Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
SPE/IADC 18650
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 1989 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 28-March 3, 1989.
This paper was selected for presentation by a SPE/IADC Program Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper,
as presented, have not been reviewed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s).
The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of SPE or the IADC, its officers, or members. Papers presented at SPE/IADC meetings are subject to publication
review by Editorial Committees of SPE and the IADC. Permission to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should
contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper is presented. Write Publications Manager, SPE, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836. Telex, 730989 SPEDAL.
ABSTRACT higher angle and longer reach wells more feasible to drill. Major
limitations to drilling these wells are torque and drag. Drill string
Drill string design for high angle wells should be optimized for all design becomes a major consideration due to the high torsional and
required functions of the drill string. Optimum drill string design tensile load requirements and the increased difficulty of downward
requires a thorough review of well design and objectives in order to movement. Whenever possible, several well designs are considered
rank in importance the demands of a drill string. Practical in terms of their effects on torque and drag during drilling and/or
considerations for drill string design for high angle wells and casing operations. There is considerable field experience regarding
systematic approaches to the design process are presented. which well designs or profiles produce lower torque and drag.
"S"-shaped wells, higher kickoff points (KOPs) and high hole
INTRODUCTION curvatures generally increase torque and drag. Computer programs
for torque and drag analysis 1-5 enable a further qualifying of well
A clear understanding of the required functions the drill string is to profile options.
serve and the ranking importance of each function is the first step
in any drill string design. A drill string is required to serve three Computer modelling torque and drag of a particular drill string
basic functions: design permits a quick look at each profile's effect on torque and
drag loads. It should be noted, however, that drill string design can
• Transmit and support axial loads. be enhanced to allow a certain well profile option to produce lower
• Transmit and support torsional loads. torque and drag loads. It may be desirable to analyze several drill
• Transmit hydraulics. string designs for a particular well profile, especially if the profile
offers other advantages to the drilling operation.
The ranking importance of each function is dependent upon the well
design and objectives. In high angle wells, use of conventional drill It generally is accepted that increased torque is associated with
string components and their limitations can effect well objectives and increased drag. However, a particular profile can produce lower
operations. It is sometimes necessary to consider drill string designs drag loads while producing higher torque loads, and vice versa 6, as
during the entire well design and planning phases. This allows compared to other options. Selecting a well profile based on relative
designing for well objectives and cost simultaneously. The flow torque and drag analysis may require some compromise.
chart in Figure l shows major factors that will effect drill string
design and interrelations to other aspects of the drilling operation. Consider, for example, three profiles being studied for a horizontal
well project (Figure 2). Figures 3-5 show comparisons of each
Designing the drill string is an interactive process which requires ·profile's effect on torque and drag for a particular drill string
knowledge of every aspect of well objectives and drilling operations. design. Figure 3 is a plot of drilling torque versus friction factor.
Utilizing analytical tools and field experience will lead to a drill As can be seen, Well Profile A produces the lowest drilling torque
string design that provides for overall drilling efficiency. of the three profiles. Figure 4 is a plot of pick-up load versus
friction factor. Profile B causes the lowest pick-up load. Figure 5 is
Effects of Well Design a plot of slack-off load versus friction factor. Well Profile A
produces the higher slack-off loads - that is, there is less resistance
In high angle wells, a well design is selected based on the well to downward sliding.
objectives and the feasibilities of meeting the objectives. Steerable
systems have increased directional drilling efficiency, making Based on this particular torque/drag analysis, Well Profile A would
be considered the better choice of profile. If Well Profile B were to
Reference and illustration at end of paper. offer other advantages such as substantially less directional drilling
. and improved cuttings transport, it would warrant further analysis
275
2 DRILL STRING DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR HIGH ANGLE WELLS SPE 18650
and/or perhaps ultimate selection. This is due to the small well design changes and/or drill string designs that avoid
percentage difference between relative torque and drag loads of fatigue damage.
Profiles A and B.
Because drill string components in high angle wells will be pushed
Rig Capabilities closer to their limitations as a well progresses, only premium
components should be selected. The safety factors used in designing
Prior to designing the drill string, rig capabilities and limitations a drill string also should be chosen to account for expected wear and
should be well defined. Rig limitations which could effect drill reduction in component strength.
string design are:
For components which have no API guidelines for inspection and/
• Hoisting capacity. or classification, the manufacturer should be consulted. Examples
• Torque to stall rotary. of such components include heavy wall drill pipe, aluminum drill
• Pump capacity. pipe and compressive service drill pipe (which will be discussed
later in this paper).
