UBD – Live well drilling and completion

Background

During managed pressure drilling (MPD) with a conventional drilling rig into a gas bearing formation severe losses were encountered. Surface pressures up to 180 Bar were recorded.

The well was temporarily killed by pumping 250 mT of LCM material and a viscous seal pill and the drilling rig was demobilized. In total 5300 m³ of mud was lost. A HWO/Snubbing operation was required to complete the well.

Objective

The objective was to;

Mill and retrieve bridge plug.
Drill further into the gas bearing formation.
Install 4½” liner.
Install production completion.

Underbalanced well condition had to be expected during all activities.

Execution

HWO/Snubbing unit was required in order to deal with pressurized well conditions.
21m high BOP stack was assembled to lubricate BHA’s in- and out of the well.
Well deepening was conducted utilizing a MWD assembly with a 5 7/8” PDC bit powered by a 4 ¾” GT Motor. The HWO unit rotary table provided additional rotating performance.
4½ Liner needed to be deployed under pressure.

Results

Successfully retrieved bridge plug
Sufficient depth was reached to ensure a good producing well. Drilling conditions were harsh as the continuous lost circulation had a negative impact on the total drilling performance.
4½” Liner was snubbed in the well under pressure and was successfully installed.
Successfully installed production completion under dead well conditions.
Zero incidents and accidents.
Entire operation was completed in 58 Days.

Operation was conducted to full customer satisfaction.