Forage et complétion de puits

undergauge hole

Des trous sous-dimensionnés : un mal nécessaire dans le forage et l'achèvement des puits

Dans le monde du forage et de l'achèvement des puits, le terme "trou sous-dimensionné" fait référence à une partie du trou de forage qui a un diamètre inférieur à la taille prévue. Bien que cela puisse sembler contre-intuitif, les trous sous-dimensionnés sont souvent créés intentionnellement à des fins spécifiques et peuvent être cruciaux pour la réussite de l'achèvement d'un puits.

Pourquoi créer des trous sous-dimensionnés ?

Plusieurs facteurs nécessitent la création de trous sous-dimensionnés :

  • Pose du tubage : Lors de la pose du tubage dans un puits, il est essentiel de s'assurer qu'il est fermement en place sur la formation. Les sections sous-dimensionnées au-dessus du patin de tubage permettent un volume de ciment suffisant, créant une liaison solide entre le tubage et le puits. Cela évite les fuites et garantit l'intégrité du puits.
  • Forage directionnel : Dans les puits horizontaux ou déviés, des sections sous-dimensionnées peuvent être utilisées pour diriger le trépan et maintenir la trajectoire souhaitée. Ceci est particulièrement pertinent dans les formations géologiques complexes.
  • Installation du tubing : Pour éviter toute interférence avec d'autres équipements comme les obturateurs ou les outils de fond de puits, des sections sous-dimensionnées peuvent être forées au-dessus des chaînes de tubing.
  • Opérations de cimentation : Les sections sous-dimensionnées peuvent être utilisées stratégiquement pour faciliter les opérations de cimentation efficaces, permettant un meilleur contact avec les parois du puits et minimisant les vides potentiels.

Impact des trous sous-dimensionnés sur les performances du puits :

Bien que les trous sous-dimensionnés soient souvent nécessaires, ils peuvent également avoir des impacts négatifs potentiels sur les performances du puits :

  • Réduction du débit : Un trou de plus petit diamètre peut restreindre l'écoulement des hydrocarbures, ce qui peut avoir un impact sur la production.
  • Augmentation de la friction : Un diamètre réduit peut augmenter la friction pour le tubing et autres équipements, ce qui peut provoquer de l'usure.
  • Instabilité du puits : Les sections sous-dimensionnées peuvent affaiblir le puits, augmentant le risque d'instabilité et de potentiel effondrement du puits.

Atténuation des risques associés aux trous sous-dimensionnés :

Pour minimiser les impacts négatifs des trous sous-dimensionnés, une planification et une exécution minutieuses sont cruciales. Voici quelques stratégies :

  • Placement stratégique : Il est essentiel de placer les sections sous-dimensionnées dans des zones où elles ont un impact minimal sur les performances du puits.
  • Conception appropriée : Calculer soigneusement le diamètre et la longueur sous-dimensionnés nécessaires pour garantir un volume de ciment suffisant et une bonne pose du tubage est crucial.
  • Techniques de forage avancées : L'utilisation d'équipements et de techniques de forage spécialisés, tels que le sous-alésage, peut minimiser l'impact des sections sous-dimensionnées sur la stabilité du puits et le débit.

Conclusion :

Les trous sous-dimensionnés sont un aspect complexe du forage et de l'achèvement des puits. Bien qu'ils puissent être un outil nécessaire pour atteindre des objectifs spécifiques, il est essentiel de tenir compte attentivement de leurs impacts potentiels. En planifiant stratégiquement, en mettant en œuvre des techniques de forage avancées et en surveillant les performances du puits, nous pouvons tirer parti des trous sous-dimensionnés pour maximiser l'efficacité du puits tout en minimisant les risques.


Test Your Knowledge

Undergauge Holes Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is an undergauge hole in drilling and well completion?

a) A section of the borehole with a larger diameter than intended.

Answer

Incorrect. An undergauge hole has a smaller diameter than intended.

b) A section of the borehole with a smaller diameter than intended.
Answer

Correct! This is the definition of an undergauge hole.

c) A section of the borehole that has been drilled incorrectly.
Answer

Incorrect. While undergauge holes can sometimes be a result of drilling errors, they are often intentional.

d) A hole that is drilled too deep.
Answer

Incorrect. This is a different drilling issue.

2. Why are undergauge holes sometimes necessary?

a) To increase flow rates.

Answer

Incorrect. Undergauge holes actually reduce flow rates.

b) To decrease the risk of wellbore instability.
Answer

Incorrect. Undergauge holes can actually increase the risk of instability.

c) To ensure proper cementing operations.
Answer

Correct! Undergauge sections help with cement volume and contact with the wellbore walls.

d) To create a larger target for drilling.
Answer

Incorrect. This is the opposite of what undergauge holes do.

3. What is a potential negative impact of undergauge holes on well performance?

a) Increased production.

Answer

Incorrect. Undergauge holes can lead to reduced production.

b) Reduced friction in tubing.
Answer

Incorrect. Undergauge holes increase friction.

c) Improved wellbore stability.
Answer

Incorrect. Undergauge holes can weaken the wellbore.

d) Reduced flow rates.
Answer

Correct! This is a direct consequence of a smaller diameter hole.

4. Which of the following is NOT a strategy for mitigating the risks associated with undergauge holes?

a) Strategic placement of the undergauge sections.

