SPE-173954-MS

Innovative Drilling Technologies Contribute in Implementing New Gas Lift

Well Design on Statfjord Field, North Sea
Siddhartha F. Lunkad and Gaute Grindhaug, Statoil ASA; Sajjad Hussain, Daryl Walker,
and Karam Sulaiman Dhaher, Schlumberger

Copyright 2015, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Artificial Lift Conference Latin America and Caribbean held in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 2728 May 2015.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect
any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written
consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may
not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
Statfjord Field is one of the largest and oldest fields on NCS (North Sea Continental Shelf) and operates
with three platforms Stafjord A, B and C. In recent years, slot recovery to drill more wells has posed big
challenges to deliver wells with Gas Lift design due to extensive and cost/time consuming P&A and
casing cut and pull operations. In addition to these technical challenges, improving operational excellence
has driven the concept of innovative casing design with 11 -in liner. This design eliminates the time
spent on extensive casing retrieval operations. This reduces time and risks associated with drilling 17 -in
section that requires changing from 13 5/8-in to 21 -in BOP, higher flow rates for hole cleaning, larger
volume of cutting injection, and waiting 13 3/8-in casing hangers that are crucial long lead items.
Installation of 11 -in liner at required depth and cementing, potential collapse of Hordaland formation
due to extended time exposure, high flow rates for hole cleaning and minimizing well collision risks with
producers in 8 -in were identified as high priority design goals in the early planning phase. To address
aforementioned challenges and meet design goal in time and cost efficient way, innovative ideas were
fundamental necessity. This paper discusses the integration of novel drilling approaches used in accomplishing a new gas lift well design that has opened redundant well slotson Statfjord field for drilling.
Operational highlights leading to successful well delivery are:
1. First use of dual reamer RSS BHA in 12 x 13 -in to minimize the rat hole and exposure time
across creeping Hordaland formation in one run and helped 11 -in liner to reach gas lift
formation strength depth.
2. Use of new generation RSS technology to drill ~930m 8 -in section to widen the operational flow
range for hole cleaning and steering in high stick slip and collision environment.
3. Use of modern surveying technique and magnetic ranging technology to drill 8 -in section in
potential collision environment.
This was first ever use of dual reamer point the bit RSS BHA in North Sea and New generation RSS
and special surveying technique on Statfjord.

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Introduction and Background

Statoils Statfjord Field is one of the largest and oldest fields on NCS and operates with 3 platforms A,
B and C, with more than 300 wellbores. Each platform has 42 drilling slots and on an average each slot
shares 3 wellbores that makes it challenging to drill re-entry wells. In recent years, slot recovery to drill
more wells has posed big challenges to deliver wells with Gas Lift design due to extensive and time/cost
consuming P&A and casing cut and pull operations. Please refer to SPE # 173868 for complete well
construction details of this project.
On Statfjord 33/12-B-42B well, Statoil planned to implement an innovative casing design with 11 -in
liner to serve as Gas Lift barrier. This innovative casing design is first of its kind in Statoil and on NCS.
Due to the potential of significant rig time/cost savings and scope for opening ~40 drilling slots on
Statfjord field, successful installation of 11 -in liner was a critical operation. For drilling of 12 x 13
-in section Operator was focused on achieving smooth DLS, directional control for anti-collision,
minimize open hole exposure time in creeping Hordaland formation and reduce rat hole length that can
cause potential problems for cementing 11 -in liner and drilling next section. To meet this technical
challenge along with Operators performance improvement and efficiency initiatives an integrated effort
from Service Companys Drilling Group was much needed. Statoil demanded dual reamer solution and
the First RHE application was proposed with thorough team effort from different segments of Service
Company. Statoil also demanded new generation RSS to drill 8 -in section in high collision risk
environment along with collision mitigation measures. Refer to Figure 1 for well design.

Figure 1[Well Design]

Conventional borehole enlargement

In deepwater HEWD (Hole enlargement while drilling), the reamer is positioned above the long, complex
LWD (Logging while drilling) string so that the enlarged borehole will not degrade the accuracy of
formation evaluation measurements. This results in a rathole of more than 30 40 m at TD (Target depth).

