Casing Design

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 CASING PROFILE

30" CP

20" csg

13 3/8" csg

“standard" profile”

9 5/8" csg

8 1/2“ hole

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 CASING DESIGN - CASING PROFILE
ROLE OF THE CASING - CONDUCTOR PIPE

• The depth at which the conductor pipe (C.P.) will be fixed must allow
the mud to circulate to the surface.

• Isolate surface unconsolidated formation.

• Shallow gas.

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 CASING DESIGN – CASING PROFILE
CONDUCTOR PIPE

™ Onshore wells

™ Offshore wells

¾ - Fixed platform
¾ - Jack-up Rig
¾ - Floating Rig (Semisub-Drilling ship)

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 CASING DESIGN – CASIGN PROFILE
CONDUCTOR PIPE

Shallow Gas

Onshore wells

¾ Low risk
¾ Medium risk (Diverter)
¾ High risk (Move to a safer well location)

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 CASING DESIGN – CASING PROFILE
CONDUCTOR PIPE - SHALLOW GAS

Jack-up Fixed Platform

¾ Low risk ¾ - Diverter

¾ - Diverter + application of drilling
¾ Medium risk
procedure for shallow gas
¾ High risk ¾ - Move to a safer well location
- drill a pilot hole
- Diverter + application of drilling
procedure for shallow gas

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 CASING DESIGN – CASING PROFILE
CONDUCTOR PIPE - SHALLOW GAS
FLOATING RIGS
¾ Low risk - Use of the RISER.
- Diverter + application of drilling
procedure for shallow gas.

¾ Medium risk - Drill a pilot hole

- use of the RISER
- Diverter + application of drilling
procedure for shallow gas.
¾ High risk - Move to safer well location
- Drill a pilot hole
- Drill with sea bed circulation
(water depth>……m).
- application of drilling procedure
for shallow gas
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 CASING DESIGN – CONDUCTOR PIPE
CALCULATING OF SETTING POINT
• In onshore wells, the setting point of C.P. is linked to the height of the rotary
table above the sea level (RKB-S.L.), the density of the mud that will be
used in the next phase and the sea water depth.
Driving in is calculated using the following relation:

dm (E + H) −1.03H
Hi =
(1.03+ 0.67(GOV −1.03)) − d f

Where:
Hi = Length of CP in m (actual penetration from the seabed)
E = Distance from rotary table to sea level – m
H = water depth – m
Gov = density of sediments at C.P. shoe depth – kg/cm2/10m
dm = density of the mud in the next stage – kg/dm3

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 CASING DESIGN - CASING PROFILE
ROLE OF THE SURFACE CASING

¾ Prevent poorly consolidated shallow formations from sloughing into the

hole.

¾ Protect fresh water sands from contamination with the drilling mud.

¾ To allow the BOP installation and have sufficient:

CHOKE MARGIN ≥ 10 kg/cm2

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 CASING DESIGN - CASING PROFILE
ROLE OF THE INTERMEDIATE CASING

‰ Allow a greater choke margin (≥ 40 kg/cm2).

‰ One or more intermediate casing string may be required to isolate

different targets.

‰ Isolate formations with different pressure gradients.

‰ Etc.

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 CASING DESIGN - CASING PROFILE
ROLE OF THE PRODUCTION CASING

™ The production casing string will serve to isolate the productive intervals, to
facilitate proper reservoir maintenance and/or prevent the influx of
undesired fluids.

™ This is the string through which the well will be completed, produced and
controlled throughout its life.

™ Diameter.

™ Thickness (or weight in lb/ft).

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 CASING DESIGN - CASING PROFILE
ROLE OF THE LINER
CASING DESIGN (CASING PROFILE)
Role of the LINER

INTERMEDIATE LINER

PRODUCTION LINER

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 CASING DESIGN - CASING PROFILE
CASING POINT

LITHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS

HYDROCARBON TARGETS

¾ SAFETY;
¾ HYDROCARBON TARGETS;
¾ EVAPORITE FORMATIONS (SALT – ANHYDRITES);
¾ OVERTHURST FORMATIONS;
¾ SEPARATION BETWEEN CLASTS AND CARBONATES.

