Question One.

1a. Main functions of rig systems

The main function of the hoisting system is to provide a safe means for lowering
(run) or lifting (pull) drill strings, casing strings, or subsurface sub-assemblies, in or
out of the hole during operations. It mainly consists of the derrick and substructure,
block and tackle, and the draw-works.

The circulating system is responsible for the placement and circulation of drilling
fluid down the string and up the annulus or vice versa in the case of “reverse
circulation”. Its main components are: Mud pumps, mud tanks or pits, mud mixing
equipment, and the solids contaminant removal equipment or solids control
equipment. Besides hole-cleaning, the placement and circulation of drilling fluid
helps to: maintain primary well control, prevent wellbore collapse, lubricate and
cool the bit, etc.

The rotating system serves to rotate the drill string and the bit at the bottom or at
any point in the hole. Its main components are: Kelly or top drive system (TDS),
rotary table, and swivel. Others are drill pipes and drill collars. It transmits rotary
motion to the bit, and also supports hole-cleaning efforts. The swivel and the Kelly
/TDS as well as the drill string provide passage way for the drilling fluid to flow to
the down-hole equipment.

How they work together: the hoisting system is used to pick up and place the BHA
components ready for drilling. The pumps are turned on circulation begins, and
rotation starts for drilling to commence. As the hole is drilled, the rotation of the
string transmits rotary torque down-hole to the bit for and the hoisting system is
used to apply the weight on bit (WOB) while the circulating system removed drilled
cuttings from the face of the bit so that the cutters can make contact with new
uncut rock/formation to drill further.
Applied Drilling Engineering by Bogounye T/

1b. Main criteria in selecting a mobile offshore drilling rig|:

- Water depth
- Operating area, sea bed conditions, access to operating area and
weather conditions
- Mechanical capacity of the rig
- Health, safety and environmental performance records
- Staff development records
- Technical success records and technical support systems
- Contract rate
- financial strength of the drilling contractor
Question Two

2a. Equivalent Mud weight is the mud weight “felt” by the formation at any given
depth, as a result of the total pressure on the formation at that depth. The pressure
may be as a result of the same or different fluid columns and may sometimes some
form of back pressure like during circulation of a kick out of hole.

2b. EMW-Depth plot

Paste chart here.

2c. Overpressure Margin

Overpressure margin = 0.5ppg × 0.052 × Depth

At 4,000 ft,

Overpressure margin = 0.5ppg×0.052×4000ft = 104 psi

At 9,000 ft,

Overpressure margin = 0.5ppg×0.052×9000ft = 234 psi

At 12,000 ft,

Overpressure margin = 0.5ppg×0.052×12000ft = 312 psi

Question Three

3a. Mud Circulating system Schematic

3b. Functions of circulating system components

Pumps: Mud pumps provide the hydraulic horsepower required to circulate the
drilling fluid after suction from the active tanks down the drill string and up the
annulus.

High Pressure lines, stand pipes and rotary hoses: They serve as safe
conduits for conveying the drilling fluid at different points in the system.
Swivel & Kelly: These are primarily components of the rotary syste, but they also
provide a conduit for fluid flow to the bit.

Bell Nipple & Flow line: Directs flow from the annulus to the possum belly and
on to the shale shakers.

Solids control Equipment

Shale shaker: This is essentially a vibrating sieve, used to sieve out drilled solids
from mud returns from the well. Most of the drilled solids are removed by the shale
shaker.

Degasser: Once the main drilled solids are removed by the shale shaker, a vacuum
degasser removes entrained gases from the mud. It is typically located downstream
of the shale shaker. When the gas concentration in the mud is high, a mud gas
separator or poor boy degasser is deployed, which removes and reroute the gas off
location via a vent line. Gas needs to be removed to ensure mud weight in the
system is not unintentionally reduced by gas cut mud.

Desander: The desander is a hydrocyclone device which uses centrifugal forces to

execute further separation of solids from the mud.

