Abstract
The emergence of Real-Time Well Construction Performance Monitoring Centers has significantly improved the service delivery for Operators across numerous offshore oil fields in Australia. New technologies and workflows were implemented for 3 Australian offshore wells, with the primary objective being to improve drilling efficiency while managing the associated risks. Additional objectives included optimizing daily operational performance, thus delivering time savings for the Operator and highlighting areas of possible improvements.
The workflows combined proven technologies, software and wellbore surveillance services, which delivered risk-free wells ahead of Authority for Expenditure (AFE), by targeting the reduction of nonproductive time (NPT) and invisible lost time (ILT), together with risk management.
The workflow began with a preliminary field analysis to identify the main challenges and areas that needed improvement. The key learnings were then consolidated on a comprehensive drilling road map by well section that outlined prevention and mitigation measures, expected rate of penetration (ROP) and recommended drilling parameters. The study also identified performance benchmarks such as average and on bottom ROP and connection time. Key performance indicators (KPI) were developed to monitor progress and track the well with respect to well improvements versus the benchmarks identified. The selection of the monitoring tools and modules required during the Execution Stage were developed based on the risks and KPIs identified during the field study and were further tailored to target specific challenges such as stuck pipe prevention, hole cleaning, shock and vibration and connection time.
The workflows enabled the flawless execution of 3 offshore wells 29.0 days ahead of AFE which saved the Operator USD 15.5M. The closed loop monitoring enabled real time interventions which aided in preventing risks such as stuck pipe, ensured efficient shoe-to-shoe drilling and avoided potential lost-in-hole (LIH) costs. This case study demonstrates the use of a novel approach to increase well construction efficiency by eliminating lost time while enhancing risk control. The main basis for success of this workflow was using existing and cost-effective technologies while capitalizing on the renewed synergy between different departments such as Drilling, Mudlogging and Well Operations analysis.
The workflow was and can be customized based on different needs, by combining specific modules for monitoring, analysis and wellbore surveillance services, to increase the efficiency of any well construction.
