CASE HISTORY
Steady State Vs Transient Drilling: Protecting Against Unwanted Downtime
WellWatch, Protecting Against Unwanted Downtime
What does Steady State mean?
A steady state flow process requires conditions at all points in an apparatus or system remain constant as time changes. There must be no accumulation of mass or energy
In the case of drilling operations, accumulation of mass would be represented by “excess cuttings”.
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- Hole cleaning at optimal cleaning rates governed by cutting carrying indices is imperative.
What is Transient or Non-Steady State?
Unsteady-State: in unsteady-state processes, mass and energy in the system are changing with time (not constant).
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- A condition not conducive to processes like automation
- Steady State processes are always better, more reliable and efficient.
- Drilling is no different
Case History – The New DrillSage ROP Moving Average: Contrast Wells
Well 1: Erratic and Transient Drilling Practice: Note “Watches”
Note Excessive Bandwidth:
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- Creates potential hazards due to “mass” or cuttings loading
- Exacerbates motor and downhole tool wear
6000’ Lateral:
Drilling ahead average ROP: 180
FPH. Total hours: 33.33
Well 2: Steady State
Note Bandwidth Improvement:
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- Reliable and efficient hole cleaning
- Better average ROP even though ultra high rates are not forced
6000’ Lateral:
Drilling ahead average ROP: 164
FPH. Total hours: 36.59
