As the world energy demand increases, drilling deeper wells is inevitable. Deeper wells have abnormal pressure zones where the difference between pore pressure and fracture pressure gradient, is very small. Smaller drilling margins make it harder to drill the well and result in high operation costs due to the increase of non-productive time. One of the major factors influence non-productive time in drilling operations is lost circulation due to drilling induced fractures. The most common approach is still plugging the fractures by using various loss circulation materials and there are several wellbore strengthening techniques present in the literature to explain the physics behind this treatment. This thesis focuses on development of a rock mechanics/hydraulic model for quantifying the stress distribution around the wellbore and fracture geometry after fracture initiation, propagation and plugging the fracture with loss circulation materials. In addition, fracture behavior is investigated in different stress states, for different permeability values and in the presence of multiple fractures. The following chapters contain detailed description of this model, and analysis results. / text

A three-dimensional numerical model was developed to simulate the stability of wellbores and perforations in poorly consolidated sandstone formations. The model integrates the post-yield plastic behavior of granular materials in order to investigate the mechanical instabilities associated with wellbores completed in such formations. Fluid flow and poroelastic stresses are computationally coupled with mechanical calculations to generate pore pressure and stress distribution in the sand. The sand erosion model developed by Kim (2010) is adopted to predict the rate of sand production based on the proposed erosion criterion. It has been widely reported in the literature that sanding can be greatly influenced by in-situ stress anisotropy, completion geometry, wellbore placement, and perforation orientation. Through advanced modeling and meshing techniques, the model developed in this thesis is capable of simulating complex completion configurations and operational conditions for the purpose of researching the impact of these factors on the wellbore and perforation stability. Accordingly, the model can be utilized to design a completion that minimizes sand production and optimizes the mechanical stability of the wellbore for a specific in-situ state of stress. Results obtained from the model show that vertical wellbores produce less sand compared to horizontal wellbores in the case where the overburden stress is the maximum in-situ stress. In addition, orienting the perforation in the direction with the least plastic strain development results in a more stable perforation tunnel with less sand production. Therefore, in a horizontal wellbore, vertically oriented perforations are more stable than horizontally oriented perforations and can withstand higher drawdown pressure before sand is produced. The model was extended to simulate the impact of mechanical and hydraulic interference from adjacent perforations on the evolution of plastic strain. Results from simulation runs show that the perforation spacing has an influence on both the magnitude and the spatial spread of the plastic strain. The model combines the effect of the wellbore diameter, shot density, and the phasing angle to determine the completion configuration with the least sanding risk. / text

The analysis/interpretation of wellbore storage distorted pressure transient test data remains one of the most significant challenges in well test analysis. Deconvolution (i.e., the "conversion" of a variable-rate distorted pressure profile into the pressure profile for an equivalent constant rate production sequence) has been in limited use as a "conversion" mechanism for the last 25 years. Unfortunately, standard deconvolution techniques require accurate measurements of flow-rate and pressure — at downhole (or sandface) conditions. While accurate pressure measurements are commonplace, the measurement of sandface flowrates is rare, essentially non-existent in practice. As such, the "deconvolution" of wellbore storage distorted pressure test data is problematic. In theory, this process is possible, but in practice, without accurate measurements of flowrates, this process can not be employed. In this work we provide explicit (direct) deconvolution of wellbore storage distorted pressure test data using only those pressure data. The underlying equations associated with each deconvolution scheme are derived in the Appendices and implemented via a computational module. The value of this work is that we provide explicit tools for the analysis of wellbore storage distorted pressure data; specifically, we utilize the following techniques: * Russell method (1966) (very approximate approach), * "Beta" deconvolution (1950s and 1980s), * "Material Balance" deconvolution (1990s). Each method has been validated using both synthetic data and literature field cases and each method should be considered valid for practical applications. Our primary technical contribution in this work is the adaptation of various deconvolution methods for the explicit analysis of an arbitrary set of pressure transient test data which are distorted by wellbore storage — without the requirement of having measured sandface flowrates.

