Drilling Performance and Optimization

Guide for better drilling performance, analysis and planning.

in this guide I tried to summarize my years of experience and research, into sample eight points that cover a guidance for better drilling operations and performance:-

The MSE (Mechanical Specific Energy) surveillance process
ROP Management & Controlling ROP for better performance
Performance management coaches on the rig feeding back
Analysis for drilling frequency against time taken for each task
Breakdown structure analysis
Drilling parameters analysis - BHA
RTO analysis
Controlling mud rheological properties
PPP and Geomechanical modelling

Details : -

1- The MSE surveillance process provides the ability to detect changes in the efficiency of the drilling system, more or less continuously. This has improved performance by:

Allowing the optimum operating parameters to be identified easily, and Providing the quantitative data needed to cost-justify design changes to extend the current limits of the system. MSE analysis has resulted in redesign in areas as diverse as well control practices, bit selection, BHA design, makeup torque, directional target sizing and motor differential ratings.
The use of MSE surveillance is a key feature in a family of well planning and operational practices that are referred to as the ExxonMobil Fast Drill Process (FDP); these are now being introduced in other operating areas throughout the global organization.

2- From an engineering perspective though ROP improvements through managing the bit run process are useful in optimizing one part of the process, these are relatively low hanging fruit.

The processes around the bit run sections, I.e. casing, cementing etc are where there are some potential big optimizations to be made; But there is a final point, ROI is not just about the spend,but the return, something we as drillers tend to forget, thus learning about the reservoirs and geology is also very useful .
Controlling ROP, while drilling through interbedded balling/hard/balling formations, the best action is to control the maximum ROP in the balling (or soft) sections and keep the WOB up in the hard section Also, alert the driller of the interbedded section and have them control the max ROP into and out of formation transitions.

3- Performance management coaches on the rig feeding back to a dedicated optimization Engineer onshore.

Full rationalization and integration of corporate, project knowledge capture and management systems.
Strong leadership and robust procedures to push feedback to closure overcome old paradigms are really impact performance.

4- When the data is analyzed and plotted as a histogram (frequency against time taken for each task) the information provided gives:

The management process to select the best supplier based on the performance of its equipment when compared to the technical limit of that equipment.
The crews the most consistent and efficient way of working (best practice).
The management of an automated measuring tool to set and follow up the targets for crew performance.
A tool that makes ‘hidden downtime’ visible, so appropriate actions can be taken to improve performance.
A process to see if operations can be eliminated or considerably reduced in time (reaming, circulating, etc).
When it comes to crew handling of the equipment the results show a performance improvement of 30%.
There are potential time savings of between 40 % to 60% in some individual drilling tasks such as slip to slip connection times and weight to weight connection times.; This is achieved by performing each operation in a more efficient and consistent way; Optimizing a number of identified KPIs for drilling, including tripping and casing running times show a potential saving of between 8 to 15% of the total well construction time

5-We can use work breakdown structure to track performance when integrated with well operations or drilling program, by comparing expected time to perform drill floor activities as against the actual, if there is performance gap ( long time), that happen as a result of lack of experience and cohesion required to run a safe and efficient operation; a more experienced eye should be placed on the rig hand, offering them practical advice during drilling operation, that would help prevent injuries and ensure pipe-deck, and drill floor operations are being properly done, reduction in trips and best ROP with excellent hole condition and geometry.

6- Like other industries, it comes down to data analysis:

With the BHA (bottom hole assembly) design efficiency they manage the drilling vibrations.
Also drill string components can be monitored acquiring data from the sensors mounted in those locations.
The ROP (Rate of penetration) is another important value to evaluate drilling efficiency. Acquiring all those values
and compare against the healthy behavior (baseline) is one area of performance optimization, it is all about statistics.

7- By plotting real time torque and Drag values vs. the theoretical values, monitoring standpipe pressure vs. theoretical and flow and by monitoring ECD to relevant ROP can give pretty good idea for the hole conditions.

For motors with bends needs extra care while back reaming out of hole as the point of contact is lost at the bit and all BHA will swing and induce vibration which could damage the inserts in the directional tools, of course mud rheology also needs to be considered.
The better you can display the data in a smart way that makes the problem obvious, and to go one step further, makes the ANTICIPATION of the problem possible (trend analysis, correlation to other wells in real time) will all make drilling efficiency improvements possible.

8- Controlling Mud rheology :

Lower your PV. A direct correlation with ROP decrease is a higher PV (plastic viscosity). Many people say / think mud weight does that, but that is not necessarily true (but in general it does) as you can have a higher mud weight & actually lower your PV.

Hope you find this guide useful for you , please add any comments if there is any .

9- PPP and Geomechanical modelling for the concerned drilling area by using drilling and well logs data or seismic analysis , give you the upper hand to be a head of the potential down hole problems to avoid them .

Drilling Performance