A Case Study: Validation of Real Time Non-Isothermal Hydraulic Model Using Deepwater Managed Pressure Drilling Data

Abstract

Abstract Drilling through narrow window between pore and fracture pressure using Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) approach requires precise hydraulic designs and pressure control plans to achieve drilling to target depth safely in timely manner which require accurate hydraulic model on pressure changes behavior along the borehole. This paper presents a case study where a non-isothermal hydraulic model was validated using field data from successful Deepwater MPD well in Offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The validation considers all relevant hydraulic parameters such as bottom-hole pressure, equivalent circulating density, circulating friction and surface back pressure. The hydraulic modelling validation results are important in order to determine the non-isothermal hydraulic simulator behavior against actual field data for continuous improvement for future MPD operation. The validation confirmed the previous theoretical estimations that mud density and annular friction considerably depend on dynamic annular temperature profile. The work revealed that using a field-proof non-isothermal hydraulic model plays critical role in order to gather accurate BHP control in MPD operations. During the MPD operations, employing real-time hydraulic model validated by PWD data will improve the dynamic pressure control during the operation, the accuracy, and reliability of the hydraulic simulation results. Hence, enhancing the MPD capability to assist drilling a well to zone of interest more safely and efficient.