Le Stand : Un Élément Essentiel du Forage et de la Complétion de Puits
Dans le monde du forage pétrolier et gazier, le « stand » joue un rôle crucial. Il ne s'agit pas d'un seul équipement, mais plutôt d'une unité fondamentale du processus de forage, représentant une longueur spécifique de colonne de forage prête à être déployée.
Définition du Stand :
Un stand fait référence à une série de joints connectés de colonne de forage qui sont empilés dans le derrick ou le mât lors d'un « trip » - c'est-à-dire, la sortie de la colonne de forage du puits ou sa descente à nouveau. Sur la plupart des plateformes de forage, un stand se compose généralement de trois longueurs de colonne de forage vissées ensemble, ce qui donne une longueur totale d'environ 90 pieds (27 mètres).
Importance des Stands :
Le concept de stand est essentiel pour plusieurs raisons :
- Efficacité : En organisant la colonne de forage en stands gérables, les opérations de forage deviennent plus efficaces. Les membres de l'équipage peuvent assembler et démonter rapidement les stands, minimisant ainsi les temps d'arrêt et maximisant les progrès du forage.
- Sécurité : Les longueurs standardisées de colonne de forage dans un stand assurent la cohérence et réduisent le risque d'accidents. La manipulation contrôlée des stands prévient les situations potentiellement dangereuses, telles que le mauvais alignement des tubes ou la chute des tubes.
- Logistique : Les stands sont facilement transportés et stockés, ce qui simplifie la logistique sur la plateforme de forage.
- Gestion de la Profondeur de Forage : L'utilisation de stands permet le suivi précis de la profondeur de forage.
Variations de la Longueur des Stands :
Bien que la longueur typique d'un stand soit de 90 pieds, il existe des variations en fonction de l'opération de forage spécifique. Par exemple, certaines plateformes de forage peuvent utiliser des stands avec deux ou quatre joints de tubes, et la longueur totale peut varier en fonction de la taille et du type de colonne de forage utilisé.
Manipulation des Stands :
La manipulation des stands implique diverses procédures :
- Faire un Trip : Lors du retrait de la colonne de forage du puits, la colonne de forage est déconnectée en stands. Chaque stand est ensuite soulevé par le palan mobile et balancé dans le derrick, où il est stocké jusqu'au prochain trip.
- Lancer un Trip : Lors de la descente de la colonne de forage dans le puits, les stands sont assemblés sur le plancher de la plateforme de forage, puis connectés à la colonne de forage, un stand à la fois.
Le Rôle du Stand au-delà du Forage :
Le concept de stands s'étend au-delà du forage. Dans les opérations de complétion de puits, des stands de tubage (tubes en acier utilisés pour doubler le trou de forage) ou de tubage (tubes utilisés pour transporter le pétrole ou le gaz) sont également utilisés.
Conclusion :
Le stand est un élément essentiel des opérations de forage et de complétion de puits. Il simplifie la logistique, augmente la sécurité et contribue à l'exécution efficace et précise de ces processus complexes. En comprenant le rôle du stand, nous acquérons une compréhension plus approfondie des complexités impliquées dans l'extraction des ressources pétrolières et gazières à la surface.
Test Your Knowledge
Quiz: The Stand in Drilling and Well Completion
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What is a "stand" in the context of drilling operations?
a) A single piece of drill pipe. b) A specific length of drill pipe consisting of multiple connected joints. c) A type of drilling rig used for deep wells. d) A tool used to measure drilling depth.
Answer
b) A specific length of drill pipe consisting of multiple connected joints.
2. What is the typical length of a stand on most drilling rigs?
a) 30 feet b) 60 feet c) 90 feet d) 120 feet
Answer
c) 90 feet
3. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using stands in drilling operations?
a) Increased efficiency. b) Improved safety. c) Reduced drilling depth accuracy. d) Simplified logistics.
Answer
c) Reduced drilling depth accuracy.
4. When is a "trip" made in drilling operations?
a) When the drill string is being lowered into the well. b) When the drill string is being pulled out of the well. c) When the drilling fluid is being circulated. d) When the well is being completed.
Answer
b) When the drill string is being pulled out of the well.
5. The concept of stands is also used in which of the following operations?
a) Well completion b) Oil refining c) Pipeline construction d) Seismic surveying
Answer
a) Well completion
Exercise: Stand Calculations
Scenario:
You are working on a drilling rig where the typical stand length is 90 feet. Your current drilling depth is 10,000 feet. The rig is about to make a trip to change the drill bit.
Task:
- Calculate the number of stands that need to be pulled out of the well to reach the surface.
- If the drill string is made up of 30-foot drill pipe joints, how many joints will be in each stand?
- How many total joints of drill pipe need to be pulled out of the well?
Exercice Correction
1. Number of stands: 10,000 feet / 90 feet/stand = 111.11 stands. Since you can't have a fraction of a stand, you'll need to pull out 112 stands.
2. Joints per stand: 90 feet/stand / 30 feet/joint = 3 joints per stand.
3. Total joints: 112 stands * 3 joints/stand = 336 joints of drill pipe need to be pulled out.
Books
- "Petroleum Engineering: Drilling and Well Completion" by William C. Lyons: This comprehensive textbook covers all aspects of drilling and well completion, including a detailed explanation of stands and their role in drilling operations.
- "Drilling Engineering: A Complete Well Construction Guide" by Bradley J. Foulger: This book provides a thorough analysis of the entire drilling process, focusing on the engineering principles behind various drilling equipment and techniques, including the use of stands.
- "The Oil and Gas Production Handbook" by John A. Logan: This book covers a wide range of topics in oil and gas production, including the operations of drilling, completion, and production. It offers a practical approach to the subject, including information on stands and other key elements of the drilling process.
Articles
- "Understanding the Basics of Drilling Operations" by Schlumberger: This article from a leading oilfield service company provides a concise overview of the drilling process, emphasizing the importance of stands in efficient and safe operations.
- "Drilling Fluid Technology: A Comprehensive Review" by SPE Journal: This article explores the crucial role of drilling fluids in the drilling process, specifically addressing their impact on stand handling and wellbore stability.
- "The Role of Well Completion in Maximizing Oil and Gas Recovery" by SPE Journal: This article delves into the importance of well completion, highlighting how stands of casing and tubing are used to ensure safe and efficient production from wells.
Online Resources
- Oil and Gas IQ: This website offers a wide range of articles, videos, and resources on various aspects of the oil and gas industry, including detailed information on drilling and well completion, including the use of stands.
- SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers): The SPE website provides a vast library of publications, technical papers, and industry news related to the oil and gas sector. Search for "stand" or "drilling" to find relevant content.
- Schlumberger's Oilfield Glossary: This online glossary defines key terms used in the oil and gas industry, including a comprehensive definition of "stand" in the context of drilling and completion.
Search Tips
- Use specific keywords: For example, use terms like "stand drilling," "drilling stand," "stand length," "completion stand" in your search.
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