Desilter: The desilter is also a hydrocyclone device but incorporates a greater

number of smaller cones which enables it to effectively remove smaller diameter
solids from the drilling fluid than the desander can remove.

Mud cleaners: these are desilter units that further process the underflow from the
cones using a fine meshed vibrating screen, mounted below the cones- saving
weighting materials.

Centrifuge: A centrifuge removes fines and ultrafine solids from drilling mud using
centrifugal forces. These are typically the solid sizes that cannot be removed by the
desander, desilter, mud cleaners or shale shakers.
Mud Tanks, Hoppers and Mud Agitators: Tanks are reservoir for containment of
drilling mud at surface. The mud agitators maintain consistency of mud before
circulation. Materials are fed into the mud system using a Hopper.

SLB oil glossary, Shell WDLP

Question Four

4a. Functions of Cement in Oil well drilling

The most critical primary cementing functions are zonal isolation, protection of
casing from corrosive fluids in the formation, and to provide mechanical support for
the casing/liner string.

Zonal Isolation: This is the prevention of the preferential movement of fluid from
one formation to another through the annulus (rather than up the production tubing
in case of a poorly cemented completion for instance). A successful zonal isolation
will also preserve the fresh water zones from contamination, as well as prevent
potential flow to the sea bed. It will also prevent charging of low or normal
pressured formations by relatively pressured formations.

Mechanical support for casing: Cement provides mechanical support preventing

buckling of surface casing under Well head and Blow out preventer (BOP) loads for
instance, and facilitates drilling ahead of the next hole-sections after casings are
run.

Corrosion Protection: Cement placed between the casing and open-hole prevents
contact between casing and the corrosive fluids in the formation drilled. This will
serve to protect the casing from external corrosion to a large extent

A secondary or squeeze cementing may be needed later on in the well’s life to

accomplish some remedial objectives e.g. seal off specific zones, or repair casing
leaks.

Cement plug create permanent barriers for abandonment of selected intervals,

serve as a hard base from where wells can be kicked off and can be used to cure
loss circulation problems.

Additives
4a. Continued- Additives

Accelerators

Accelerators facilitate the slurry’s reaction with water to reduce thickening time and
aid the onset of early compressive strength. Examples of accelerators are Calcium
chloride, Sodium chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Silicate, and sea water.
Accelerators are particularly useful in shallow wells where temperatures are low, as
the geothermal ‘assist’ in setting of cement is minimal or absent.

Retarders

Typically used in deeper wells (where temperatures are higher and so, geothermal
assist is prevalent) retarders increase the thickening time to keep cement pump-
able in order to prevent setting of cement in string prematurely. Examples are
carboxymethyl-hydroxyethyl cellulose (CMHEC), saturated salt solutions,
lignosulphonates, etc.

Dispersants (friction reducers):

Dispersants lower the viscosity of the slurry, reducing the flow rate and pressure
required to pump the slurry in turbulent flow, without compromising the breaking
the formation, and preventing lost circulation while cementing across
unconsolidated intervals. Examples of dispersants include polymers, Salt,
lignosulphonates, etc.

Fluid loss Additives: Added to prevent dehydration and pre-mature setting of

cement. E.g. CMHEC, Organic polymers, etc.

Weighting agents (heavy additives):

Used when cementing over pressured formations, to provide required slurry

densities to assure overbalance throughout the cementing process. E.g. sand,
barites and haematite.
Extenders (Lightweight Additives): These additives are used to reduce the
slurry density to enable cementing of weak formations, and zones with severe
losses tendency. E.g. bentonite, pozzolan, diatomaceous earth, etc.

Free-water control Additives:

The need for rheological demands and weight in some applications can appear
conflicting a times; these additives to help prevent particle sedimentation in slurry
e.g. sodium silicate, biopolymers and synthetic polymers.
4b. Cementing Calculations:

TOC given as 3000 ft TVD RKB =3000 – 80 = 2920 ft MSL.

