Optimal Drilling Parameters Design Based on Single Drilling Depth Indicator in Controlled Gradient Drilling
Abstract
Controlled gradient drilling technology was put forward to solve the problem of narrow pressure margins in deep water drilling. In this paper, an optimization model for optimal drilling parameters design is established for controlled gradient drilling. The established optimization model aims at achieving the longest single drilling depth, while reducing pressure difference between wellbore pressure and formation pore pressure as much as possible. It is beneficial to increase the ROP and reduce formation damage. The SQP (sequential quadratic programming) algorithm is presented to solve the optimization model. Simulation results indicate that longer single drilling depth and better drilling parameters (control variables) can be obtained by use of optimization model when the range of control variables widens. Furthermore, in case study, small bottom-hole pressure difference can be obtained by use of optimization model. In addition, the established optimization model ensured the dynamic wellbore pressure within narrow pressure margins during optimization process. It is conducive to safe and efficient drilling.
Keywords
Narrow pressure margins Controlled gradient drilling Optimization model Optimal drilling parameters Safe and efficient drillingNotes
Acknowledgements
Project supported by the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 51734010).
References
- 1.Peres, W.E.: Shelf-fed turbidite system model and its application to the Oligocene Deposits of the Campos basin, Brasil. AAPG Bull. 77(1): 81–101 (1993)Google Scholar
- 2.Deluca, M.: Canada, Mexico escaping shadow of the US Gulf. Offshore 1999(6), 52 (1999)Google Scholar
- 3.Deluca, M.: Deep discoveries keep West Africa at global forefront. Offshore 1999(2), 32–33 (1999)Google Scholar
- 4.Charlez, P.A., Simondin, A.A.: Collection of innovative answers to solve the main problematics encountered when drilling deep water prospects. In: OTC 15234 (2003)Google Scholar
- 5.Gaddy, E.D.: Industry group studies dual gradient drilling. Oil Gas J. 97(33), 32 (1999)Google Scholar
- 6.Smith, K.L., Gault, A.D., Witt, D.E., et al.: Subsea mud-lift drilling joint industry project: delivering dual gradient drilling technology to industry. In: SPE 71357 (2001)Google Scholar
- 7.Schumacher, J.P., Dowell, J.D., Ribbeck, L.R., et al.: Subsea Mud Lift Drilling (SMD): planning and preparation for the first subsea field test of a full scale dual gradient drilling system at green canyon 136, Gulf of Mexico. In: SPE 71358 (2001)Google Scholar
- 8.Maurer, W.C., Medley, G.H., Mcdonald, W.J.: Multi-gradient drilling method and system. US (2003)Google Scholar
- 9.Fossli, B., Sangesland, S.: Controlled mud-cap drilling for subsea applications: well-control challenges in deep waters. SPE Drill. Complet. 21(2): 133–140 (2006)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- 10.Deng, S., Fan, H., Tian, D., et al.: Calculation and application of safe mud density window in deepwater shallow layers. In: Offshore Technology Conference (2016)Google Scholar
- 11.Coleman, N.L.: The drag coefficient of a stationary on a boundary of similar spheres. La Houiile Blanche 1, 17–21 (1972)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- 12.Temet, D.J., Biegler, L.T.: Recent improvements to a multiplier free reduced Hessian successive quadratic programming algorithm. Comput. Chem. Eng. 22(7), 963–978 (1998)Google Scholar
- 13.Hiebeler, D.E.: R and MATLAB. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2015)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- 14.The MathWorks Inc.: Optimization Toolbox 6 User’s Guide Version 6.0 (2011)Google Scholar