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ABSTRACT
quasi-static finite element algorithm. A unique drill ahead routine quantitatively predicts
wellbore inclination and azimuth versus depth. Geological effects are accounted for by
an anisotropic rock model that utilizes formation dip and strike to adjust the bit reaction
forces. The trajectory prediction model operates on a personal computer and is interfaced
Twelve field assemblies have been tested and the predicted trajectories accurately
,
match field survey data. The equilibrium curvatures forecast by the drill ahead model
compare favorably to actual field wellbore curvatures. Radial clearance and formation
anisotropy are the most significant parameters influencing BHA behavior, in both the
INTRODUCTION
The variables that affect the design of drilling assemblies for directional wells can
be classified in two categories: those related to drill string mechanics and those related
to area geology. To accurately simulate the drilling process and predict the trajectory a
BHA will follow both categories of factors must be taken into account. Most important is
the 200 to 300 feet of drill string just above the bit, referred to as the bottomhole
assembly (BHA). The BHA contains the deviation control elements (drill collars,
stabilizers, bent subs, measurement while drilling equipment, downhole motors, etc.) that
have the greatest influence on the direction the bit will drill.
Many analytical and numerical models exist which are designed to analyze
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bottomhole assemblies and/or predict wellbore trajectories. - Many of the models and
programs serve their purpose qualitatively. To date there are few models capable of
geology.
The following research addresses the design and field verification of a wellbore
forecasting based on both BHA mechanical behavior and geological influences. To gain
wide field acceptance, the model is interfaced with a menu driven system. The menu
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The finite element program utilizes three dimensional beam elements to represent
the BHA components. The force-displacement derivations for beam elements have been
detailed by several authors. 3 ,5,18,28-31 Most of the derivations are conducted in accordance
The equilibrium equation of a three dimensional rectilinear beam under axial. loading is
5
derived to be:
d4U d2U
El _ N = 0 ...(1)
2
dx4 dx
The solution to this fourth order differential equation is then shown to comply with the
...(2)
where [Fe] is the element internal force vedor, [K" ] is the element stiffness matrix, [ Ue ]
is the element displacement vedor, and [Fg.] is the element geometric force vector. The
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geometric forces are the nonlinear force tenns arising from element curvature, chord
rotation, and end shortening. Each element in the finite element structure can be
described in the local coordinate system by Equation 2. The equation represents six
degrees of freedom at each node with two nodes per element Figure 1 contains a
...(3)
3 for node displacements. As the solution process proceeds2 &31, the quasi-static
algorithm applies external friction and contact forces along the BHA as node to wall
analysis while constraining the BHA within the circular rigid wellbore.
After detennining the bit reaction force vectors from the quasi-static finite element
analysis, the trajectory model detennines the wellbore curvature at the bit corresponding
to a new depth. The wellbore is merely appended, maintaining the original curvature
above the new hole interval. This allows a portion of the BHA to remain under the
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perfonned, bit reaction force vectors calculated, and the wellbore incremented once again.
The process continues for a user specified number of intervals. In effect, the model
data was incorporated into the program. The technique is based on a combination of two
1
models which rely on rock anisotropy indlces. ,28 If bedding plane dip and strike are
known the geological model separates the bit resultant force vector Into force vectors
acting parallel and perpendicular to the bedding planes of the fonnation in both the
inclination and azimuth directions. Using anisotropic indices the resultant bit force
magnitude and direction are re-computed; the wellbore is then incremented by the drill
The application of finite element analysis to bent tools in a BHA requires a special
approach due to the free movement of the string constrained within a circular rigid
wellbore. After constructing the required coinciding BHA-wellbore mesh the program
32
enforces the desired bend in the assembly by computing local cantilever forces acting
on the bit and applying them as global moments acting on the bent element
The procedure allows for the bend to be imposed in the string after the solution
routine has commenced. In essence, the analysis begins with a series of straight BHA
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elements conforming to the wellbore centerline. As the solution proceeds the applied
moments create a bend in the string at the desired location. The program can accept up
to two bends in the BHA, both oriented in the same direction, only sliding mode can be
modeled.
DISCUSSION
The quasi-static drill ahead model was used to trajectory history match twelve field
assemblies under field operating conditions. Of the twelve assemblies tes~d and
compared to field survey data; eight are rotary assemblies and four are steerable
assemblies with bent tools. The BHA's were selected from wells drilled in four different
Wellbore trajectory was predicted over the entire field run for each BHA. During
the analyses the bit radial clearances were varied to obtain the best possible trajectory
match. If formation data was available, the radial clearance was held constant while the
anisotropic indices were manipulated as matching parameters. Slopes from the forecast
trajectories were then compared to the field wellbore curvatures. The field wellbore
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Test Results
Inclination and azimuth response plots (Figures 2-25) show predicted and field
trajectory trend lines. The actual field survey points (MWD or MMS data) are represented
by asterisks. A best fit field trend line is displayed through the survey points for
The purpose of the trajectory response plots are to determine the most appropriate
wellbore curvature matches. Once a match is found, the predicted wellbore curvature,
radial clearance, and formation characteristics are quantified. The radial clearance and
A Rbest matchRis established when a predicted trajectory trend line closely parallels
the field survey trend. The drill ahead model results are not expected to coincide or
match each and every field survey point; for this reason the predicted trend line may not
Table 1 contains a summary of test results. The term RisotropicRindicates that the
geological model was not needed (anisotropic indices = 0.0), whether or not bed dip was
CONCLUSIONS
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assemblies with survey data verify the accuracy of the quasi-static drill
ahead algorithm.
