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U. S . D E PA RT M E N T of E N E RG Y
OF FI CE of F O S S IL EN E RGY
E N V I R O N M E N TA L B E N E F I T S
of A D VA N C E D O I L and G A S E X P L O R AT I O N
and P RO D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
SUCCESSFUL DRILLING OFTEN MEANS GOING FASTER AND DEEPER, THROUGH
HARDER ROCK, AND IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS FROM A SINGLE WELLBORE. THE
RESULT? MORE RESOURCES ARE CONTACTED WITH FEWER WELLS, LESS DRILLING
WASTE, AND LESS SURFACE DISTURBANCE.
© SPE, 1993
E N V I R O N M E N T A L B E N E F I T S of
ADVANCED E&P TECHNOLOGY
G R E AT E R D R I L L I N G E F F I C I E N C Y ,
L E S S E N V I RO N M E N TA L I M PA C T
With horizontal drilling, today’s oil and gas characterization are combined with improve-
industry has an extraordinary capability: the ments in drilling technology to increase
power to navigate three-dimensionally through drilling success rates, reduce drilling costs,
the earth, contacting and economically pro- and reduce the environmental impacts of
ducing resources while minimizing surface both exploratory and development drilling.
disruption. A case in point is the Red River B
Formation in the Williston Basin (North Dakota, Onshore, typical drilling and completion
South Dakota, and Montana), where Burlington costs have dropped by about 20 percent,
Resources Inc. and Continental Resources are from an average of about $500,000 per well
using horizontal technology to drain a narrow in the 1980s, to about $400,000 per well
but oil-rich, low-permeability dolomite zone. today, adjusting for inflation, depth, type of
Historically, vertical wells completed in the Red well, and locations of wells drilled. Similarly,
River B produced an uneconomic 20 or 30 barrels offshore drilling and completion costs of
Advanced drill bits reduce
a day. New wells penetrate the zone laterally,
time on site and associated about $5.5 million per well in the 1980s have
extending a mile or more within a porosity win-
environmental impacts. dropped to an average of $4.3 million today.
dow of only 2 feet. Initial daily production from
the longest of the 123 horizontal wells drilled Photo: RBI-Gearhart In addition to expanding the deepwater oil
and completed to date was 575 barrels of oil. and gas resource base, technology advances
Horizontal drilling was instrumental in Burlington
Resources’ discovery of an estimated 150 million
D RILLING IS THE MOMENT OF
truth for oil and gas producers. After
all of the analyses and preparation, have
in drilling and completion have added new
gas reserves from sources once considered
barrels of recoverable oil in the Cedar Hills uneconomic — including Devonian shales,
explorationists pinpointed the reservoir?
play in the Williston Basin, the largest onshore deep gas formations, coalbeds, and low-
Will it be productive? Are development
discovery in the last 25 years. The technique permeability “tight” gas sands.
complements waterflood recovery efforts
wells being drilled in the right pattern for
there. “With two horizontal wells per section, efficient extraction?
Burlington is replacing traditional line-drive “High technology has migrated to almost
Substantial investments ride on the answers.
techniques in the area where operators have all phases of exploration and production,
Drilling activities for a given field or reser-
typically drilled eight to 10 wells per section,” and that includes stepping right up to
voir may require the investment of hundreds
said drilling manager Doug Harris. “In fact, the the drilling rig floor. That’s right, the
horizontal wells will result in a more efficient
of millions of dollars or more. Justifying
rig floor — the domain of the roughneck
flood than the vertical-drilled line-drive patterns, such investments in developing domestic and the pipe wrench, where the real
with only one-fourth the number of wells.” resources is increasingly difficult, since much ‘nitty gritty’ gets done — is becoming more
34 E N V I RO N M E N TA L B E N E F I TS
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
Photo: CANRIG
E N V I R O N M E N T A L B E N E F I T S of
ADVANCED E&P TECHNOLOGY
Fundamentals of
Drilling and Completion
1,000
1980s Costs adjusted for 1996 activity (i.e., depth,
0 type, and general location of wells drilled).
Source: American Petroleum Institute
36 E N V I RO N M E N TA L B E N E F I TS
E N V I R O N M E N T A L B E N E F I T S of
DRILLING
ADVANCED E&P TECHNOLOGY
AND
COMPLETION
METRICS
and very rapid development of such radial Pre-1988 Source: Oil & Gas Journal, November 23, 1998
180
Conventional Slimhole
120
60
0
Slimhole drilling and coiled tubing
Slimhole drilling— a technique gaining Completion
Use of coiled
tubing redefines
equipment
footprints.
38 E N V I RO N M E N TA L B E N E F I TS
E N V I R O N M E N T A L B E N E F I T S of
DRILLING
ADVANCED E&P TECHNOLOGY
AND
COMPLETION
METRICS
6,000 ft
0
0 ft
METRICS
synthetic fluids can be recycled, they generate drilling liquids during drilling operations.
less waste than water-based fluids. Also, As a result, only drill cuttings are generated, Prepared
unlike oil-based fluids, these synthetics significantly reducing requirements for waste cuttings
slurry Wellhead
produce wastes that are thought to be envi- management and disposal. Although this
ronmentally benign, thus minimizing impact technology has limited application, it can
on marine life. Moreover, by eliminating the be an effective underbalanced drilling tool
use of diesel as a mud base, synthetic fluids Confining layer
in mature fields, in formations with low
have low-toxicity and low-irritant properties downhole pressures, and in fluid-sensitive Surface casing
40 E N V I RO N M E N TA L B E N E F I TS
E N V I R O N M E N T A L B E N E F I T S of
DRILLING
ADVANCED E&P TECHNOLOGY
AND
COMPLETION
METRICS METRICS
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Canada (commercial) and United States (demonstration only)
AND
CO2-Sand Fracturing
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY 5
Fracturing has been widely In widespread use in Canada, a stimulation technique
used since the 1970s to
now successfully demonstrated in the U.S. has outstanding
increase production from for-
results without formation damage
mations with low permeability
or wellbore damage. Unlike Using CO2 to fracture unconventional settings. produces wastes requiring
conventional hydraulic and oil and gas reservoirs More than one million frac- disposal.