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Enlarging the rathole to TD requires tripping the drilling BHA back to surface to perform a dedicated bore
hole enlargement run, which averages 24 hours of extra rig time.
HEWD is typically achieved by the use of a concentric expandable underreamer. The underreamer
consists of a single-piece cutter block design and a simple expansion mechanism that leads to superior
reliability when drilling challenging formations (Figure 2). The activation mechanism consists of a
hydraulically activated piston that forces the cutter blocks to traverse on a spline mechanism leading to
the radial expansion of the cutter blocks. The activation mechanism is typically deployed by dropping a
ball down the drillstring. The ball shears an activation sleeve which allows the remainder of the hydraulic
activation mechanism to deploy. A locking mechanism ensures that the travel of the cutter blocks is
limited to a predetermined radial position. The design also allows for complete flexibility in setting the
opening diameter to any size in the opening range. The tool body is machined as a single-piece which
ensures reliable performance under the lateral, axial and torsional loads applied on the tool during typical
drilling operations.

Figure 2[Ball activated concentric underreamer design]

Since the concentric underreamer is used in bottom-hole assemblies (BHAs) that are typically run in
offshore operations, the conventional BHAs also include rotary steerable systems (RSS), measurement
while drilling (MWD) and LWD tools. In such BHA configurations, the underreamer has traditionally
been placed above the MWD/LWD components in the drill string for several reasons:

The underreamer activation balls are not able to pass through the internal ID of MWD and LWD
tools since these tools typically have a sonde with electronics set in the ID of the tool.
Placement of the underreamer below MWD and LWD tools would require these tools to operate
in the enlarged hole instead of the bit-size hole (also referred to as pilot hole). Since the outer

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diameter (OD) of the fixed diameter stabilizers would be selected based on casing drift ID, the
MWD and LWD tools would not be sufficiently stabilized due to the clearance between the
stabilizer OD and the enlarged hole.
Use of LWD tools in the enlarged hole would also increase the clearance between the sensors and
the borehole which could have a detrimental effect on the log quality. Additionally, log quality of
sonic tools can be influenced by the distance between the underreamer and the sonic tool.
RSS, MWD and LWD tools are typically wired together to transmit power or data across tools.
Placement of the underreamer between these tools would require data or power transmission
through the underreamer which is a challenge.
A conventional design for a HEWD BHA is shown in Figure 3. The distance between the bit and the
underreamer can be approximately 30 55 m depending on which MWD and LWD tools are present in the
BHA. The un-enlarged hole between the drill bit and underreamer is commonly referred to in the industry
as the rathole.

Figure 3[Conventional HEWD BHA]

The rathole can add complexity to the drilling program in several ways:

Casing point selection: Casing setting depth is selected while drilling based on reaching specific
formation tops or the ability to cement in a specific zone. The length of the rathole introduces an
additional consideration in the casing point selection process.
ECD concerns while cementing: ECD during cementing while circulating around the shoe can
increase in the rathole since the annular clearance between the casing and borehole is reduced. This
can affect the cementing operations in zones with tight tolerance between ECD and fracture
gradients. Similarly, cement may need to be circulated up the rathole by spotting a heavy mud pill
which may also cause issues in zones with a tight ECD-FG window. Placing this heavy pill at high
inclination is also a challenge.
Rathole can lead to problems while drilling out of casing/liner shoe due to sticky cement-mud
interface and risk of cement lumps falling over the BHA.
Non-productive time (NPT) prior to FIT/LOT: The typical procedure at the start of an interval is
to drill into new formation below the previous casing shoe and obtain a formation integrity test
(FIT) or leak-off test (LOT). Drilling through the 30 40 m of rathole to get to new formation can
add several hours of NPT between drilling out of the previous casing shoe and the start of the
FIT/LOT.
Loss of significant footage drilled in short intervals if unable to set casing inside the rathole due
to reasons stated above.

The concerns about the rathole can be significant enough on some drilling programs to warrant a
rathole cleanout BHA trip.
This requires an additional trip with a BHA where the underreamer is placed near the bit or bull nose
and used to enlarge the rathole.

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Under reaming in separate dedicated run

Histroically seprate dedicated under reaming runs have been performed to kill the rat hole and to minimize
BHA complexities with existing technologies. In this case after drilling the section with drilling BHA a
separate run is required with under reamer and bull nose to under ream the section to bottom. This
approach requires extra rig time, disturbs the filter cake (can be crucial in some situations), risk of
sidetracking and increased open hole time exposure. All these technical challenges related to seprate unde
reaming run are well known to the industry.