Capacities:

9⅝” casing capacity = 8.5352/1029.4=0.0708 bbl/ft

Open hole capacity = 12.252/1029.4 = 0.1458 bbl/ft

Cased hole annular capacity = (12.3472 – 9.6252)/1029.4 =0.0581 bbl/ft

Open hole annular capacity = 12.252 - 9.6252)/1029.4 = 0.0558 bbl/ft

 i. The Volume of cement Required including 20% open hole excess:

The volume of cement required is the summation of the following components:

Shoe track volume =0.0708×80 = 5.664 bbl

Pocket volume =0.1458×10×1.2=1.75 bbl

Cased-hole annular volume =0.0581× (4350-2920) =83.083 bbl

Open-hole annular volume =0.0558× (10350-4350) ×1.2=401.76 bbl

Therefore, Slurry Volume required =5.664+1.75+83.083+401.76 = 493 bbl

ii. Sacks of Cement:

Given slurry yield as 1.71 ft3/sack; and 1 bbl = 5.615 ft3

Number of sacks = (493 x 5.615 ft3) ÷ 1.71

=1,619 sacks of class G.

iii. Mix Water:

Volume of mix water = 8.9 gal/sack x 1619 sacks

= 14,409 gal

= 343 bbl (1 bbl = 42 gal)

iv. Time:
Cement pumping time = Casing vol. To float collar ÷ Pump rate
=(0.0708 x 10350 x 42)gal ÷ 320gal/min
= 96.2 min
v. Plug Bumping Pressure
This is the pressure differential across the float collar. Mud above TOC and
cement below float collar cancels out for both string and annulus. Thus:

Pressure bump = (10,270-2920) x (13.6-11.5)x0.052 = 803psi

Question Five

5a. Cutting Action of drill bits and loads applied by drill stem

In roller cone bits, the teeth or inserts on cones create a chipping and grinding
action upon rotation on bottom.

Fixed cutter bits (e.g. PDC bits) drill by scraping or ploughing action as the bit is
rotated.

The loads applied by the drill stem are gravity forces which act on the whole string,
buoyancy forces due to the fluid weight, side forces in inclined holes, friction forces
under quasi-static conditions, bending stresses, and Torsion.

Weight-On-Bit is controlled by manipulating the pull on surface. The Torque-On-Bit

results from the action of bit on the formation. Frictional forces are experienced as
axial drag when the string is moved up or down without rotation.
b. Number of Drill collars

Using 6¾” Drill Collars Wt/30ft: 3255 lb

WOBmax = 16,000lb

Mud-weight=12ppg

Buoyancy factor = [1–(fluid density/steel density)] =1–12/65.43 =0.817.

Buoyed weight of drill collars required (15% excess) = 16,000 x 1.15 = 18,400 lb

DC Weight in air required = 18400/0.817 = 22,522 lb

Assuming 30ft joint lengths for DCs,

Number of drill collars required = 22,522/3255 = 7 Drill Collars

c. Tension load at hook (Calculations done at well TD)

This will be equal to the buoyed weight of the entire string in the 12 ppg mud.

For a slick assembly, using 5” G105 19.5lb/ft nom. (21.87 lb/ft approx wt)

Bending stress ratio = 29.8/5.7 = 5.2 (less than 5.5, OK.)

Length of Drill collars = 30 x 7 = 210 ft of 6¾” Drill Collars

Length of Drill pipes required = 12350 + 80 - 210 = 12,220 ft (air gap=80 ft)

Weight of string in air = Weight of DC + weight of DP

= 7 x 3255 + 21.87 x 12,220 = 290,036.4 lb

Hook-load tension = 290,036.4 x 0.817

= 236,960 lb
6. Lower & Upper completion configurations

The presence of 2 zones with different fluids underscores the need for adequate
zonal isolation. As such, only cemented liner configurations are considered below.

6.1 Single completion options: These options focus on producing the oil alone at
first, with a planned re-entry and work-over planned for when the gas is needed.