acid fracturing techniques,
CO2-sand fracturing stimu-
R ECOMPLETING AND
fracturing an existing oil
or gas well to stimulate produc-
turing treatments were per-
formed by , and about
to percent of existing wells
An advanced CO2-sand frac-
turing technology overcomes
lates the flow of hydrocar-
tion that has declined over time are hydraulically fractured at these problems, and is prov-
bons without the risk of for- is significantly less costly than least once in their lifetime. ing a cost-effective process for
mation damage and without drilling a new well. First used in More than eight billion bar- stimulating oil and gas pro-
producing wastes for dispos- the mid-, fracturing treat- rels of additional oil reserves duction. First used in by
al. A mixture of sand prop- ments inject fluids under high have been recovered through a Canadian firm, the process
pants and liquid CO2 is forced
pressure into the formation, this process in North America blends proppants with
creating new fractures and alone. Yet conventional frac- percent liquid CO2 in a
downhole, where it creates
enlarging existing ones. turing technology has draw- closed-system-pressurized ves-
and enlarges fractures. Then “Proppants” (usually large- backs. The water- or oil-based sel at a temperature of °F
the CO2 vaporizes, leaving grained sand or glass pellets) are fluids, foams, and acids used and a pressure of psi.
only the sand to hold the added to the fluid to support in traditional fracturing Nitrogen gas is used to force
fracture open—no liquids, the open fractures, enabling approaches can damage the the resulting mixture through
gels, or chemicals are used
hydrocarbons to flow more formation—for instance, by the blender to the suction
freely to the wellbore. causing clay in the shale to area of the hydraulic fracture
that could create waste or
Fracturing is widely used to swell—eventually plugging pumping units and then
damage the reservoir. Any stimulate production in the formation and restricting downhole, where it creates
reservoir that is water- declining wells and to initiate the flow of hydrocarbons. and enlarges fractures. The
sensitive or susceptible to production in certain Conventional fracturing also CO2 used in the process
damage from invading fluids,
gels, or surfactants is a candi-
ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
date. The process has had
Eliminates hauling, disposal, and maintenance Using liquid CO2 creates long, propped frac-
widespread commercial
costs of water-based systems tures without formation damage
success in Canada, and
recent DOE-sponsored field Can significantly increase well productivity and No wastes requiring disposal are created
tests have demonstrated ultimate recovery
Conventional fracturing gels and chemicals,
commercial feasibility in the
CO2 vaporization leads to fast cleanup, whereas which may damage the flow path between
United States. water-based fluids sometimes clean up slowly, wellbore and formation, are not used
reducing cash flow
Groundwater resources are protected
Recovery of valuable oil and gas is optimized
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
CASE STUDIES
Source: Arnold, Hart’s Petroleum Engineer International, January 1998 cent, respectively.
Arnold, D. Dry Frac Damage Petroleum Technology Transfer Yost II, Mazza, and Remington II.
Control. PTTC Network News, Council. Needed: Demonstration Analysis of Production Response
2nd Quarter 1997. Sites for New Stimulation to CO2/Sand Fracturing: A Case
Process. PTTC Network News, Study. SPE 29191, 1994.
Arnold, D. Liquid CO2 and Sand:
2nd Quarter 1997.
An Alternative to Water-Based 1995 National Assessment of
U.S. Department of Energy
Stimulation Fluids. Hart’s Raymond, Johnson, et al. CO2 United States Oil and Gas
Office of Fossil Energy
Petroleum Engineer Energized and Remedial 100% Resources. USGS Circular 1118,
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
International, 1/98. CO2 Treatments Improve U.S. Government Printing Office.
Washington, DC 20585
Productivity in Wolfcamp
DOE, Office of Fossil Energy.
Intervals. Val Verde Basin, Elena S. Melchert
Fracturing Gas/Oil Formations
West Texas, SPE 39778, 1998. (202) 586-5095
with “Reservoir Friendly”
elena.melchert@hq.doe.gov
Carbon Dioxide and Sand.
Investments in Fossil Energy Trudy A. Transtrum
Technology. (202) 586-7253
trudy.transtrum@hq.doe.gov
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Coiled Tubing
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY 6
Continuous coiled tubing Successively better coiled tubing technologies drive
can dramatically increase improvements in cost, productivity, and efficiency of
the efficiency, profitability,
drilling operations, while reducing environmental impact
and productivity of drilling
for oil and gas. Whereas in A strong portfolio of benefits operating units in , usage about ,, but with
has grown to some units
conventional drilling oper-
ations, the drilling pipe P A RT I C U L A R LY VA L U -
able in sensitive environ-
ments such as Alaska’s North
in , and many drilling
companies are now revising
coiled tubing and slimhole,
the same well would cost
, less.
consists of several jointed
Slope, coiled tubing technol- their rig portfolios.
pieces requiring multiple
ogy has far less impact on a Reduced working space—
reconnections, a more drilling site than conventional In a variety of drilling appli- about half of what is required
flexible, longer coiled pipe equipment, in addition to cations, coiled tubing elimi- for a conventional unit—is an
string allows uninterrupted performing drilling opera- nates the costs of continuous important benefit, as are
operations. A cost-effec- tions more efficiently and jointing, reinstallation, and reduced fuel consumption and
tive alternative for drilling
cost-effectively. Although the removal of drilling pipes. It is emissions. A significant drop in
first coiled tubing units were a key technology for slimhole noise levels is also beneficial in
in reentry, underbalanced,
built in the , only after drilling, where the combina- most locations. The noise level
and highly deviated wells, rapid technological advances tion can result in significantly at a ,-foot radius is
coiled tubing technology in the late did the tech- lower drilling costs—a typical decibels, while at the same
minimizes environmental nology start to gain industry- ,-foot well drilled in radius a conventional rig has a
impacts with its small wide recognition. From southwest Wyoming costs -decibel level.
footprint, reduced mud
requirements, and quieter
ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
operation. Quick rig set-
up, extended reach in hori-
Increased profits, in certain cases, from 24-hour Reduced mud volumes and drilling waste
rig set-up and faster drilling
zontal sidetracking, one- Cleaner operations, as no connections to leak mud
time installation, and Smaller drilling infrastructure and more
reduced crews cut operat- stable wells Reduced operations noise
CASE STUDIES
Technology advances
in the ’90s
Success in the Field
Dramatic advances have
recently brought new coiled At Lake Maracaibo field
tubing technology to mar- Advanced coiled tubing drilling is helping operators optimize
ket. For example, new resource recovery at Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo field. Baker
designs from leading Hughes INTEQ’s first-of-its kind Galileo II hybrid drilling barge,
drilling service companies containing ⁄-inch coiled tubing and slimhole drilling measure-
have eliminated coiled ment-while-drilling tools, drilled its first well at the end of .
tubing rigs’ guide arches; in It was the first time an underbalanced well had been drilled on
these new designs, eliminat- Lake Maracaibo, and it promises good results. Galileo II’s unique
ing the bending in the tub- design is also expected to significantly increase the life of its coiled
ing at the guide arch has tubing, ultimately reducing operating costs. Operating in a fragile
significantly increased its lake ecosystem presents unique waste management challenges,
life. The newest advance is and all drill cuttings and waste mud are transported back to shore
an electric bottomhole for disposal.
assembly offering immedi- Photo: WZI, Inc.
certain cases, titanium tub- HC 3.9 17.8 2.8 Conventional Coiled Tubing
Adams, L., and C. Overstreet. Faure, A., and J. Simmons. Schutz, R., and H. Watkins.
