Drilling & Well Completion

DMUR

DMUR: The Multifaceted Tool for Efficient Well Completion

In the world of drilling and well completion, efficiency is paramount. Cost optimization, minimizing downtime, and maximizing production are crucial considerations. One tool that plays a significant role in achieving these objectives is the DMUR (Drill, Mill, and Under-ream).

The DMUR is a versatile downhole tool that combines three essential functions into a single run:

1. Drilling:

  • Purpose: To create a new wellbore or extend an existing one.
  • Mechanism: Utilizing a drill bit, the DMUR rotates and penetrates the formation, removing rock and creating a cylindrical hole.
  • Application: Commonly used in initial well drilling, sidetracking, and reaming existing holes for casing installation.

2. Milling:

  • Purpose: To enlarge the diameter of an existing wellbore or to remove obstacles.
  • Mechanism: Milling cutters attached to the DMUR rotate at high speeds, shaving off material to widen the hole.
  • Application: Used to enlarge holes for casing or liner installation, removing cement bridges, and overcoming obstructions encountered during drilling.

3. Under-reaming:

  • Purpose: To enlarge the wellbore diameter in a controlled manner, ensuring sufficient space for casing or liner installation.
  • Mechanism: Under-reaming cutters, typically located at the bottom of the DMUR, are designed to enlarge the wellbore diameter below the drill bit.
  • Application: Essential for ensuring proper casing or liner seating, reducing friction, and improving the effectiveness of cementing operations.

Benefits of Using a DMUR:

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Combining three functions into a single run reduces trip time, saving valuable time and resources.
  • Cost Optimization: Minimizing trips and downhole operations translates to lower drilling costs.
  • Improved Wellbore Integrity: Precise under-reaming ensures proper casing or liner installation, enhancing wellbore stability and preventing potential leaks.
  • Enhanced Productivity: A properly prepared wellbore contributes to increased production rates.

DMUR Applications:

  • Well Completion: Preparation for casing and liner installation, ensuring proper seating and reducing cementing issues.
  • Sidetracking: Creating new pathways within a wellbore to access new reservoirs or avoid problematic areas.
  • Wellbore Clean Up: Removing debris and obstructions that can hinder production.
  • Wellbore Enlargement: Adjusting the wellbore diameter for specific operational requirements.

Conclusion:

The DMUR is a powerful tool that offers significant benefits to drilling and well completion operations. Its ability to combine drilling, milling, and under-reaming functionalities in a single run enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and optimizes wellbore integrity, ultimately contributing to improved production and greater profitability. As the industry continues to seek ways to maximize efficiency and optimize production, the DMUR will undoubtedly remain a valuable tool in the arsenal of drilling and well completion professionals.

Test Your Knowledge

DMUR Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does DMUR stand for?

a) Drill, Mill, and Under-ream b) Downhole Multi-use Rig c) Drilling, Milling, and Re-entry d) Directional Multi-use Tool

Answer

a) Drill, Mill, and Under-ream

2. Which of the following is NOT a function of a DMUR?

a) Drilling b) Cementing c) Milling d) Under-reaming

Answer

b) Cementing

3. What is the primary purpose of under-reaming?

a) To create a new wellbore b) To remove obstacles from the wellbore c) To enlarge the wellbore diameter for casing installation d) To increase the production rate

Answer

c) To enlarge the wellbore diameter for casing installation

4. What is the main advantage of using a DMUR compared to separate tools?

a) It is cheaper b) It requires less specialized equipment c) It reduces trip time and improves efficiency d) It can be used in a wider variety of formations

Answer

c) It reduces trip time and improves efficiency

5. Which of the following is a common application of the DMUR?

a) Fracturing a well b) Sidetracking a well c) Logging a well d) Acidizing a well

Answer

b) Sidetracking a well

DMUR Exercise:

Scenario:

You are the drilling engineer responsible for a new well. The well plan includes a section of the wellbore that needs to be enlarged to accommodate a 13.375 inch casing. The current hole size is only 12.25 inches.

Task:

  1. Explain how a DMUR can be used to prepare the wellbore for the casing installation.
  2. Describe the specific operations that the DMUR would perform in this scenario.
  3. List at least two potential benefits of using a DMUR in this situation.

Exercise Correction

**1. DMUR Application:**

A DMUR can be used to enlarge the wellbore diameter from 12.25 inches to 13.375 inches, creating the necessary space for the 13.375 inch casing to be installed. The DMUR's milling function would be utilized in this specific scenario.

**2. DMUR Operations:**

The DMUR would be run downhole and positioned at the section of the wellbore requiring enlargement. The milling cutters would then be engaged, rotating at high speed to shave off material from the wellbore wall. The DMUR would be carefully controlled to ensure the desired diameter of 13.375 inches is achieved.

**3. Benefits of DMUR Usage:**

- **Efficiency:** By combining milling and under-reaming in a single run, the DMUR eliminates the need for multiple trips and tool changes, saving time and reducing operational costs.

- **Wellbore Integrity:** Precise milling with a DMUR ensures the proper clearance for the casing, reducing the risk of casing hang-up and cementing issues, thereby enhancing wellbore integrity.

Books

  • "Drilling Engineering" by J.E.A. Conolly: This comprehensive textbook covers various aspects of drilling, including well completion techniques and tools like DMURs.
  • "Well Completion Design and Operations" by R.L. Smith: A detailed guide on well completion strategies, addressing the role of DMURs in optimizing wellbore integrity and production.
  • "Modern Well Completion Techniques" by T.F. Bentsen: Explores advanced well completion technologies, discussing the latest innovations and applications of DMURs in diverse well scenarios.

Articles

  • "DMUR Technology: Enhancing Well Completion Efficiency" by [Author Name] in [Journal Name]: A specific article focusing on the technical aspects of DMURs, their functionalities, and impact on well completion operations.
  • "Optimizing Wellbore Integrity with DMURs" by [Author Name] in [Journal Name]: Discusses the role of DMURs in achieving optimal wellbore integrity, addressing concerns like casing seating and cementing quality.
  • "Cost-Effective Well Completion Solutions: The Case for DMURs" by [Author Name] in [Journal Name]: This article analyzes the economic benefits of using DMURs, comparing them to traditional methods and highlighting their cost-saving potential.

Online Resources

  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) website: The SPE website features a vast collection of technical papers, publications, and presentations covering drilling and well completion technologies, including DMURs.
  • OnePetro: A comprehensive online resource for petroleum professionals, offering access to a wealth of technical information, including case studies and research related to DMUR applications.
  • Manufacturer websites: Websites of major drilling and well completion equipment manufacturers, such as Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, and Halliburton, often provide detailed information about their DMUR products and services.

Search Tips

  • Combine keywords: Use search terms like "DMUR well completion", "DMUR drilling", "DMUR technology", and "DMUR benefits" to refine your search results.
  • Utilize quotation marks: Enclose specific phrases, like "Drill, Mill, and Under-ream," in quotation marks to find exact matches.
  • Target specific websites: Include "site:spe.org" or "site:onepetro.org" in your search to restrict results to these relevant platforms.
  • Refine by date: Limit your search to recent publications by using keywords like "DMUR recent research" or "DMUR latest advancements."

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