Well Catt

™
WELLCAT : Temperature
Dependent Tubing Design
Release 5000.1.13
Software Exercise Manual
© 2014 Halliburton
Part Number 161484 Revision D December 2014

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WELLCAT™ Software Release
5000.1.13 Exercise Manual
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
The WELLCAT™ Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
The WELLCAT™ Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Prod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Casing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
MultiString . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
WELLCAT™ Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Why Are Temperatures Needed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
WELLCAT™ Training Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Defining the Design, and Well and Formation Properties . . . . 3-1

Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual iii

Contents
Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Workflow Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

12 1/4” Hole Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
8 1/2” Hole Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
Drill Input Data Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
Prod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Displace to Brine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Pull Workstring, Run Tubing, Set Packer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Initial production. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Shut-in #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Acid Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Shut-in #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Produce 1 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
Shut-in #3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
Post-prod acid job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Shut-in #4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
Gas lift of depleted zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Prod Input Data Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Casing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
iv WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual

Contents
Casing Input Data Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31
Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
MultiString . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Annular Fluid Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Wellhead Movement Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

Annular Fluid Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Wellhead Movement Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual v

Contents
vi WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual

Chapter 1
Introduction
The WELLCAT ™ Software
The WELLCAT (Well Casing and Tubing) software is an integrated

suite of five modules: Drill, Prod, Casing, Tube, and MultiString. It is
used to predict temperatures and pressures within the wellbore and the
surrounding formation, and analyze stresses and deformation (due to
buckling) in casings and tubings. It can also be used for advanced well
design to predict annular pressure build-up and wellhead movement for
critical applications.
The following flowchart shows the interaction between the different

WELLCAT modules. For example, the Tube module only uses results
from the Prod module, but the MultiString module uses data from all the
other four modules. Subsequent chapters discuss these relationships in
more detail.
WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual 1-1

Chapter 1: Introduction
The WELLCAT ™ Modules
This section briefly discusses the five modules in the WELLCAT

software and their applications.
Drill
The Drill module is used to perform heat transfer and fluid flow
simulations during drilling, circulating, and cementing operations. The
simulations are transient in nature and help build an accurate
temperature history of the well during its drilling life cycle. The Drill
module has built-in options that allow you to perform an easy sensitivity
analysis for modeling drilling operations. Results from the Drill module
can be used in the Prod, Casing, and MultiString modules.
The Drill module can be used for the following applications:
• Determining BOP and return line temperatures
• Determining accurate cementing temperature schedules
• Calculating an undisturbed temperature gradient from actual

log temperatures
• Modeling fluid flow hydraulics during drilling and

circulation operations
• Generating wellbore temperatures and fluid pressures that can be

used in tubular stress and buckling analysis
• Calculating initial setting conditions of casings that can be used in

tubular stress analysis
• Computing initial annular fluid temperatures used in annular fluid

expansion analysis
• Modeling a temperature history of the well that can be used while

performing wellhead movement analysis
1-2 WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual

Prod
The Prod module is used to perform heat transfer and fluid flow
simulations during the production, shut-in, fracturing, steam injection,
completion, and workover operations. The simulations are transient in
nature and help build an accurate temperature history of the well. Prod
has built-in options that allow you to perform an easy sensitivity
analysis for modeling production operations. Results from Prod can be
used in the Casing, Tube, and MultiString modules. Prod may use
temperature predictions from the Drill module as a starting point for
thermal calculations.
The Prod module can be used for the following applications:
• Modeling fracture and acid stimulation jobs
• Modeling water shut-off operations
• Calculating transient wellbore temperatures and pressures during

production of oil, gas, and/or water
• Modeling gas lift operations
• Modeling coiled tubing operations
• Modeling water injection operations
• Modeling effect of vacuum insulated tubings
• Modeling permafrost formation in arctic operations
• Predicting shut-in temperatures and pressures
• Calculating hydraulics during circulation operations
• Modeling kill operations
• Modeling squeeze cementing operations
• Modeling spot cement plugs operations
• Generating wellbore temperatures and fluid pressures that can be

used in tubular stress and buckling analysis
• Computing producing annular fluid temperatures that can be used

