Well Integrity Technical Section

Respected Members,
I am interested in getting your feedback and industry experience and how widespread is the use of Auto-Fill float equipment and Float Collar conversion in our industry in different sectors - deep water, unconventional and conventional reservoirs to address surge protection, hole cleaning and collapse protection concerns. And is this technique generally used with ultra-low density/foamed cements to prevent fluid influx and annular gas migration or with other cement systems too.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------

Hi Talib,
Auto-fill float equipment is used a lot in deepwater casing and liner runs where the pore and frac gradient are sufficiently close together and do not support a lot of surge. Unconventionals are more forgiving and would warrant the extra complication of auto-fill; fracking the well while running casing is a lower possibility and the surge pressure would be lower too. Running a 4 1/2 in. liner inside a 6 1/8 in. hole is not as bad as running a 14 in. casing inside a 16 in. liner (14.5 in. ID)... Conventional land work does not have the huge time-based cost you have for drillships hence you can run a little slower.
Cement density is independent of float equipment selection, for the most part. Once converted, your auto-fill is the same as regular float equipment, hence, no different.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Matthias

Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your valuable insights. Do you have any additional thoughts on applications of auto-fill equipment in deep HPHT onshore reservoirs.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 09:03 AM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talib,
Auto-fill float equipment is used a lot in deepwater casing and liner runs where the pore and frac gradient are sufficiently close together and do not support a lot of surge. Unconventionals are more forgiving and would warrant the extra complication of auto-fill; fracking the well while running casing is a lower possibility and the surge pressure would be lower too. Running a 4 1/2 in. liner inside a 6 1/8 in. hole is not as bad as running a 14 in. casing inside a 16 in. liner (14.5 in. ID)... Conventional land work does not have the huge time-based cost you have for drillships hence you can run a little slower.
Cement density is independent of float equipment selection, for the most part. Once converted, your auto-fill is the same as regular float equipment, hence, no different.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Matthias

I'd avoid it as much as I can and would make a detailed risk assessment if I wanted to use it. If your pore and frac gradients are really close together and there was no other way to run your casing, sure go for it. Otherwise, run the string slower, check the well architecture if you can start out larger to avoid tight clearances, etc.
You can get into a lot of trouble real fast with that kind of equipment. It has its uses but shouldn't be the first choice.
As always, it depends on the application, how long is your well? Are you running casing or liner? Will you be in drillpipe, in case of a liner, before you hit the tight restriction? Are you using MPD? What are your contingencies? Can you drop a drop-in float valve should the need arrive? Etc.
Cheers
Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 11:52 AM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your valuable insights. Do you have any additional thoughts on applications of auto-fill equipment in deep HPHT onshore reservoirs.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 09:03 AM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talib,
Auto-fill float equipment is used a lot in deepwater casing and liner runs where the pore and frac gradient are sufficiently close together and do not support a lot of surge. Unconventionals are more forgiving and would warrant the extra complication of auto-fill; fracking the well while running casing is a lower possibility and the surge pressure would be lower too. Running a 4 1/2 in. liner inside a 6 1/8 in. hole is not as bad as running a 14 in. casing inside a 16 in. liner (14.5 in. ID)... Conventional land work does not have the huge time-based cost you have for drillships hence you can run a little slower.
Cement density is independent of float equipment selection, for the most part. Once converted, your auto-fill is the same as regular float equipment, hence, no different.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Matthias

Hi Matthias,
Thanks once again for your insights and advise. I do not have any particular application at this time but am trying to learn more about its pros and cons.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 12:02 PM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

I'd avoid it as much as I can and would make a detailed risk assessment if I wanted to use it. If your pore and frac gradients are really close together and there was no other way to run your casing, sure go for it. Otherwise, run the string slower, check the well architecture if you can start out larger to avoid tight clearances, etc.
You can get into a lot of trouble real fast with that kind of equipment. It has its uses but shouldn't be the first choice.
As always, it depends on the application, how long is your well? Are you running casing or liner? Will you be in drillpipe, in case of a liner, before you hit the tight restriction? Are you using MPD? What are your contingencies? Can you drop a drop-in float valve should the need arrive? Etc.
Cheers

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 11:52 AM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your valuable insights. Do you have any additional thoughts on applications of auto-fill equipment in deep HPHT onshore reservoirs.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 09:03 AM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talib,
Auto-fill float equipment is used a lot in deepwater casing and liner runs where the pore and frac gradient are sufficiently close together and do not support a lot of surge. Unconventionals are more forgiving and would warrant the extra complication of auto-fill; fracking the well while running casing is a lower possibility and the surge pressure would be lower too. Running a 4 1/2 in. liner inside a 6 1/8 in. hole is not as bad as running a 14 in. casing inside a 16 in. liner (14.5 in. ID)... Conventional land work does not have the huge time-based cost you have for drillships hence you can run a little slower.
Cement density is independent of float equipment selection, for the most part. Once converted, your auto-fill is the same as regular float equipment, hence, no different.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Matthias

Hi Talibuddin

Further to Mathias comments on evaluating the risks, auto-fill equipment that failed to convert may have been a significant factor in some serious well control events that occurred after cementing the casing (eg Macondo, Montara).