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 CASING DESIGN - CASING PROFILE
CASING POINT

DRILLING PROBLEMS
DEVELOPMENT OF PRESSURE GRADIENT

™ CHOKE MARGIN
™ DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE
™ INCOMPATIBILITY BETWEEN DIFFERENT
GRADIENT FORMATIONS
™ DIRECTIONAL WELLS

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 CASING POINT

MARGIN AT THE
CHOKE

Pore gradient

MUD density

Fracturing gradient

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 CASING POINT

THE CHOKE MARGIN, according to the “ ENI BEST PRACTICES” (chapter PL

02 “Drilling Program”) must not be less than:

¾ SURFACE CASING 10 kg/cm2

¾ INTERMEDIATE CASING 40 kg/cm2

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 CASING POINT

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE

PORE gradient
Mud Density
Fracturing gradient

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 CASING POINT

FRACTURING
PRESSURE
Depth 1 P1

Depth m
Depth 2 P2

PORE PRESSURE

P3
Depth 3

Depth 4 P4

Pressure

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 CASING POINT
DRILLING PROBLEMS

¾ Ageing of the hole

¾ Unstable formations
¾ Shallow Gas
¾ Formations with different Pressure Gradients
¾ Absorption of Mud / total circulation losses
¾ As above and in addition with overpressure zones
¾ Directional wells
¾ Balancing of hole sections
¾ Cost-effectiveness

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 CASING POINT
PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS

¾ Production in OPEN HOLE

¾ Special completions (e.g. “Open hole Gravel packing”)
¾ etc

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 CASING POINT

Pressure gradients
(kg/cm2/10m)

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 CASING DESIGN BURST

13 3/8”
Intermediate
Casing
at m 1200

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 CASING PROFILE

“Standard “Slim"
13 3/8" CP
Casing Profile” 30" CP Casing Profile
9 5/8" csg
20" csg

13 3/8" csg 7" csg

9 5/8" csg 5" csg

4 1/2“ Hole
8 1/2" Hole

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 CASING PROFILE

30” CP
24 1/2” CP
”Standard" 24 1/2”
“Lean" 18 5/8”
Profile Profile
(5 casing (5 casing
strings) 18 5/8” strings) 16”

13 3/8” 13 3/8”

9 5/8” 9 5/8”

8 1/2”
8 1/2” Hole
Hole

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 CASING DESIGN
API STANDARDS
™Pipe Dimensions: STANDARDIZATION

¾ Outside Diameters
¾ Wall tickness weights (lb/ft)
¾ Caliper
¾ Length (range 1-2-3)

™ Drift
™ Steel grade (coloured bands)
™ Connections
™ etc…

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 CASING DESIGN API STANDARDS
STEEL GRADES

– H 40 40.000 psi Yield strength

– J 55
– K 55
– L 80
– N 80 Main Corrosive Agents:
– C 90 • CO2
– C 95 • H2S
– T 95 (non API)
– P 110
– Q 125

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS

API Standard NON API

• SHORT THREAD • ANTARES DALMINE
COUPLING • BIG OMEGA MANNESMAN
• LONG THREAD COUPLING • FJWP HYDRIL
• VAM VALLOREC
• BUTTRESS THREAD
• etc..
• EXTREME LINE THREAD

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS
• CASING DESIGN API
• CASING THREADS SHORT COUPLING

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS

• CASING DESIGN API - BUTTRESS

• CASING THREADS

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS

API - EXTREME LINE

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS
ANTARES MS
DALMINE

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS
ANTARES MS 28
DALMINE

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS

• BIG OMEGA
• MANNESMAN

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS

Flush Joint
ATLAS BRADFORD

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING THREADS

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 CASING DESIGN SAFETY FACTOR
PURPOSE OF THE SAFETY FACTOR

• Cover uncertainties in determining actual loads.

• Compensate uncertainties regarding the properties of the steel.
• Compensate uncertainties regarding the formulas used.
• Compensate minor damage caused during transport.
• Compensate damage caused by the make up tongs.
• Compensate Internal defects due to corrosion.
• Compensate Wear.

