Course content

In this course, innovative techniques for hydraulic optimizations, new cementing techniques, geothermal drilling, and methods for planning and operations will be presented. New innovations, and methods for drilling wells that cannot be drilled conventionally like MPD (managed pressure drilling), CML (control mud level), and DGD (dual gradient drilling) 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 will be discussed. Drilling automation and digitalization using high-tech tools for performing real-time downhole communication will be covered including well integrity with a focus on well plugging and abandonment.

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

Learning outcome

The drilling process is characterized by fragmented operations with many parties involved in 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 inaccurate measurement and interpretation of drilling data will lead to NPT (Non-Productive Time) in all operational aspects. By using new innovations, methods, and techniques, including new technology and digitization systems in drilling operations, the industry can increase the accuracy and reduce the well costs significantly with the aim of reducing the CO2 footprint in the environment. This course will help students achieve this goal.

Knowledge:

At the end of the semester students will understand:

• Advanced wellbore hydraulics, drilling fluid and cementing
• 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
• Drilling Automation and Digitalization
• Casing design for special cases
• HPHT wells and drilling operation
• Geothermal drilling methods

Skills:

At the end of the semester students master:

• 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.

General competence:

• The student will be able to perform conference presentations on new drilling topics, within available time frame.
• Qualifies to advanced skills and ability to assess risks and issues in drilling operations.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. Compulsory research project with presentation. 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

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
• Digitalization: Python Application for Drilling & Geoscience Engineer, Behzad Elahifar, Erfan hosseini, ISBN-13: 9786206184225
• 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