Surge and Drag Analysis for Extended Reach Casing and Casing Flotation Operations With Centralizers: A Design Challenge?

Abstract

Summary Refining advanced technologies for the successful completion of wells is paramount in high-risk, high-cost environments. Challenges are associated with complex well architectures and with the successful completion of wells deploying conventional or floated casing or liner strings. A key part of the design process is to be able to predict both maximum downhole surge pressures and dynamic and static friction effects. The analysis also needs to take into account the impact of using centralizing devices. Understanding these effects during both casing running and reciprocation is important so that appropriate operational decisions can be made. Specific challenges are associated with running liners through casing strings or hole sections with limited annular clearance. Centralizers are primarily installed on a casing string to provide adequate stand-off for primary cementing operations; however they are also sometimes used to aid in the deployment of casing strings. To achieve adequate stand-off, calculations are performed to determine the number of centralizers, their placement, and spacing frequency. Drag modeling is performed to ensure that the casing string will reach its target depth. This requires predictions of both static and dynamic drag effects that take into account the impact of centralizers and surge pressures on drag. In cases where non-rigid centralizers are used, conventional torque and drag models underestimate frictional drag effects. Similarly it is considered that steady state surge models under-predict maximum surge pressures. To address these concerns, both improved models and comprehensive analysis are required. This paper describes the analytical models that are used to incorporate additional forces associated with centralizers. Both conventional and floated casing running scenarios, especially in close tolerance extended reach wells, are considered.