Coiled Tubing Facilitates Deep Coiled Tubing Drilling: A Means Titanium Alloys Extend
Underbalanced Workover. Oil & to Minimize Environmental Capabilities of Specialty
Gas Journal, 3/31/97. Impact. SPE Paper 27156, 1994. Tubulars Arsenal. The American
Oil & Gas Reporter, 9/98.
Berning, Isennock, and Coats. Furlow, W., Lake Maracaibo’s U.S. Department of Energy
Composites Extend CT’s Depleted Fields Continue to Strunk, C. Slim Hole, Coiled Office of Fossil Energy
Applications. The American Oil Produce. Offshore Magazine, Tubing Combine to Enhance 1000 Independence Avenue, SW
& Gas Reporter, 9/98. 9/1/98. Well Economics. The American Washington, DC 20585
Oil & Gas Reporter, 2/97.
Electric Coiled-Tubing Drilling. Kunkel, B. Benefits Fuel CT Elena S. Melchert
Journal of Petroleum Growth. Hart’s Petroleum (202) 586-5095
Technology, 9/98. Engineer International, 7/97. elena.melchert@hq.doe.gov
Newman, K. Coiled Tubing
Technology Continues Its Rapid Trudy A. Transtrum
Growth. World Oil, 1/98. (202) 586-7253
trudy.transtrum@hq.doe.gov
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Horizontal Drilling
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY 7
Horizontal drilling targets Without any increase in environmental impact, horizontal
oil or gas in thin, tight drilling allows developers to reach reserves beyond the
reservoirs, reservoirs inac-
limits of conventional techniques
cessible by vertical drilling,
and reservoirs where hori- Breaking geologic barriers In the mid-, several sig- ° angle. Today, horizontal
zontal wellbores signifi-
cantly increase flow rates T HE CURRENT BOOM
in horizontal drilling is
due to rapid developments in
nificant technology advances
started breaking down these
barriers. Steerable downhole
wells are being drilled longer
and deeper, in more hostile
environments than ever before.
and recovery. Horizontal
wells maximize utilization
technology over the past two motor assemblies, measure-
decades. Although several ment-while-drilling (MWD) Horizontal drilling is now
of drilling sites and infra-
horizontal wells were success- tools, and improvements in conventional in some areas
structure. While vertical fully drilled between the radial drilling technologies and an important component
wells drain oil from a sin- and , these were limited were the breakthroughs need- of enhanced recovery pro-
gle hole and have limited to expensive - to -foot ed to make horizontal drilling jects. At any given time, hori-
contact with oil-bearing forays. Interest waned in such feasible. Short-radius technol- zontal drilling accounts for
rock, horizontal wells pen-
onshore applications after the ogy had been developed in the to percent of the U.S. land
development of hydraulic , the earliest curvature well count. The Austin Chalk
etrate a greater cross-
fracturing technology made technique used to drill laterals; field has been the site of over
section of the formation, vertical wells more productive. in the , long-radius tech- percent of the onshore
allowing substantially The offshore industry contin- nology allowed lateral dis- horizontal rig count since the
more oil to drain. A hori- ued to pursue horizontal placement away from the rig late , and still accounts
zontal well is drilled later- drilling, but the limitations of to penetrate the reservoir. for the majority of horizontal
ally from a vertical well-
the available equipment often Then, in the , medium- permits and rig activity in the
resulted in ineffective, expen- radius techniques permitted U.S. today. Thirty percent of
bore at an angle between
sive, and time-consuming re-drilling horizontal intervals all U.S. reserves are in car-
70° and 110°. It can tap the drilling operations. from existing wellbores, and bonate formations, and it is
hydrocarbon supplies of a with this advance producers here that percent of hori-
formation without further could build rapidly to a zontal wells are drilled.
environmental distur-
bance, of particular value
ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
in sensitive areas.
Increased recoverable hydrocarbons from a Less impact in environmentally sensitive areas
formation, often permitting revitalization of
previously marginal or mature fields Fewer wells needed to achieve desired level of
reserve additions
More cost-effective drilling operations
More effective drilling means less produced water
Less produced water requiring disposal and less
waste requiring disposal Less drilling waste
CASE STUDIES
2,750
2,500
2,250
2,000
1,750
1,500
1,250
1,000
750
In , after six years of production, the Goodwin gas field in the Source: Oil & Gas Journal, November 23, 1998
horizontal drilling project brought new life to the formation’s Carbonate numbers are even better—production is nearly 400% greater than verti-
cal wells, yet costs are only 80% more
exhausted Crystal field. The new horizontal well now produces
nearly times more than the best conventional well in its field—
barrels of oil a day—and boasts estimated recoverable reserves Source: U.S. Department of Energy and Maurer Engineering, Inc., 1995
Cooper, S., and R. Cuthbertson. Horizontal Well Successfully Philips, C., and D. Clarke. 3D
Horizontal, Underbalanced Wells Drilled in Black Warrior Basin. Modeling/Visualization Guides
Yield High Rates in Colombia. Oil & Gas Journal, 7/22/96. Horizontal Well Program in
World Oil, 9/98. Wilmington Field. Journal of
Knoll, R. Buzzwords Can Lead to
Canadian Petroleum
Department of Energy. Using Poor Results. The American Oil U.S. Department of Energy
Technology, 10/98.
Horizontal Drilling to Give a & Gas Reporter, 9/98. Office of Fossil Energy
Michigan Oilfield New Life. Potter, N. 3D, Horizontal Drilling 1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Mason, R. Horizontal Drilling
Changing Clair Development Washington, DC 20585
Deskin, W. et al. Survey Shows Broadening Mindset, Opening
Economics. Offshore Magazine,
Successes, Failures of Horizontal New Possibilities. The American Elena S. Melchert
5/1/98.
