Abstract:
Successful lateral reach extension in extended-reach drilling (ERD) wells can pay off by allowing access to more reserves. However, as the industry trends towards longer-reach wells, instances of tubular damage during the casing running process are increasing. This can compromise the desired efficiency of the well construction process and ultimately the future functionality of the well.
This presentation examines the obvious tension between maintaining casing system integrity and successfully extending lateral reach in ERD wells while responding to scenarios where casing running conditions differ from running plans. Emphasizing technical fundamentals and presenting case histories of long-reach ERD wells with structurally sensitive tubulars, it recommends a framework for obstacle-tolerant and integrity-focused running that is demonstrated to help optimize casing system selection, well construction planning, and field operations. The framework leverages widely-available engineering tools and evolving digital technologies that can be used by drilling teams to support predictable, efficient, and effective casing runs to greater total depths without compromising long-term well integrity.
Biography:
Dan Dall’Acqua is known for reaching beyond established engineering practices to improve well construction and integrity in challenging downhole applications. In his role as a Principal Consultant at Noetic Engineering (a Volant company) in Edmonton, Canada and working with operator clients around the world, Dan has proven himself to be a catalyst for design bases, strategies, and digital innovations in extreme-service well applications. Among his contributions currently at work in the field are post-yield strain-based design strategies for thermal and geothermal casing and liner systems, premium connection performance evaluation methodologies for extreme-service wells, and digital solutions for planning, monitoring, and continuous improvement in casing running operations.
Dan's interest in extended-reach drilling (ERD) wells relates to optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of downhole casing running operations, including harnessing digital technology to build better wells. As a subject matter expert on casing system integrity, he has authored SPE papers on topics ranging from thermal tubular system design to ERD running optimization and currently co-chairs the SPE Well Integrity Technical Section’s Casing Deformation Work Group, which aims to reduce the impact and increase the understanding of casing deformations limiting accessibility in multi-fractured horizontal wells.
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