DrillScene has been deployed commercially since 2011 and used by leading oil and gas companies around the world. The results from some of these operations are presented here to highlight the value of the DrillScene approach to real-time drilling monitoring.
Industry Challenge
Over a period of two and a half years (2013 to 2015) a large independent operator experienced a drilling statistics of 32% unplanned, technical sidetracks (90 sidetracks on 280 wells). This is in line with the NPD register. The operator estimates the cost to exceed USD220M per year. A study of 165 wells revealed that most of the incidents leading to sidetracks happened during pull out of hole (POOH).
Sekal solution reduced unplanned, technical sidetracks by 60%, delivering huge cost savings
With sekal, unplanned technical sidetrack ratio over the 470 wells over 30 countries reduced to 9.74%.
To assist in the drilling execution of complex wells and well sections, DrillScene was utilized for advanced real-time monitoring in the real-time operations center (RTOC) and operational workflows. Complex wells for the operator included tight/narrow mud weight window wells, deviated wells, and ERD wells with complex hole cleaning and stability challenges. The drilling analysts used the software to perform situation examination, trend analysis, and provide proactive drilling advice.
The yearly cost saving potential for the operator is exceeding USD 180 M per year. Additional value by utilizing DrillScene in operations, such as early production, reduced time used on hole cleaning, and stability challenges not leading to sidetracks, are not included in this estimated cost saving.
Cumulative wells monitored by Sekal
Early warning to avoid stuck pipe
DrillScene can provide early warning of stuck pipe symptoms, giving the rig and the operations team time to take remedial and stepwise actions. In this example from a well in Asia, the DrillScene trends clearly show a standpipe pressure (SPP) build up over a period of 4 hours and a sudden change in hydraulic jacking after 3 hours of increasing SPP. In this case, DrillScene could have presented the rig crew with advance notice of changes in downhole conditions and avoided the stuck pipe situation.
The conditions that lead to stuck pipe can be difficult to read in raw drilling data. Various factors may indicate potential problems, but often these are spotted only when the situation has developed to the point where the drill string sticks. By that stage, finding a solution has become very difficult. The raw data indicate that the hook load, torque and pump pressure measurements are reducing during POOH as would be expected. However, it is very difficult to assess whether the reduction is equal to the amount that would be expected.