in annular fluid expansion analysis

Casing
The Casing module is used to perform a full uniaxial and triaxial stress
and buckling analysis for the casing strings inside the wellbore. This
module contains numerous industry standard load cases and has the
option to create custom loads to perform stress analysis. Casing has
built-in options that allow you to perform an easy sensitivity analysis on
load cases. Results from Casing can be used in the MultiString module.
Casing may use temperature predictions from the Drill and/or Prod
modules for modeling thermal loads.
The Casing module can be used for the following applications:
• Performing a comprehensive casing design check
• Performing buckling analysis on any of the casings while drilling

the next hole section as well as during the producing life of the well
• Determining wellhead loads during production
• Computing axial stresses due to thermal loads
• Determining suitable landing conditions to maintain casing

integrity
• Modeling bending loads that take the specified wellbore curvature

and buckling effects into account
• Designing for connections
Tube
The Tube module is used to perform a full uniaxial and triaxial stress
and buckling analysis for the tubing strings inside the well. This module
contains numerous industry standard load cases and has the option to
create custom loads to perform stress analysis. Tube has built-in options
that allow you to perform an easy sensitivity analysis on load cases.
Results from the Tube module can be used in the MultiString module.
Tube may use temperature predictions from the Prod module for
modeling thermal loads.
The Tube module can be used for the following applications:
• Performing a comprehensive tubing design check

• Designing for dual tubings inside the well
• Modeling multiple types of packers and packer setting sequences
• Computing packer loads and reviewing the packer design envelope
• Performing buckling analysis during production, shut-in, and

workover operations
• Performing tool passage analysis
• Determining wellhead loads during production
• Computing axial stresses due to thermal loads
• Designing for PBRs and packer setting conditions to maintain

wellbore integrity
• Modeling bending loads that take into account the specified

wellbore curvature and buckling effects
• Designing for connections
MultiString
The MultiString module is used to perform annular fluid expansion
(AFE) and wellhead movement (WHM) analysis during the life of the
well. This module predicts the loading conditions on the well system,
taking into account all the tubulars inside the well at the same time. It
allows you to perform stress analysis on tubulars using some specific
custom load cases. Results from MultiString can be used to create load
cases in the Casing and Tube modules. MultiString may use results and
data from all of the other WELLCAT modules.
The MultiString module can be used for the following applications:
• Determining annular pressure build-up (APB) in each isolated

annular region
• Designing for gas caps in tubing annulus
• Looking at various other options for alleviating annular pressure

build-up issues

• Performing stress analysis on tubulars that take annular pressure

build-up pressures into account
• Modeling the loading history of the well to determine wellhead

movement
• Including compensator loads in wellhead movement analysis
• Determining if a hanger lift-off occurs by specifying lock ring

ratings and, if so, performing a progressive lift-off analysis
• Determining loads on casings due to soil interaction
• Performing wellhead movement sensitivity analysis by changing

the point of fixity in the wellbore

WELLCAT™ Applications
The WELLCAT software is used for temperature-critical applications

and when an advanced casing and tubing design is necessary.
Temperature-critical applications include:
• High-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) wells

• Arctic or deepwater wells
• Wells with insulated tubing
• Wells in which annulus fluid expansion could be concerning
• Geothermal wells
• Hybrid/TLP wells
Advanced casing and tubing design is required for:
• Buckling and friction analysis of web tubulars

• Complex completions with multiple packers
• Cement slurry design
• Wellhead movement analysis
• Accurate thermal and pressure modeling within the wellbore
Performing a wellbore fluid flow and heat transfer simulation to predict

accurate flowing and static pressures and an accurate temperature
history of the well helps design tubulars for more realistic loading
situations. This process takes the unknowns in the tubular design
process out of the equation to create safe and reliable wells and also help
with cost optimization.
While creating a detailed WELLCAT model to find unknowns, you

need to determine whether your intuition and experience are enough to
model less realistic loading situations. You need to determine whether
you are believing in myths and ignoring realities by using the load cases
that are easier to model.