Wells. Oil & Gas Journal, 6/19/95. Oil & Gas Reporter, 9/98. (202) 586-5095
Gas Research Institute. Natural Petroleum Council. The elena.melchert@hq.doe.gov
Measuring the Impact of Potential for Natural Gas in the Trudy A. Transtrum
Technology Advances in the United States, 12/92. (202) 586-7253
Gulf of Mexico. trudy.transtrum@hq.doe.gov
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Hydraulic Fracturing
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY 8
Routinely applied to over Assisting operators to bring new life to mature fields
half of U.S. gas wells and and make unconventional fields commercially viable
a third of oil wells,
hydraulic fracturing has Stimulating wells tions, such as coalbed map microseismic events and
to deliver more methane, tight gas sands, and predict the direction and
been proven to enhance
shape of fractures. New -D
well performance, mini-
mize drilling, and recover
F I R S T I N T RO D U C E D I N
, hydraulic fracturing
quickly became the most
shale deposits. Improvements
in fracturing design and qual-
ity control have enabled oper-
fracture simulators with
revised designs and real-time
otherwise inaccessible commonly used technique to ators to successfully apply feedback capabilities improve
resources. It makes the stimulate oil and gas wells, fracturing techniques in more prediction of results.
development of some low- ultimately enabling produc- complex reservoirs, hostile
permeability, tight forma- tion of an additional eight environments, and other Advanced breakers and
tions and unconventional
billion barrels of North unique production settings. enzymes that minimize the
American oil reserves that risk of formation plugging
resources economically
would otherwise have been New advances from large-volume hydraulic
feasible. When the flow of unrecovered. By , fracturing The DOE-led Natural stimulations are the latest
hydrocarbons is restricted had already been applied Gas and Oil Technology advances to protect the envi-
by formation characteris- nearly a million times. Each Partnership has promoted ronment and increase ultimate
tics, injecting pressurized year, approximately , many of this decade’s fractur- recovery. In addition, emerg-
fluids and solid additives
gas and oil wells are hydrauli- ing advances. These include ing technologies developed by
cally fractured. the use of air, underbalanced DOE and the Gas Research
can stimulate wells to
drilling, and new fracturing Institute, such as microseismic
increase production. Fluids Fracturing is generally used to fluids to reduce formation fracture mapping and down-
are pumped into the for- regain productivity after the damage and speed well clean- hole tiltmeter fracture map-
mation at pressure great first flow of resources dimin- up. Improved log interpreta- ping, offer the promise of
enough to fracture the ishes. It is also applied to ini- tion has improved identifica- more effective fracture diag-
surrounding rock. A prop-
tiate the production process tion of productive pay zones. nostics and greater ultimate
in unconventional forma- Improved borehole tools help resource recovery.
pant slurry follows, biode-
grading to sand proppant
that holds the fractures
ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
open, allowing free pas-
sage of fluids to the well- Increased well productivity and ultimate recovery Optimized recovery of valuable oil and
gas resources
head. So successful has
Significant additions to recoverable reserves
this technology been that Protection of groundwater resources
the industry currently Greatly facilitated production from marginal
and mature fields Fewer wells drilled, resulting in less waste
spends a billion dollars
requiring disposal
annually on hydraulic
fracturing.
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
CASE STUDIES
©SPE, 1993
The CER Corporation. Using the Ellis, R. An Overview of Frac Stewart, Stewart, and Gaona.
Rifle, CO, Test Site to Improve Packs: A Technical Revolution Fracturing Alliance Improves
Fracturing Technology, (Evolution) Process. Journal of Profitability of Lost Hills Field.
apollo.osti.gov/html/fe/cer.html Petroleum Technology, 1/98. Oil & Gas Journal, 11/21/94.
Diffusion of Advanced Jennings, A., Jr. Fracturing Swift, T., and P. Mladenka.
U.S. Department of Energy
Stimulation Technology in the Fluids—Then and Now. Journal Technology Tackles Low-
Office of Fossil Energy
Petroleum Industry: A Case of Petroleum Technology, 7/96. Permeability Sand in South
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
History. Journal of Petroleum Texas. Oil & Gas Journal,
Longitudinally Fractured Washington, DC 20585
Technology, 3/98. 9/29/97.
Horizontal Wells Add Value in
Elena S. Melchert
Dual-Hydraulic-Fracturing Alaska. Journal of Petroleum Wolhart, S. New Initiatives in
(202) 586-5095
Technique Minimizes Proppant Technology, 3/97. Hydraulic Fracture Diagnostics.
elena.melchert@hq.doe.gov
Convection and Increases GasTIPS, Fall 1998.
Hydrocarbon Production. Journal Trudy A. Transtrum
of Petroleum Technology, 3/97. (202) 586-7253
trudy.transtrum@hq.doe.gov
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Measurement-While-Drilling
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY 9
Measurement-while-drilling
High-tech tools that deliver real-time bottomhole data
(MWD) systems measure
prevent excessive formation damage and make drilling
downhole and formation
parameters to allow more
significantly more precise and cost-effective
efficient, safer, and more
More information for electromagnetic telemetry. Evaluating the formation
accurate drilling. These
better drilling Surface sensors and computer Prior to the spread of MWD
measurements can other-
wise be obtained only by
extrapolation from surface
M WD TECHNOLOGY
is critical as operators
seek to reach deeper and far-
systems then decode the
transmitted information and
present it as real-time data.
