Integrated approach to drilling dynamics challenges in the Browse Basin

Abstract

The use of drilling dynamics measurements has traditionally focused on improving downhole tool reliability. This, however, is a limited scope and in recognition of this, drilling dynamics is approached as a process that starts early in the planning stage of a project and targets the performance of the complete drillstring. Failures or inefficiencies associated with drillstring dynamics continue to occur in spite of the sophistication of today's measurements, particularly in exploratory projects that extend the present drilling envelope. Several methodologies were integrated to address the challenges of drilling dynamics and overcome frequent failures observed on the initial exploratory work on the Browse Basin. A steep learning curve was achieved by accelerating the improvement cycle using advanced modelling techniques and obtaining optimum designs without the need of multiple trial and error cycles. This extended abstract also describes the use of real-time dynamics measurements to quantify the risks related to drillstring vibration, a critical need for the drilling environment observed in the basin that ties planning work into the execution stage. Finally, the project cycle is closed with the evaluation of drilling performance using data-handling tools that allow the effective use of large amounts of drilling data generated during the execution and feedback into a new planning cycle. The extended abstract describes the implementation of drilling dynamics modelling to assist performance improvement, but more importantly, the methodology to incorporate it into a real-time decision-making process that maximises the value of technology implementation.