Drillstring Vibration Analysis for Borehole Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Borehole instability issues in the petroleum industry, primarily due to physio-chemical interactions and mechanical factors like drillstring vibrations, result in significant nonproductive time and costs, with existing methods neglecting the impact of vibrations on instability.

Innovation Solution

A geomechanical modeling tool integrating three models: a rock-type specific loading rate model, a drillstring vibrational model, and a finite element model, to predict mechanical rock failure and determine optimal drilling parameters that minimize instability while maximizing rate of penetration (ROP).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If drilling rate of penetration (ROP) is increased to improve productivity, then drilling efficiency is improved, but borehole instability increases due to higher loading rate and drillstring vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate of penetration (ROP)VSAvoidborehole stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes drilling parameters (ROP, weight on bit, rotary speed) dynamically based on real-time vibrations and rock type to optimize the balance between productivity and borehole stability. Different parameter sets are applied for different rock formations and vibration conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors drillstring vibrations and uses this feedback to adjust drilling parameters in real-time. The vibration data is processed to identify instability conditions, and the system automatically modifies ROP and other parameters to maintain borehole stability while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If loading rate is increased to improve drilling speed, then productivity is improved, but mechanical damage to rock formations increases due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling speedVSAvoidmechanical damage to rock formations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system analyzes drillstring vibrations to understand their impact on rock formations. By characterizing vibration patterns and their relationship to rock damage, the system adjusts drilling parameters to minimize harmful vibrations while maintaining efficient drilling speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system modifies drilling parameters based on rock type and vibration characteristics to reduce mechanical damage. Different parameter optimization strategies are applied for different rock formations, adjusting ROP, weight on bit, and rotary speed to minimize vibration-induced damage while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional drilling methods are used to maintain simple operations, then ease of operation is preserved, but borehole instability increases due to neglect of vibration effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling operation simplicityVSAvoidborehole stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors and analyzes drillstring vibrations, and self-adjusts drilling parameters without requiring constant manual intervention. The automated vibration analysis and parameter optimization reduce the need for operator expertise while maintaining borehole stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback loops that continuously monitor vibrations and adjust parameters in real-time. This automated control simplifies operation while improving borehole stability, as the system handles the complexity of vibration management autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The tool effectively reduces borehole instability, leading to cost savings, minimized equipment and workforce risks, and improved productivity by optimizing drilling parameters and workflows.

Implementation Method 1

the vibration of the drillstring in a borehole is known to damage rock formations in the borehole wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

determining impact forces for each of the plurality of BHA designs using a drill string vibrational model

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240330543A1Model for constraining rate ofpenetration through loading rate anddrillstring vibrations analysis

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for constraining rate of penetration through a loading rate and drillstring vibrations analysis are disclosed. The methods include obtaining a rock type of a formation to be drilled, determining a rock-type specific loading rate model for the rock type, obtaining surface drilling parameters for each of a plurality of rate of penetration (ROP) values; and obtaining a plurality of bottom hole assembly (BHA) designs. The methods further include determining impact forces for each of the plurality of BHA designs using a drill string vibrational model and the surface drilling parameters, predicting rock failure using the impact forces, rock type specific loading rate model, and a finite element model (FEM), and selecting particular surface drilling parameters based on the predicted rock failure.