2014-Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit
SIPS 2014 Volume 7: Energy Production, Environmental & Multiscale
| Editors: | Kongoli F |
| Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
| Publication Year: | 2014 |
| Pages: | 528 pages |
| ISBN: | 978-1-987820-09-6 |
| ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
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Underbalanced Drilling
Maryam Dehghani1;1NATIONAL IRANIAN OIL COMPANY, Omiodieh, Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran);
Type of Paper: Regular
Id Paper: 151
Topic: 15
Abstract:
Underbalanced drilling (UBD) is defined as the practice of drilling a well with the wellbore fluid gradient less than the natural formation gradient. It differs from conventional drilling for the bottomhole circulating pressure is lower than the formation pressure, thereby permitting the well to flow while drilling proceeds. Underbalanced drilling technology is a valuable method for minimizing formation of invasion-related problems. Because the majority of hydrocarbons today are found in existing fields with depleting pressures, or in complex and low quality reservoirs, the economical use of UBD becomes more and more popular. This technology can save the industry millions of dollars by increasing the amount of recoverable oil within a shorter time frame.
Historically, most underbalanced drilling (UBD) projects were undertaken to eliminate drilling problems and cost. However, recently, the reduction of formation damage has become a main focus for underbalanced operations. This has the greatest potential in directly increasing the profit to the operating company. Potential benefits include increasing the production rate, the ultimate recovery, and enabling accelerated production. Underbalanced technology, while still on a sharp growth curve, is finally becoming accepted as a normal method for handling the drilling and completion of wells. This paper details the benefits and limiting factors of UBD technology, underbalanced fluid system selection, and UBD techniques.