systems in the late ’, bot-
tomhole conditions were
monitored by time-consum-
measurements. MWD sys- ther for new hydrocarbon ing analysis of cuttings and
tems calculate and transmit resources. A real-time bit nav- In normal drilling environ- gas intrusion, and by after-
real-time data from the drill
igation and formation evalua- ments, MWD is used to keep the-fact wireline steering mea-
tion aid, MWD uses tools the drill bit on course. MWD surement that necessitated fre-
bit to the surface, avoiding
such as triaxial magnetome- is also valuable in more chal- quent interruptions for pipe
the time-lag between ters, accelerometers, and pres- lenging drilling environments, removal. Today, the continu-
occurrence and surface sure sensors to provide vital including underbalanced, ous flow of MWD informa-
assessment and significantly downhole data concerning extended-reach, deviated, and tion improves formation
improving drilling safety directional measurements, high-pressure, high-tempera- evaluation efforts as well as
and efficiency. Without this
pore pressures, porosity, and ture drilling. In underbal- drilling progress. Over succes-
vibration. This provides for anced directional drilling, sive periods, MWD data can
analysis of bottomhole con-
more effective geosteering MWD monitors the use of reveal dynamic invasion
ditions, it is sometimes and trajectory control, and gas injected to maintain safe effects, yielding information
necessary to abandon a safer rig operations. Novel operating pressure. In deviat- on hydrocarbon mobility, gas-
hole for a new start. MWD equipment transmits bottom- ed and horizontal wells, oil-water contact points, and
reduces both costs and hole information to the sur- MWD can be used to geolog- formation porosity. Future
environmental impacts
face by encoding data as a ically steer the well for maxi- advances in MWD technology,
series of pressure pulses in the mum exposure in the reser- such as MWD acousticalipers
because measurements and
wellbore’s mud column or by voir’s most productive zones. with digital signal processing
formation evaluation occur
before formation damage,
alteration, or fluid displace- ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
ment have occurred. Of par-
Improved drilling efficiency and accuracy Less formation damage
ticular use in navigating
hostile drilling environ- Timely formation evaluation Reduced possibility of well blowouts and
ments, MWD is most fre- improved overall rig safety
Reduced operating costs and financial risks
quently used in expensive
Reduced volume of drilling waste as fewer
exploratory wells, and in Improved rig safety wells drilled overall
offshore, horizontal, and
highly deviated wells. Better wellbore control
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
CASE STUDIES
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Modern Drilling Bits
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY bl
Dramatic advances in drill Evolving bit technology allows operators to drill wellbores
bit technology have more quickly and with less environmental impact
improved drilling perfor-
mance significantly while The diamond success story insert-bit cutting structures, over the last years. As
cutting wastes and envi-
ronmental impacts.
F RO M U S E I N O N E
percent of total world-
wide drilling in , to an
and, although originally
developed for hard forma-
tions, polycrystalline dia-
materials technology,
hydraulics, and bit stability
continue to improve, so will
Although the choice of bit
estimated percent in , mond compact (PDC) bits drilling performance and envi-
represents only 3 percent
diamond drill bits, which use have proved their value in ronmental protection.
of the cost of well con- cutters consisting of a thick soft- and medium-hard for-
struction, bit performance layer of tungsten carbide per- mations too. Today, PDC bits Matching the bit to the
indirectly affects up to 75 meated with bonded dia- are most applicable in areas formation
percent of total well cost.
mond particles, have been with relatively soft formations By helping operators choose
one of the success stories of or where drilling is expensive, the best bit for the job,
Faster rates of penetration
the last years. Natural dia- such as offshore locations and computerized drill bit opti-
and greatly extended bit
monds, synthetic diamonds, remote wells. In parallel with mization systems have
life, the result of advances and diamond composites are PDC development, roller improved the way bits are
in materials technology, now routinely used within cone bits have also been being selected and used.
hydraulic efficiency, cutter improved. The These systems match an indi-
PDC Cutter Components
design, and bit stability, National Petroleum vidual formation to the most
Carbide substrate
Council estimates effective milled-tooth, tung-
now allow wells to be PDC layer
Braze joint that improvements sten carbide insert and PDC
drilled more quickly, more
PDC wafer
in drilling efficiency bit to complete the job for the
profitably, and with less PDC layer from advances such least cost per foot. They also
environmental impact. The as those in bit tech- prescribe other design para-
improvement to an opera- Carbide stub
Carbide
substrate nology have reduced meters such as hole gauge and
tor’s cost-efficiency from
Carbide cylinder
underlying drilling hydraulic requirements to
costs by about help determine optimal
these advances is striking.
Source: Petroleum Engineer International, 1993 3 percent annually cutting structure.
Today, selection of the
appropriate bit has
become critical both in ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
establishing the overall
Increased rates of penetration Reduced power use and resultant emissions
economics of field devel-
opment and in minimizing Fewer drilling trips due to greater bit life Less drilling waste
the environmental impacts
Reduced power consumption Reduced equipment mobilization and fewer rigs
of drilling.
Improved drilling efficiency and hence viability Less noise pollution
of marginal resources
Better wellbore control and less formation
damage
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
METRICS
0% 100%
Increases in diamond bit drilling
1978 1%
In 1978, approximately 1 percent of the total footage drilled worldwide was drilled
with diamond bits; in 1985, it was approximately 10 percent; by 1997, that figure
was an estimated 25 percent. Also, between 1988 and 1994, advances in PDC 1985 10%
technology increased the average footage drilled by over 260 percent, from
approximately 1,600 feet to 4,200 feet per PDC bit.
1997 25%
CASE STUDIES
Success in the Field Switching to new drill bits saves time and money
Using a specialized bit optimization system, Anadarko Petroleum
has demonstrated significant efficiency improvements. For exam-
ple, drilling time was reduced by to days in Algeria, with sav-
Iran Pakistan ings of , to ,; and a Mississippi project saved
Persian
Gulf days and ,. Ultimately, impacts on the environment were
Gulf of
U.A.E. Oman appreciably lessened.
Saudi
Arabia
Petroleum Development Oman found that rates of penetration
Oman
Arabian Sea
India dropped from feet per hour to under feet per hour when drills
using tungsten carbide inserts hit the hard Khuff Formation.
Yemen
Switching to a new generation PDC bit with carbide-supported edge
cutters resulted in a new rate of . feet per hour in the Khuff. The
Gulf of Aden
entire section was drilled in one run, at half the cost of the same sec-
tion in a similar well. Another well drilled in the comparable
Somalia Zauliayah field resulted in a rate of feet per hour at a cost of
per foot, nearly half the cost of drilling a comparable well in the area
with an earlier-generation bit.
Indian Ocean
When Chevron switched to new generation polycrystalline bits at its
Arrowhead Greyburg field in New Mexico, the rate of penetration
increased more than percent. Chevron had been experiencing
problems using -cone bits and thermally stabilized diamond bits.
Switching to PDC bits with curved cutters significantly increased
drilling efficiency, while reducing environmental impacts.