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 CASING DESIGN
SAFETY FACTOR

‰ COLLAPSE 1.1 ALL

‰ BURST 1.05 H40 - J/K55

1.1 C75 - P110
1.2 Q125

‰ TENSION 1.7 ≤ C95

1.8 > C95

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 CASING DESIGN
MAIN STRESSES

‰ BURST

‰ COLLAPSE

‰ TENSION

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 CASING STRESSES - BURST

The main cases of BURST stress are:

9 Upon shut-in of the BOP following a kick or blow-out.

9 During circulation of the Kick (built up of the casing
pressure when the influx gas reaches the surface).
9 During the well’s producing life following the failure of a tubing.
9 During a squeezing job.
9 High difference of the mud density between the inside and the
outside of the casing.
9 On bump plug and casing test during a cementing job.
9 During the execution of a formation test (LOT or FIT).

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 CASING STRESSES - COLLAPSE

The main cases of COLLAPSE stress are:

9 Partial or total mud lost circulation.

9 Lack or insufficient filling up with mud the casing during its running in
hole.
9 During the casing cementing job.
9 Casing setting in salt formations.
9 During a squeezing job.
9 High difference of the mud density between the outside and the inside
of the casing.
9 During the test pressure of well head.
9 When drilling with aerated mud.

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 CASING STRESSES – TENSION

The main cases of TENSION are:

9 Total weight of the casing string during its running.

9 Bending of the casing when passing a section of hole with a sharp
“dog leg”.
9 Friction effect during the running of casing string which can create
tension or compression.
9 On bump plug and casing test during a cementing job.
9 When running casing, shock loads exerted on the pipe.
9 Temperature effect.

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 CASING STRESSES
OTHER STRESSES

9 Plastic formations
9 Dog legs
9 Buckling
9 Wear
9 Squeezing / acid jobs
9 Corrosion
9 etc.

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 CASING DESIGN
CALCULATION SEQUENCE

1. BURST
2. COLLAPSE
3. Verification of TENSION

Calculation of the reduction in the collapse resistance due to BIAXIAL

LOADING.

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 CASING DESIGN

Pressure Gradients
Kg/cm2/10m

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 CASING DESIGN
CASING POINT
1,0 1,5 2,0 2,5
0

Fracturing 20”
500 Gradient

1000
Mud
Pressure gradients density
13 3/8”
(Kg/cm2/10m) 1500
Formation
Gradient
2000

2500 9 5/8”

7”
3000

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 CASING DESIGN – BURST CALCULATION
- SURFACE CASING
ASSUMPTION : INTERNAL PRESSURE
9At the casing SHOE, the FRACTURING PRESSURE.
9 At the WELL-HEAD, 60% of the FRACTURING PRESSURE minus the
hydrostatic pressure of a gas column at 0.3 kg/dm3. In any case the pressure
considered shall not be lower than 140 kg/cm2.

ASSUMPTION: EXTERNAL PRESSURE

9HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE OF A WATER COLUMN (1.0 kg/dm3 onshore -
1.03 offshore) . If drilling with circulation of mud to the surface, the mud density is
taken into consideration.

RESULTING PRESSURE
THE BURST STRENGTH LINE IS OBTAINED BY SUBTRACTING THE
EXTERNAL PRESSURE FROM THE INTERNAL PRESSURE AT THE VARIOUS
DEPTHS.

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 CASING DESIGN BURST

E B 40 80 120 C 160 200 240

B=60%(69.2 - (0.3x400/10))=34.32 Kg/cm2 0

100 AB = Internal pressure

AC = Assumed internal
pressure
ED =External pressure
Surface CF = burst strength
resulting line
Casing 200
Set point
A = Fracturing pressure at the shoe
at 400 m B = Top pressure:
60% of the Fracturing pressure
at the shoe less the gas (at d = 0.3)
300 hydrostatic pressure for the total
length of casing.
C = Assumed minimum Pressure
at the well-head (140 Kg/cm2).
D = External Pressure at the
shoe (mud density 1.1 Kg/dm3).
400 F D A
A = 1.73 x 400/10 = 69.2 Kg/cm2

40 80 120 160 200 240

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 CASING DESIGN – BURST CALCULATION
– INTERMEDIATE CASING
ASSUMPTION: INTERNAL PRESSURE
9 At the SHOE the FRACTURING PRESSURE less the hydrostatic pressure of a
gas column at 0.3 kg/dm3
9At the Well-HEAD 60% of the FRACTURING PRESSURE less the hydrostatic
pressure of a gas column at 0.3 Kg/dm3.

