Use of Life-Cycle Drilling-Simulation System on Challenging HP/HT Drilling Operation

Abstract

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper SPE 178207, “Use of a Life-Cycle Drilling Simulation System on a Challenging HP/ HT Drilling Operation in the Norwegian Sea,” by Laurie Scott, Wintershall; Just Sverre Wessel, SPE, Maersk Training; and Josef Nabavi and Rolv Rommetveit, SPE, eDrilling Solutions, prepared for the 2016 SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition, Abu Dhabi, 26–28 January. The paper has not been peer reviewed. A life-cycle drilling-simulation system (LCDSS) was used during planning, training, and operation in support of a very challenging high-pressure/ high-temperature (HP/HT) drilling operation in the Norwegian Sea. The LCDSS consists of a total modeling system tailor-made for planning, advanced training, and real-time simulation and decision support. This paper presents the LCDSS and elaborates on the use of it in the preparation and training phase and the operational phase, including forecasting. LCDSS The LCDSS used in this work consists of advanced dynamic drilling models and diagnosis technology merged with 3D visualization into a virtual wellbore. The interactions between the various drilling models are seamless and are used in the whole drilling value chain—from planning through training and, subsequently, real-time operations with forecasting. Work-Process Modifications In order to set up the LCDSS delivery, it became apparent that the existing structure of communication and work processes had to adopt the delivery of this service. Therefore, a thorough evaluation had to be conducted in order to include the service into the operation properly. The main challenge was to ensure that the operator was allowed access to relevant data when needed without interfering with everyday tasks. To achieve this, a strong communication line had to be established, to ensure that the communication worked optimally among rig, operator, and remote center.