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Multilateral Drilling
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY bm
Multilateral drilling New lateral drilling developments provide dramatic returns
creates an interconnected for operators, with less waste, smaller footprints, and
network of separate, pres-
increased site protection
sure-isolated, and reentry-
accessible horizontal or From horizontal to permit wells to branch out Multilateral drilling is of
multilateral branching multilaterally, in certain cases greatest value in reservoirs
high-angle wellbores sur-
wellbores saving both time and money that:
rounding a single major
wellbore, enabling
drainage of multiple target
H O R I Z O N TA L D R I L L -
ing provoked a surge
of interest in the as a
compared to horizontal
drilling. In many cases, such
as deep reservoir production,
• Have small or isolated
accumulations in
multiple zones
zones. In many cases, this way to contact more oil it is more efficient to create a
approach can be more reserves, penetrating a greater connected network than to • Accumulate oil above the
cross-section of the oil-bear- drill multiple individual hori- highest existing perforations
effective than simple hori-
ing rock with a single well- zontal wellbores. • Have pay zones that are
zontal drilling in increas-
bore and intersecting repeat- arranged in lens-shaped
ing productivity and
edly the fractures that carry pockets
enlarging recoverable oil to a producing well.
reserves. Often multi- Today, declining production, • Are strongly directional
lateral drilling can restore flat prices, and heightened • Contain distinct sets of
economic life to an aging
environmental awareness natural fractures
have led the exploration and
field. It also reduces • Are vertically segregated,
production industry to devel-
drilling and waste disposal with low transmissibility
op advanced drilling and
costs. Today, in a wide completion technologies that
variety of drilling environ-
ments, both onshore and
offshore, from the Middle ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
East to the North Sea
Improved production per platform Fewer drilling sites and footprints
and from the North Slope
to the Austin Chalk, multi- Increased productivity per well and greater ulti- Less drilling fluids and cuttings
lateral completions are mate recovery efficiency
Protection of sensitive habitats and wildlife
providing dramatic returns
New life for marginally economic fields in
for operators. danger of abandonment
CASE STUDIES
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Deepwater—Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, North Sea, Brazil, others
AND
Offshore Drilling
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY bn
Recent exploration success- Technology advances in dynamic positioning expand
es in deepwater plays in the opportunities for deepwater drilling with reduced
Gulf of Mexico are of crucial
environmental impact
importance in providing a
vital new domestic Deepwater opportunities Production from deepwater dynamic positioning systems,
resource. Technological
advances are increasing
T HE GULF OF MEXICO ’ S
deepwater reservoirs
have become America’s new
wells is increasing too. In
, for example, less than
percent of the Gulf’s total oil
in combination with
improved onboard motion
compensation systems, are
operators’ ability to take
frontier for oil and gas explo- production was from deepwater expanding the range of water
advantage of these finds, ration. Production potential wells. By , over percent depths and environmental
while reducing the dangers from proved and unproved of the Gulf’s oil production conditions within which
and uncertainty inherent in reserves in deepwater areas is came from deepwater wells. drilling operations can be
deepwater operations. estimated to be roughly . Natural gas production from safely conducted.
Without such progress,
billion barrels of oil and . deepwater areas in the Gulf
trillion cubic feet of natural has also increased—from less Azimuthing thruster units,
much of the Gulf’s
gas. Consequently, drilling in than percent of total pro- often retractable so as to enable
resources may remain the Gulf ’s Outer Continental duction in —to nearly shallow water maneuvers, are
undeveloped. A major con- Shelf has increased greatly percent in . the backbone of the dynamic
cern for operators is the over the last 10 years. Today, positioning system. Ship-based
safety of deepwater deepwater drilling from per- Improving station keeping computers and satellite-linked
exploratory operations,
manent structures and wild- Dynamic positioning systems navigation units control the
cat wells is at an all-time compensate for the effects of vessel’s rudder, propellers, and
especially as the industry
high. In October , a wind, waves, and current, thrusters using input from
moves toward depths of record temporary and enabling mobile offshore various monitoring systems,
10,000 feet. To ensure permanent deepwater rigs drilling units to hold position such as gyrocompass wind
stability and efficiency at were drilling in water depths over the borehole, maintain- sensors, real-time differential
such depths, advanced greater than , feet, as ing within operational limits global positioning systems,
dynamic positioning
compared to only nine in lateral loads on the drill stem micro-wave positioning
. and marine riser. Improved systems, underwater sonar
technology is now being
used. This includes thruster
units and sophisticated
computer and navigation ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
systems to hold a new Minimized positioning and transit times for Less disruption to seafloor ecosystem
generation of drillships, deepwater exploration
Reduced environmental impacts due to
floating production, stor-
Reduced operating costs in deepwater explo- increased operational stability
age, and offloading sys-
ration operations
tems, and survey vessels on Enhanced deepwater operational safety
location without anchors or Improved access to deepwater and ultra-deep-
mooring lines. water resources that might otherwise have
remained undeveloped
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
beacons, and hydro-acoustic demand for dynamically Cost-effectiveness time of setting and remov-
beacons. If the wind or tide positioned vessels. The When permanent or ing mooring lines. Such
swell moves the ship from its harsher environments of disconnectable moorings flexibility, vital during hurri-
desired station, guided deeper offshore plays has become excessively difficult cane season, may ultimately
thrusters can automatically accelerated demand for or expensive, or when low- reduce operating costs.
hold the vessel’s orientation dynamically positioned cost fuel is available,
and position. They can also drillships, semisubmersible dynamically positioned Safety
move it to a new position in rigs, seismic survey vessels, systems may be highly cost- The precise positioning
the event of extreme weather. floating production, storage, effective. Given today’s afforded by these systems
and offloading systems, technology, it would be contributes significantly to
A new equipment market pipelayers, shuttle tankers, practically impossible to both environmental protec-
The trend toward long- and standby support vessels. conduct ultra-deepwater tion and worker safety dur-
term, ultra-deepwater The benefits of dynamic exploratory operations ing offshore operations. The
exploratory operations has positioning include: without dynamic position- safety of operations involv-
substantially increased ing technology. ing diving support vessels,
deepwater drillships, or
Operational flexibility shuttle tankers, for instance,
These systems allow vessels is often enhanced by the
to move readily from one degree of operational
location to another during precision provided by
exploratory operations, dynamic positioning systems.
eliminating the cost and
METRICS
©SPE, 1993
Steady drilling from dynamic positioning
The forces of wind, waves, and ocean currents cause exploration Today’s advanced dynamic positioning technology enables drill-
and drilling support vessels to sway, yaw, and move off course. ships to maintain station with maximum excursion levels below 1%
To counter this, dynamic positioning technology stabilizes deep- of total water depth. At a water depth of 5,000 feet, for example,
water site equipment, allowing exploratory operations in waters these advanced systems are able to keep a 200-yard-long, 30-story-
too deep for conventional mooring systems. high drillship within 50 feet of station.
