bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subsea Cap & Contain Method for a Deepwater Tension Leg Platform
Authors: Henley John A. , Webb Tammy , Wibner Chris , Soliah James 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A tremendous amount of effort has been placed on subsea cap and containment in order to demonstrate the exploration and production industry's response to a subsea well control event. This paper will focus on the methods and processes planned to contain a subsea blow out beneath a Tension Leg Platform (TLP) in deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Response to a well control event of this type is divided into 3 major categories: 1) TLP Health and Stability Monitoring - Understanding the structure stability is key in planning the response and determining the time allowed to deploy containment assets, 2) Debris Clearing-a path must be cleared into the well pattern horizontally and vertically for the capping stack to be deployed and 3) Stack Deployment - with the TLP still floating above the well pattern the stack must be deployed laterally under the facility and onto the well. Several challenges were encountered during the design and approval of this containment method, leading to the development of alternative capping strategies, purpose built capping stacks, installation of permanent monitoring / response equipment and use of Delmar's Heave Compensated Landing System (HCLS) to accomplish these critical subsea tasks.
High Performance Water-Based Drilling Fluids - An Environmentally Friendly Fluid System Achieving Superior Shale Stabilization While Meeting Discharge Requirement Offshore Cameroon
Authors: Witthayapanyanon Anuradee , Leleux Jerome , Vuillemet Julien , Morvan Ronan , Pomian Andre , Denax Alain , Bland Ronald 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Historically, invert-emulsion drilling fluids are the system-of-choice for drilling offshore Cameroon due to minimum NPT, high ROPs, ease of maintenance, robust performance under various downhole conditions, and the resulting lower drilling costs. However, with a regulatory environment moving toward zero discharge, the cost of the waste management associated with invert-emulsion drilling fluids is diminishing their attractiveness. Therefore, when the operator was planning to drill their next development well offshore Cameroon (BaF field, Douala Basin), they evaluated high-performance water-based mud system (HPWBM) alternatives. HPWBM systems offer the potential advantage of offshore discharge of drilled cuttings and effluents due to absence of oil contamination and lowered waste management costs.
This paper documents the advantages of the selected HPWBM, and its design and performance characteristics in stabilizing reactive clays/shale. Specially designed chemical components in the HPWBM formulation created an efficient osmotic membrane, thereby minimizing pore pressure transmission under downhole conditions. This HPWBM system is one of the first commercial applications of nanotechnology in drilling fluids. The field recap demonstrated that the selected high performance water-based drilling fluid met expectations by achieving the required drilling performance and high shale stabilization with zero environmental impact. Finally, the paper reviews the cost reduction in waste management when switching to the environmentally friendly high performance water-based mud system.
Drilling Fluid Selection Methodology for Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Authors: Burden Paul , Dimitriadis Klisthenis , Clements Kayli , Nguyen Chau , Staples Tony , Thomas Seye 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
When operating in areas of Africa which are particularly sensitive environmentally selection of drilling fluids should take into account both technical and environmental criteria in regards to the treatment and disposal of the cuttings and excess fluids. In this particular case the operator's choice of drilling fluid during its exploration and appraisal campaign was driven primarily by the need to use fluids with green credentials, and the fact that the exploration wells were not particularly demanding from a technical point of view. However, it was recognised that a system with improved technical performance woud be required when drilling the anticipated, more demanding, high angle and extended reach wells during the development drilling. When enough core and drill cuttings became available a thorough study was performed which comprised shale characterisation and inhibition testing. Seven drilling fluid compositions were tested, six water based and one synthetic based. A simple rating method was devised for ranking technical and environmental performance as well as treatment and disposal options for each fluid. The synthetic based mud was the strongest technically followed by an amine-modified high-performance water based system. It was shown that both can be combined with techno-economically feasible treatment and disposal options that minimise environmental impact.
On the Shear Degradation of Lost Circulation Materials
Authors: Valsecchi Pietro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The introduction of large size materials in the drilling mud circuit has become a common practice over the past few decades for the mitigation of Lost Circulation while drilling in permeable intervals. Solids with an average diameter larger than 100 pm are carried with the drilling mud and, when fractures occur, they deposit at the opening of the fractures, successfully blocking the discharge of fluid out of the wellbore. The effectiveness of such material has been observed, however, to decline over time as the drilling mud circulates through the mud pumps, the drill string, the bit nozzles, the wellbore annulus, and the mud recycling system. The decline over time in the effectiveness of Lost Circulation Materials (LCM) and Loss Prevention Materials (LPM) during drilling is widely linked to the degradation of the LCM/LPM components whose average size drops with circulation time.