Available configurations:

1. Perforated cased-hole single tubing completion with a production packer sealing

in 9.5/8” casing

2. Perforated cased-hole single string completion (Liner hanger tie-back sealing)

3. Perforated cased-hole single string completion with a production packer set in 7”

liner

6.2 Multiple completions

Here, the oil and gas zones are both completed. In this case, both intervals are
perforated. The oil reservoir will be produced initially as proposed and the gas
reservoir completion is closed in until the electric power station is completed.

The available configuration here is:

1. Multiple-zones, dual string completion in cemented and perforated 7” liner.

Due to the presence of gas in the upper zone, premium grade tubing for the
short string as a minimum. A single production packer and a dual-bore
production packer will be required, both set in the liner as in Fig XXX.

The Multiple completion option is selected here because:

a. It allows production from both zones independently.

b. Saves cost of drilling a whole new gas well
c. It saves cost, time and deferments associated with future intervention for
completion of gas interval.
d. Allows annular monitoring of liner hanger seal integrity.
How reservoir properties influence completion selection

Reservoir properties impact the completion s follows:

Drive Mechanism: Dictates the need for artificial lift. Natural drive reservoirs
produce with the reservoirs natural energy. For depleted zones, artificial lift
methods become essential e.g. ESP completions, Gas lift completions,

Permeability: Low permeability may require hydraulic fracturing; extremely high

values may require gravel pack due to poor consolidation.

Reservoir Fluid: Gas presence requires premium grade tubing and couplings.

Pressure: Low pressure may require artificial lift; high pressure may require special
grade tubing with couplings.
Question 7

7a. Kick prevention

Preventing kicks from happening requires adequate planning to keep the effective
hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore greater than the formation pressures across
any exposed reservoirs. Some of the actions required to achieve this are:

- Ensuring accurate pore pressure and fracture pressure prognosis during the
well design
- Ensure the correct depth references are used during design, and double
checked during execution.
- Design mud weights to maintain overbalance. Study offset wells from a well
control perspective to aid planning of drilling fluid weight.
- Ensure adequacy of weighting materials onsite prior to drilling
- Ensure rig mixing capacity and competence to assure timely availability of
consistent mud with the right mud weight.
- Ensure personnel are trained for appropriate responses to kick warning signs.
- Mud quality checking systems must be in place before drilling.
- Ensure adequate gas detection and removal equipment are available on
surface to remove any entrained gases- this will assure mud weight
consistency during drilling.

7b. Causes and Detection of Kicks

The main causes of kicks are:

- Pore pressure greater than bottom hole pressure: can be due to

drilling into higher than expected pore pressure zone, or increase in
formation pressure due to water injection activities.
- Bottom hole pressure dropping below the pore pressure: This can be
as a result of not keeping the hole full, migration of swabbed gas while
tripping, losses to shallower or deeper formation, reduction in mud
weight by surface or sub-surface dilution, or when low density spacers
are pumped ahead of cement during cementing operations.
Detection of Kicks

While drilling, kicks can be detected the Flow-show meter (flow line detection)
and the Pit volume Totaliser (pit detection). While tripping, a trip tank used to
detect influx/losses.

7c. Procedure for controlling a kick and restoring primary well control

- Shut in the well. ( hard or soft)

- Observe pressures and record stabilized shut in pressures; kick volume
and vertical depth of the bit position.
- Prepare kill sheet ( calculate pore pressure, kill mud weight, initial and
final circulating pressures, well kill pressure schedules, MAASP, and
amount of weighting agents needed)
- Define well kill method ( Drillers method, wait-and-weight method, top
kill or concurrent method)
- Determine influx height and type
- Execute circulation using chosen method of well kill. BHP slightly
greater than pore pressure.
If weight and wait method is selected, kill weight mud is used to kill
well in one circulation, while the driller’s method requires two
circulations- the first to remove influx from the well, and the second to
displace well to kill weight mud.
- When kill mud is confirmed consistently on the return flow, close
choke.
- Both casing and drill pipe pressures should read zero. Bled off any
trapped pressures.
- Flow check via choke- if negative, Open well. Consider applying trip
margin to mud weight before drilling ahead.