Deepwater Drilling Driving DiSouza, Delepine, and Cordy. Harding, B. The Deepwater
Progress of Azimuthing An Approach to the Design and Drilling Rig Explosion - 1996-
Thrusters. Offshore Magazine, Selection of a Cost-Effective 1998: New Designs and
4/98. Floating Production Storage and Equipment for Water Depths
Offloading System. Offshore Over 3,500 ft. Offshore
Deepwater Surge Galvanizes DP
Technology Conference (OTC) Magazine, 7/1/98. U.S. Department of Energy
Power Sector. Offshore
7443, 1994. Office of Fossil Energy
Magazine, 1/97. Herold, A. Fourth Generation DP
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Duhen, de Bonnafos, and System Set Up on Pipelay Unit-
DeLuca, M. Dynamic Positioning Washington, DC 20585
Rietveldt. A New Generation DP Accuracy of Deepwater Pipeline
Versus Mooring: Debate
Drillship for 10,000 ft Water Touchdown Product of Elena S. Melchert
Continues as Technology
Depths. Drilling Contractor, 9/98. Sophisticated Routing (202) 586-5095
Evolves. Offshore Magazine,
Trajectories. Offshore Magazine, elena.melchert@hq.doe.gov
10/98. Dynamic Positioning, Compact
3/95.
Power System Create New Life Trudy A. Transtrum
for Semisubmersible. Oil & Gas Portable Dynamic Positioning (202) 586-7253
Journal, 10/5/98. Systems Fill Special Need. trudy.transtrum@hq.doe.gov
Offshore Magazine, 7/97.
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Pneumatic Drilling
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY bo
Pneumatic drilling is an Unlike conventional mud-based drilling, air drilling
underbalanced drilling significantly reduces or eliminates drilling fluid additives
technique in which bore-
and prevents formation damage
holes are drilled using air
or other gases as the cir- Protecting low-pressure a noncondensable gas in the open-hole completions, and
culating agent. In certain formations and maximizing circulating fluid system, in fluid-sensitive formations.
production underbalanced pneumatic It is an important tool in
cases this air drilling tech-
nique offers the promise
of mudless drilling. By
U NDERBALANCED
drilling offers signifi-
cant advantages over conven-
drilling can prevent difficul-
ties commonly encountered
when reservoir pressures are
drilling horizontal wells,
which must expose a large
amount of reservoir face to
using nitrogen, air, or tional systems in low-pres- lower than the hydrostatic be productive, and have
natural gas in place of sure or pressure-depleted for- pressure exerted by tradition- minimum damage from flu-
oil- or water-based muds, mations. Pressure overbal- al water-based drilling fluids. ids invasion. As horizontal
producers can both elimi-
ances in conventional Depending on the environ- drilling increases in popular-
drilling can cause significant ment, gas may be used alone ity, underbalanced pneumat-
nate drilling fluids that
fluid filtrate invasion, and or with water and additives. ic drilling will become more
need disposal and ensure
lost circulation in the forma- When drilling fluid is need- widespread, because it can
that drill cuttings are not tion. Expensive completions, ed for well control, gas is penetrate the reservoir with-
tainted by chemicals or decreased productivity, and mixed with lightweight out damaging the formation
oil. Although it is suitable high mud and mud-removal drilling fluids. or its productive capacity.
only for certain formation
costs can then plague drilling
operations, but these can be In general, pneumatic Air drilling techniques to suit
types and lithologies and
avoided by using underbal- drilling is used in mature Air dust drilling is a dry
can create potentially
anced conditions. By lower- fields and formations with technique that relies on the
explosive downhole condi- ing downhole pressure using low downhole pressures, in annular velocity of air to
tions—and is not therefore
likely to become wide-
spread—this technique is ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
a very attractive environ- Substantially less fluid and waste requiring Greatly reduced drilling fluids and chemical-
mental prospect, offering disposal tainted cuttings
significant operational
Increased rates of penetration and longer Decreased power consumption and emissions
benefits.
drill bit life
Better wellbore control and less damage to
Indication and evaluation of productive zones formations
and more effective geosteering of the well by
monitoring flow of produced fluids Fewer workover and stimulation operations
needed
Potential elimination of waste pits gives access
to restricted areas Potential for smaller drilling footprints and less
impact on habitats, wildlife, and cultural
resources
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
CASE STUDIES
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, onshore and offshore
AND
Slimhole Drilling
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY bp
Improved slimhole drilling Technology advances in less invasive slimhole drilling
technology brings the twin increasingly valuable in exploration and production
advantages of environ-
mental protection and eco- Narrow boreholes prove dispelled these concerns, testing, combined with other
nomical results to oil and highly effective making slimhole an increas- technologies such as continu-
gas exploration and pro-
duction. (For example, a
P OTENTIALLY APPLICABLE
to more than percent
of all wells drilled, slimhole
ingly attractive option for
reservoir development. Today,
slimhole drilling is employed
ous coring, yields valuable
information for increasing
success rates in exploration.
conventional well drilled
drilling holds promise for throughout the lower-
with a 12.25-inch bit and a improving the efficiency and States and the Gulf of In the production arena,
5-inch drill pipe becomes a costs of both exploration and Mexico, especially in the improved slimhole drilling
slimhole when using a production. Although the Austin Chalk fields of South offers a viable means of recov-
4-inch bit and a 3.7-inch
technique was first used in Texas. Globally, slimhole ering additional reserves from
the oil and gas industry in the drilling has been used in a existing reservoirs, including
drill pipe.) Slimhole rigs
, its acceptance has been wide range of onshore and economically marginal fields.
are defined as wells in
hampered until recently by offshore settings. Resources in pay zones
which at least 90 percent concerns that smaller bore- bypassed in the original field
of the hole has been holes would limit stimulation As an exploration tool, slim- development can be cost-
drilled with a bit six inches opportunities, production hole drilling for stratigraphic effectively accessed through
or less in diameter.
rates, and multiple completions. testing provides geologists the existing wellbores, thereby
Advances in technology, with a clearer picture of the extending the productive life
Slimhole rigs not only
coupled with a growing local geography, refining seis- of the field.
