The Practice and Evolution of Torque and Drag Reduction: Theory and Field Results

摘要

With the global trend moving toward drilling deep water wells, ultra-extended reach wells (u-ERW) and complex geometry wells, we can no longer ignore the drilling limitations caused by high torque and drag forces. Extreme torque and drag, especially unplanned, can be detrimental to drilling operations. Over the years, engineers have developed numerous ways to challenge the drilling limitations by reducing torque and drag forces in order to drill further and deeper. This paper attempts to describe the practices and the evolution of torque and drag reduction methods. The different torque and drag reduction methods that this paper focuses on are listed below. 1. Wellpath design 2. Light weight string components 3. Lubricants 4. Hole cleaning 5. Co-polymer beads 6. Mechanical friction reduction tools 7. Increased drill string and rig capability