. The second floor Robot (RTX-L2) handles ancillary work which includes two different handling tools. The first tool is to operate the mud bucket to contain drilling fluid coming to the rig floor during pulling out of the hole after the pipe connection is broken down. The second combination tool includes two alternate tools, i.e., a doper tool to apply the thread compound to the pipe connection threads and a stabbing guide to align two joints (or stands) of drill pipe before making up the threads. A single rig crew member can operate the above automated equipment from the driller's cabin using multiple HMIs (human-machine interface).</jats:p></jats:sec>

Topics

• density
• impedance spectroscopy
• surface
• compound
• iron
• size-exclusion chromatography