boast a far smaller foot-
record of success, have mic interpretation. Such
print and less waste gen-
eration than conventional
operations, they can also ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
reduce operating costs by
Smaller drilling crews and less drilling time A slimhole rig occupies far less space than a
up to 50 percent. The tech-
mean up to a 50 percent reduction in costs conventional rig—the entire footprint including
nique is proving a low- site access can be up to 75 percent smaller
cost, efficient tool with Slimhole drilling is critical for adding millions of
barrels of oil to the Nation’s reserves The rig requires far less drilling fluid and pro-
which to explore new
duces far fewer cuttings for disposal
regions, tap undepleted Slimhole is feasible in a wide range of opera-
zones in maturing fields, tions and capable of reducing exploration and Reduced volume and weight of equipment
and test deeper zones in development costs around the United States favors use in sensitive environments, such as
existing fields. rainforests and wetlands, particularly in
helicopter-supported campaigns
CASE STUDIES
METRICS
Boone, Clausen, Birmingham, Deliac, Messines, and Thierree. Millheim, Prohaska, and
and Schappert. Horizontal Mining Technique Finds Thompson. Slim Hole Drilling—
Branches Reach Out to Drain Application in Oil Exploration. Past, Present, Future. SPE 30151,
Reserves: Slim Hole Laterals Oil & Gas Journal, 6/5/91. 1995.
Put New Twist on Field
Department of Energy. An U.S. Department of Energy
Development. The American Oil
Assessment of the Oil Resource Office of Fossil Energy
& Gas Reporter, 7/98.
Base of the United States, 1992. 1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Dachary, J. and R. Vighetto. Slim Washington, DC 20585
Gordon, T. The Skinny on
Hole Drilling Proven in Remote
Slimholes. Oil and Gas Investor, Elena S. Melchert
Exploration Project. Oil & Gas
1/93. (202) 586-5095
Journal, 6/22/92.
elena.melchert@hq.doe.gov
Trudy A. Transtrum
(202) 586-7253
trudy.transtrum@hq.doe.gov
DRILLING AND COMPLETION
DRILLING
TECHNOLOGY Locations: Worldwide, deepwater
AND
Synthetic Drilling Muds
COMPLETION
SUMMARY BLUEPRINT ON TECHNOLOGY bq
Drilling fluids are essential New synthetic drilling muds combine the performance
to carry cuttings to the of oil-based muds with the easier, safer disposal of
surface, maintain pressure
water-based muds
balance and stability in the
borehole, lubricate and Conventional versus However, they are often not imize drilling problems,
new muds technically feasible or cost- OBMs cannot be discharged
clear the drillstring and bit,
and prevent the influx of
other fluids. Today’s
N E A R LY A L L W E L L S
less than , feet
and percent of deeper wells
effective in complex drilling
situations. As such, oil-based
muds (OBMs) are often the
on-site. At remote offshore
sites, operators must incur the
expense, logistical problems,
advanced offshore drilling are drilled with water-based drilling fluids of choice in and environmental risks of
practices include the use of muds (WBMs), making them deep, extended-reach, high- shipping OBM wastes back
synthetic-based muds the most commonly used angle, high-temperature, and to shore for disposal.
(SBMs), which combine the
muds both onshore and off- other special drilling environ-
shore. With a percent ments, greatly outperforming The development of syn-
higher performance of oil-
water base, WBMs and asso- WBMs. But their diesel or thetic-based muds (SBMs)
based muds (OBMs) and
ciated cuttings can typically mineral oil base means that was driven by industry’s need
the lower toxicity of water- be discharged on-site. although they effectively min- for a drilling fluid with lower
based muds (WBMs). SBMs
are a high-performance,
ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
environmentally friendly
Improved drilling speeds, lower operating costs, Lower concentration of inherent contaminants,
choice for complex offshore
and shorter completion times (versus WBMs) such as complex hydrocarbons (versus OBMs)
drilling environments.
Management of fluids and Reduced downtime from common drilling Safe discharge of drill cuttings (versus OBMs)
cutting wastes is a signifi- problems (versus WBMs)
Less waste than WBMs, as SBMs are reusable
cant responsibility for the
Minimal to no waste hauling and disposal costs
industry, and in remote Faster drilling, so reduced power use and air
(versus OBMs)
offshore areas can entail emissions (versus WBMs)
significant expense. Reduced drilling costs as SBMs can be
reconditioned and revised (versus WBMs) Smaller footprint, as SBMs facilitate extended-
Compared with OBMs, drill
reach and horizontal wells (versus WBMs)
cuttings from SBMs can be Increased access to resources by high-angle,
safely discharged in many extended-reach, and horizontal wells (versus Increased worker health and safety—volume
WBMs) and toxicity of irritating vapors lower than OBMs
offshore areas, significantly
reducing disposal costs and Reduced air pollution because SBMs are not
environmental impacts. transported to shore for disposal (versus
OBMs)
CASE STUDIES
METRICS
Argonne National Laboratory. Furlow, W. Despite Limits, Veil, J., C. Burke, and D. Moses.
Removing Regulatory Barriers to Synthetic Fluids Still Best Bet for Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids
Allow Wider Use of Innovative Deepwater. Offshore Magazine, Have Many Environmental
Drilling Fluids, 1/97. 1/98. Pluses. Oil & Gas Journal,
11/27/95.
Burke, C., and J. Veil. Synthetic- Furlow, W., New Cuttings U.S. Department of Energy
Based Mud Can Improve Drilling Treatment Taking on Recovery, Wood, T., and B. Billon. Office of Fossil Energy
Efficiency Without Polluting. Oil Environment Challenges— Synthetics Reduce Trouble Time 1000 Independence Avenue, SW
& Gas Journal, 3/4/96. Recovering Costly Synthetic in Ultra-Deepwater Borehole. Washington, DC 20585
Fluids. Offshore Magazine, 7/98. Offshore Magazine, 3/98.
Candler, Rushing, and Elena S. Melchert
Leuterman. Synthetic- Legendre Zevallos, M., et al. (202) 586-5095
Based Mud Systems Offer Synthetic-Based Fluids Enhance elena.melchert@hq.doe.gov
Environmental Benefits Over Environmental and Drilling
Traditional Mud Systems. SPE Performance in Deepwater Trudy A. Transtrum
25993, 1993. Locations. SPE 35329, 1996. (202) 586-7253
trudy.transtrum@hq.doe.gov