Deepwater Drilling

Offshore Drilling
Operations
Deepwater Drilling
Heimo Heinzle
Deepwater Drilling
2 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling
Deepwater Drilling
Deepwater Considerations
Water Depth
Differential Pressures
Distance to Shore (Logistics, Ocean rather than Sea Conditions)
Currents, Tidal effects, Waves & Swells, Wind
Temperature Differences
Hydrates
Forces effecting Riser Design
Fracture Gradients
Station Keeping (DP or Mooring)
Rig Selection
Deepwater Drilling
Riser Design
Hydrates
Dual Gradient / Managed Pressure Drilling
Deepwater Drilling
Riser Design
Riser Study
(1) Deployment/retrieval analysis -- to determine the environmental
window for running/pulling risers safely.
(2) Operability analysis -- to determine the operating envelopes that
define the required minimum top tensions and the allowable vessel
offsets for each mud density.
(3) Storm hang-off analysis -- to determine the limiting seastates in
which the riser can be hung-off without buckling the riser.
(4) Drift-off/drive-off analysis -- to define the radius of the yellow and
red watch circles for dynamic positioned (DP) vessels.
(5) Weak point analysis -- to identify the weakest part of the riser and
well system under extreme vessel offsets.
(6) VIV fatigue analysis -- to predict the accumulated fatigue damage
incurred by vortex-induced-vibration due to currents.
Deepwater Drilling
Deployment/retrieval analysis
The purpose of deployment/retrieval
analysis is to determine the
environmental window for running/pulling
risers safely. The main concern is stress.
When a riser joint is lowered through the
diverter housing, it is often in contact with
the top or bottom edges of the diverter
housing. Large contact force and bending
moment can be developed in this region.
This is caused by vessel motion or
currents. Stresses during initial
deployment just below the water surface
can be high when the BOP is in the wave
zone. Thus, BOP should be rapidly
deployed past the keel of the vessel
where wave and current velocities will be
high.
Riser Design
Deepwater Drilling
Operability analysis
The purpose of operability analysis is to
determine the operating envelopes (windows)
that define the required top tensions and the
allowable offsets for each mud density. This is
normally done by plotting a set of operating
envelopes which shows the required tension
as a function of offset, mud weight, and
environments. These envelopes tell how
much top tension should be pulled to avoid
the riser string from buckling. They also show
the offset range that the vessel should stay
within to avoid excessive flex joint angles.
Each plot refers to one water depth, mud
density and environmental condition. A
complete set of results should have one of
these plots for several key mud densities and
a couple of environmental conditions.
Riser Design
Deepwater Drilling
Storm hang-off analysis
Drilling riser may need to be disconnected when the
environmental condition deteriorates. If the riser is
kept connected in this situation, the telescopic joint (or
tensioners) might stroke out or the riser might clash
with the moonpool. If the riser is disconnected, it then
faces another potential problem: axial compression.
Vessels heave motion can induce dynamic axial
compression to the riser, particularly at the top portion.
A storm hang-off analysis is used to determine the
limiting sea-states in which the riser can be hung-off
without buckling the riser.
Riser hang-off can be done at least two ways: hard
and soft hang-offs. For the hard hang-off, the
telescopic joint is locked. In this arrangement, the
riser is coupled to the vertical motions of the vessel.
For the soft hang-off, the riser is allowed to stroke on
the telescopic joint. In this case, the tension
fluctuation in the riser is reduced. As a result, its
weather envelope is larger than that of a hard hangoff. In a storm hang-off, the LMRP is hung off at the
bottom of the riser string normally without the BOP.
Riser Design
Deepwater Drilling
Drift-off/drive-off analysis
The purpose of a drift-off/drive-off analysis is to
define yellow and red watch circles for dynamic
positioned (DP) vessels. Drift-off analysis examines
riser conditions when the vessel loses power of its
thrusters and starts to drift off location. Drive-off is
another situation where the vessels GPS or DP
control system malfunction and consequently cause
the vessel to drive to a false target location. This
analysis determines when the DP operator should
push the disconnect button to activate its
emergency disconnect sequence (EDS).
Most DP rigs are fitted with an EDS which is
typically a push button that initiates a sequence
starting from closing the BOP, shearing the drill pipe
to disconnecting the LMRP. It is in place to prevent
catastrophic damage to the well and riser system.
The EDS sequence normally takes about 30 to 60
seconds to complete.
Riser Design
Deepwater Drilling
Weak point analysis
The purpose of a weak point analysis is to identify the
weakest part of the riser and well system under extreme
vessel offsets. In other words, it is to consider the worst
event where a drive-off/drift-off occurs and the LMRP is not
disconnected from the wellhead. When the vessels offset
increases to a point that the telescopic joint (or tensioners)
strokes out, the riser tension will start to increase rapidly.
Weak point analysis can identify the points that first reach
yield. It also helps in determining the required conductor and
wellhead bending moment capacities.
Weak point analysis is not routinely performed for every
drilling operation. However, some government authorities still
require it to prove the well integrity is satisfactory. In that
case, the analysis must demonstrate that identified weak
points do not reside anywhere below the BOP. It should
show that hydrocarbon is always securely contained in the
well system even in the worst scenario of a drive-off or driftoff.
Riser Design
Deepwater Drilling
VIV fatigue analysis
Under high current loads, a riser string
might experience vortex induced
vibrations (VIV). VIV are motions
induced on bodies facing an external
flow by periodical irregularities on this
flow. This alternating shedding pattern
causes the riser to vibrate
perpendicular to the current direction.
The vibration induces a small amount
of stress that is not a concern in terms
of strength, but may accumulate
fatigue damage.
Riser Design
Deepwater Drilling
Measurements to avoid VIV
Riser Design
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Gas molecules encapsulated by water molecules
Ice like crystals formed from water and light hydrocarbons, which
when agglomerated can block the flow path
Can form at temperatures up to 18C when pressure i s > 170 bar
Most often encountered on restart of operations
Hydrates
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Gas molecules encapsulated
by water molecules
Required conditions
Cold temperatures
High pressure
Water
Hydrocarbons
Time (but can form instantly)
Hydrates
Deepwater Drilling
Temperature Profile in relation to Water Depth
Hydrates
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Prevention is essential:
Well control prevent hydrocarbons entering the wellbore
Thermodynamic inhibitors standard approach
Salts (inorganic and organic)