ASSUMPTION: EXTERNAL PRESSURE

9 THE PORE PRESSURE

RESULTING PRESSURE
THE BURST STRENGTH LINE IS OBTAINED BY SUBTRACTING THE
EXTERNAL PRESSURE FROM THE INTERNAL PRESSURE AT THE VARIOUS
DEPTHS.

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 CASING DESIGN BURST

13 3/8”
Intermediate
Casing
at 1200 m

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 CASING DESIGN BURST

9 5/8”
Intermediate
Casing
at 2500 m

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 CASING DESIGN – BURST
CALCULATION – PRODUCTION CASING
ASSUMPTION: INTERNAL PRESSURE
9AT THE WELL-HEAD the difference between the reservoir pressure and the
hydrostatic pressure of the FLUID PRODUCED (if the density of the fluid is not known
the value of a GAS with a density of 0.3 kg/dm3 is ASSUMED).
Note: If fracturing job has been run, fracturing pressure is assumed at the casing
perforation depth, at the well-head the fracturing pressure minus the hydrostatic pressure
inside the TUBINGS plus 70 kg/cm2 of margin.

9AT THE SHOE the sum of the well-head pressure plus the hydrostatic pressure of the
completion fluid and the fluid above the packer .

ASSUMPTION: EXTERNAL PRESSURE

9THE PORE PRESSURE

RESULTING PRESSURE
THE BURST STRENGTH LINE IS OBTAINED BY SUBTRACTING THE EXTERNAL
PRESSURE FROM THE INTERNAL PRESSURE AT THE DIFFERENT DEPTHS

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 CASING DESIGN BURST

7”
PRODUCTION
Casing
at 3000 m

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CASING DESIGN - COLLAPSE CALCULATION
- SURFACE CASING
ASSUMPTION: INTERNAL PRESSURE
• COMPLETELY EMPTY CASING
Note: For off-shore wells and water depths of more than 400 m, THE
COMPLETLEY EMPTY RISER and the CASING FULL OF GAS with a
density of 0.3 Kg/dm3 has to be considered.

ASSUMPTION: EXTERNAL PRESSURE

• The pressure of a column of WATER with a density of 1.0-1.03 Kg/dm3
depending on whether the well is onshore or offshore.
Note : When drilling with mud return to the surface the hydrostatic pressure
of the mud in which the casing has been run is considered

RESULTING PRESSURE
THE BURST STRENGTH LINE IS OBTAINED BY SUBTRACTING THE
INTERNAL PRESSURE FROM THE EXTERNAL PRESSURE AT THE
DIFFERENT DEPTHS
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 CASING DESIGN COLLAPSE

Surface
Casing
400 m

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CASING DESIGN - COLLAPSE CALCULATION
- INTERMEDIATE CASING
ASSUMPTION: INTERNAL PRESSURE
9THE CASING IS HALF EMPTY
Note: If the level of TOTAL CIRCULATION LOSS is known, in the calculation
has to be consider the casing is full with the mud (with the MAXIMUM
DENSITY) to this level.

ASSUMPTION: EXTERNAL PRESSURE

9THE PRESSURE OF THE MUD IN WHICH IT HAS BEEN RUN.
Note: When the casing is set to isolate salt dome, the pressure of the
sediments is considered.