In particular the risk of not converting and not being aware of it needs to be well understood and evaluated. By evaluating the risks, mitigation measures may be identified such as equipment selection, specific conversion procedures, cementing procedures and monitoring procedures post cementation and in case of suspension of the well.
Met vriendelijke groet / Kind regards,
ir Ron Leichsenring
Senior Inspecteur/ Senior Inspector
........................................................................
Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen / State Supervision of Mines
Ministerie van Economische Zaken/ Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Henri Faasdreef 312 | 2492 JP | Den Haag / The Hague
Postbus / P.O. Box 24037 | 2490 AA | Den Haag
........................................................................
T + 31 70 379 8400 M +31615091070
R.A.Leichsenring@sodm.nl<mailto:r.a.leichsenring@sodm.nl> http://www.sodm.nl<https: na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url="http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sodm.nl%2F&data=02%7C01%7Crgair%40vermilionenergy.com%7Ccc29847234d141ba3c4608d622013197%7C62e14f2dd68d4f70b073aadb783a61b9%7C0%7C0%7C636733785864436430&sdata=XpUj4bCWKFjLu7GCmqen%2BgFvGlKy0A%2FGdIDrFlYCJuM%3D&reserved=0">





Dit bericht kan informatie bevatten die niet voor u is bestemd. Indien u
niet de geadresseerde bent of dit bericht abusievelijk aan u is gezonden,
wordt u verzocht dat aan de afzender te melden en het bericht te
verwijderen.
De Staat aanvaardt geen aansprakelijkheid voor schade, van welke aard
ook, die verband houdt met risico's verbonden aan het elektronisch
verzenden van berichten.

This message may contain information that is not intended for you. If you
are not the addressee or if this message was sent to you by mistake, you
are requested to inform the sender and delete the message.
The State accepts no liability for damage of any kind resulting from the
risks inherent in the electronic transmission of messages.


Original Message:
Sent: 9/12/2022 12:17:00 PM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: RE: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thanks once again for your insights and advise. I do not have any particular application at this time but am trying to learn more about its pros and cons.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 12:02 PM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

I'd avoid it as much as I can and would make a detailed risk assessment if I wanted to use it. If your pore and frac gradients are really close together and there was no other way to run your casing, sure go for it. Otherwise, run the string slower, check the well architecture if you can start out larger to avoid tight clearances, etc.
You can get into a lot of trouble real fast with that kind of equipment. It has its uses but shouldn't be the first choice.
As always, it depends on the application, how long is your well? Are you running casing or liner? Will you be in drillpipe, in case of a liner, before you hit the tight restriction? Are you using MPD? What are your contingencies? Can you drop a drop-in float valve should the need arrive? Etc.
Cheers

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 11:52 AM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your valuable insights. Do you have any additional thoughts on applications of auto-fill equipment in deep HPHT onshore reservoirs.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed

Talib, 

Many of the comments made above are very valid. Auto-fill equipment is typically run in tight clearance situations where the annular clearance between the casing/liner being run is very small, resulting in a very large surge ECD load while running pipe. Sometimes the running speed or fluid properties can me managed to minimize this surge ECD; however, in many cases, especially in deep water, there are no practical running speeds or changed in fluid rheology that permit the casing/liner being run to TD without experiencing lost circulation. While Auto-fill does provide a significant reduction in surge ECD while running casing, there are risks associated with it that many operators fail to identify prior to selecting to run auto-fill: cuttings load and swab ECD.

First off, if the auto-fill shoe is being run in any kind of inclined wellbore (>30 degrees inclination), it is very common for solids to accumulate inside the shoe track while running auto-fill. These solids are, in my opinion, the most likely reason why auto-fill float equipment fails to be converted once reaching setting depth. The second item is that while many understand that there is a reduction in surge ECD while running the casing in, the swab ECD felt if the casing is picked up would not see any kind of reduction with the auto-fill floats. There are numerous best practices to mitigate these risks.

