Extended-reach wells tap outlying reserves

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · World Oil; (United States)

OSTI ID:6372023

Nazzal, G ^[1]

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1. Eastman Teleco, Houston, TX (United States)

Extended-reach drilling (ERD) is being used to exploit fields and reserves that are located far from existing platforms. Effective wellbore placement from fewer platforms can reduce development costs, maximize production and increase reserve recovery. Six wells drilled offshore in the US, North Sea and Australia illustrate how to get the most economic benefit from available infrastructure. These wells are divided into three categories by depth (shallow, medium and deep). Vertical depth of these wells range from 963 to 12,791 ft TVD and displacements range from 4,871 to 23,917 ft. Important factors for successful extended-reach drilling included: careful, comprehensive pre-planning; adequate cuttings removal in all sections; hole stability in long, exposed intervals; torque and drag modeling of drilling BHAs, casing and liners; buoyancy-assisted casing techniques where appropriate; critical modifications to drilling rig and top drive, for medium and deep ERD; modified power swivels for shallow operations; drill pipe rubbers or other casing protection during extended periods of drill string rotation; heavy-wall casting across anticipated high-wear areas; survey accuracy and frequency; sound drilling practices and creativity to accomplish goals and objectives. This paper reviews the case history of these sites and records planning and design procedures.

• OSTI ID: 6372023
• Journal Information: World Oil; (United States), Vol. 214:3; ISSN 0043-8790
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DESIGN
OIL WELLS
AUSTRALIA
CALIFORNIA
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
NORTH SEA
OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
OFFSHORE SITES
ONSHORE SITES
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PRODUCTION
ATLANTIC OCEAN
AUSTRALASIA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DRILLING
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
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RESOURCES
SEAS
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WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production