Knowing the rig capabilities prior to designing the drill string
establishes certain criteria to be used during the design process. It Limitations for all components should be known prior to the actual
also allows planning for additional or special rig equipment that drill string design process to allow designing within those
may be required. limitations and identification of special requirements/specifications
to be placed on component selection.
Effect of Hydraulic Requirements
Friction Factor Selection
Hydraulic requirements of the drill string in high angle wells
should be reviewed before actual design begins. In wells of great The selection of friction factors used for torque/drag analysis
length and/or small hole sizes, delivery of adequate hydraulics for should be carefully considered to ensure they are realistic. This
mud motors, measurement-while-drilling (MWD) systems and bits allows design of a drill string that overcomes increased loads
becomes a concern due to pressure losses through the long and/ or imposed by friction and that is not over-engineered.
small drill strings. Hydraulic requirements should be well defined
because they can have an effect on the size of drill string compo- Even though values of coefficient of friction are well established
nents needed. Components with larger IDs may be required for opt- for certain areas/formations, it is desirable to consider higher
imum hydraulics. An increase of OD may also be necessary in order friction factors to account for unexpected anomalies such as
to maintain strength requirements which could, in turn, result in irregular wellbore shape, differential pressure sticking, sticky
the selection of heavier conventional components that may increase and swelling formations.
torque and drag. When optimizing hydraulics, larger, heavier drill
string components must be kept in the lowest angled portion of the The previous example of well profile evaluation assumed a smooth
hole. This precaution minimizes increased torque and drag and can wellbore. Since actual conditions are not ideal, it is necessary to use
be advantageous regarding buckling compressive loads. Knowing higher friction values for torque/drag analysis. A study of the
the hydraulic requirements narrows drill string design options and available friction coefficient information shows values of 0.2-0.4 can
helps to determine whether special drill string components, such as be expected. Mud type, formation type and casing points are factors
lighter aluminum drill pipe7, should be considered. that effect actual friction coefficients. These drilling parameters
usually are known prior to designing the drill string and can be
Drill String Component Limitations considered when selecting friction factors to use in torque and drag
analysis. Values selected should be for worst cases to compensate for
Knowing the condition and strength limitations of available drill unpredictable situations. Evaluating offset or similar well data can
string components is critical to the design process. Strength lead to selection of reasonable values.
limitations are effected by component wear and previous service
conditions. Wear is easily measured and strength values can be Design Optimization
determined based on actual component dimensions. Remaining
fatigue life, however, is difficult to determine for the majority of Once all requirements and limitations are well defined, design
used drill string components. optimization begins. The first step is to optimize for expected
torque and drag loads. During the entire design process, emphasis is
Drill string design is effected by the reduced tensile load capacity of placed on utilizing conventional drill string components in order to
drill pipe due to tube wear and the reduced torsional strength due to minimize cost. While going through an iterative process of torque
tool joint wear. Table 1 shows, for example, the reduction in both and drag analysis of drill string designs, other factors such as
tensile and torsional strengths for 4Yz in., 16.60 lb/ft Grade E drill operating stresses, drill string component wear and casing wear also
pipe. As seen, the tensile load capacity is reduced by 104,787 lbs are considered.
(32%) when the 4Yz in. drill pipe is worn to API Class 2 condition as
compared to new. The torsional strength of the tool joint is reduced Torque and Drag Analysis
by 15,071 ft-lbs (44%) when worn to Class 2 condition as compared
to new. This shows the importance of having thorough and reliable As already seen, torque and drag analyses are needed to aid well
inspections of drill string components being considered for use in a planning and drill string design of high angle wells. The particular
drill string design. torque and drag model used herein is based on a sliding friction
model 1 developed by Exxon Production Research. This model
The fatigue limits of the string components being considered for provides a practical analytical tool which aids in many aspects of
use in high angle wells are critical because of the high bending drilling high angle wells. There is a great deal of literature
stresses that can occur. The highest bending stresses are expected confirming the need for torque/drag computer modelling of drill
to occur in regions of angle and/or direction changes (doglegs) and string designs to ensure successful drilling operations.
in areas where compressive loads are sufficient to cause buckling.
Recognizing and quantifying expected bending stresses allows Torque and drag computer modelling enables a study of drill string
designs and expected forces/stresses on the drill string components.
