Drilling Vibration Management

Alan Clarke, National Oilwell Varco

Abstract:

Over the years, substantial operator cost improvements have been gained by managing drilling dynamics dysfunctions through a range of techniques. Yet, substantial differences in determining which techniques to apply in certain applications remain and, therefore, success has been limited. Understanding the limitations of the available data for analysis and broadening the application for implementing changes has yielded an additional gain in progress. Due to knowledge and sensor limitations, the performance is generally poorly understood and, therefore, may not always be duplicated.

There are, however, processes that can lead to sustained performance improvement by considering the effects of modelling, as well as measuring and validating the process for improved performance. By capturing this knowledge, we can continue to learn without catastrophic resultant failure. The actual techniques to improve utilization may be very different from field to field and rig to rig, but the process of testing theories and gathering evidence has shown itself to be more valuable than any flow chart of generality for vibration management. By understanding the principals of vibration, we can identify the source and develop strategies for effective resolution. This requires a good understanding of the drilling components and their interaction in the environment in which they are utilized.

A series of simple techniques can be used to improve performance by effectively evaluating the drillstring under the applied energy systems. This presentation will overview the types of downhole drilling dynamics dysfunctions and the means to identify and mediate the energy losses in the system.

 

Bio - Alan Clarke:

Alan Clarke is the Director for National Oilwell Varco's Advanced Drilling Solutions group. He regularly travels the globe learning about local drilling challenges and educating operators. Having worked as an MWD Engineer and a Directional Driller, Clarke has been exposed to numerous applications for applying and testing mitigation theories. He later developed internal and external vibration training programs for several service companies, became a subject matter expert in the field of vibration optimization and developed successful product lines to tackle the challenges of drilling optimization. He has published numerous papers within the industry and formed a career in vibration management and drilling optimization. Clarke graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a BSc degree in earth sciences in 1998.

Leila Rashedi Vlasko
Forum Chairperson
lvlasko@betaoffshore.com