are the most sensitive parameters best suited for matching of field survey
data.
Radial clearance of 0.1 inch at the bit is the most accurate clearance tested.
If fonnation dip and strike are known, independent inclination and azimuth
Several of the drill ahead trajedory predictions matched the field surveys
Overall, the quasi-static drill ahead model can accurately quantify BHA drill
ahead response enabling optimum BHA design for a given set of desired
operating conditions.
NOMENCLATURE
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Projects: Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., Amoco Production Co., Baroid Corp., BP
Development LTD, Chevron Oil Field Research Co., Conoco, Inc., EIf/Aquitaine, Exxon
Production Research Co., Instituto Mexicano del Petroleo, Intevep, Japan National Oil
Corp., Marathon Oil Co., Milpark Drilling Fluids, Mobil Research and Development Corp.,
Norway, Texaco USA, and Unocal Corp. for supporting this research effort. Phil Patillo
of Amoco Production Company deserves special recognition for all his help with the
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SPE 23530
REFERENCES
6. Millheim, K, Jordan, S., and Ritter, C.: "Bottom - Hole Assembly Analysis
st
Utilizing the Finite Element Method," paper SPE 6057 presented at the 51
Annual Fall Conference of the SPE, New Orleans, LA, October 3-6, 1976.
8. Millheim, K.: "Operators Have Much to Learn About Directional Drilling," Oil
& Gas J., Eight Part Series, (November 6, 1978 - February 12, 1979).
9. Toutain, P.: "Analyzing Drill String Behavior," Worfd Oil, Three Part Series,
(June, July, and September 1981).
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SPE 23530
12. Rafie, S., Ho, H. S., and Chandra, U.: -Applications of a BHA Analysis
Program in Directional Drilling,- paper SPE 14765 presented at the 1986
IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, Dallas, TX, February 10-12, 1986.
14. Jogi, P. M., Burgess, T. M., and Bowling, J. P.: -Predicting the Build/Drop
Tendency of Rotary Drilling Assemblies,- SPE Drilling Engineering, (June
1988), pp. 1n-185.
17. Ho, H. S.: "General Fonnulation of Drillstring Under Large Defonnation and
a
Its Use in BHA Analysis," paper SPE 15562 presented at the 61 Annual
Technical Conference and Exhibition of the SPE, New Orleans, LA, October
5-8, 1986.
18. Brakel, J. D., and AzBr, J. J.: "Prediction of Wellbore Trajectory Considering
Bottomhole Assembly and Drill Bit Dynamics,- Ph.D. Dissertation, The
University of Tulsa, Department of Petroleum Engineering, (1986).
12
SPE 23530
19. Birades, M. and Gazaniol, D.: "ORPHEE 3D: Original Results on the
Directional Behavior of BHA's With Bent Subs," paper SPE 19244
th
presented at the 64 Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the
SPE, San Antonio, TX, October 8-11, 1989.
20. Williams, J. B., Apostle, M. C., and Haduch, G. A: "An Analysis of Predicted
Wellbore Trajectory Using a Three Dimensional Model of a Bottomhole
Assembly With Bent Sub, Bent Housing, and Eccentric Contact
Capabilities," paper SPE 19545 presented at the 64th Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition of the SPE, San Antonio, TX, October 8-11,
1989.
22. McLamore, R T. and Gray, K E.: "A Strength Criterion for Anisotropic
Rocks Based Upon Experimental Observations," paper SPE 1721
th
presented at the 96 Annual AIME Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, February 19-
23, 1967.
23. Bradley, W. B.: "Factors Affecting the Control of Borehole Angle in Straight
th
and Directional Wells," paper SPE 5070 presented at the 49 Annual
Meeting of the SPE, Houston, TX, October 6-9, 1974.
24. Brown, E. T., Green, S. J., and Sinha, K P.: "The Influence of Rock
AniSOtropy on Hole Deviation in Rotary Drilling - A Review," Int J. Rock
Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr., Vol 18, (1981), pp. 387-401.
25. Cheatham, J. B. and Ho, C. Y.: "A Theoretical Model for Directional Drilling
Tendency of a Drill Bit in Anisotropic Rock," paper SPE 10642,
(Unsolicited), September 1981.