Lastly, running auto-fill on a liner adds more complexity because once the hanger has been picked up, there is typically a dramatic change in ID where the fluid can travel (ie ID of the running string vs the ID of the casing). we have seen in many cases that an operator experiences lost circulation after picking up the hanger and running in. 

I would be happy to discuss further if you would like.
Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2022 02:51 AM
From: RONALD LEICHSENRING
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talibuddin

Further to Mathias comments on evaluating the risks, auto-fill equipment that failed to convert may have been a significant factor in some serious well control events that occurred after cementing the casing (eg Macondo, Montara).

In particular the risk of not converting and not being aware of it needs to be well understood and evaluated. By evaluating the risks, mitigation measures may be identified such as equipment selection, specific conversion procedures, cementing procedures and monitoring procedures post cementation and in case of suspension of the well.
Met vriendelijke groet / Kind regards,
ir Ron Leichsenring
Senior Inspecteur/ Senior Inspector
........................................................................
Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen / State Supervision of Mines
Ministerie van Economische Zaken/ Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Henri Faasdreef 312 | 2492 JP | Den Haag / The Hague
Postbus / P.O. Box 24037 | 2490 AA | Den Haag
........................................................................
T + 31 70 379 8400 M +31615091070
R.A.Leichsenring@sodm.nl<mailto:r.a.leichsenring@sodm.nl> http://www.sodm.nl<https: na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url="http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sodm.nl%2F&data=02%7C01%7Crgair%40vermilionenergy.com%7Ccc29847234d141ba3c4608d622013197%7C62e14f2dd68d4f70b073aadb783a61b9%7C0%7C0%7C636733785864436430&sdata=XpUj4bCWKFjLu7GCmqen%2BgFvGlKy0A%2FGdIDrFlYCJuM%3D&reserved=0">





Dit bericht kan informatie bevatten die niet voor u is bestemd. Indien u
niet de geadresseerde bent of dit bericht abusievelijk aan u is gezonden,
wordt u verzocht dat aan de afzender te melden en het bericht te
verwijderen.
De Staat aanvaardt geen aansprakelijkheid voor schade, van welke aard
ook, die verband houdt met risico's verbonden aan het elektronisch
verzenden van berichten.

This message may contain information that is not intended for you. If you
are not the addressee or if this message was sent to you by mistake, you
are requested to inform the sender and delete the message.
The State accepts no liability for damage of any kind resulting from the
risks inherent in the electronic transmission of messages.



Original Message:
Sent: 9/12/2022 12:17:00 PM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: RE: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thanks once again for your insights and advise. I do not have any particular application at this time but am trying to learn more about its pros and cons.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 12:02 PM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

I'd avoid it as much as I can and would make a detailed risk assessment if I wanted to use it. If your pore and frac gradients are really close together and there was no other way to run your casing, sure go for it. Otherwise, run the string slower, check the well architecture if you can start out larger to avoid tight clearances, etc.
You can get into a lot of trouble real fast with that kind of equipment. It has its uses but shouldn't be the first choice.
As always, it depends on the application, how long is your well? Are you running casing or liner? Will you be in drillpipe, in case of a liner, before you hit the tight restriction? Are you using MPD? What are your contingencies? Can you drop a drop-in float valve should the need arrive? Etc.
Cheers

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 11:52 AM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your valuable insights. Do you have any additional thoughts on applications of auto-fill equipment in deep HPHT onshore reservoirs.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 09:03 AM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talib,
Auto-fill float equipment is used a lot in deepwater casing and liner runs where the pore and frac gradient are sufficiently close together and do not support a lot of surge. Unconventionals are more forgiving and would warrant the extra complication of auto-fill; fracking the well while running casing is a lower possibility and the surge pressure would be lower too. Running a 4 1/2 in. liner inside a 6 1/8 in. hole is not as bad as running a 14 in. casing inside a 16 in. liner (14.5 in. ID)... Conventional land work does not have the huge time-based cost you have for drillships hence you can run a little slower.
Cement density is independent of float equipment selection, for the most part. Once converted, your auto-fill is the same as regular float equipment, hence, no different.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Matthias

Hi Chris,
Thank you for your valuable insights - particularly risks using the auto-fill equipment: both surge and swab ECDs, in inclined wellbores and cuttings load and increased complexity with running liners and potential for lost circulation.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2022 08:02 AM
From: Chris Cutts
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Talib,

Many of the comments made above are very valid. Auto-fill equipment is typically run in tight clearance situations where the annular clearance between the casing/liner being run is very small, resulting in a very large surge ECD load while running pipe. Sometimes the running speed or fluid properties can me managed to minimize this surge ECD; however, in many cases, especially in deep water, there are no practical running speeds or changed in fluid rheology that permit the casing/liner being run to TD without experiencing lost circulation. While Auto-fill does provide a significant reduction in surge ECD while running casing, there are risks associated with it that many operators fail to identify prior to selecting to run auto-fill: cuttings load and swab ECD.

