A microcomputer program for prediction of bottomhole assembly trajectory

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/15285-PA· OSTI ID:7121454

Birades, M; Fenoul, R

This paper describes a two-dimensional (2D) static, finite-element microcomputer program capable of quantitatively predicting the inclination behavior of bottomhole assemblies (BHA's). A calculation module that is based on the finite-element method helps account for the forces generated between the components of the BHA and the wellbore wall. This module is used in an automatic iterative process to compute the ''equilibrium curve'' of the BHA, which gives the future inclination gradient of drilling. The analysis of horizontal wells drilled by Elf Acquitaine demonstrated the role played by the hole-diameter-enlargement/rate-of-penetration (ROP) relation in prediction improvements.

• Research Organization: Elf Aquitaine, Pau (FR)
• OSTI ID: 7121454
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN SDENE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
58 GEOSCIENCES
580203 -- Geophysics-- Geophysical Survey Methods-- (1980-1989)
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990230 -- Mathematics & Mathematical Models-- (1987-1989)
AUTOMATION
BOREHOLES
CAVITIES
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
COMPUTERS
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DATA ANALYSIS
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
DRILLING
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FORECASTING
GEOLOGIC STRATA
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION
INCLINED STRATA
ITERATIVE METHODS
MICROELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
MICROPROCESSORS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
OIL WELLS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS
TRAJECTORIES
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WELLS