readings of the top drive, well plan parameters and drill string data
tomitigate the vibrational effects that create problems for well site
operations.
With themitigation of unwanted vibrations, the transfer of energy
from the top drive to the drill bit provides a better instantaneous ROP. A
reduction in stick-slip will account for a BHA and bit with a longer drilling
life, resulting in fewer trips in and out of the hole to replace damaged
tools. These factors increase overall ROP speed and reduce costs for the
well.
Horizontal drillingassistance
Aswell programmes increase in complexity, somust the technology
needed to drill thesewells safely and cost-efficiently. Slide drilling is a
critical operation for these horizontal wells. During the sliding operation,
the vertical section kicks off and builds an angle for the desired lateral
section.
Traditional sliding happenswhen the drill string stops rotatingwhile
the directional driller horizontally re-orients the toolface. Themudmotor
in the BHA spins the bit, while the drill string ismoved back and forth, or
rocked, to reduce drag force of the drill pipe laying on the bottomof the
wellbore. The oscillating drill string creates issues for drillerswho aimto
keep the toolface on target and build angles according to thewell plan.
Inmost cases, drillers rely on years of experience to give the dial the right
touch and avoid error.
An agitator may also be incorporated into the BHA to assist slide
drilling. This tool uses the circulation of themud to break up the drag
forces of the drill string, but it comes with a price. Not only is the agitator
an additional daily financial cost, but excessive use can limit the life of
the bit and the BHA itself or lead to tripping out of hole prematurely if a
tool fails.
Neither option is ideal, which iswhere ARCSlide™ comes in.
This system is designed tominimise the risks associatedwith sliding.
First, the softwaremaximises theweight on bit during the oscillations
whilemaintaining toolface. The ARCSlide screen shows current and recent
toolface positions to ensure the oscillations are not impacting the steering
of the bit.
When the toolface needs to change, the driller can enter the new
desired toolface angle. The guesswork is eliminated as the software
automatically orients the drill string to the propermark. Second, ARCSlide
utilises only surface components, so there is no need to add additional
tools to the BHA.
The driller and directional driller still control operations, while using
the software to achieve the necessarywell path in an optimisedmanner.
The systemadds an extra layer of safety and efficiency by taking intelligent
action downholewhen operational parameters are crossed, before human
action is necessary. This is the balance Tesco achieveswhen taking an
evolutionary approach to drilling automation.
Planningahead
ARCGuide™allows the driller to upload thewell plan, which the software
will then follow, making drilling corrections as needed. Workingwith
other components of the ARC software, it will automatically adjust the
top drive tomaintain proper downhole tool positioning. Thiswill increase
accuracy and drilling efficiency byminimising the need for well path course
corrections.
Thenecessarychange
With the driller in the driver’s seat, automation software allows people to
do their jobmore safely, more reliably, in amore cost-effectivemanner and
with fewermistakes. In thismarket it is important to develop and deploy
tools that prolong horizontal drilling programmes, aswell as the teams
that execute them.
SI Group_Oilfield Tech Ad_Final.pdf 1 8/31/16 5:37 PM
