Ensuring Real-Time Deepwater Well Integrity
Maintaining adequate well integrity during both the drilling and operating phases of deepwater well production is critical for economic development of such resources.
ExxonMobil utilizes a quantitative "Engineered Well Design" approach that combines a detailed understanding of the physics of wellbore dynamics during drilling with quantitative risk analysis (QRA) technology. This unique proprietary methodology is used to optimize well designs and minimize well costs. An overview of fundamental integrated hole quality (IHQ) models to address key drilling concerns (well control, wellbore stability, hydraulics, hole cleaning, lost returns, differential pressure sticking, real-time shale strength determination, and torque and drag) will be presented, including examples of the cost savings realized via application of this unique technology.
ExxonMobil also utilizes physics-based production models to account for complex well loads encountered in deepwater production. Probabilistic tubular design methods are coupled with detailed flow and multi-string force balance models to counteract the effects of wellbore heat-up during production. Qualification of tubular connections, including non-linear finite-element analysis and full-scale physical testing, is used to design for both static and fatigue loading conditions. Specific examples will be presented of where these wellbore integrity technologies have been used to deliver reliable service throughout the life of a well.
This paper will illustrate ExxonMobil's use of real-time downhole pressure gauge data to further optimize wellbore production. In addition, a case study will be presented that illustrates the benefit of performing pre- and post-job production logs to verify the effectiveness of a deepwater well workover operation.
New Tools, Materials, and Techniques in Intelligent Well Production/Drilling (SPE)
2004 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition Technical Program