Similar to that of drilling mud we focused on in the previous lesson, well casing is another technology used to maintain well integrity. “Casing” is a generic term for steel pipe. Steel is used for casing due to its high durability and ability to maintain good condition over long periods of time, mitigating risks of …
Now we will take a look at the drilling interactive to learn more about the drilling/drill rig technologies associated with drilling mud/drilling fluids. Open the Drilling Interactive and follow the instructions below. Open the Drilling Interactive Locate the mud tank/pit. What is the purpose of the mud tank/pit? A tank/pit where mud is pumped out of …
Let’s take a look at some of the various purposes for the use of drilling mud: Pressure Containment As mentioned in the “Primary Well Control” lesson, drilling mud is used for pressure containment while drilling to ensure hydrocarbons do not freely flow through the wellbore. Oftentimes drilling mud occupies the well to cap hydrocarbons in …
Drilling mud is a mixture of water, clay, and other additives such as lubricants. While water-based drilling mud is often used as it is less expensive and more environmentally friendly, there are situations where oil-based drilling mud can be a better solution, particularly when water-based fluids might cause unfavorable chemical reactions with formations and when …
We already indicated that the safe mud weight window is between the formation fluid pressure and the formation fracturing pressure, and that we did this to avoid kicks, which is to prevent oil and gas from flowing into the well. Since wellbore fluids are circulated to the surface, the presence of oil and gas in …
What is a Safe Wellbore Pressure While Drilling? Read More »
Hydrostatic pressure represents the force per unit area exerted by a column of fluid at a particular depth due to the action of gravity. Hydrostatic calculations apply to a fluid at rest, meaning other pressure changes associated with flow are not accounted for, which simplifies the calculation tremendously and is usually sufficiently accurate for basic …
Natural gas can be stored for later consumption for an indefinite period of time in natural gas storage facilities. Gas is stored primarily to help power companies manage demand from the electrical grid. Gas is injected into storage during periods of low demand and withdrawn during periods of peak demand. It is also used for …
Wellbore integrity continues through to the end of the life of the well. Once production nears the end, the well must be prepared to be properly decommissioned, or plugged. Plugging consists of four steps: Equipment removal Removal of casing Filling the wellbore with cement Sealing the borehole to prevent any leaks at the surface Assessing …
Integrity testing involves several different types of tests done to assess the wellbore prior to production, as well as throughout the life of the project. The amount of testing that needs to take place at the well site is up to the regulatory authority that oversees the project (both state and federal regulatory authorities oversee …
The goal for well integrity testing is to make sure that the well has solid construction (for example, mechanical components are functioning properly) and that leakage is not occurring or likely to occur in the future. Leaks can pose environmental risks and harm to the surrounding areas, such as contamination of underground aquifers that may …