A large amount of literature in the petroleum industry is dedicated to the investigation of the issue and numerous experimental studies have attempted to quantify the LCM degradation by reproducing the root phenomena in laboratory. The concept of "shear degradation" has thus become a synonym for such studies and it is widely used for the selection of materials to be used in drilling operations.
In the present paper, a harder look is taken on the very concept of "shear degradation" and on its effectiveness in capturing the progressive size reduction of LCM/LPM during circulation. Using dimensional analysis, the tendency of a material to degrade can be determined in advance, whereby the density of the particles and suspending fluid, the size of particles, and the fluid viscosity are examined as the governing parameters. Understanding the underlying physics enables the selection of a more shear-resistant engineered-particle drilling fluid, regardless of its application.
Numerical and Analytical Investigation of Smear Effect in Casing Drilling Technology: Implications for Enhancing Wellbore Integrity and Hole Cleaning
Authors: Salehi S. , Mgboji J. , Aladasani A. , Wang S. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The "Smear Effect" during Casing Drilling can help to increase the fracture gradient, mitigate lost circulation problem and reduce Non Productive Time (NPT) in drilling operations specifically narrow pore-fracture pressure sedimentary basins and deep offshore applications. This is due to plastering of cuttings to the wellbore wall which may enhance wellbore hoop stress by wedging created fractures or increase fracture propagation pressure. Although some field applications have increased wellbore integrity, uncertainties remain regarding the mechanisms by which this occurs and how to operationally capture the maximum attainable wellbore pressure. More importantly, the "Smear Effect" has never been quantified scientifically. The uncertainties include the optimum ratio of the casing to the open hole size, casing rotation, contact between the casing and the mud cake, type of drilling fluid, casing eccentricity and the fluid's hydraulic complexities. This paper provides new insights on "Smear Effect" by presenting numerical and analytical models to to clarify and optimize relevant parameters in casing drilling applications. Advanced finite-element methods were used to model the near wellbore area under considerations of various pipe/open hole ratios and mud-cake contacts in each simulation. The models consider geomechanical properties in both the mud cake and formation. Actual operational data from one of the fields in South Texas was used for simulations. Analytical models were also used to calculate the contact force for each set of casing sizes and rotations. The force then used as the new boundary conditions in finite-element models and mud cake failure was evaluated.
The results indicate that casing rotations up to 100 rpm cannot result in mud cake failure; however, this cannot be confirmed firmly due to uncertainties regarding mud cake properties. In addition, increasing the casing ratio will reduce the risk of mud-cake failure when increasing casing rotations. Hydraulic calculations show a sharp increase in the bottom-hole pressure when the casing-annulus size ratio exceeds 0.8 in concentric situations.
Advances in Real-Time Event Detection While Drilling
Authors: Wong R. , Liu Q. , Ringer M. , Dunlop J. , Luppens C. , Yu H. , Chapman C. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Accurate, quick, and reliable event detection is essential to both conventional and automated drilling processes. Methods for real-time detection of events using Bayesian inference have been described previously. These systems were initially designed to provide alarms to rig crews with little or no operator setup or maintenance. These requirements have resulted in certain limitations that restrict their use to relatively simple situations. For example, the drillstring washout detection method was based primarily on the behavior of hydraulic coefficients of a simple hydraulic model computed from standpipe pressure and flow, which meant that it was limited to only scenarios of drilling without a mud motor. New sensors and enhancements to the Bayesian inference techniques significantly improve event detection.
Although applicable to a broader set of events, improvements to these detection methods can be explained using the example of a new drillstring washout detection module. The new module combines a method of detection of on-bottom drilling with enhanced signal characterization of standpipe pressure and flow to create an algorithm that can effectively handle drilling with a motor. Another improvement in the washout detection algorithm is the use of MWD turbine RPM when it is available. Unaffected by the differential pressure and depth changes, the turbine RPM data have proven to be more effective in detecting washouts occurring in the drillstring above the MWD tool.
Testing both on data from several previously recorded washouts in drillstrings and on real-time data from wells with washout demonstrates the new capability of the algorithm to detect these difficult-to-characterize events while keeping false detections to a minimum.
