Methodology and Benefits of a Drilling Analysis Paradigm

摘要

This paper discusses a segment of drilling engineering --drilling analysis -- that is assumed to be practiced routinely,but in many cases is not given the necessary attention, time,and resources required.Routinely acquired drilling, geologic, mud-log, andlogging data, are shown to be amenable to organization into aknowledge-based structure that permits:? Use of statistical analysis to develop challenging butachievable technical limits, or best composite time (BCT),for similar wells – location, depth, hole size.? Statistics-based best composite cost (BCC), the dollarsequivalent of BCT. Both the BCC and BCT representpractical, challenging but achievable benchmarks that arecontinuously upgraded, providing significant steps in theprocess of drilling costs reduction.? Specialized learning-curve analysis, trouble-time analysis,flat-time analysis, time vs. depth analysis, cost vs. depthanalysis, rig and crew performance evaluation, bit-onbottomand tripping analysis, time distribution plots, etc.? Convenient drilling data cross-correlation with wirelinelogs, geology and mud-log data, to further delineatedrilling problem zones and improve drilling? operational performance.? A historical understanding of well construction that cancontribute to continuing drilling improvement, and amethod to provide feedback and collaboration withcompany drilling personnel, rig contractors, andservice companies.This paper reviews existing variations, key elements, andtypical field applications of drilling analysis, and puts forth thecase that drilling analysis should become an integral part ofdrilling engineering, the same way well-test analysis is anintegral part of reservoir engineering. The need for auniversity curriculum and training on this key discipline isstressed, along with the necessity for management tochampion the use of drilling analysis as an on-going process toimprove organizational drilling performance.