Flow assurance is crucial in the oil industry since it guarantees the success and economic production of hydrocarbon fluid, especially in offshore and deep water oil fields. In fact, the ultimate goal of flow assurance is to maintain flow in the wellbore and pipelines as long as possible. One of the most common challenges in flow assurance is the buildup of solids, such as asphaltene and scale particles. These Solid particles can deposit in the wellbore, flowline, and riser and affect the wellbore performance by reducing the cross section of the pipeline, which eventually results in pipeline blockage. Hence, neglecting the importance of flow assurance problems and failure in thorough understanding of the fluid behavior in the production systems may result in plugged pipeline, production loss, flowline replacement, and early abandonments of the well. As a result, continuous evaluations are needed at the development stage and during the life of reservoirs to predict the potential, the extent, and the severity of the problem to plan for inhibition and remediation jobs. In fact, it is more preferable to prevent flow assurance problems through the designing and operating procedures rather than remediating the problems, which has higher risks of success and higher loss of revenue due to frequent well shut down. As a part of this research, we enhanced the capabilities of our in-house compositional wellbore simulator (UTWELL) to model various production and flow assurance scenarios. Initially, we developed and implemented a robust gas lift model into UTWELL to model artificial lift technique for reservoirs with low pressure. The developed model is able to model both steady state and transient flow along with blackoil and Equation-of-State compositional models. The improved version was successfully validated against a commercial simulator. Then, we applied our dynamic model to track the behavior of asphaltene during gas lift processes and evaluated the risk of asphaltene deposition. Several deposition mechanisms were incorporated to study the transportation, entrainment, and deposition of solid particles in the wellbore. The simulation results illustrated the effect of light gas injection on asphaltene deposition and well performance. Finally, a step by step algorithm is presented for coupling a geochemical package, IPhreeqc, with UTWELL. The developed model is able to model homogenous and heterogeneous, non-isothermal, non-isobaric aqueous phase reactions assuming local equilibrium or kinetic conditions. This tool was then utilized to model scale deposition in the wellbore for various scenarios. In addition, the results showed that integrating IPhreeqc has promise in terms of CPU time compared to the traditional approach of reading and writing the input and output files. / text

Vibrações em coluna de perfuração de poços de petróleo têm sido extensivamente estudadas, principalmente devido aos efeitos danosos causados aos elementos da coluna. Os altos custos envolvidos nas operações têm levado cientistas e empresas a buscarem os melhores resultados, seja no projeto ou na execução do poço. Este trabalho apresenta um modelo matemático não linear para estudo de vibrações em coluna de perfuração em operações de backreaming, ou seja, em operações de retirada da coluna de perfuração de dentro do poço com rotação e bombeamento de fluido simultaneamente. O modelo proposto visa estudar os efeitos das vibrações laterais no conjunto de fundo da coluna, conhecido como Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). Trata-se de um modelo analítico, não linear com parâmetros concentrados, onde são considerados os efeitos de amortecimento devido ao fluido de perfuração, contato entre estabilizador e comando de perfuração contra a parede do poço e rigidez torcional do tubo de perfuração, com implementação da solução numérica do sistema de equações diferenciais através da criação de uma rotina computacional em ambiente MATLAB®. Para calibração do modelo matemático proposto, foi construída uma bancada experimental, em escala com uma coluna de perfuração, simulando a condição dinâmica da coluna. Os resultados mostram boa correlação entre o modelo matemático, bancada experimental e dados reais de campo. Análises paramétricas foram realizadas para estudo da influência do movimento de precessão, aceleração lateral e dano acumulado na coluna. Um modelo probabilístico foi proposto para estudo das vibrações da coluna em conjunto com o modelo matemático ajustado experimentalmente. O trabalho discute os resultados estatísticos para análise de vibração da coluna utilizando o método de Monte Carlo, considerando as incertezas no diâmetro do poço e coeficiente de atrito. Os resultados mostram que a aceleração lateral é menor em poços com diâmetro próximo ao da broca e com baixo coeficiente de atrito, além de não sofrerem influência significativa devido à velocidade de backreaming. Para poços com maior incerteza no diâmetro do poço e elevada velocidade de rotação da coluna, observou-se maiores valores de aceleração lateral. / Oil well drill string vibrations have been studied extensively throughout the world, mainly due to the highly damaging effects caused by these vibrations in the drill string elements. The high costs involved in the operations have led scientists and companies to seek the best results, whether in wellbore project or during real time construction. This thesis presents a non-linear mathematical model for drill string vibrations analysis during backreaming operations, that is, pulling out drill string with pumping and rotation simultaneously. The model proposed aims to study the effects of lateral vibrations on the lower portion of the drill string, commonly known as Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). The modeling approach is based on analytical, nonlinear and lumped parameters, which considers the effects of drilling fluid damping, stabilizer and drill collar contact with the borehole wall and drill pipe torsional stiffness, with MATLAB® numerical routine implementation to solve the system of differential equations. To setup of the proposed mathematical model, an experimental test rig was built in scale with a real drill string, simulating the dynamic condition of the drill string. The results show good correlation between the mathematical model, experimental test rig and real field data. Parametric analysis were performed to study the influence of backward whirl, lateral acceleration and accumulated damage in the drill string. A probabilistic model was proposed for the study of drill string vibrations with mathematical model experimentally calibrated. The work discusses the statistical results for the drill string vibration using Monte Carlo approach, considering the uncertainties in borehole diameter and friction coefficient. The results show that the lateral acceleration is smaller in borehole diameter closer to the drill bit diameter with low friction coefficient, besides not being significant influence due to the backreaming speed. For wellbore with greater uncertainty in the borehole diameter and for drill string with high speed rotation, a higher lateral acceleration value was observed.