Downhole Vibration Analysis: Fishing Agitation Tool Efficiency in Stuck Pipe Recovery
Authors: Voghell Mark , Mohanna Assaad , Hanley Christopher , Al-Khiriseh Cristinel , Al-Mousa Ahmed , Al-Amri Ali 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A challenging and costly situation to overcome in modem day directional drilling applications is stuck pipe in open hole due to differential and/or mechanical sticking forces. Chances of recovery decay with time and conventional fishing with a bottomhole assembly (BHA) is frequently unsuccessful. By incorporating downhole axial-oscillation technology, the fishing reliability and effectiveness improve exponentially. The Fishing Agitation Tool (FAT) is an excitation component of the fishing BHA used to deliver low impact, high energy oscillation to the engaged fish. The FAT keeps the string in motion, breaking static sticking friction.
The FAT was used in Saudi Arabia for the first time to recover differentially stuck BHAs from a 6 1/8 in. hole in deep, high angle wells. The initial application involved pipe that was stuck in hole for more than 12 days without any movement, during which several conventional fishing BHAs failed. FAT was run in the final fishing BHA, getting the fish free after an hour of axially agitating and stroking the fish. After the pilot field trials in Saudi Arabia, and several successes in recovering mechanical and differential stuck BHAs, downhole vibration analysis proved the FAT effectiveness in assisting fishing BHAs in recovering stuck pipe more efficiently.
The FAT offers a new level of fishing technology that maximizes the effect and reliability of fishing BHAs in challenging wellbore environments, where conventional fishing techniques are deemed insufficient. This increased efficiency offers substantial reduction in fishing lost time, and an increased potential for fish and well recovery.
This paper investigates the effectiveness of the Fishing Agitation Tool through a study of the impact forces, impulse and drag forces generated by the FAT compared to conventional jarring operations, utilizing drag modeling as well as jarring analysis software.
Successful cases histories are reviewed to highlight the benefit of this technology.
Safely Exceeding Buckling Loads in Long Horizontal Wells: Case Study in Shale Plays
Authors: Menand S. , Chen D. C-K 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Drilling operations face several limits that intensify uncertainty and risks. Due to the deeper or/and longer wells, drilling equipment is pushed to its mechanical and endurance limits. The general industry perception is that when drill strings or casing strings exceeding conventional helical buckling criteria, they cannot be operated safely in the hole as the risk of failure or lock-up is too high. However, some theoretical, experimental, and field case studies have shown that tubular may be run in the hole even in a buckling state, within safe limits. This paper shows a case study in long horizontal wells for which helical buckling load has been exceeded without compromising the success of the operations.
Drilling data from Bakken field in North Dakota have been gathered, analyzed and compared to an advanced drill string mechanics model that enables simultaneous calculation of torque, drag, and buckling. A strong focus has been placed on the comparison between conventional buckling criteria and drill pipe or tubular bending stresses. Field results supported by drill string modeling suggest that the helical buckling load has been exceeded during operation at some locations along the drill string during slide drilling and liner running but with bending stresses at an acceptable level. However, in rotary drilling, buckling should be avoided because it will create high vibrations. In this case study, the effect of drill string dynamics is not considered.
Dust Collection System for Personnel Health During Fracturing Operations
Authors: Anderson T. , Hooker C. , Uttecht A. , Boucher M. , Wagner N. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Use of silica sand as a proppant has grown dramatically over the last decade with the rise in production of unconventional resources. Massive volumes of sand are transported to a wellsite and pneumatically conveyed into frac sanders. After formation fracture, sand is moved from the sanders across conveyers into the blender where it's mixed with fluid for transport downhole. During these operations, a significant amount of silica dust enters the air and onsite personnel are exposed. The dangers of inhaling dust and fine particles have been known for hundreds of years, yet many workers today are still not adequately protected. Silicosis, the most widespread industrial disease, results from exposure to crystalline silica and kills hundreds of workers every year and detrimentally affects the lives of untold more. Historically, many cases of silicosis have been associated with sand blasting, mining, and construction. There is now potential for connections to the hydraulic fracturing industry. Symptoms of silicosis can take 10-15 years to materialize, but once it develops the disease progresses incurably. According to a recent U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study, many frac sites exposure levels exceed, sometimes by a factor of 10, the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) to crystalline silica.
The rapid expansion of the hydraulic fracturing industry has in some places outpaced necessary regulations and equipment for worker safety, especially dust control. A dust collection system has been developed to target sand filling operations where sand particles are likely to be released into the air. With a system in place that aims to contribute to the U.S Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure levels (PELs), the threat of silicosis is significantly reduced from the hydraulic fracture process and unconventional development is made safer for everyone involved. This paper will discuss the dust collection equipment, its deployment and integration with existing equipment, as well as other activities to reduce worker exposure.
