Matrix selection and comparison for selecting drilling methods and technologies for a wide range of applications

Abstract

Oil and gas well construction requires application of an appropriate pair of drilling method and drilling technology that will ensure that the process is conducted safely and cost effectively. Selection of an appropriate drilling method and technology is a lengthy and tedious process which if not properly handled can cause erroneous decisions to be made. This can result to serious drilling problems that can cause additional cost for the company in providing solutions to these problems which are undesirable and should be avoided. In this study, a review of a wide range of drilling methods and technologies was conducted as well as a description of formations which are suitable candidates for their individual application are presented. Ratings for each drilling method and technology against each formation criteria developed on the basis of their candidate selection are also presented. Incorporating the ratings into the decision matrix model and using Visual Basic Programming language, a selection system was developed for selecting drilling methods and technologies using formation description, drilling cost and drilling time as selection criteria. This selection system will assist engineers in making fast and effective decisions regarding the drilling method and technology pair required for drilling a given formation or borehole section. The concept is proving to be useful in those areas where new discoveries are made or as for geothermal drilling in which insufficient nearby well data is available.