Risk analysis: Casing-while-Drilling (CwD) and modeling approach

Abstract

In today's volatile economy and uncertain drilling environment, managers are encouraged to reduce well cost and time and have implemented Casing-while-Drilling (CwD) to improve operational excellence. Risk analysis is another valid tool that can be used to improve drilling operations. This paper discusses CwD as a new technology and how its benefits can be strengthened by including risk analysis as a complementary technique. A modeling approach is presented to demonstrate how risk analysis can be applied to CwD programs and to discuss the main concerns a well planner must address to achieve a successful drilling program. The integration of both CwD and risk analysis will add value to the overall excellence of the well operation. Very little work has been done on this integration, and the hope is that this approach will be a standard practice in the future.