POH

Test Your Knowledge

POH & POOH Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does the acronym "POH" stand for in drilling operations?

a) Push On Hole b) Pull Out of Hole c) Pump Oil Hydraulically d) Prepare Oil for Handling

2. Why might a drilling team perform a POH operation?

a) To increase drilling fluid density b) To add more drill pipe to the string c) To change the drill bit d) To measure the depth of the well

3. Which of the following is NOT a typical step involved in a POH operation?

a) Breaking circulation b) Running casing c) Lifting the drillstring d) Inspecting the drill pipe

4. What is the main difference between POH and POOH?

a) POH is used for onshore drilling, while POOH is used for offshore drilling b) POH is used for shallow wells, while POOH is used for deep wells c) POH and POOH are essentially the same operation, with the latter being a more playful or emphasized way of writing it d) POH is performed before drilling, while POOH is performed after drilling

5. What is the primary reason for conducting POH/POOH operations?

a) To ensure the safety and efficiency of drilling operations b) To monitor the pressure of the wellbore c) To determine the composition of the rock formations d) To measure the volume of oil and gas reserves

POH & POOH Exercise

Scenario: A drilling team is in the process of drilling a well. They have encountered a problem where the drill bit is no longer functioning properly. The team decides to perform a POH operation to replace the bit.

Task: List the steps involved in the POH operation, describing the purpose of each step.

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques for POH/POOH Operations

1.1 Lifting Methods:

• Drawworks: The most common lifting mechanism used for POH/POOH operations. This powerful system uses a winch and a hoisting cable to lift the drillstring out of the hole.
• Top Drive: Used in modern rigs, the top drive system combines the lifting function with the rotation of the drillstring. It provides greater control and efficiency during the POH process.
• Hydraulic Lifting Systems: In certain situations, hydraulic jacks can be used for lifting the drillstring, especially when working with shorter sections or in confined spaces.

1.2 Drilling Fluid Management:

• Break Circulation: Stopping the flow of drilling fluid before lifting the drillstring is crucial to avoid pressure surges and potential wellbore instability.
• Fluid Return: Managing the return flow of drilling fluid back to the surface is essential to prevent spills and maintain proper wellbore pressure.
• Cleaning and Treatment: The drilling fluid must be cleaned and treated before the next drilling operation to ensure optimal performance.

1.3 Safety Considerations:

• Personnel Safety: Ensuring proper safety procedures, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and training personnel are essential during POH/POOH operations.
• Equipment Safety: Regular inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment, drillstring components, and associated systems is vital to prevent accidents.
• Environmental Protection: Implementing measures to minimize environmental impact, such as preventing spills and using appropriate containment techniques, is crucial.

1.4 Troubleshooting:

• Stuck Pipe: If the drillstring becomes stuck during the POH process, specialized techniques and equipment are required to free it.
• Pipe Damage: Inspecting the drillstring for any damage during the POH process is vital to ensure the integrity of the wellbore.
• Wellbore Instability: Addressing any signs of wellbore instability during POH/POOH operations is essential to prevent potential complications.

Chapter 2: Models Used in POH/POOH Operations

2.1 Drillstring Modelling:

• Stress Analysis: Using software simulations to understand the stresses and strains on the drillstring during POH operations is essential for optimizing lifting procedures and preventing pipe damage.
• Torque and Drag Modelling: Predicting the torque and drag forces encountered while lifting the drillstring helps to ensure proper lifting capacity and prevent stuck pipe scenarios.

2.2 Wellbore Modelling:

• Wellbore Stability Analysis: Simulating wellbore conditions, including formation pressure and fluid flow, helps to predict potential risks and optimize POH/POOH operations.
• Casing and Cementing Modelling: Modeling the behavior of casing and cement during POH/POOH operations helps to ensure wellbore integrity and prevent leaks.

2.3 Lifting System Modelling:

• Hoist System Capacity: Modeling the capacity of the drawworks and other lifting equipment is essential to ensure safe and efficient POH/POOH operations.
• Cable Dynamics: Simulating the behavior of the hoisting cable during lifting helps to predict potential issues and optimize lifting parameters.

Chapter 3: Software Used in POH/POOH Operations

3.1 Drilling Optimization Software:

• Well Plan Software: Helps plan and optimize drilling operations, including POH/POOH sequences.
• Drilling Simulation Software: Simulates various drilling scenarios, including POH/POOH operations, to evaluate potential risks and optimize procedures.

3.2 Drillstring Analysis Software:

• Stress and Strain Analysis Software: Calculates the stresses and strains on the drillstring during POH operations, providing insights for safety and optimization.
• Torque and Drag Prediction Software: Estimates the torque and drag forces encountered during POH/POOH operations, informing lifting strategies.

3.3 Wellbore Analysis Software:

• Wellbore Stability Analysis Software: Predicts wellbore stability during POH/POOH operations, aiding in preventing potential complications.
• Casing and Cementing Analysis Software: Evaluates the integrity of casing and cement during POH/POOH operations, ensuring wellbore safety.

Chapter 4: Best Practices for POH/POOH Operations

4.1 Planning and Preparation:

• Detailed POH/POOH Plan: Developing a thorough plan outlining the steps, procedures, and safety measures is crucial for efficient and safe operations.
• Equipment Inspection and Maintenance: Ensuring all equipment is properly inspected, maintained, and in good working order before and during POH/POOH operations is essential.
• Communication and Coordination: Clear and effective communication among the drilling team, rig crew, and other personnel is vital for seamless execution.

4.2 Execution and Monitoring:

• Controlled Lifting and Lowering: Maintaining steady lifting and lowering rates and adhering to established procedures is important to prevent pipe damage and wellbore instability.
• Constant Monitoring of Parameters: Closely monitoring drilling fluid pressure, hoisting cable tension, and other critical parameters during POH/POOH operations ensures safety and efficiency.
• Immediate Addressing of Issues: Promptly identifying and resolving any problems or anomalies that arise during operations is critical for preventing further complications.

4.3 Post-Operation Procedures:

• Inspection and Documentation: Thoroughly inspecting the drillstring and wellbore for any damage or abnormalities after POH/POOH operations and documenting findings is essential for safety and future planning.
• Cleaning and Preparation: Properly cleaning the drillstring, equipment, and wellbore after POH/POOH operations helps to prevent contamination and prepare for the next drilling phase.

Chapter 5: Case Studies of POH/POOH Operations

5.1 Case Study: Stuck Pipe During POH

• Scenario: A drillstring became stuck during a POH operation due to a combination of factors, including high torque and drag and wellbore instability.
• Resolution: The drilling team successfully freed the stuck pipe by implementing a combination of techniques, including using specialized tools and carefully adjusting lifting parameters.
• Lessons Learned: The case highlighted the importance of accurate wellbore modeling, appropriate lifting techniques, and timely intervention to prevent stuck pipe situations.

5.2 Case Study: Optimizing POH for Wellbore Stability

• Scenario: A wellbore exhibited signs of instability during POH/POOH operations, leading to concerns about potential wellbore collapse.
• Resolution: By conducting a thorough analysis of the wellbore conditions and implementing optimized POH procedures, the drilling team managed to successfully complete the operation without compromising wellbore integrity.
• Lessons Learned: The case demonstrated the importance of proactive wellbore stability analysis and the value of adjusting POH/POOH operations based on real-time data and observations.

5.3 Case Study: Using Technology to Enhance POH Efficiency

• Scenario: A drilling team implemented advanced software and technology to optimize their POH/POOH procedures, aiming for improved efficiency and reduced operational time.
• Resolution: The use of drilling optimization software, drillstring analysis tools, and real-time data monitoring enabled the team to streamline POH operations, significantly reducing operational time and costs.
• Lessons Learned: The case illustrated the growing role of technology in enhancing POH/POOH operations, enabling more efficient and safer drilling practices.