276
SPE 18650 G. K. McKOWN 3
277
4 DRILL STRING DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR HIGH ANGLE WELLS SPE 18650
In high compressive load regions, heavy wall drill pipe is usually l. Johancsik, C.A., Friesen, D.B. and Dawson, R., "Torque and
employed to reduce the likelihood of damage due to buckling. This Drag in Directional Wells - Prediction and Measurement", IADC/
practice has been standard in directional wells for years. In cases SPE 11380 presented at the 1983 Drilling Conference, Dallas,
where heavier members create unacceptable torque and drag loads, February 20-23.
compressive service drill pipe may be used.
2. Brett, J.F., Beckett, A.D. and Smith, D.L., "Uses and Limitations
Compressive service drill pipe can be conventional drill pipe with of Drill String Tension and Torque Model to Monitor Hole
several wear protectors or upsets attached, evenly spaced, onto the Conditions", SPE 16664 presented at 1987 Technical Conference
drill pipe tube or specially made pipe with integral upsets. These and Exhibition, Dallas, September 27-30.
upsets restrict lateral movement of the drill pipe joint when
buckled, thereby reducing stress. The upsets also reduce stresses 3. Ho, H.S., "An Improved Modeling Program for Computing the
when pipe is being run through high angle changes such as in Torque and Drag in Directional and Deep Wells", SPE 18047
medium-radius curvatures. Table 2 shows how pipe stresses are presented at 1988 Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston,
reduced with the increase of upsets used. For example, in a 20 deg/ October 2-5.
100ft hole curvature with 4,000 lbs compressive load on 3Y2 in.
drill pipe, stresses are reduced 20.1% by using three (3) upsets 4. Corbett, K.T. and Dawson, R., "Drillstring Design for Directional
versus none (0). Wells", Oil & Gas Journal (April 1984) 61-6.
Use of aluminum drill pipe is usually considered where torque and 5. Mauer Engineering, Inc., "Project To Determine the Limitations
drag loads are too extreme for conventional steel components. In of Directional Drilling, Phase II," Report No. TR88-4, January
drill string designs, aluminum drill pipe placed in the higher 1988.
angled portion of the well significantly reduces torque and drag
loads. As mentioned earlier, required hydraulics for drilling 6. Sheppard, M. C., Wick, C. and Burgess, T., "Designing Well
efficiency may dictate a need for considering aluminum drill pipe. Paths To Reduce Drag and Torque," SPE Paper 15463 presented
at 1986 Technical Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans,
Use of drill pipe protectors, rubber or steel, has been a field practice October 5-8.
to reduce drill pipe and casing wear 12 • In high angle wells, increased
tool joint, drill pipe tube and casing wear are expected due to 7. Glagola, M.A. and Wong, L.F., "Aluminum Drillpipe for
higher contact forces between the drill string components and the Directional Drilling", IADC/SPE 14789 presented at 1986
hole wall. Drilling Conference, Dallas, February 10-12.
Along with reducing wear, drill pipe protectors reduce fatigue 8. Shaw, M.N., "Innovative Approaches to Drilling High-Angle
damage to drill pipe when pipe is being rotated through angle Wells in Bass Strait'', IADC/SPE 17233 presented at 1988 Drilling
changes or doglegs. Another benefit of rubber protectors is that they Conference, Dallas, February 28- March 2.
can act to polish casing, thereby reducing some frictional drag 13.
9. Lesage, M., Falconer, I.G. and Wick, C.J., "Evaluating Drilling
CONCLUSIONS Practice in Deviated Wells with Torque and Weight Data", SPE
Drilling Engineer (September 1988) 248-52.
• Prior to designing the drill string, well plans/objectives and
proposed drilling methods should be reviewed. 10. Dawson, R. and Paslay, P.R., "Drill Pipe Buckling in Inclined
• Drilling methods/operations, drill string component condition/ Holes" SPE 11167 presented at the 1982 Technical Conference and
limitations and rig capabilities should be taken into account Exhibition, New Orleans, September 26-29.
during the design process.
• Safety factors used in designing the string should be selected based 11. Lubinski, A., "Maximum Permissible Doglegs in Rotary
not only on the initial condition of drill string components, but Boreholes", Journal of Petroleum Technology (February 1961)
also should account for expected drilling conditions and 175-94.
reduction in component strength due to wear as drilling
progresses. 12. Lubinski, A. and Williamson, J.S., "Usefulness of Steel or Rubber
Drillpipe Protectors", Journal of Petroleum Technolgy (April
NOMENCLATURE 1984) 628-36.