First off, if the auto-fill shoe is being run in any kind of inclined wellbore (>30 degrees inclination), it is very common for solids to accumulate inside the shoe track while running auto-fill. These solids are, in my opinion, the most likely reason why auto-fill float equipment fails to be converted once reaching setting depth. The second item is that while many understand that there is a reduction in surge ECD while running the casing in, the swab ECD felt if the casing is picked up would not see any kind of reduction with the auto-fill floats. There are numerous best practices to mitigate these risks.

Lastly, running auto-fill on a liner adds more complexity because once the hanger has been picked up, there is typically a dramatic change in ID where the fluid can travel (ie ID of the running string vs the ID of the casing). we have seen in many cases that an operator experiences lost circulation after picking up the hanger and running in.

I would be happy to discuss further if you would like.

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2022 02:51 AM
From: RONALD LEICHSENRING
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talibuddin

Further to Mathias comments on evaluating the risks, auto-fill equipment that failed to convert may have been a significant factor in some serious well control events that occurred after cementing the casing (eg Macondo, Montara).

In particular the risk of not converting and not being aware of it needs to be well understood and evaluated. By evaluating the risks, mitigation measures may be identified such as equipment selection, specific conversion procedures, cementing procedures and monitoring procedures post cementation and in case of suspension of the well.
Met vriendelijke groet / Kind regards,
ir Ron Leichsenring
Senior Inspecteur/ Senior Inspector
........................................................................
Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen / State Supervision of Mines
Ministerie van Economische Zaken/ Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Henri Faasdreef 312 | 2492 JP | Den Haag / The Hague
Postbus / P.O. Box 24037 | 2490 AA | Den Haag
........................................................................
T + 31 70 379 8400 M +31615091070
R.A.Leichsenring@sodm.nl<mailto:r.a.leichsenring@sodm.nl> http://www.sodm.nl<https: na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url="http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sodm.nl%2F&data=02%7C01%7Crgair%40vermilionenergy.com%7Ccc29847234d141ba3c4608d622013197%7C62e14f2dd68d4f70b073aadb783a61b9%7C0%7C0%7C636733785864436430&sdata=XpUj4bCWKFjLu7GCmqen%2BgFvGlKy0A%2FGdIDrFlYCJuM%3D&reserved=0">





Dit bericht kan informatie bevatten die niet voor u is bestemd. Indien u
niet de geadresseerde bent of dit bericht abusievelijk aan u is gezonden,
wordt u verzocht dat aan de afzender te melden en het bericht te
verwijderen.
De Staat aanvaardt geen aansprakelijkheid voor schade, van welke aard
ook, die verband houdt met risico's verbonden aan het elektronisch
verzenden van berichten.

This message may contain information that is not intended for you. If you
are not the addressee or if this message was sent to you by mistake, you
are requested to inform the sender and delete the message.
The State accepts no liability for damage of any kind resulting from the
risks inherent in the electronic transmission of messages.



Original Message:
Sent: 9/12/2022 12:17:00 PM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: RE: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thanks once again for your insights and advise. I do not have any particular application at this time but am trying to learn more about its pros and cons.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 12:02 PM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

I'd avoid it as much as I can and would make a detailed risk assessment if I wanted to use it. If your pore and frac gradients are really close together and there was no other way to run your casing, sure go for it. Otherwise, run the string slower, check the well architecture if you can start out larger to avoid tight clearances, etc.
You can get into a lot of trouble real fast with that kind of equipment. It has its uses but shouldn't be the first choice.
As always, it depends on the application, how long is your well? Are you running casing or liner? Will you be in drillpipe, in case of a liner, before you hit the tight restriction? Are you using MPD? What are your contingencies? Can you drop a drop-in float valve should the need arrive? Etc.
Cheers

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 11:52 AM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your valuable insights. Do you have any additional thoughts on applications of auto-fill equipment in deep HPHT onshore reservoirs.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 09:03 AM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talib,
Auto-fill float equipment is used a lot in deepwater casing and liner runs where the pore and frac gradient are sufficiently close together and do not support a lot of surge. Unconventionals are more forgiving and would warrant the extra complication of auto-fill; fracking the well while running casing is a lower possibility and the surge pressure would be lower too. Running a 4 1/2 in. liner inside a 6 1/8 in. hole is not as bad as running a 14 in. casing inside a 16 in. liner (14.5 in. ID)... Conventional land work does not have the huge time-based cost you have for drillships hence you can run a little slower.
Cement density is independent of float equipment selection, for the most part. Once converted, your auto-fill is the same as regular float equipment, hence, no different.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Matthias

Hi Ronald,
Thank you for your valuable comments. Yes, I fully concur with you on making sure the auto-fill equipment is fully converted prior to proceeding with operations (as was seen with the unfortunate incidents at Macondo and Montara). Training and a better understanding of these procedures are critical in ensuring that a primary cementing job is successful and well integrity is maintained in complex drilling environments.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2022 02:51 AM
From: RONALD LEICHSENRING
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talibuddin

Further to Mathias comments on evaluating the risks, auto-fill equipment that failed to convert may have been a significant factor in some serious well control events that occurred after cementing the casing (eg Macondo, Montara).

In particular the risk of not converting and not being aware of it needs to be well understood and evaluated. By evaluating the risks, mitigation measures may be identified such as equipment selection, specific conversion procedures, cementing procedures and monitoring procedures post cementation and in case of suspension of the well.
Met vriendelijke groet / Kind regards,
ir Ron Leichsenring
Senior Inspecteur/ Senior Inspector
........................................................................
Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen / State Supervision of Mines
Ministerie van Economische Zaken/ Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Henri Faasdreef 312 | 2492 JP | Den Haag / The Hague
Postbus / P.O. Box 24037 | 2490 AA | Den Haag
........................................................................
T + 31 70 379 8400 M +31615091070
R.A.Leichsenring@sodm.nl<mailto:r.a.leichsenring@sodm.nl> http://www.sodm.nl<https: na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url="http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sodm.nl%2F&data=02%7C01%7Crgair%40vermilionenergy.com%7Ccc29847234d141ba3c4608d622013197%7C62e14f2dd68d4f70b073aadb783a61b9%7C0%7C0%7C636733785864436430&sdata=XpUj4bCWKFjLu7GCmqen%2BgFvGlKy0A%2FGdIDrFlYCJuM%3D&reserved=0">





Dit bericht kan informatie bevatten die niet voor u is bestemd. Indien u
niet de geadresseerde bent of dit bericht abusievelijk aan u is gezonden,
wordt u verzocht dat aan de afzender te melden en het bericht te
verwijderen.
De Staat aanvaardt geen aansprakelijkheid voor schade, van welke aard
ook, die verband houdt met risico's verbonden aan het elektronisch
verzenden van berichten.

This message may contain information that is not intended for you. If you
are not the addressee or if this message was sent to you by mistake, you
are requested to inform the sender and delete the message.
The State accepts no liability for damage of any kind resulting from the
risks inherent in the electronic transmission of messages.



Original Message:
Sent: 9/12/2022 12:17:00 PM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: RE: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thanks once again for your insights and advise. I do not have any particular application at this time but am trying to learn more about its pros and cons.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 12:02 PM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

I'd avoid it as much as I can and would make a detailed risk assessment if I wanted to use it. If your pore and frac gradients are really close together and there was no other way to run your casing, sure go for it. Otherwise, run the string slower, check the well architecture if you can start out larger to avoid tight clearances, etc.
You can get into a lot of trouble real fast with that kind of equipment. It has its uses but shouldn't be the first choice.
As always, it depends on the application, how long is your well? Are you running casing or liner? Will you be in drillpipe, in case of a liner, before you hit the tight restriction? Are you using MPD? What are your contingencies? Can you drop a drop-in float valve should the need arrive? Etc.
Cheers

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 11:52 AM
From: Talibuddin Syed
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your valuable insights. Do you have any additional thoughts on applications of auto-fill equipment in deep HPHT onshore reservoirs.
Best regards,
Talib

------------------------------
Talibuddin Syed


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2022 09:03 AM
From: Matthias Kirchhoff
Subject: Use of Auto-Fill float equipment

Hi Talib,
Auto-fill float equipment is used a lot in deepwater casing and liner runs where the pore and frac gradient are sufficiently close together and do not support a lot of surge. Unconventionals are more forgiving and would warrant the extra complication of auto-fill; fracking the well while running casing is a lower possibility and the surge pressure would be lower too. Running a 4 1/2 in. liner inside a 6 1/8 in. hole is not as bad as running a 14 in. casing inside a 16 in. liner (14.5 in. ID)... Conventional land work does not have the huge time-based cost you have for drillships hence you can run a little slower.
Cement density is independent of float equipment selection, for the most part. Once converted, your auto-fill is the same as regular float equipment, hence, no different.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Matthias