Rat Hole Elimination (RHE) using Reamer-on-demand (RoD) system

The Ball drop reamer positioned above the M/LWD tools and is operated as an active borehole
enlargement system to open the pilot hole during HEWD. The near-bit hydraulically activated on-demand
reamer is operated in passive mode during the drilling phase. Its cutter blocks are passive when retracted
during normal drilling mode and locked under gauge from the bit size to avoid interference with the
drilling operation. The hydraulically activated reamer can be equipped with optional cement cleanout
cutter blocks that have a minimum number of cutters on the gauge surface. Upon reaching TD, the BHA
is tripped back to position the hydraulically activated reamer above the pilot hole. An indexing sequence
activates the reamer, and once the passive blocks are activated, the rathole enlargement begins.
The RoD technology uses a sophisticated activation and deactivation mechanism. The system includes
a valve piston which selectively allows or prevents fluid flow into the underreamer drive piston (Figure
4). The position of the valve piston is controlled by an innovative cam mechanism that can be manipulated
using mud pump flow rates. Switching, or indexing, between closed and open modes can be achieved
by using specific indexing flow rates in a pre-determined sequence. The change between the modes can
be confirmed by observing several surface and downhole parameters, such as standpipe pressure, surface
torque, hookload and downhole data channels that indicate flow rate changes through the MWD tool
(Figure 5).

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Figure 4 [Cross-section of RoD tool]

Figure 5[Flow rate ranges for indexing and drilling with RoD tool]

The design of the RoD technology eliminates the need to drop an activation ball into the drill string.
This allows for higher degree of flexibility in the placement of the underreamer within the BHA. Even
though the introduction of RoD technology allows for the placement of the underreamer anywhere in the

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BHA, the previously discussed constraints of stabilization of MWD and LWD tools and the wired
connections between those tools still exist and continue to limit the options available to eliminate the
rathole. However, the RoD technology also allows us to place two underreamers within the same
drillstring and activate each as needed during the drilling operation. This specific application of the RoD
technology in tandem with a conventional underreamer to eliminate the rathole will now be discussed in
further detail.

RHE (dual reamers) BHA application on Statfjord B

The target application was located in North Sea on Statfjord B to drill 12 x 13 -in section. Well
33/12-B-42B design basis depended on installation of innovative gas tight 11 -in liner as part of the
secondary barrier envelop. Due to this, successful drilling of the 12 x 13 -in section and installation
of the liner became critical operation. In alignment with the ongoing Operators goal to improve drilling
efficiency, the Statfjord team challenged Service Company to sidetrack, drill 12 x 13 -in section and
remove rat hole in one run. Figure 6 shows the placement of both reamers and actual RHE BHA run on
this project. Key challenges that demanded this innovated RHE BHA are:

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Figure 6 [Rat hole with conventional vs. dual reamer BHA configurations and positioning of dual reamers and Actual BHA run On this
project]

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Creeping formations in Hordaland group required minimizing open hole exposure to ensure the
11 -in liner could be run to TD successfully
Hordaland group on statfjord is notorious for hole collapse if exposed for longer period of time. So it was
decided to minimize time exposure and RHE BHA is the most suitable option to drill and under ream the
section in one run. This not only saved the rig time but also mitigated the risks of hole collapse.
Side tracking, drilling & under reaming 12 x 13 -in section in one run
Historically Statoil has drilled similar sections with either two runs (separate run with bullnose and under
reamer) or leaving long ~50m rat hole. To sidetrack, drill and under ream section in one run Service
Company proposed RHE BHA. It was unique to side track thru casing window with this complex BHA
and activate Ball drop under reamer as close to the window as possible to minimize rat hole. An aggressive
planning and detailed risk assessment was done and associated risks were discussed and analyzed by
Service Company. A decision tree was developed to define tripping criteria in case of any tool failure in
the BHA.
Smooth doglegs for stiff 11 liner running
Due to tight clearances between 13 3/8-in casing & 11 -in liner it was stressed to have minimum and
smooth doglegs especially at 13 3/8-in casing window. It was achieved successfully with minimum but
acceptable separation from mother bore.
Wireless communication across hydraulically activated RoD
Battery life for Wireless communications system across RoD was one of the consideration. A complete
risk assessment and decision tree was developed to define tripping criteria in case of battery failure due
to low temperature at section TD (only 60 degree celcius). Statoil Geophysicist input on lithology,
temperature and formation resistivity in the 12 x 13 -in section was very critical to select propoer
distances for wireless communication network across lower RoD.
Complex hydraulics with dual reamers in the BHA
One of the challenges was complex hydraulics in this section in the presence of dual reamers. Choice of
Ruggedized point the bit RSS gave us luxury to plan flexible and independent hydraulics for dual reamers
in addition to better steering in loose sands to go away from the mother bore. Detailed hydraulic analysis
was done by Service Company and procedure was discussed with Dierctional Driller and under reamers
engineer going offshore. Intergartion of different segments of Service Company was a key factor in
planning phase.
Blind zone and Collision risks
To have more than 200 m centre to centre distance from nearby injector well, sidetrack was planned below
certain depth (cap rock for injector) which induced collision risks with nearby wells & mother bore. Also
since maximum inclination cannot be more than 45 degree in Hordaland so 12 x 13 -in section was
required to be drilled almost parallel to motherbore with tight separation over the blind zone length of
~300 m. GWD40 (Gyro while drilling 40) was used in this interval to track the well trajectory and avoid
collision with nearby wells.
Drilling mechanics and 4D Vibration analysis
One of the major challenges was to simulate under reamer and Bit drilling mechanics in Hordaland
formation with possible stringers. A detailed 4D Vibration analysis (Figure 7) was conducted by Service
Company and presented to Statoil for bit selection and optimization especially with bit and under reamers
in different formations. Strong intergartion among different segments of Service Company like Bits, under
reamers, mud and directional drilling convinced statoil to use this innovative BHA with full confidence.
This analysis provided a Road Map recommending safe drilling parameters (WOB, RPM) for optimized
performance. Bit recommendation was another crirtical input from this analysis.

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Figure 7[Service Company engineers used the 4D Vibration analysis design process to customize an integrated BHA that eliminated
the requirement for a dedicated rathole run]

11 -in liner to required depth (gas lift well integrity)

For the first time on Statfjord field 11 -in liner was run and cemented as a Secondary barrier for gas lift
so it was very critical to have liner shoe at required depth for well integrity. RHE BHA provided an
opportunity to minimize rat hole from ~50 m to ~10m, helping liner shoe at required depth for gas lift
integrity.
Critical cement job (Secondary barrier)
Being secondary barrier for gas lift it was critical to have good cement job for 11 -in Liner and minimum
rat hole below the shoe. RHE and under reaming to required depth was necessary to run liner and cement
at required gas lift design depth.
Intergartion among different Segments
One of the major challenges was to maintain seamless communication among all the segments of Service
Company. Directional drilling, under reamers, Mud, Gyro Company, Bits and 4D Vibration analysis
segments were key elements of this challenging project. Series of meetings with Statoil involving all
segments were conducted. A DWOP (Drill well on paper) was arranged & complete risks assessment was
done for this section.

Job Planning Highlights

The selected solution used a ball drop Reamer as the primary tool, placed conventionally above
the BHA. A secondary hydraulically activated Reamer (RoD) was included just above the RSS.
Plan was to sidetrack, drill & under ream the section from 1127m to 1800m MD using the upper
ball drop activated Reamer while the lower Reamer was closed.
At TD, the upper ball drop Reamer was to be deactivated and the lower hydraulic Reamer to be
activated to underream the rat hole before POOH.

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11

To reduce the operational risks with respect to hydraulic complexity Point the bit RSS was
selected.
The rat hole was to be minimized by placing near bit reamer directly above the RSS.
Wireless Communication technology was to be used to communicate past the lower ream.
4D Vibration Analysis was performed by Service Company to optimize BHA stability.
Trajectory was designed with low and smooth doglegs for smooth running of 11 liner.

