Application of a highly variable gauge stabilizer at Wytch Farm to extend the ERD envelope

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:166589

Odell, II, A C; Payne, M L; Cocking, D A

Wytch Farm operations have demonstrated that downhole adjustable, highly variable gauge stabilizers (HVGSs) can cost-effectively extend the reach of extended-reach-drilling (ERD) wells. This paper will describe the operation and benefits of using an HVGS at the Wytch Farm ERD project to control hole inclination while minimizing time consuming oriented drilling. The first Wytch Farm well drilled with an HVGS had a Reach/TVD ratio of 4.22 at a true vertical depth (TVD) of 1603 m. The total depth was 7522 m with a reach of 6732 m, which set a new world record for reach at the subject reservoir depth. The second well drilled with an HVGS had a Reach/TVD ratio of 4.28 at a TVD of 1592 m. The HVGS was used in conjunction with an instrumented steerable motor with near-bit inclination sensor. The HVGS is controlled from the surface through a series of mud pump flow sequences, and communicates the blades` commanded and measured positions to the surface with mud pulse telemetry. Wytch Farm operations required that the HVGS telemetry be modified to Cow compatibility with previously contracted measurement-while-drilling/logging-while-drilling (MWD/LWD) systems. This paper will describe the new telemetry scheme and will document the success of the HVGS in receiving commands and in actuating to desired positions at measured depths in excess of 7300 m and departures beyond 6100 m.

• OSTI ID: 166589
• Report Number(s): CONF-951002--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
BOREHOLES
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
MWD SYSTEMS
PERFORMANCE
STABILIZATION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT