Make A Trip

Making a Trip: A Necessary Dance in Drilling and Well Completion

In the world of drilling and well completion, the term "make a trip" refers to a crucial maneuver involving the removal and subsequent return of the drill string from the wellbore. This process, often described as a "round trip," is a routine but essential operation that serves various purposes, including:

1. Changing the Drill Bit: The drill bit is the cutting edge of the drilling operation. As it encounters tough formations, it experiences wear and tear, eventually requiring replacement. A "trip" is required to pull the drill string, remove the worn bit, and install a new one.

2. Checking the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA): The BHA is the complex assembly of tools and equipment situated below the drill string. It consists of components like stabilizers, drill collars, and downhole motors, all designed to control the drilling process. Regular checks for wear, damage, or performance issues require a "trip" to bring the BHA to the surface.

3. Changing Drilling Fluids: During drilling, the fluid circulating through the wellbore plays a critical role in cleaning cuttings, cooling the bit, and maintaining wellbore stability. A "trip" can be necessary to change the drilling fluid formulation or density, based on the formations encountered or to address specific wellbore issues.

4. Running Casing or Liner: Casing and liner are steel pipes that are cemented in place to strengthen the wellbore, prevent formation collapse, and isolate different zones. Running these pipes requires a "trip" to lower them into the wellbore and cement them in place.

5. Conducting Downhole Operations: Various downhole operations, like logging, perforating, or running completion equipment, necessitate a "trip" to lower or retrieve specific tools and equipment into or out of the wellbore.

The Round Trip Process:

Making a trip involves a series of coordinated steps that demand expertise and precision:

1. Pulling the Drill String: The drill string is gradually pulled out of the hole using the drawworks and hoisting system.

2. Disconnecting the BHA: Once the BHA is at the surface, it is disconnected from the drill string. This involves releasing various connections and handling heavy equipment carefully.

3. Inspection and Maintenance: The drill bit, BHA components, and drill string are inspected for wear and damage. Necessary repairs or replacements are made.

4. Preparing for Re-entry: The new bit or BHA is connected to the drill string, and all connections are thoroughly checked.

5. Returning to Bottom: The drill string is carefully lowered back into the hole, with the drill pipe being rotated to prevent any binding or tangling.

6. Setting Bottom: The drill string is carefully lowered back into the hole, with the drill pipe being rotated to prevent any binding or tangling. The bit is set on bottom, and the drilling operation resumes.

Making a trip is an intricate and time-consuming process that requires careful planning, skilled execution, and constant monitoring. The efficiency of the operation directly impacts drilling costs, project timelines, and overall wellbore performance. Understanding the complexities of "making a trip" is essential for anyone involved in the drilling and well completion industry.

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Making a Trip

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of "making a trip" in drilling and well completion?

a) To add more drill pipe to the drill string. b) To circulate drilling fluid to clean cuttings. c) To remove and replace the drill bit or other downhole equipment. d) To monitor wellbore pressure and temperature.

Answer

c) To remove and replace the drill bit or other downhole equipment.

2. Which of the following is NOT a common reason for making a trip?

a) Changing the drill bit. b) Checking the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). c) Running casing or liner. d) Injecting cement into the wellbore.

Answer

d) Injecting cement into the wellbore.

3. What is the name of the complex assembly of tools and equipment situated below the drill string?

a) Drill collar b) Drill pipe c) Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) d) Mud motor

Answer

c) Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)

4. What is the first step involved in making a trip?

a) Disconnecting the BHA from the drill string. b) Preparing the new bit or BHA for re-entry. c) Pulling the drill string out of the hole. d) Inspecting the drill string and BHA for wear and damage.

Answer

c) Pulling the drill string out of the hole.

5. Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the efficiency of making a trip?

a) The type of drilling fluid being used. b) The depth of the wellbore. c) The availability of spare parts and equipment. d) The geological formations encountered.

Answer

a) The type of drilling fluid being used.

Exercise: Planning a Trip

Scenario: A drilling crew is working on a well that has reached a depth of 8,000 feet. The drill bit has become dull and needs to be replaced.

Task: Create a step-by-step plan for making a trip to replace the drill bit. Consider the following factors:

Safety: What safety precautions should be taken during each step?
Time: What are the potential time delays that could occur?
Equipment: What specific equipment will be needed?
Personnel: What roles and responsibilities are involved?