Operational Details
A long whipstock with relatiavely longer whip face was planned in order to facilitate running of 11 -in
stiff liner thorugh the milled window. 9m long window was successfully milled (concevntional whipstock
systems give 77.5m window). A dedicated polish / check run was executed after milling the window with
magnets & recovered 30 kg swarf & metallic shavings. This minimized the risk of damaging wireless
communication shield. Lower RoD was function tested on Drill Floor to calibrate the indexing range for
1.3 SG mud after making up the BHA. BHA was RIH (run in hole) to 1100m, established circulation,
conditioned mud, and took GWD40 survey at 1105m. Passed through casing window (1109.8 m to 1118.8
m) with 200 LPM and no rotation, no obstructions observed. Reamed down with 3200 LPM and 40rpm
to bottom of rat hole and tagged at 1127.5m. Point the Bit RSS was preset with 40% power setting at 42
deg Tool Face. Started drilling with reduced RPM and minimum WOB until all BHA stabs were out of
window. At 1195m, the upper ball drop reamer was opened 15m from bottom of casing window and the
hole was reamed down opening to 13 -in hole from 1135m, as per plan. Steady parameters were
established at 140rpm with flow rate at initially 3500 LPM but reducing to 3200 LPM and further down
to 3000 LPM, due to shaker handling limitations, maintaining ROP at 20 m/hr averaging 13 Ton WOB
with torque varying from a more stable 1214 KNm through shale to a more erratic 10 17KNm drilling
through sand intervals. The mud weight was very gradually raised from 1.3 SG at 1200 m to 1.4 SG at
1520m. A constant Build and left turn was required to follow the directional plan with a fairly low DLS
(dogleg severity) of 0.6 deg/30m. This was achieved with 10 20% power settings on point the bit RSS
at TF settings of mainly 276 312 degrees. No significant Shocks or Stick/Slip readings were seen
throughout the run with occasional hard stringers giving some erratic torque readings. From 1560 m the
ROP was increased to 25 m/hr and then up to 30 m/hr from 1650m as it was seen that ECD values were
within limits and the Shakers could handle the cuttings volume.
Prior TD the Ball was dropped to deactivate the Upper Ball Drop Reamer. Two stands were racked
back to space out lowr RoD on top of rat hole and was activated with Flow. Rat hole was under reamed
to 13 -in size leaving only 10m as 12 -in hole. The Well was circulated clean with 5 bottoms up before
POOH. On surface the Bit was observed to be in good condition whilst the Upper Ball Drop Reamer had
two chipped cutters, with no damage seen on the lower Hydraulic RoD (Figure 8).

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Figure 8 [Cutter blocks on hydraulically activated reamer]

This BHA successfully provided required dogleg in Hordaland sand formation to get away & avoiding
dropping back to mother bore. This application can be a bench mark for wireless communication system
battery life as BHA spent almost 80 hrs in hole and battery was still alive with 60 degree C temperature
downhole at TD. It was estimated to drill the section in 40 45 hrs but due to drill line slip and cut and
problem in rig racking system BHA remained in hole for ~80 hrs with uninterrupted communication.
11 -in liner was run to TD without any problems. Rat hole elimination resulted in very successful
cement job with full returns and avoiding Logs. It also minimized the risks of cement blocks and lumps
in rat hole and getting stuck with BHA in the following run.

Drilling 8 21-in section

Key challenges in drilling ~900m of 8 -in section on 33/12-B-42B well were:

Cement-Mud mixed interface in 40m of 10 5/8-in rat hole below 9 5/8-in casing shoe @ 85 deg
inclination causing severe pack-off tendencies and high stick slip.
Directional control and continuous high DLS (3.5 degree/30m) in well collision risk environment
with producers. Section was planned with 400m tangent at 85 degree followed by drop to 35
degree inclination in last 500m at TD with 8 degree azimuthal turn.
Maintain recommended hole cleaning high flow rate with WARP OBM (oil based mud).
Wide flow rate range to meet ECD challeneges.
High stand pipe pressure at section TD.
Collision risks with offset well (producer)
Extra time and hole cleaning issues due to Increased survey frequency in close proximity interval
as required by Magnetic ranging technique

Three technologies integration was used to combat with above mentioned challeneges in 8 -in section
i.e,
1. New generation push the bit RSS
2. Modern surveying technique (Surveys on CRPM cessation)

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3. Anti-collision monitoring and ranging technology

