Application of Real-Time Wellbore Stability Monitoring on a Deepwater ERD Well

Abstract

Abstract Good geomechanical modeling can provide valuable information for the efficient design and drilling of wellbores. Incorporating real-time wellbore stability monitoring during drilling can reduce the associated risks, especially for deepwater extended-reach wells. This paper presents the preparation, delivery, and outcome of the field trial for a real-time wellbore stability monitoring service delivered at Shell Exploration and Production Company's office in New Orleans. Three key objectives were set for the field trial: (1) to develop the processes to incorporate real-time wellbore stability into the current operations center monitoring provision, (2) to provide frequent updates of the wellbore stability model using a geomechanical modeling technique that was independent of the operator's own methods, and (3) to monitor and verify the geomechanical model based upon the drilling experience enabling proactive decision making during drilling. For the operator's asset team, the main objective was to reduce trouble time and make execution of the well successful. Ram Powell VK 913 A-9 well was chosen as a candidate for the field trial. The Ram Powell tension-leg platform is located in 3200 feet of water in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. A-9 was planned as an extended-reach exploration and would have the highest angle at the shallowest depth in the field. A geomechanical model for the prospect had already been created using the operator's own well-established methodology. This pre-drill model was transferred into the service company's software, and the real-time model was calibrated to generate as close to the same output as possible. After verifying the real-time model using the drilling experience on the closest offset wells, the 24 hr real-time stability monitoring commenced. The real-time geomechanical monitoring encompassed pore pressure prediction, rock property calculations from formation evaluation tools, wellbore trajectory updates, and the use of surface and downhole drilling data to verify the geomechanical model. Integration of the real-time wellbore stability monitoring contributed to the successful drilling and casing of this deepwater extended-reach well. The trial resulted in a greater understanding of the geomechanics of the field. The trial also resulted in a better understanding of procedures for maximizing the value of real-time data and of associated monitoring services, services that will be incorporated in future Shell E&P wells.