Abstract
Abstract The Beryl field was discovered in 1972 and 143 separate penetrations have been drilled from the two platforms. The field is faulted, generating numerous drilling opportunities but also geological uncertainties. 3D visualization is used to identify/target bypassed oil in the peripheral reservoir sectors. Extended reach/3D designer wellpaths are utilized to intersect ever smaller targets. New formation evaluation/geo-steering concepts like chemical stratigraphic analysis are used to identify target intervals in real-time. Modified rotary steerable tools are employed in the hard/abrasive Beryl formations. Real-time vibration monitoring is used to optimize drilling performance, which provides a basis for bottom hole assemblies and bit design/selection. Onsite engineers are used to analyze/evaluate real-time torque, drag, vibration, hydraulics, and wellbore stability parameters. Wellbore stability is a major challenge. A proprietary technique is used to build formation integrity in depleted zones. This enables mud weights critical to provide stability in highly reactive shales to be used. Due to this and the compartmentalized nature of the Beryl field, highly overbalanced drilling is a result. Depleted zones in the Beryl field having pore pressures as low as 1.5ppge/0.17SG have been drilled with up to 5000 psi overbalance (to maintain wellbore integrity). Reducing the number of trips is a focus to save rig time. PDC bit technology is used in casing mills for a single trip system when exiting from whipstocks during slot recovery operations. Sacrificial bits/motors on production liners are used to eliminate wiper trips. Cemented tubing completions, utilized on water injection wells, achieve cost savings. Beryl field life was initially estimated to be 20 years, but is now in its 28th year of production. New technology/techniques are added to the drilling toolbox continually, enabling wells which were unthinkable to become common and economical in this mature field.
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