Intensive Evaluation of a Rig's Fluid Handling System Shown to Dramatically Improve Efficiency, Lower Costs

摘要

A comprehensive and quantitative evalaution of the mud mixing, solids control and waste managemetn systems on rigs prior to the commencement of a drilling operation has been shown to dramatically improve operational efficiency and ultimate fluid-related costs. This paper discusses the evalaution process, which includes an audit of the total fluids system, aimed at assuring that the solids control, fluids handling and mixing systems are functioning to specifications and configured properly for the well objectives. The authors will examine in detail the various components of an intensive rig evaluation, which include everything from the condition and configuration of the shakers to the dimension of the mud pits and their fittingness for treating and processing the specific mud volumes required for a given project. In addition, the evaluation includes a safety audit of all areas where fluid engineers will be working, such as the pit room and shaker house. In demonstrating the effectiveness of such an evaluation, the authors will consider specific examples, including audits conducted on newbuilds, rigs undergoing refurbishment and even to improve the solids control and waste management efficiency of units while a well was in progress. The authors will discuss the results of an evaluation of an entire fleet of deepwater rigs with emphasis on the subsequent recommendations. On one deepwater rig in the Gulf of Mexico, the operator saved