An Integrated Approach for Drilling Optimization Using Advanced Drilling Optimizer

Abstract

The ability to optimize drilling procedures and economics involves simulation to understand the effects operational parameters and equipment design have on the ROP. An analysis applying drilling performance modeling to optimize drilling operations has been conducted to address this issue. This study shows how optimum operational parameters and equipment can be predicted by simulating drilling operations of preexisting wells in a Northwest Louisiana field. Reference well data was gathered and processed to predict the “drillability” of the formations encountered by inverting bit specific ROP models to solve for rock strength. The output data generated for the reference well was formatted to simulate upcoming wells. A comparative analysis was conducted between the predicted results and the actual results to show the accuracy of the simulation. A significant higher accuracy is shown between the simulated and actual drilling results. Once simulations were validated, optimum drilling parameters and equipment specifications were found by varying different combinations of weight on bit (WOB), rotary speed (RPM), hydraulics, and bit specifications until the highest drilling rate is achieved for each well. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the optimized results was conducted to assess the potential operational and economic benefits on drilling operations.