3D Visualization: A Common Language for the Drilling and Subsurface Communities

Abstract

This article, written by Technology Editor Dennis Denney, contains highlights of paper SPE 90659, "3D Visualization: A Common Language for the Drilling and Subsurface Communities," by C. Telford and M. Burns, BP plc, and N. Whiteley, Landmark Graphics Corp. Ltd., prepared for the 2004 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, 26-29 September. 3D visualization has enabled the Andrew field team in the North Sea to develop a common understanding of geologically related drilling hazards to achieve best-in-class drilling performance on Well 16/28-A16. Improvement continued in Well 16/28-A17 with further reduction in geologically related nonproductive time (NPT). The common language pro-vided by the 3D-visualization tools enabled the different disciplines onshore and offshore to communicate effectively, integrating the team. Introduction This paper describes how the reservoir model, pressure cube, and structural model were used with the 4D seismic to identify the geological targets in the reservoir. These models, together with historical drilling NPT data and mapping of the overburden, were used to determine the optimal wellbore trajectory. The ability of the multidisciplinary team to view the subsurface field data along-side the drilling NPT information provided a greater understanding of potential risks and challenges and ensured agreement by all in the project from planning through to production. Visual images developed during the planning process then were used to brief the drilling and subsurface contractor services in technical-limit, prespud, and refresher sessions before each drilling phase.