Wired BHA Applications in Underbalanced Coiled Tubing Drilling

Wired BHA Applications in Underbalanced Coiled Tubing Drilling Scott K. Tinkham; Scott K. Tinkham Schlumberger Oilfield Services Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Dale E. Meek; Dale E. Meek Schlumberger Oilfield Services Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Timo W. Staal Timo W. Staal Schlumberger Oilfield Services Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 2000. Paper Number: SPE-59161-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/59161-MS Published: February 23 2000 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Tinkham, Scott K., Meek, Dale E., and Timo W. Staal. "Wired BHA Applications in Underbalanced Coiled Tubing Drilling." Paper presented at the IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 2000. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/59161-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE/IADC Drilling Conference and Exhibition Search Advanced Search AbstractUnderbalanced directional drilling with coiled tubing is emerging as an instrumental technique for accessing new and bypassed reserves while enhancing overall reservoir recovery since, unlike jointed-pipe operations, circulation does not have to be interrupted every 30 feet to make connections. Coiled tubing drilling (CTD) thus offers the potential to achieve genuine steady state underbalanced conditions resulting in the elimination of formation damage, lost circulation and differential sticking. One of the enabling technologies assisting the growth of underbalanced directional CTD is the wire line-steerable bottom hole assembly (BHA). In contrast to conventional mud pulse telemetry systems, these purpose-built wired BHAs have been designed to accommodate efficient, continuously underbalanced drilling operations while also providing an opportunity for reservoir evaluation while drilling.The paper details the operational results for several underbalanced and low-head CTD projects involving an integrated wire line-steerable BHA. The most recent wells were completed in the North Sea, Canada and United States in 1999. Topics discussed include equipment performance, nitrified fluids, wellbore stability, well results and learning points. An analysis of time-based underbalanced CTD data is also presented.IntroductionSince the early 90's, the technical and commercial viability of coiled tubing drilling (CTD) has been tested for many different applications and in a variety of geographical locations, both onshore and offshore. Continuous CTD programs now operate in several countries and operators have expressed their commitment to further application of the technology as evidenced by the increased demand for multi-well project proposals and detailed feasibility studies. While for some the goal of commercial success with CTD may appear elusive, technical successes are abundant and well documented. Through careful analysis of test data, field operations and drilling performance, solutions of both an incremental and a breakthrough nature to the challenges of CTD have been made possible.Over the past three years the subject wire line-steerable BHA has been used on more than 20 CTD wells, accounting for over 17,500 feet of drilled formation across a diverse range of over and underbalanced applications. Half of the total jobs have occurred in 1999 and of these, more than three fourths have involved underbalanced or low-head drilling with nitrified fluids. As only three of the first 11 jobs used nitrified fluids (27%), a recent increasing trend toward underbalanced and low-head CTD applications is apparent.Wire Line-steerable BHAThe wire line-steerable BHA and associated service were specifically created to provide a safe and cost effective CTD option for underbalanced, short radius and through-tubing re-entry applications. A modular BHA design to enhance wellsite efficiency has resulted from combining innovative, fit-for-purpose features with proven wire line, MWD (measurements-while-drilling), and drilling technologies. Three components constitute the basic bottom hole assembly: a 3–1/2" to 4–3/4" OD bit, an application appropriate steerable mud motor (PDM), and an integrated multifunctional measurement and orientation tool (Fig. 1).The streamlined 2–7/8" OD tool combines wire line telemetry, robust MWD electronics, a powerful electric orienter, and redundant safety features. A wire line cable installed inside the 2", 2–3/8" or 2–5/8" OD coiled tubing enables real-time updates of down hole tool data (toolface, inclination, azimuth, survey quality parameters, gamma ray, temperature, radial shock frequency, casing collar locator, module status words, and internal, annular, and differential pressures) in any drilling medium regardless of pump status. The tool's unique electric orienter offers on-demand, bi-directional orientation and continuous rotation of the steerable mud motor while drilling. A discussion follows of the major elements of the CTD system. Keywords: drilling, injection rate, staal iadc spe 59161, nitrified fluid, continuous rotation, wireline-steerable bha, bha application, underbalanced drilling, coiled tubing, iadc spe 59161 Subjects: Drilling Operations This content is only available via PDF. 2000. IADC/SPE Drilling Conference You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.

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