Glycol (soluble)
Methanol, Ethanol
Combination of salt & glycol
Kinetic inhibitors not field proven in drilling

Chemical additives added to slow rate of reaction
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates can form:
While drilling
While displacing
During cementing operations
During well tests
Hydrates
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Plugging of choke and kill lines preventing their use in well circulation
Formation of a plug at or below the BOPs, that prevents monitoring
well pressures below the BOPs

Formation of a plug around the drillstring in the riser, BOP's or
casing that will restrict drillstring movement

Formation of a plug between the drillstring and the BOPs to
prevents closure
Formation of a plug in the ram cavity of a closed BOP preventing full
opening
On outside of BOP/Riser preventing hydraulic connector to disconnect
from wellhead (or LMRP from BOP)
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Glycols
Chemical
Mono-Ethylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol
Di-Ethylene Glycol (EMI-201)
Di-Propylene Glycol
Tri-Ethylene Glycol
Molecular Weight
62
76
106
134
150
Density (sg)
9.26 (1.11)
8.60 (1.03)
9.28 (1.11)
8.53 (1.02)
9.33 (1.12)
The lowest molecular weight glycols provide the most gas hydrate
inhibition
High molecular weight glycols for shale inhibition
Blends of salt & glycols give greatest level of hydrate suppression
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Current Practices
Attempt to fully inhibit drilling fluid against hydrate formation
Maximize Sodium Chloride (NaCl) concentration based on MW
limitations (fracture gradient)
- Maximum typically 23 wt% NaCl
Boost inhibition with glycol
If full inhibition not possible (typically in water depths