Exercice Correction

Here is a sample plan for making a trip to replace the drill bit:

Step 1: Preparation

Safety: Ensure all safety equipment is available and in good condition (safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, etc.). Review safety procedures with the crew.
Time: Estimate the time required to pull the drill string, disconnect the BHA, and prepare the new bit.
Equipment: Gather the necessary tools and equipment, including the new drill bit, wrenches, torque wrenches, hoisting equipment, and a lifting sling.
Personnel: Assign roles to the crew members, including the driller, tool pusher, floorhand, and other specialists.

Step 2: Pulling the Drill String

Safety: Ensure proper communication and coordination between the driller and the floorhands. Use the drawworks and hoisting system carefully and follow safety procedures for lifting heavy loads.
Time: Factor in the time required to safely pull the drill string.
Equipment: Use the drawworks and hoisting system to gradually pull the drill string out of the hole.
Personnel: The driller controls the drawworks, while the floorhands monitor the drill string and assist with disconnecting the BHA.

Step 3: Disconnecting the BHA

Safety: Use proper lifting techniques and ensure the BHA is properly secured before disconnecting.
Time: Allow sufficient time to carefully disconnect the BHA, ensuring all connections are released safely.
Equipment: Utilize specialized wrenches and torque wrenches to disconnect the BHA from the drill string.
Personnel: Floorhands and tool pushers work together to safely disconnect the BHA.

Step 4: Inspection and Preparation

Safety: Inspect the drill string, BHA, and new drill bit carefully. Wear protective gear during inspection.
Time: Allow for thorough inspection and repair or replacement of any worn or damaged components.
Equipment: Utilize inspection tools and equipment to assess the condition of the BHA and drill string.
Personnel: The tool pusher and other specialists inspect the equipment and make necessary decisions about repairs or replacement.

Step 5: Re-entry and Setting Bottom

Safety: Ensure proper communication and coordination between the driller and floorhands. Use the drawworks and hoisting system carefully and follow safety procedures for lowering heavy loads.
Time: Factor in the time required to safely lower the drill string.
Equipment: Use the drawworks and hoisting system to carefully lower the drill string back into the hole.
Personnel: The driller controls the drawworks, while the floorhands monitor the drill string and assist with setting the bit on bottom.

Step 6: Confirmation and Resumption

Safety: Ensure all connections are secure and there are no leaks or problems with the BHA or drill string.
Time: Allow for a final check before resuming drilling operations.
Equipment: Check all equipment is in good working order.
Personnel: The driller, tool pusher, and floorhands work together to verify the trip is complete and the well is ready for drilling.

Potential Delays:

Mechanical issues with the hoisting system.
Difficulty disconnecting the BHA.
Worn or damaged equipment requiring repairs or replacements.
Unexpected geological formations encountered during the trip.
Safety issues requiring immediate attention.

Note: This plan is a general outline. The specific steps, equipment, and personnel required will vary depending on the type of well, depth, and other factors. Always prioritize safety and consult with qualified professionals for specific instructions and procedures.

Books

Drilling Engineering: Principles and Practices: This comprehensive book covers all aspects of drilling engineering, including "make a trip" operations. It provides detailed explanations of the process, its purpose, and the necessary precautions.
Petroleum Engineering Handbook: Another comprehensive resource, this handbook discusses various drilling and well completion processes, including "make a trip" and its importance in drilling efficiency.
Well Completion Engineering: This book focuses on the completion stage of a well, which includes "make a trip" operations for running casing, liner, and completion equipment.

Articles

"The Importance of Efficient Trip Operations in Drilling" by [Author Name] - A journal article focusing on the cost and time impact of efficient "make a trip" operations and the benefits of optimizing this process.
"Optimizing Trip Times for Enhanced Drilling Efficiency" by [Author Name] - This article discusses various strategies and technologies used to minimize the time required for a "make a trip," improving overall drilling efficiency.
"Downhole Tools and Their Impact on Trip Operations" by [Author Name] - An article exploring the specific challenges and considerations associated with "make a trip" operations related to downhole tools and equipment.

Online Resources

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): The SPE website offers a vast collection of technical papers, publications, and online courses related to drilling and well completion, including detailed information on "make a trip" operations.
American Petroleum Institute (API): API provides industry standards and guidelines, including specifications for drilling equipment and procedures, which are relevant to "make a trip" operations.
Oil & Gas Journal: This industry publication offers articles and news related to drilling and well completion, often including discussions on "make a trip" operations and their impact on project outcomes.

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