Re-Engineered Drilling Laboratory is a Premium Tool Advancing Drilling Technology by Simulating Downhole Environments

摘要

This paper describes the design and operation of a re- developed drilling technology laboratory engineered to test and develop improved drilling tools under simulated downhole conditions. Equipped with a high-pressure drilling simulator using full-scale bits, the laboratory is capable of re-creating the geostatic stresses in the well bore at equivalent drilling depths of up to 22,000 ft with typical drilling fluids. Thus, researchers are able to quickly and accurately benchmark the performance of new roller cone and fixed cutter designs and concepts under selected in- situ conditions and different operating parameters. New technology may then be brought to the field with confidence it will meet expectations. The authors will describe recent improvements to the full-scale drilling laboratory and its role in the timely development of reliable, cost-effective drilling technology.