New Generation Push the Bit RSS

The RSS ability to provide robust and consistent performance in numerous challenging drilling environments is proven and has a significant upside for the Operators. In recent years, sevral challenges have been
observed related to RSS technology. Hydraulics requirement and Shock and vibration have been
occasional reasons for unwanted NPT and trips.
A new generation RSS from a leading service company, was seen by the Statfjord team as a positive
step in RSS innovation and development that would facilitate Statfjords goal to increase drilling
efficiency. This new generation RSS was chosen as Statfjords preferred solution to drill the 8 -in section
on 33/12-B-42B well. New generation RSS was mainly selected due to use of WARP mud which requires
more flow rate for hole cleaning. Higher flow rate with conventional mud type was resulting into higher
stand pipe pressure hence narrow margins for ECD, stand pipe pressure and bit pressure drop for RSS
steering.
Technical Features
The new generation RSS uses the same principle of operationspush-the-bit technology, built with an
innovated design that expands the operating environment. . It increases drilling efficiency with a newly
developed actuation pad system and enhances trajectory control using self-steering automation on any rig
type worldwide. Main features of this RSS tool are:

Expanded pads operating pressure window (100% compared to previous design): Reduces the
number of BHA runs and the open hole exposure.
New actuation pads mechanics: Faster pads close out thus a more effective lateral force at high
RPM (up to 350) that improves the ROP performance and DLS consistency.
Enhanced Azimuthal GR: Well Placement alternative for the Unconventional Drilling.
Comprehensive 6 axis continuous Inclination and Azimuth measurements: More accurate trajectory control, and a precise wellbore positioning.
New Hold Inclination and Azimuth (HIA) closed-loop: Improves the hole quality by minimizing
the well tortuosity and also helps to reduce the frequency of static surveys needed (rig time
saving).
Alternative DownLinking option based on modulation of collar RPM: Enable the use of rigs with
lack of fine pumps control limits.
Metal to metal sealing design (Figure 9): Much better tolerance to difficult mud types, high mud
weight and high low gravity solids contents.

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Figure 9 [New Generation RSS Bias Unit]

Applications
New generation RSS Push the bit system is targeted to offer the most suitable service where Operators
face the following specific challenges:

Aggressive mud types and challenging hydraulics design.

Opportunities to reduce the numbers of BHA run per section.
RSS coupled with Motors applications where high RPMs are required.
Opportunities to improve further Hole Quality (project suffering with excessive torque and drag,
high tortuosity profiles etc.).
Specific Well Placement needs (i.e. No enough resistivity contrast for LWD WP).
Limited mechanical rigs with no SCR control available for conventional Downlinks.
Operational highlights on 33/12-B-42B well
Strong integration between directional drilling and Mud contractor proved a key success factor to drill this
challenging section. Drilling best practice recommends more than 1800 LPM for drilling 8 -in and with
relatively lower low-end rheology of WARP OBM. For the section in question recommended hole
cleaning flow rate was more than 2300 LPM. For optimum steerability and hole cleaning within SPP
(Stand pipe pressure) and ECD limits, new generation RSS offered wider flow range of 1900 2450 LPM
(2450 LPM limited by SPP).
Severe pack-off tendencies were observed while drilling out long 40 m of 10 5/8-in rat hole below 9
5/8-in casing shoe. The metallic seals of New generation RSS Bias unit reduced the potential risk of
blowing-off the seals in similar pack-off situations. In addition, 90 110% stick slip was observed in the
rat hole and in first ~300m section, as seen in Figure 10. After drilling ~450m tangent at 85 degree
inclination, well was steered down to 35 degree inclination at 3.5 degree/30m to TD at 4430m MD using
70 75% power setting. 8 -in section was successfully drilled in one run using new generation RSS
technology rising to aforementioned challenges.

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Figure 10 [In the first 475 m of the hole section, New generation RSS encountered high stick/slip severity of 90 100% caused by
cement agitation in the rat hole below the 985-in casing shoe. Despite this, the section was drilled to TD with superior directional control]

Modern Surveying Technique (Surveys on CRPM cessation)

Surveys on Collar RPM cessation is one of the new features included in a leading service companys
MWD tools fleet.
It is now possible to enable surveys to be taken as soon as tool rotation stops, without having to cycle
or dip the pumps.
The basic procedure is outlined in the steps below:
1. Driller decreases the surface RPM to 0 from rotary mode at the desired survey depth.
2. The MWD tool registers the stop of rotation and triggers the survey.
3. The survey is sent to surface with the regular down hole data.
Applications and Benefits
This feature is particularly useful when surveys are taken before rotation, in case of wellbore stability and
hole cleaning concerns, or on wells where a continuous circulation system is in use, as it removes the need
to change the flow rate to get a survey. Other applications include:

Situations where there are concerns for wellbore stability.