Answer

Incorrect. Strategic placement is a key mitigation strategy.

b) Using underreaming techniques.
Answer

Incorrect. Underreaming is a useful technique for minimizing the impact of undergauge holes.

c) Increasing the diameter of the undergauge section.
Answer

Correct! Increasing the diameter would negate the purpose of an undergauge hole.

d) Carefully designing the undergauge section's length and diameter.
Answer

Incorrect. Proper design is a crucial mitigation strategy.

5. Undergauge holes are a complex aspect of drilling and well completion. They can be considered:

a) A completely unnecessary practice that should be avoided.

Answer

Incorrect. Undergauge holes are often essential for successful well completion.

b) A necessary tool for achieving specific objectives, but require careful consideration of potential impacts.
Answer

Correct! This is a balanced and accurate assessment of undergauge holes.

c) A sign of poorly planned drilling operations.
Answer

Incorrect. While undergauge holes can sometimes result from errors, they are often a deliberate part of the plan.

d) A simple technique that does not require much planning or consideration.
Answer

Incorrect. Undergauge holes require careful planning and execution.

Undergauge Holes Exercise

Scenario: You are working on a well completion project. The well will be drilled horizontally through a complex geological formation. To maintain the desired trajectory, you need to create an undergauge section above the planned casing shoe. The casing shoe will be set at 5,000 feet, and the undergauge section needs to be 100 feet long.

Task:

  1. Calculate the required undergauge diameter: The casing shoe has a diameter of 10 inches, and you need to ensure there is at least 2 inches of cement surrounding the casing. Consider that the cement needs to flow and fill the annular space between the casing and the wellbore.
  2. Explain the potential risks associated with creating this undergauge section: Think about the specific challenges of drilling horizontally through a complex geological formation.
  3. Suggest at least two strategies to mitigate the risks identified in step 2:

Exercice Correction

**1. Calculation:** * **Inner diameter of the annular space:** 10 inches (casing diameter) + 2 inches (cement thickness) = 12 inches * **Required undergauge diameter:** 12 inches (inner diameter) + 2 inches (cement flow) = 14 inches * **Therefore, the required undergauge diameter is 14 inches.**
**2. Potential risks:** * **Wellbore instability:** Horizontal drilling in complex formations can increase the risk of wellbore collapse due to stress and rock formations. The undergauge section can further weaken the wellbore. * **Lost circulation:** Complex formations may contain fractures or voids, increasing the risk of cement and drilling fluid being lost into the formation, disrupting operations. * **Steerability:** Maintaining the desired trajectory during horizontal drilling can be difficult in complex formations. The undergauge section could create challenges for steerability and potentially impact the well's overall direction.
**3. Mitigation Strategies:** * **Advanced drilling techniques:** Utilize specialized equipment and techniques like underreaming or downhole motors to stabilize the wellbore, minimize the impact of the undergauge section on wellbore stability, and enhance steerability. * **Careful cementing procedures:** Employ techniques to minimize the risk of lost circulation, such as staged cementing or using specialized cement additives that improve its rheology and sealing capabilities. * **Constant monitoring:** Implement real-time monitoring of drilling parameters and wellbore conditions to detect potential problems early and adjust drilling strategies accordingly. * **Use of specialized casing:** Consider using thicker casing with a higher burst strength to mitigate the risk of wellbore collapse due to the undergauge section.


Books

  • "Petroleum Engineering: Drilling and Well Completion" by John A. Lee: This comprehensive textbook covers various aspects of drilling and well completion, including undergauge hole creation and its implications.
  • "Drilling Engineering" by Robert F. Mitchell and R. Wayne McLamore: Another widely used textbook that delves into drilling practices and techniques, including undergauge drilling and its considerations.
  • "Well Completion Design" by J.P. Brill and H.J. Economides: This book focuses on the design and implementation of well completion operations, providing insights into the role of undergauge holes.

Articles

  • "Undergauge Hole: A Necessary Evil" by SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers): This article discusses the use of undergauge holes in directional drilling, highlighting their impact on wellbore stability and flow.
  • "Impact of Undergauge Hole on Cement Bond Quality" by Schlumberger: This article explores the influence of undergauge sections on cement bond quality and potential risks associated with insufficient cement volume.
  • "Underreaming: A Solution for Optimizing Wellbore Geometry" by Baker Hughes: This article examines the use of underreaming technology in mitigating the negative effects of undergauge holes and improving wellbore stability.

Online Resources

  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers): This website offers a vast collection of technical papers, presentations, and publications related to drilling and well completion, including information on undergauge holes.
  • Schlumberger: This website provides resources, technical papers, and case studies related to drilling and well completion, including information on cementing operations and their relevance to undergauge holes.
  • Baker Hughes: This website offers information on various drilling and well completion technologies, including underreaming tools and techniques used to address undergauge holes.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords like "undergauge hole," "drilling," "well completion," "cementing," "directional drilling," "wellbore stability," and "underreaming."
  • Include specific terms like "casing seating," "tubing installation," and "flow restriction" to refine your search.
  • Utilize boolean operators like "AND," "OR," and "NOT" to refine your search and find more relevant resources.
  • Explore different file types like PDF, DOC, and PPT to access diverse formats of relevant information.

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