This paper describes how new technology was implemented and deployed through a downhole acoustic network through a sequence of runs in complex North Sea wells under managed-pressure conditions. The authors demonstrate how measurements and real-time solutions evolved over the course of the wells to exceed the originally perceived value of top-of-fluid under severe losses. As a result of this deployment and the lessons learned, the acoustic telemetry network will now be used on upcoming, equally challenging wells, and its range of operations will be expanded to include drilling, tripping, and liner-cementing operations.
Introduction
Several mature fields in the North Sea experience significant challenges relating to high pressures and temperatures, accompanied by the infill drilling challenge of very narrow margins between pore and fracture pressures. To navigate these narrow mud-weight windows, understanding the bottomhole pressure (BHP) is critical.
