Drilling/completion fluids
This paper establishes that the use of a dual-gradient fluid column during the running of large casing in an extreme-reach deepwater well is an effective method to overcome drag and enable the casing to reach total depth.
In this paper a case study is described in which a software solution enabled prescriptive optimization of well delivery using a physics-informed machine-learning approach for predictive identification and characterization of well-construction risks.
Two critical facets of the discipline of well control and wellbore integrity—decarbonization and groundbreaking automation of essential processes—are highlighted in the three primary paper selections presented at SPE and SPE-affiliated conferences during the past year.
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A challenge in many permeable, water-sensitive, subhydrostatic reservoirs is avoiding the loss of completion fluid when completing or working over wells. -
The inventor of a new water-based drilling fluid believes the chemical process involved with his technology opens up natural fractures as drilling takes place to increase production in shale formations.
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Despite hostile wellbore conditions, an operations team overcame challenges of drilling-fluid design and management to drill the first ultrahigh-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT), deep-gas well offshore Malay Peninsula.
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In an effort to optimize drilling operations and economics, an operator examined the effect of adding hollow glass spheres (HGSs) directly to the drilling fluid instead of performing underbalanced drilling.
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The strength and conductivity of proppant packs are key parameters for assessing their performance. This paper introduces a new analysis technique based on interpretation of acoustic measurements to quantify mechanical damage in propping agents.
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This paper presents experimental research in which a significant fracture-pressure increase was achieved in shale and the predominant wellbore strenghtening mechanism was identified.
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Technology developers are working on a new ultrasonic flowmeter for drilling fluids aimed at obtaining better measurements than current systems with far fewer disruptions to rig systems.
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Making hole has become a more difficult and complex operation as operators move into untapped horizons, especially deepwater and unconventional fields.
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This paper discusses the laboratory evaluation of potential high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) drilling-fluid designs considered for a deep gas exploration well in Malaysia.
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Mutual understanding and respect when universities collaborate with industry is crucial. A clear policy on harmonizing innovation and higher education should be created. However, caution must be taken not to have a one-size-fits-all approach.