26. Xunyao, Y.: "An Equation of Formation Deviating Force and its Application,"
paper SPE 14850 presented at the International Meeting on Petroleum
Engineering, Beijing, China, March 17-20, 1986.
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SPE 23530
27. Ho, H. S.: Prediction of Drilling Trajectory in Directional Wells Via a New
Rock-Bit Interaction Model, paper SPE 16658 presented at the 6~ Annual
Technical Conference and Exhibition of the SPE, Dallas, TX, September
27-30, 1987.
28. ~r. J. J.: Matrix Structural Analysis, Pergamon Press. New York, (1972).
29. Reddy, J. N.: An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, McGraw Hill,
New York, (1984).
31. Rao, S. S.: The Finite Element Method in Engineering, 2nd edition.
Pergamon Press. Oxford. (1989).
14
seE 2 J 530
1:~I::'.lli:l:i:: 1.10 0.90 0.31 0.35 isotropic 0.05 geology not needed
11111111'11:::::1 -0.60 -0.55 0.08 0.10 I 4SO NE 0.10 incl. h =0.004, azim. h =0.000
l~jif~:ll:i::i:I'I:i 3.50 3.00 -0.60 -0.50 I isotropic I 0.10 I 2.3 bent sub, oriented 20 LHS
I 0.10 I
I formation interface 4200 ft. no azim
match, good match 4000-4200 ft.
I 0.10 I
1 bent housing, oriented 2SO RHS
= =
incl. h 0.006, azim. h 0.009
y
L
W
1
t M
A2'
W
A2 1
t M
B2 ' B2
FB2'
1 FA2 , U A2
1 U
B2
XL
MA1' WA1
~1 ' U A1
- -.... -+ - -.... -+
F U MB1' WB1
F B1' B1
B3 ' U B3
/
1/
M
B3
,WB3
z L
56
52
48
Predicted
44
40
36
32
28
1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 2100 2200
Depth (ft)
185 -
Predicted
180 -
-
- "'I'
*
~
* *
175
-* * * W
/f'
* * * Field Trend
170 -
*
165 -
160 I I I I I I I
32.0
30.0
Predicted
28.0
26.0
24.0
22.0
20.0 I I I I I I
Predicted
92.0
Field Trend
90.0
88.0 * *
86.0
84.0 I I I I I
61.25
60.00
Predicted
58.75
57.50
56.25
55.00 I I I I I I
185.50
185.00
* * Field Trend *
184.50
184.00
*
183.50
183.00 I I I I I I
48.0
46.0
44.0
42.0
40.0
38.0
Field Trend
36.0
34.0
32.0
30.0 I i I I I I I I I i " I I
8200 8300 8400 8500 8600 8700 8800 8900 9000 9100 9200
Depth (ft)
206.00
204.00
202.00 Predicted
200.00
*
198.00
196.00
194.00 I I r I I I I I I I I
8200 8300 8400 8500 8600 8700 8800 8900 9000 9100 9200
Depth (ft)
26.0
*
25.0
24.0
23.0
22.0
21.0
20.0
19.0
, ,
18.0
5080 5180 5280 5380 5480 5580 5680
Depth (ft)
94.0
Field Trend
93.0
*
92.0
91.0
* Predicted
90.0~
89.0
88.0
87.0
5080 5180 5280 5380 5480 5580 5680
Depth (ft)
I
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34.5
* Predicted
34.0 Field Trend
*
33.5
33.0
32.5
32.0 I I I I I , I
96.5
*
96.0
*
95.5
* *
95.0 *- :>~ I
Predicted
*
94.5
*
94.0 I I I I i I I
35.0
34.5
34.0
33.5
33.0
32.5
32.0 I I I I
109.5 -
107.5
107.0
106.5
106.0 I I I I
*
Field Trend
Predicted
39.0
38.0 I I I
221.50-
Predicted *
* * *Field Trend *
r-
* *
221.00 I
* I I
40.0
Field Trend
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0 I I I I I I I I
2.00
*
1.00 *
0.00 I -....... ....... -....... ..... ' I
*
-2.00
*
-3.00
*
- 4.00 I I I I i
*
i i I I
I",
SP.E 2353 0
12.0
Predicted
11.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0 I
* I I i i I I i '
*'
* *
105.00
Predicted
100.00
95.00
90.00 * *
Field Trend
85.00 I I I I I I i I I
23.0 -
22.0 -
21.0 -
20.0 -
i','
19.0 -
f - Predicted
I I
~
I
Field Trend
18.0 -
17.0 I I I I I '
227.0 -
Predicted
221.0 -
218.0 -
215.0 I I I I I I
23.0
22.0 Predicted
21.0
20.0
19.0
18.0
17.0 I I I I I I
t
SPE 2353 0
238.0
236.0
234.0
232.0
230.0
228.0
226.0 I I I r I I