Vibrações em coluna de perfuração de poços de petróleo têm sido extensivamente estudadas, principalmente devido aos efeitos danosos causados aos elementos da coluna. Os altos custos envolvidos nas operações têm levado cientistas e empresas a buscarem os melhores resultados, seja no projeto ou na execução do poço. Este trabalho apresenta um modelo matemático não linear para estudo de vibrações em coluna de perfuração em operações de backreaming, ou seja, em operações de retirada da coluna de perfuração de dentro do poço com rotação e bombeamento de fluido simultaneamente. O modelo proposto visa estudar os efeitos das vibrações laterais no conjunto de fundo da coluna, conhecido como Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). Trata-se de um modelo analítico, não linear com parâmetros concentrados, onde são considerados os efeitos de amortecimento devido ao fluido de perfuração, contato entre estabilizador e comando de perfuração contra a parede do poço e rigidez torcional do tubo de perfuração, com implementação da solução numérica do sistema de equações diferenciais através da criação de uma rotina computacional em ambiente MATLAB®. Para calibração do modelo matemático proposto, foi construída uma bancada experimental, em escala com uma coluna de perfuração, simulando a condição dinâmica da coluna. Os resultados mostram boa correlação entre o modelo matemático, bancada experimental e dados reais de campo. Análises paramétricas foram realizadas para estudo da influência do movimento de precessão, aceleração lateral e dano acumulado na coluna. Um modelo probabilístico foi proposto para estudo das vibrações da coluna em conjunto com o modelo matemático ajustado experimentalmente. O trabalho discute os resultados estatísticos para análise de vibração da coluna utilizando o método de Monte Carlo, considerando as incertezas no diâmetro do poço e coeficiente de atrito. Os resultados mostram que a aceleração lateral é menor em poços com diâmetro próximo ao da broca e com baixo coeficiente de atrito, além de não sofrerem influência significativa devido à velocidade de backreaming. Para poços com maior incerteza no diâmetro do poço e elevada velocidade de rotação da coluna, observou-se maiores valores de aceleração lateral. / Oil well drill string vibrations have been studied extensively throughout the world, mainly due to the highly damaging effects caused by these vibrations in the drill string elements. The high costs involved in the operations have led scientists and companies to seek the best results, whether in wellbore project or during real time construction. This thesis presents a non-linear mathematical model for drill string vibrations analysis during backreaming operations, that is, pulling out drill string with pumping and rotation simultaneously. The model proposed aims to study the effects of lateral vibrations on the lower portion of the drill string, commonly known as Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). The modeling approach is based on analytical, nonlinear and lumped parameters, which considers the effects of drilling fluid damping, stabilizer and drill collar contact with the borehole wall and drill pipe torsional stiffness, with MATLAB® numerical routine implementation to solve the system of differential equations. To setup of the proposed mathematical model, an experimental test rig was built in scale with a real drill string, simulating the dynamic condition of the drill string. The results show good correlation between the mathematical model, experimental test rig and real field data. Parametric analysis were performed to study the influence of backward whirl, lateral acceleration and accumulated damage in the drill string. A probabilistic model was proposed for the study of drill string vibrations with mathematical model experimentally calibrated. The work discusses the statistical results for the drill string vibration using Monte Carlo approach, considering the uncertainties in borehole diameter and friction coefficient. The results show that the lateral acceleration is smaller in borehole diameter closer to the drill bit diameter with low friction coefficient, besides not being significant influence due to the backreaming speed. For wellbore with greater uncertainty in the borehole diameter and for drill string with high speed rotation, a higher lateral acceleration value was observed.