4,000 ft)
>
Have contingency hydrate inhibitive fluids on location to spot in

BOPs & choke/kill lines
Alternatively, run SBM when riser attached
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Gas Hydrate Inhibition - Salts

Near saturated Sodium Chloride (NaCl) brine will provide 28.5 to
33.5F of hydrate temperature suppression
Similar To Freeze Point Depression
Potassium Chloride (KCl) less effective than NaCl due to lower
solution activity
Below 18 wt%, NaCl more effective than Calcium Chloride
(CaCl2)
Blends of salt & glycols enhance level of inhibition
Review application of particular salts based on local regulations
Deepwater Drilling
Gas Hydrate Testing / Modeling
Computer based simulation models
available (e.g. MI Swaco)

-
Improved Algorithms
8 Salts
6 Glycols
Can model blends of 3 salts with 3 glycols
If high operator concerned about hydrate
formation in mud, schedule tests for hydrate

formation
MI provides testing facilities in Houston and
Stavanger
Hydrates
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Gas Hydrate Inhibition

10000
8000
M-I Bas e Fluid

w/5 vo l% E.G.
6000
Pre ssure [psi]
Seawater
4000
M-I Bas e Fluid

w/15 vo l% E.G.
M-I Bas e
Fluid
2000
DI-water
M-I Bas e Fluid w/ 5

vol% EMI571
1000
32
36
40
44
48
52
56
60
Te mperature [F]
64
68
72
76
80
84
Deepwater Drilling
Drilling Through Gas Hydrate Zones
Salt / Glycol saturated mud
Maximize flow rate
Control drill, avoid excessive ROP
Select highest mud weight possible
Set casing as fast as possible
Hydrates
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Hydrates can form on outside of BOP

Restricts disconnect operations:
Cone diverters
Glycol injection ports ROV
diverts gas away from connection

allows for hydrate dissolution
chip away hydrates (inefficient)
Deepwater Drilling
Hydrates
Gas Hydrate
Remediation
Do everything possible to avoid hydrate formation
Be very careful with spacer design and when running casing
Remediation is a costly and time consuming process
Options include
Depressurization (highly dangerous)
Chemical (coiled tubing)
Heat (coiled tubing)
Mechanical (drilling)
Fracture Gradient / Pore Pressure

Dual Gradient Drilling
Riserless Mud Recovery
Managed Pressure Drilling

Fracture Gradient & Pore Pressure in Deep Water

Fracture Gradient:

Fracture Gradient:

Fracture Gradient:

Pore Pressure:

If the pore fluid cannot escape fast enough relative to the rate of
loading then:
Porosity decrease is delayed / retarded
Part of the load is now supported by the pore fluid
Pore fluid pressure becomes abnormal (greater than hydrostatic)

DGD vs. Conventional Riser Drilling
Single Gradient Wells
MUD
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE DGD
Wellbore contains a single
density fluid
Single pressure gradient
SEAFLOOR
MUD
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
Conventional
FRACTURE
PRESSURE
Dual Gradient Well

Wellbore feels seawater
gradient to the seafloor, and

DEPTH
mud gradient to bottom
SEA WATER
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
PRESSURE
PORE PRESSURE
Conventional Deepwater
Casing Design:
Can result in 7+ casing
strings !
Where to place/land them
within wellhead ?