RESULTING PRESSURE
THE RESULTING COLLAPSE STRENGTH WILL BE GIVEN BY THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EXTERNAL PRESSURE AND THE INTERNAL
PRESSURE AT THE DIFFERENT DEPTHS

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 CASING DESIGN BURST

B= 60%(234 - (0.3 x1200/10)) = 118.8

140 Kg/cm2
E 50 100B C150 200 250 300 350
0

300

13 3/8”
Intermediate
D1 D2 D3 = External pressure
Casing 600
equal
at 1200 m to the PORE
D1= 82.4 Pressure.
(1.03X800/10)
900

D2= 120
(1.2X1000)/10
D3
1200 F=234-165 D3=(1.375X1200/10) A 1.95 x 1200/10 = 234
= 69 =165
50 100 150 200 250 300 350

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 CASING DESIGN BURST

B= 60%(234 - (0.3 x1200/10)) = 118.8

140 Kg/cm2
E 50 100B C150 200 250 300 350
0

300

13 3/8”
Intermediate
D1 D2 D3 = External pressure
Casing 600
equal
at 1200 m to the PORE
D1= 82.4 Pressure.
(1.03X800/10)
900

D2= 120
(1.2X1000)/10
D3
1200 F=234-165 D3=(1.375X1200/10) A 1.95 x 1200/10 = 234
= 69 =165
50 100 150 200 250 300 350

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 CASING DESIGN – COLLAPSE
CALCULATION – SURFACE CASING
ASSUMPTION: INTERNAL PRESSURE
• COMPLETELY EMPTY CASING
Note: For off-shore wells and water depths of more than 400 m, THE
COMPLETELY EMPTY RISER and the CASING FULL OF GAS with a
density of 0.3 kg/dm3 has to be considered.
ASSUMPTION: EXTERNAL PRESSURE
• The pressure of a column of WATER with a density of 1.0-1.03 kg/dm3
depending on wheter the well is onshore or offshore.
Note: When drilling with mud return to the surface the hydrostatic pressure
of the mud in which the casing has been run is considered.

RESULTING PRESSURE
THE BURST STRENGTH LINE IS OBTAINED BY SUBTRACTING THE
INTERNAL PRESSURE FROM THE EXTERNAL PRESSURE AT THE
DIFFERENT DEPTHS

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 CASING DESIGN – COLLAPSE –
INTERNAL PRESSURE

CALCULATION THE LEVEL MUD DROP IN A WELL

• The formula to calculate the drop of mud level in a well is the
following:

Gpore
• Hmud = Hloss (1- Dmud
)

• where:
• H mud = depth of the mud level inside the csg
• H loss =depth at which there was a mud circulation loss
• Dmud = Planned mud density at mud circulation loss depth
• Gpore = pore pressure at the mud circulation loss depth

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 CASING DESIGN COLLAPSE

13 3/8”
Intermediate
Casing
at 1200 m

Mud Density at the

casing point 1.48 kg/dm3

max mud density planned

For the next phase
1.8kg/dm3

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 CASING DESIGN COLLAPSE

13 3/8”
Intermediate
Casing
at 1200 m

Mud Density at the

casing point 1.48 kg/dm3

Mud circulation loss level in

next phase 2500 m

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 CASING DESIGN COLLAPSE

9 5/8”
Intermediate
Casing
at 2500 m

Mud Density at the

casing point 1.8 kg/dm3

max mud density planned

For the next phase
1.1 kg/dm3

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 CASING DESIGN – COLLAPSE CALCULATION
– PRODUCTION CASING

ASSUMPTION: INTERNAL PRESSURE

• THE CASING COMPLETELY EMPTY.

ASSUMPTION: EXTERNAL PRESSURE

• THE PRESSURE OF THE MUD IN WHICH IT IS RUN.

THE RESULTING COLLAPSE STRENGTH IS EQUAL TO THE

EXTERNAL PRESSURE.

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 CASING DESIGN COLLAPSE

7” Production
Casing
at 3000 m

Mud Density at the

casing point 1.1 kg/dm3

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 CASING DESIGN - TENSION

• Calculating sequence:

1. Calculation of the weight of the casing in air.

2. Calculation of the weight of the casing in mud.
3. Calculation of the additional load due to bump plug.
4. Calculation of the additional stress (in directional wells) due to the
bending effect