As hydrocarbon exploration and development moves into deeper water and onshore arctic environments, it becomes increasingly important to quantify the drilling hazards posed by gas hydrates. To address these concerns, a 1D semi-analytical model for heat and fluid transport in the reservoir was coupled with a numerical model for temperature distribution along the wellbore. This combination allowed the estimation of the dimensions of the hydratebearing layer where the initial pressure and temperature can dynamically change while drilling. These dimensions were then used to build a numerical reservoir model for the simulation of the dissociation of gas hydrate in the layer. The bottomhole pressure (BHP) and formation properties used in this workflow were based on a real field case. The results provide an understanding of the effects of drilling through hydratebearing sediments and of the impact of drilling fluid temperature and BHP on changes in temperature and pore pressure within the surrounding sediments. It was found that the amount of gas hydrate that can dissociate will depend significantly on both initial formation characteristics and bottomhole conditions, namely mud temperature and pressure. The procedure outlined suggested in this work can provide quantitative results of the impact of hydrate dissociation on wellbore stability, which can help better design drilling muds for ultra deep water operations.

Hydraulic fracturing of transverse isotropic reservoirs is of major interest for reservoir stimulation and in-situ stress estimation. Rock fabric anisotropy not only causes in-situ stress anisotropy, but also affects fracture initiation from the wellbore. In this study a semi-analytical method is used to investigate these effects with particular reference to shale stimulation. Using simplifying assumptions, equations are derived for stress distribution around the wellbore's walls. The model is then used to study the fracture initiation pressure variations with anisotropy. A sensitivity analysis is carried out on the impact of Young's modulus and Poisson's ration, on the fracture initiation pressure. The results are useful in designing hydraulic fractures and also can be used to develop information about in-situ rock properties using failure pressure values observed in the field. Finally, mechanical and permeability anisotropy are measured using Pulse Permeameter and triaxial tests on Pierre shale.

One of the issues with multilateral wells is determining the contribution of each lateral to the total production that is measured at the surface. Also, if water is detected at the surface or if the multilateral well performance declines, then it is difficult to identify which lateral or laterals are causing the production decline. One way to estimate the contribution from each lateral is to run production Logging Tools (PLT). Unfortunately, PLT jobs are expensive, time-consuming, labor-intensive and involve operational risks. An alternative way to measure the production from each lateral is to use Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology. Recent advances in DTS technology enable measuring the temperature profile in horizontal wells with high precision and resolution. The changes in the temperature profile are successfully used to calculate the production profile in horizontal wells. In this research, we develop a computer program that uses a multilateral well model to calculate the pressure and temperature profile in the motherbore. The results help understand the temperature and pressure behaviors in multilateral wells that are crucial in designing and optimizing DTS installations. Also, this model can be coupled with an inversion model that can use the measured temperature and pressure profile to calculate the production from each lateral. Our model shows that changing the permeability or the water cut produced from one lateral results in a clear signature in the motherbore temperature profile that can be measured with DTS technology. However, varying the length of one of the lateral did not seem to impact the temperature profile in the motherbore. For future work, this research recommends developing a numerical reservoir model that would enable studying the effect of lateral inference and reservoir heterogeneity. Also recommended is developing an inversion model that can be used to validate our model using field data.

Wellbore stability problems make up huge over-costs worldwide. Since in recent years declining resource volumes and favorable oil prices are encouraging operators to drill deeper, more complex well trajectories drilling for hydrocarbons have turn into a much more challenging task. Furthermore, the complexity and variations of those wells have added the weight to planning and problem anticipation at both drilling and production stages. The thesis will describe the geomechanical wellbore stability analysis of Sayindere, Karabogaz and Karababa formations drilled in X field, Adiyaman. The analysis assumes validity of linear elastic theory for porous media and requires drilling reports, well logs, laboratory tests and core analysis. It was observed that with the assessment of geomechanical wellbore stability analysis mud weight window, which includes minimum mud weight and maximum mud weight can be determined for the studied formations.