E =Young's Modules (lb/in. 2 ) 13. Corbett, K.T. and Dawson, R., "Rubber Drillpipe Protectors
Reduce Rotary Torque", SPE Drilling Engineering (September
Fcrit. =Axial compressive load to start buckling (lb) 1988) 269-74.
I= Moment of Inertia (in. 4 ) 14. Williamson, J.S. and Lubinski, A., "Predicting Bottomhole
Assembly Performance", SPE Drilling Engineering (March 1987)
r =Radial clearance between drill string component and hole wall 37-46.
(in.)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author thanks Sam Claytor with Smith International for his
assistance and the management of Smith International for
permission to publish this paper.
278
PIPE TENSILE YIELD lbs TOOL JOINT TORSIONAL YIELD ft-lbs
%Reduction %Reduction Review of Well Profile Options'
from new from new Torque & Drag Loads
NEW 330,558 Using Simple Drill String Design
0 34,029 0
Table 1: Strength Values for 4112", 16.60 lb/ft Grade E Drill Pipe (NC46). Review of Hydraulic Requirements
5" OD Tool Joints and Wear Knots on 3'12''-13.30 lb/ft Drill Pipe in 6" hole with 20°/100 ft
Hole Curvature Friction Factor(s) Determination
and Selection
N COMPRESSION= 4000 lb
.....
cc
L No. of %Better
Distance Between Upsets Stress %Difference than pre-
Drill String Design Process
Supports per joint (psi) vious case
30 0 19,470 0 0
15 1 16,230 16.6 16.6
10 2 15,690 19.4 2.8
7'12 3 15,500 20.1 Design for other
considerations
COMPRESSION= 20,000 lb (i.e., casing wear,
drill pipe wear and
15 1 19,190 0 0 tool joint wear).
10 2 16,860 12.1 12.1
71f2 3 16,130 16.0 3.9
Table 2: Stress vs Number of Upsets. Figure 1: Drill String Design Flow Chart. 'tn
rtJ
ITI
....
Q)
0'
\J"1
0
40
35
8500
9000
30 //
//
9500 //
! 25
//
//
././~
/./
~ 10000
1-
~
0
0
0
/ ~-~~
w
c 10500
::::. 20
w
/ / /....~~
...I ::::l
ca: 0
a: ///.//
N 0
=
= i= ~
a:
w 11000
>
<-'
z 15 //~.//
w :J
..J /_.~.~~
:::1
a: a:0
/..~-"'~
1-
11500
10 ~·//
12000
12500 ~--~----,----,----~--~----.----.----,----,----,----,---.
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 8--·--·--
WELL PROFILE: A - - - - - - -
c--------
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE (ft)
.2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7
Figure 2: Horizontal Well Profiles.
FRICTION FACTOR
CJ)
.""0
...
1"11
C»
~
\11
C)
400 200
//
//~ ~&
"~~
180
....... ~/.:/'
350
.,....... ~
~~
~ 160
,..,.............: ~·
~~-~~
300
------:;;;;..-·~·
140
Ul 250
~ Ul 120
0
0 ~
0 0
0
0
<(
0
200 ~
0
100 ~,
...J <(
D.. g
N
~
::I
~
()
LL
LL
0 80 "\:
~,~'
ii: 150 ~
()
~
en
60
50
8--·--·--
WELL PROFILE: A - - - - - - -
c------ '\
20
'\
.2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7
VJ
1\J
fTI
....
Q)
~
\JI
0
HOLE CURVATURE (DEG/100 FT)
0 2 3 6
0
50
30
- - - - - - - SLIDING TO ~~:L_
~
100
BOTTOM
REGION OFNO
20 ~
FATIGUE DAMAGE
~
Ui Ui
~~/
- - - · - · - · - · - · - · - ORIENTING MODE ID
ID OF STEERABLE DRILLING
...1 10 ; 150
0 0 'Ill<"
0 'b"
~ ~ ~~
0 0
0 cc
I
cc 0
0 ...1 200
...1
u.. -10
z ~
u.. 0 \;!
0 u; REGION OF
~ zw :s:
(.)
FATIGUE DAMAGE
1-
/-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· -----------·-··
cc -20 ro"
...1
f
1/) 250
N
CD
N
-30
-40 300
0 2 4 6 8 10
400
I I I
·m
~
....
Q)
~
Vl
0