Situations where the presence of air bubbles in the drill string or pump noise after a pump cycle
may delay the telemetry.
Managed Pressure Drilling
UBD (underbalanced drilling) and Air Drilling
These services have been run successfully in different parts of the world. Surveys on CRPM cessation
are expected to lead to a time savings and simplification of the workflow while taking MWD surveys by
eliminating pump recycling. The major benefits are:

Flat Time Reduction: Overall reduction in time spent on each surveys (approximately 2 mins per
survey).
Improved survey quality and reduction in repeat surveys.
Less disruption to the workflow for the driller while taking surveys.
Comparisons of the timings for the conventional pumps recycle and Survey on CRPM cessation
method indicates a saving of 2 minutes per survey as seen in Figure 11.

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Figure 11[Surveys on CRPM cessation & time]

Improved Survey Quality and Reduction in Repeat Surveys

Some drilling fluids exhibit magnetic susceptibility sufficient to cause measured azimuth shift of several
degrees. This susceptibility problem will most probably be observed primarily in OBM or synthetic fluids
which are extensively recycled and exposed to long periods of drill string and casing abrasion. Circulation
of the drilling fluid while taking magnetic surveys is expected to give reduced attenuation of the cross
axial magnetic field intensity resulting from the magnetic susceptibility problem. The improved survey
quality may also lead to reduction in number of repeat surveys.
Reduced Disruption of Drillers Workflow
The workflow for conventional survey method before connection follows: ream stand cycle pumps
wait connection. As stated earlier, there will be no need to cycle pumps prior to taking any surveys. At
Kelly down, the RPM can be reduced while reaming down to ensure that the torque in the string is
removed and the string moved to survey depth to wait for the surveys. Once the survey frames are
received, the driller can proceed to make connection. If in the middle of the stand, the surveys can be taken
without recycling pumps.
It is believed that Survey on CRPM cessation can be applied in normal drilling operations after Kelly
down and working of the string prior to killing the pumps for connection which in turn saves rig time and
eliminates time wasted in taking repeat surveys.
In Well control/well stability operations (MPD), survey on CRPM cessation should be employed since
continuous circulation is needed to keep wellbore under control.
Operational highlights on 33/12-B-42B well
Magnetic ranging technology was used to drill close to an offset producer at minimum separation factor
of 0.18 and 34 m center to centre distance. This technology called for increased survey frequency (every
10 15m) in close proximity interval to increase probability of detection. Conventional surveying by
recycling mud pumps could induce sevral challenges like hole cleaning, well bore stability and extra rig
time. Service Company proposed to use CRPM cessation surveys to handle these challenges. 1.5 hrs rig
time was saved by using CRPM cessation surveys in close proximity interval helping implementation of
magnetic ranging technology without extra rig time. Additionally no issues of hole cleaning and well bore
stability were seen.

Anti-collision monitoring and Ranging Technology

Anti-collision monitoring-ranging (MagTrac) is used to reduce the risks involved when drilling nearby
casing/liner/fish from offset wells. This technique monitors raw data from the MWD survey tool (3 x

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accelerometers and 3 x magnetometers) and analyses the disturbed magnetic field resulting from the offset
well casing/liner/fish.
When within an external magnetic interference environment, the location of the nearest offset well can
be determined using this technology. This requires a series of MWD survey shots at closely spaced
intervals along the wellpath to define the magnetic signature of the nearest offset well. Typically up to
10 15 survey shots may be required to define the magnetic signature of an unknown source at an
unknown distance, with the required survey shot spacing for analyses being approx 2m (i.e. MWD surveys
every 2m pulling back for up to 10 shots are required across an offset collar/pole). This technology
analyses the magnetic signature to determine the distance and direction to the nearest offset well. When
the distance and direction to the nearby well have been determined relative to the current wellpath
position, appropriate corrective action can be taken to avoid potential collision by steering away from the
offset well.
Operational highlights on 33/12-B-42B well
MagTraC monitoring commenced below the 9 5/8-in casing shoe at approx 3566m MD (2244m TVD),
with rotation check-shots taken to correct for drill-string interference and sensor misalignments at 3595m
MD (2247m TVD). Although it was recommended by MagTraC to take MWD surveys every 10m surveys
across the full 8.5 section (SF (separation factor) 1.0), it was decided to take MWD surveys every 15m,
before reducing to SF 0.5 from 3665m MD. When within SF 1.0, MagTraC always assumes the
worst case scenario that the trajectory is on collision path with an offset well (however unlikely), and
recommends the MWD survey shot spacing required to achieve sufficient probability of detection before
collision occurs. Due to additional risks other than anti-collision (e.g. hole condition), it was decided not
to reduce the Survey shot interval to 10m until within SF 0.5 interval (Figure 12).