2 different fluid
gradients
Pressure, psi
D
e
p
t
h
Seawater HSP
Seafloor @ 10,000
12.4 ppg mud
13.5 ppg mud
f
t
23,880 psi
@ 37,500

Casing Requirement Conventional
MUD
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
Conventional
SEAFLOOR
FRACTURE
PRESSURE
SEA WATER
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
PRESSURE
PORE
PRESSURE

Casing Requirement DGD
SEAFLOOR
MUD
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
DGD
FRACTURE
PRESSURE
DEPTH
DEPT
H
SEA WATER
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
PRESSURE
PORE
PRESSURE

Dual Gradient
Conventional
20 @ 12,500
20 @ 12,500
16 @ 13,000
13 3/8 @ 14,000
1.0 ppg kick,
50 bbl influx
16 @ 14,000
0.5 ppg
standoff
11 3/4 @ 15,000
no influx
13 3/8 @ 17,000
9 5/8 @ 17,500
7 5/8 @20,000
11 3/4 @ 22,800
5 1/2 @ TD
9 5/8 @ TD

Seawater Pumps
(Existing Mud Pumps)
Mud Return and Pump
Return Line
Seawater Power Line,
Control Umbilicals
Drillpipe
Seawater Filled Marine Riser
Rotating Diverter
Wellhead and BOP
BHA
Seawater-Driven
MudLift Pump
Drill String Valve
Return Outlets

Drillstring Valve (DSV)
FLOATER
STATIC
FLUID
LEVEL
SEAWATER
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
BOP
MUDLIFT

Diaphragm Pump
Stroke Indicator
Magnet Assembly
Stroke Indicator
Tube (Moving)
Stroke Indicator
Sensor (Fixed)
Hydraulic
Fluid In/Out
Connection to
Diaphragm
Diaphragm
Mud In/Out

Alternative Dual Gradient Systems:
Nitrogen Injection at Wellhead or below
Injection of Hollow Glass Spheres at seabed
Riserless Mud Recovery System (RMR)

Hollow Glass Spheres

Riserless Mud Recovery:
Mud can be used instead of
pump & dump

No riser
Smaller rigs and storage
capacity
Dual hydrostatic pressure

The idea is to keep the static and dynamic pressure the same.
How to go from static balance to dynamic (circulating) balance without either losing
returns or taking a kick. This can be done by gradually reducing pump speed while
simultaneously closing a surface choke to increase surface annular pressure until the rig
pumps are completely stopped and surface pressure on the annulus is such that the
formation sees the exact same pressure it saw from ECD while circulating.

Deepwater Drilling

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Deepwater Drilling

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Offshore Drilling

2 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

3 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

4 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

6 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

9 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

10 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

11 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Measurements to avoid VIV

12 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

13 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

14 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

15 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Salts (inorganic and organic)

Kinetic inhibitors not field proven in drilling

16 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

17 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

well pressures below the BOPs

casing that will restrict drillstring movement

from wellhead (or LMRP from BOP)

18 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

19 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Boost inhibition with glycol

If full inhibition not possible (typically in water depths

Have contingency hydrate inhibitive fluids on location to spot in

Alternatively, run SBM when riser attached

20 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Gas Hydrate Inhibition - Salts

33.5F of hydrate temperature suppression

Similar To Freeze Point Depression

Potassium Chloride (KCl) less effective than NaCl due to lower

21 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

available (e.g. MI Swaco)

If high operator concerned about hydrate

formation in mud, schedule tests for hydrate

22 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Gas Hydrate Inhibition

M-I Bas e Fluid

Pre ssure [psi]

M-I Bas e Fluid

M-I Bas e Fluid w/ 5

23 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

24 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Hydrates can form on outside of BOP

Glycol injection ports ROV

25 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

diverts gas away from connection

chip away hydrates (inefficient)

26 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Dual Gradient / Managed Pressure Drilling

Fracture Gradient / Pore Pressure

27 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Dual Gradient / Managed Pressure Drilling

28 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Dual Gradient / Managed Pressure Drilling

29 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Dual Gradient / Managed Pressure Drilling

30 I Offshore Drilling Operations Deepwater Drilling

Dual Gradient / Managed Pressure Drilling