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 CASING DESIGN - TENSION
Example of calculation:
9 5/8” csg P110-47 lb/ft (69.94 kg/m) 2500m (tension strength 1,493,000 lbs = 676 ton;
mud density at the casing point 1.1 kg/dm3;
Pressure at bump plug 150 kg/cm2 internal area of csg 381.67 cm2)
1. Calculation of the casing weight in air. 2500 x 69.94=174,850 kg
2. Calculation of the casing weight in mud
Buoyancy factor = 1 – (Mud density/Steel density)
Buoyancy factor = 1 – 1.8/7.85 = 0.77
Weight of casing in mud = 174,850 x 0.77 = 134,634.5
3. Calculation of the additional load due to bump plug pressure 150 kg/cm2).
Tension load: 150 kg/cm2 x 381.67 cm2 = 57,250.5 kg.
4. Calculation of the total tension load
Total tension load: 134,634.5 + 57,250.5=191,885 kg

191.9 Ton x 1.8 (S.F.) = 345.4 Ton

The selected casing (P110) is suitable as its tension strength is 676 Ton.

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 CASING DESIGN TENSION
BENDING EFFECT
ON CASING
STRESSES
If the casing is run into a deviated hole the
effect of bending stress has to be
considered. 400

Bending is converted into in tension stress

ud
TFL

m
1200
of the pipe and to be added to tension load .

n
i
ght

air
The additional load is calculated using the

ei
W

ni
following relation: TFL = 15.52 * ß * 2000

ht
eig
D * Af

W
50 100 150 200 tension
where
ß = angular rate (degrade/30m)
D = nominal diameter of the csg, in
Af = Section of the pipe in cm2

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 CASING DESIGN – BIAXIAL STRESSES

The theory developed by Holmquist and Nadai takes into account the overlap of
the axial stresses due to tension or compression and the tangential tensions
resulting from burst and collapse.

BURST

COMPRESSION TENSION

COLLAPSE

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 CASING DESIGN – BIAXIAL STRESSES

Collapse strength with tension

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0

Nominal collpase strength

Example:
0.1
7” csg N80 32 lb/ft (47.62 kg/m)
5750 m 0.2
collapse strength 605 kg/cm2
tension strength 338 ton 0.3
Mud 1.1 kg/dm3 (buoyancy fact. 0.4
0.859)
0.5
WEIGHT IN AIR csg = 274 ton
0.6
WEIGHT IN MUD csg = 235 ton
0.7
X = ton 235 /338 = 0.695
Collapse Y =
0.8
from the diagram:
Y = 0.445 0.9
Collapse strength: csg tension (in mud)
0.445 x 605 = 269 kg/cm2 1.0 Tension X =
Csg tension strength

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 CASING DESIGN – CASING WEAR

The main causes of wear of the casing are:

¾ String rotation speed

Casing
¾ Inclination of the wellbore
¾ Severity of the “dog legs”
¾ Lateral thrust of the Tool Joint
¾ Rate of penetration

“WEAR FACTOR” depends on:

¾ Mud characteristics
¾ Solids content
¾ Lubricants in the mud Tool Joint
¾ Tool joint hard facing

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RPW2021A 70
 CASING CEMENTING
TOP OF CEMENT

1. Surface Casing

a) Offshore wells

b) Offshore wells
> From Jack-up / Fixed Platform
- Exploration wells
- Development wells
> From Floating Rig

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 CASING CEMENTING

2. INTERMEDIATE CASING
The main aim of the rise of the cement in the annuls is to restore the
hydraulic conditions in the well after the borehole has been drilled (avoid
communication between formations with different pressure gradient and
containing different hydrocarbons), isolate overpressure zones; temperature
problems.

a) Onshore wells

b) Offshore wells

> From Jack-up / Fixed Platform

> From Floating Rig

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 CASING CEMENTING

3. PRODUCTION CASING
The main aim of the rise of the cement in the annuls is to restore the
hydraulic conditions in the well after the borehole has been drilled (avoid
communication between formations with different pressure gradient and
containing different hydrocarbons), isolate overpressure zones; temperature
problems.

a) Onshore wells

b) Offshore wells

> From Jack-up / FIXED Platform

> From Floating Rig

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 CASING OVERPULL TO SET SLIPS
The casing strings are designed to withstand tension - burst and collapse stress under
the conditions expected during drilling and during the productive life of the well.