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Figure 12[NS-EW & TVD-VS view showing the B-42B wellpath (blue), with the surveyed position of the B-41 offset (black) & the
surveyed position of the B-41A offset (red)]

8 -in section was drilled successfully preventing all collision and hole cleaning risks. Magnetic
interference was not seen from 33/12 B-41A offset well and close proximity interval was drilled without
any problems using CRPM Cessation surveys. CRPM cessation surveys reduced the risk of hole cleaning,
wellbore stability and saved 1.5 hrs rig time.
During the MagTraC MWD monitoring process, each MWD survey shot was checked for any sign of
external interference from any offset well. No external interference was detected from an offset well
throughout the 8.5 section (all passing MagTraC QC criteria for accepted surveys), however some of the
MWD surveys had to be repeated and rotation check-shots taken at 3750m MD to re-check the tool
(failing MagTraC Criteria for accepted surveys). These anomalies were identified as being due to tool
movement as it was mainly apparent in variations on the GTotal output (due to accelerometer noise).
However as accelerometer outputs are used in the determination of Dip Angle it was also seen by small
changes in Dip Angle and subsequently BTotalDip, two of the Quality Indicators used for interference
detection. Small changes in BTotal & Dip across the 8.5 section were measured due to some slight

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Geomagnetic Activity. This was being continuously monitored throughout the operation and variations
were small and did not result in any repeat MWD surveys.

Conclusion and Results

A high level of innovation was achieved by identifying the right technology application and making
recommendations to Statoil to drill 12 x 13 -in section.
12 x 13 -in Section

RHE BHA opened the ways to side track, drill and under ream the section by minimizing the rat
hole in one run reducing risk, saving time and cost.
It opened 40 new useable slots on Statfjord field which were not useable before due to well
construction reasons.
Technology integration in-line with Statoil cost savings and efficiency improvement initiatives led
to saving 1.5 days drilling rig time by avoiding one run. Target time for the section was 16 days
and section was successfully delivered in 7.3 days.
It has minimized exposure time in Hordaland and hence hole collapse risks.
It helped 11 -in liner to reach TD, successful cement job and hence reliable secondary barrier for
gas lift well.
It proved the reliability of wireless communication system even at low temperature.
It proved the reliability and successful operations of hydraulically activated RoD system.
This will provide more options for P&A Operations in Statfjord Field where aggressive development is becoming a challenge due to high well density.
Use of GWD40 helped to get rid of blind zone and track the well path in the presence of high
magnetic interference from 13 1/8-in casing, which improved anti-collision.
Ruggedzied Point the bit RSS proved better tool in RHE BHA as it provides wide range of
hydraulic options for under reamers.
4D Vibration analysis proved useful in heterogeneous formations especially with stringers.
First ever RHE BHA run with Statoil.
First RHE run in Scandinavia with Point the Bit RSS and GWD40.

8 -in Section

New generation RSS demonstrated its robustness in high stick slip environment and successfully
drilled the section in one run.
It proved reliability and maintained required trajectory control in high collision risks environment.
This RSS design offered wider flow range which resulted into better ECD control and stand pipe
pressure limitations.
Surveys on CRPM cessation helped operator to combat with hole cleaning issues and saved 1.5 hrs
rig time.
Anti-collision monitoring-ranging technology played a vital role as a collision mitigation measure
with producer.

Acknowledgement
The authors wish to thank management of Statoil ASA and Schlumberger for supporting this initiative and
allowing publication of the information in this paper.

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REFERENCES
LiretteN. AubinM. DavisJ. DuvvuruH. and NagarajM.. 2013. Reamer-On-Demand system Eliminates
Dedicated Trip to enlarge Rathole in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Operation. Paper SPE 166127
presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, USA, 30 September 02
October.
LunkadS. HaalandS. SavnesK., and stensenS. 2015. Statfjord Implements a New Gas Lift Casing
Design with 11 -in Liner to open ~ 40 Slots for 13 3/8-in exit. Paper SPE 173868 presented at
the SPE Bergen one day seminar, Norway, 22 April.