Innovative Drilling System with a Built-in Kick-off Ramp Allows Dependable Curve Building in Granite Wash Formation
Authors: Bruton G. A. , Talkington J. , Desai P. , Swadi S. , Kelley J. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The Granite Wash formation in Beckham County, Oklahoma and surrounding areas presents a number of unique challenges in drilling the build section from a vertical openhole to form a horizontal lateral in the productive zone. The formation is hard and abrasive and it is difficult to anticipate rock properties downhole from one well to the next. The erratic nature of the formation results in unpredictable performance by the steerable drilling assembly and drill bits particularly in the build section below 12,000 ft. In most cases, the target build rates are not achieved forcing multiple trips and undesirable cost overruns.
To remedy the issue, an innovative drilling system was developed which provides a dependable kick-off ramp and a firm beginning in initiating the build section without having to rely on the drilling BHA's fulcrum point. From the bottom, the drilling system consists of hydraulically set openhole anchor, a whipstock, an impregnated drill bit mechanically attached to the top of the whipstock, a double bend turbodrill section and the rest of the BHA. The procedure includes positioning the drilling system in the hole at kick-off point, orienting the whipstock face with MWD in a desired direction, anchoring the whipstock by hydraulically setting the anchor, disengaging the BHA from the whipstock and commencing drilling operations. All of these steps take place in a single trip downhole. Once the impregnated bit and the turbine assembly pass the whipstock, the sliding and the rotating phase begins to achieve the target build rate.
The authors will describe the system's components and the running procedure. They will also discuss system performance, realized benefits to the operator, lesson learned and planned improvements going forward.
The Stability of a Pipe Stand Racked in a Derrick, Part 2 - A General Pipe Stand Model
Authors: Sawaryn S. J , Pattillo P. D 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This paper builds on the information contained in part 1 and presents a general pipe-stand model. The model is based on the Fourier series solution of the energy equation for calculating the deflection and buckling condition of an inclined, non-uniform pipe stand with an arbitrary number of intermediate loads and stick-up above the top racking board. Full details of the derivation and algorithms are included in the paper. This flexible approach is used to examine more complex, practical situations including the buckling sensitivity to the position of the upper support and added loads such as tool joints or running tools racked with the stand.
Using a Fourier sine series solution avoids dealing with the less familiar higher order functions encountered in part 1 so that the algorithms can be coded using standard spreadsheet functions. This approach also increases the model's capability and practical worth, providing a tool suitable for field use. The results for loaded, uniform stands compare within 0.01% with the limiting cases represented by the analytical solutions presented in Part 1. Non-uniformity of the stand can add significantly to the number of series terms required.
Several practical examples are used to illustrate the model's application, including the analysis of stand with a heavy intermediate load where buckling occurred. The model successfully distinguishes between the buckled and non-buckled conditions.
Anatomy of MPD Well Failures: Lessons Learned from a Series of Difficult Wells
Authors: Dow B. , Baker J. , Spriggs P. , Voshall A. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Managed pressure drilling is a technique viewed as a means of improving the chances to drill the most challenging wells. Wellbore pressure management allows operators to address key technical risks such as narrow pore pressure and fracture gradient windows, sensitive wellbore stability environments and navigating steep and unknown pore pressure ramps. Certainly, the technology delivers added advantages while the drilling team attempts difficult wells. Successful execution, however, requires awareness of all aspects throughout the drilling process and full integration of the entire well construction team. Even best laid plans can encounter challenges that quickly become insurmountable. Despite being on alert, as is most often the case with MPD wells, misunderstanding subtle signs throughout the drilling process, poorly synchronized execution or untimely technical failures can lead to catastrophic outcomes for the operator. Additionally, it is not until execution when a full understanding of the wellbore sensitivity to pressure swings becomes apparent.
The authors will look at a series of uniquely different wells, all employing MPD but for different technical reasons. Exploration drilling through challenging pore pressure ramps, high angle and horizontal wells across formations highly sensitive to pressure cycling, PMCD wells and wells drilled through very narrow pore pressure and stability window across depleted zones. Analysis of the detailed design during the planning phase, with the information that was known at that time, will lay the foundation of how each well was executed. In each case, the desired outcome was not achieved for reasons unique to the respective project falling outside the core MPD engineering design. Analysis of the failures will identify key lessons learned and show progressive continuous improvement that has made MPD critical to success on future projects and raised confidence of the users.