Some stresses, if not appropriately taken into account, can lead to the deflection or
“collapse” of the casing.

The “overpull of casing to set casing slips ” has the task of eliminating the buckling effect
which can cause the failure of the casing .

Are calculated:
1. Weight in air of the uncemented casing section.
2. Stresses due to internal pressure variations.
3. Stresses due to external pressure variations.
4. Stresses due to temperature variations.
5.Critical Bending force (to be summed only if positive).

THE TOTAL OVER PULL TO APPLY WHEN WELL HEAD CASING SLIPS ARE SET IS
GIVEN BE THE ALGEBRAIC SUM OF THE EFFECTS INDICATED ABOVE.

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 CASING OVERPULL TO SET SLIPS
The casing overpull is obtained by summing or subtracting to the the weight
in air of the uncemented casing the stress values due to the internal and
Symbols external pressure and temeprature variations :

d i = density of mud when set run 1. Stress due to internal df-di H

D T1 = - 0.6 x Ai
casig (kg/dm3) pressure variation : 2 10

2. Stress due to external d f,e - d i,e H

Ai = Internal area of the pipe (cm2) pressure variation: D T2 = 0.6 x Ae
2 10
t 1 = mud temperature out at depth H1
3. Stress due to variation in
t 3 = mud temperature out in drilling temperature: D T3 = 26 (Ae - Ai) D tm

H =Top of cement where D tm is the average variation in temperature which

is given by: D tm = D tm2 - D tm1 where:
H 2 = Depth of next borehole
(t 2 - t 1) H (t 4 - t 3) H
W = Weight per linear meter of casing D tm1 = t 1 + D tm2 = t 3 +
2 H1 2H2
(kg/m)
Ae = External area of the pipe (cm2) 4. Critical deflection force Fc (if negative to be discarded):
df di
t 2 = temperature at shoe H1 during Fc = Ai H - Ae H
casing running 10 10
t 4 = Bottom hole temperature at H2
5. Weight in air of the uncemented casing : P = WH
in drilling
H1 = Shoe depth
The Overpull to set casing is : T = P + D T1 + D T2 + D T3 +Fc

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 TEST PRESSURE
(Well head - BOP - csg etc)
The value of pressure tests must be sized according to the
type of well (normal gradient or overpressure).
1. Test pressure of the well head, BOP, casing must be carried out after each casing is
run with the “cup tester”.

2. Additional tests must be carried out at least once every two weeks.

3. “Bag Preventer” – the test value, with drill string in the well, must be between
70/100 kg/cm2 .

4. “Blind Rams” – The test value must not be more than 70 kg/cm2 .

5. “Ram Preventers”- The test value must not exceed 70% of the minimum resistance
values of the parts involved (casing/well head/BOP).

6. “Kill/choke lines & choke manifold” must be tested at their pressure rating ( each
valve of the choke manifold must be tested individually ).

7. The pressure test duration must be ten minutes

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RPW2021A 76
 WELL HEADS

The well heads available on the market have working pressure of :

- 2.000 psi
- 3.000 psi
- 5.000 psi
- 10.000 psi
- 15.000 psi

- The selected WORKING PRESSURE of the well head is according to

the maximum formation pressure predicted at bottom hole.

- In the presence of CO2 or H2S special steels will have to be used in

accordance with corrosion Standards.

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 WELL HEADS

Well heads for:

‰ Onshore and Jack-up Rigs

‰ Semisubs or Drilling Ships (subsea well heads)

Onshore and Jack-up Rigs

A. Conventional well head.

B. “UNITIZED” well head (compact well head).

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 WELL HEADS
ONSHORE WELLS – FIXED PLATFORM
A. Standard well head

Comprises: - BASE Body or Landing Base

- INTERMEDIATE Casing Spools
- Tubing Spools
The configuration of the well head depends on the diameter and number of casing strings to be run.
The most popular well head used by Eni Agip is manufactured by Breda.
Some typical configurations:

