Horizontal Drilling Performance Analysis

Horizontal Drilling Performance Analysis. Abstract Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO) drilled its first horizontal well in 1989 in Abu Dhabi offshore area in the Arabian Gulf. Since then ADMA-OPCO has gone along way. By 1995 over 100 horizontal wells have been drilled using different techniques. Introduction As time passes and more experience was gained, the more drilling performance had improved. This is clearly indicated by the drilling rate of penetration (ROP) which will be highlighted in this paper. ROP is one of the main tool used to measure performance but it is not the only factor. Others such optimization of bottom hole assembly (BHA), mud and milling fluid stimulant acid and introducing new equipment are used as measuring tools for the performance. The content of this paper is based on a number of studies conducted by ADMA-OPCO for the last seven years. It aims to highlight the major factors affecting th performance means of measurement. WELL TYPES There are two types of horizontal wells that are necessary for the development of offshore area oil fields namely:Producing wellsInjecting wells Data for both types have been used to support the results high lighted by this paper. There are various techniques used in drilling horizontal wells. The scope of this paper is to cover the main techniques used by ADMA-OPCO and in particularly those which have an impact on drilling performance. The various techniques covered here in, are as follows:Medium radius curvature.Short radius curvature.Open a window in 9 5/8" casing (re-entry wells).Milling 7" liner (re-entry wells).Drilling single, dual and multi lateral drains. The following are the subject means for measuring drilling performance: 1. ROP The good ROP was achieved by combination of optimizing of drilling equipment parameters, drilling fluid and introducing new drilling equipment. 2. DRILLING COST This was achieved by either having good drilling ROP or reducing the well's expenditure by eliminating some used equipment. P. 838