Examination arrangement

Course content

In this course, techniques for hydraulic optimizations, new cementing technices and method for planning and operations, will be presented. New methods for drilling wells that cannot be drilled conventionally like MPD, CML and RMR systems will be discussed. Well  control methods for kick handling will be covered. Torque and drag calculations related to drilling and completion of long reach wells. Drilling automation and digitalization using  high tech tools for performing real time down hole communication will be covered including well integrity with  focus on well plugging. 

There will be a given research task to each student. Each student needs to prepare and present the research result in a scientific paper format. 

Learning outcome

Ingress:

The drilling process is characterized by fragmented operations with many parties involved and many interfaces and high uncertainty, especially with regard to underground conditions. This uncertainty will entail and enforce high costs in various aspects of drilling operations. Slow acceptance of new technology and also inaccurate measurement and interpretation of drilling data will lead to NPT in all operational aspects. By using the new methods and techniques, including new technology and digitization systems in drilling operations, the industry can increase the accuracy and reduce the well costs significantly. This course will help students achieve this goal.

Knowledge:

At the end of semester students will understand:

• Advanced wellbore hydraulics and drilling fluid
• Advanced wellbore cementing
• Advanced Torque and Drag calculation.
• MPD (Managed pressure drilling) and CML (Controlled mud level)
• Well control methods and calculations, Kick detection methods
• Pressure behavior in the wellbore during the well control
• Wellbore telemetry and real time data recording system (Wired Pipe system and along string measurements)
• Well integrity and plug and abandonment
• Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) wells
• Drilling Automation (application of cybernetics in drilling)
• Casing design for special cases
• HPHT wells and drilling operation
• Geothermal drilling methods
• To perform conference presentation on new drilling topics

Skills:

At the end of semester students will be master in:

• The use of digital tools (like Excel, Matlab, Python and etc.) and also performing programming and coding if needed.
• Designing drilling program and preparing a plan for a well for drilling.
• Identifying unwanted inflow and using the suitable well control method to circulate out the kick.
• Ability to present new drilling topics at conferences within the available time frame.

General competence:

• Qualifies to advanced skills and ability to assess risks and issues in drilling operations

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. The lectures will be held in English if international master's students attend. Exercises also includes the use of programming tools (e.g. MS Excel and Python). Course evaluation is undertaken using reference group.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation
• Exercises

Further on evaluation

80% of the exercises must be approved before the exam. Students research presentation should be approved before the exam and the results should be prepared in the scientific paper format. The final exam counts 100%. If the teaching is given in English, the examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments. If there is a re-sit examination, the form of assessment may be changed from written to oral examination. The final exam can be performed either in open book or closed book format.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Presentation og research task

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Course TPG4215, or equivalent.

Course materials

• Applied Drilling Engineering, AT Bourgoyne Jr, KK Millheim, ME Chenevert and FS Young Jr. SPE Textbook Series Vol. 2, ISBN: 978-1-55563-001-0
• Compendium
• Relevant textbooks will be announced at semester start
• For each topic in the course supplementary material will be given to the students

Credit reductions