Landing Base INTERMEDIATE Casing Spools UPPER BODY

26 3/4” 3.000 psi 26 3/4”x21 1/4” 5.000 21 1/4”x13 5/8”10.000 13 5/8”x 7 1/16” 15.000
21 1/4” 5.000 psi 21 1/4”x13 5/8” 10.000 13 5/8”x13 5/8” 10.000 13 5/8”x 7 1/16” 15.000
13 5/8” 5.000 psi 13 5/8” x13 5/8” 5.000 13 5/8” 5.000 x 9” 5.000
13 5/8” 3.000 psi 13 5/8”3.000 x11” 5.000 11” 5.000 x 7 1/16” 5.000

Spool height:
Landing Base 470 - 510 mm
Intermediate Spool 470- 850 mm Upper Spool 580 - 750 mm

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 WELL HEADS

13 5/8” x 3000 psi

Well head
Landing Base
13 5/8” 3000 psi

CSG 13 3/8”

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 WELL HEADS

Well head
5000 psi
13 5/8” x 11” 5000 psi

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 WELL HEADS

Well head
5000 psi
13 5/8” x 11” x 7 1/16” 5000 psi

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 FLANGE BASE-REGULAR DUTY

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 WELL HEAD

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 INTERMEDIATE BODY - CROSSOVER

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 UPPER BODY - REGULAR

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 UPPER BODY - REGULAR

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 CAMERON WELL HEAD FOR DEEP
WELLS

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 CHRISTMAS TREE

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 UNITISED WELLHEADS
ONSHORE WELLS – FIXED PLATFORM

B. “UNITISED” well head (used mainly on Fixed Platforms).

It is similar at Subsea well head type. It consists of a HOUSING

connected on top of the surface casing.
Inside of the housing are suspended the Hangers with the subsequent casing strings.
It consists of:

¾ Housing (Well head body) – housing for the hangers of the subsequent casings.
¾ Casing hanger for each casing string with relative sealing packer.
¾ Tubing hanger.

ADVANTAGES
- The BOPs are run in and installed just once. Marked reduction in times compared to the
traditional well head (BOPs do not need to be dis-assembled for flanging).

- Tests are carried out immediately after casing and insertion of the sealing packing.
- Reduction in the height of the well head.

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 BOP SELECTION

The pressure rating of the BOPs must be higher than the maximum
pressure predicted at the well head (with the exception of the annular
preventer).

- BOP for DRILLING

- BOP for PRODUCTION TEST

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 BOP SELECTION
DRILLING
The maximum pression theoretically possible at the head of a casing is
reached if the well is full of GAS and the Fracture Pressure has been
reached at the shoe of the last casing string:

H
Pmax= (GFracture – Ggas)
10

H = Shoe depth in m
GFracture = fracture gradient at the shoe in kg/cm2/10m
Ggas = gradient of the gas equal to 0.3 kg/dm3

During Drilling this hypothesis is absolutely impossible so 60% of the

MAXIMUM PRESSURE CALCULATED has been set as the limit value

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 BOP SELECTION
Production Test

• In the case of PRODUCTION TEST, the MAXIMUM PRESSURE

corresponds, more or less, to the LIMIT value required to PUMP GAS INTO
THE FORMATION.
• This value is given by the relation:

H
Pmax= (GFracturing – Ggas)
10

H = Shoe depth in m
GFracture = fracture gradient at the shoe in kg/cm2/10m
Ggas = gradient of the gas equal to 0.3 kg/dm3

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 WELLHEAD

Blow-out
Preventers

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 BAG TYPE PREVENTER

“Bag Type
Preventer”

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 BOP STACK
Minimum BOP Stack Requirements (STAP-P-1-M-6150 28.06.99)
ONSHORE RIGS - Jack-ups - FIXED platforms.
5,000 psi BOP Stack must have at least:
- 1 closure on pipe rams
- 1 closure on blind shear rams
- 1 bag preventer (2000 psi w.p)

10,000 psi BOP Stack must have at least:

- 2 closures on pipe rams
- 1 closure on blind shear rams
- 1 bag preventer (5000 psi w.p.)
15,000 psi BOP Stack must have at least:
- 3 closures on pipe rams
- 1 closure with blind shear rams
- 1 bag preventer (10000 psi wp)

Note: the shear rams must be activated on the basis of a “Risk analysis”
assessment and in accordance with local legislation.

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