Why Are Temperatures Needed?
Temperatures are needed for:
• Landing conditions
• Tubular movement and stresses = ƒ( T)
• Buckling
• Cement design
• Fluid density and viscosity = ƒ(temperature)
• Equipment limits—BOP and packer seal elements
• Annular pressure buildup
• Packer loads
• Wellhead loads and movement
• Deration of tubular strength—yield strength = ƒ(temperature)
• Corrosive environments—material selection
• Hydrate formation and wax deposition

WELLCAT™ Training Course Objectives
This course aims to familiarize each participant with the following:
• Fundamental tubular design principles
• Triaxial design considerations
• Temperature and pressure simulation theory and practice
• Wellbore data entry
• Specification of operations and loads
• Interpretation of results
• Documentation of results
• Program integration
• Special features


Chapter 2
Getting Started
In this chapter, you will become familiar with some of the basic features of the WELLCAT™
software. You will learn the types of files the WELLCAT software uses and when to use each
kind. You will also learn how to configure the WELLCAT workspace.
Initially, you will open an analysis file that has data entered for you. You will use this data to learn
about features in the WELLCAT software that are better illustrated by using a file that has data
entered, rather than requiring you to enter the data at this point in your training. After you are
familiar with some aspects of the WELLCAT software, you will close the analysis file you were
using and create a template file.
Inventories and templates are very useful for WELLCAT users. Inventories are used to supply
information for fluids, pipes, connections that are used to define strings and fluid models.
Templates are used to provide you a default configuration of analysis parameters, which can
include those selected from inventories.
When a Design is saved to the EDM™ database or to a wcd file, the data contained in the
Inventories at the time is saved also.
In this chapter, you will:
• Become familiar with the files used
• Become familiar with the overall layout
• Access the online help
• Customize your workspace using tabs, units, and configuration options
• Become familiar with inventories
• Open an existing template, configure, and then save it to a new template file for use later in
the course

Chapter 2: Getting Started
Workflow Steps
1. Start the WELLCAT software.
2. Become familiar with the layout of the software. Most of the

functionality is not enabled at this point, but you can hover the
cursor over toolbar icons, etc to read a description or title of the
item.
a) How can you hide the Well Explorer?
b) What version of the software are you using?
c) What unit system is active?
d) How can you tell what new features were added to this release?
3. Import 5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Example.wcd. What is the

difference between a wcd and xml file?
4. Notice many of the functions are now enabled.
a) What is the Wizard Toolbar used for?
b) Why isn’t the open Design displayed in the Well Explorer?
c) How can you change modules?
5. Save the Design data imported from the wcd file to the database.
Although a wcd file contains Well, Wellbore, and Design data, it
does not contain Site, Project or Company level data. Therefore,
you must first create a Company, Project, and Site before saving
the data to the database. Name the Company Example Company,
the Project Example Project, the Site Example Site, and the Design
Example. Accept all defaults when creating the hierarchy items.
6. How many casings are in the well?
7. Create a new tab. Name the tab Example.
8. Split the Example tab into two vertical panes. Put Results > Single
Operation > Fluid Temperature into one pane, and the Well
Schematic in the other.

9. Save this configuration as a User Defined Workspace. Name the

Workspace Class.
10. Apply the “Example” System Workspace, and notice the tabs have
changed. Reapply the Class workspace you created.
11. Using the Results > Single Operation > Fluid Temperature you
placed in the Example tab, display only the Annulus curve on the
plot.
12. Using the Wizard List, review the fluid temperatures for the other
Prod operations.
13. Review the Engineering Options.
a) Based on the options selected, will Normalized or Absolute

safety factors be used for the reports and plots?
b) What is the Normalized safety factor?
14. The WELLCAT software makes automatic backups. How often is

a backup made?
15. Open the School template. Use File > Template > Open From
File.
16. What module is active and why?
17. Review the Standard Muds in the Fluids Inventory. These fluids
were in the template. Add another 17.5 ppg water based fluid titled
17.5 ppg WBM. The fluid base density is 8.33 ppg. The plastic

viscosity and yield point at 70°F is 30cp and 15 lb/100ft2

respectively.
18. Create a proprietary connection using the following information.
• Casing: 53.5ppf, N-80
• Connection OD: 10 5/8”
• Connection ID: 8 1/2”
• Connection Grade: N-80
• Connection Internal Pressure Rating: 9,000 psi
• Connection Tension Rating: 1,000,000 lbf
• Connection Compression Rating: 1,000,000 lbf
19. Save the template file using the name WELLCAT Training
Template. Use File > Template > Save As.

Workflow Solution
1. Start the WELLCAT software.
2. Become familiar with the layout of the software. Most of the

functionality is not enabled at this point, but you can hover the
cursor over toolbar icons, etc to read a description or title of the
item.
Show or hide the Well Explorer.
Version number
Well Explorer
Active unit system
a) How can you hide the Well Explorer? See previous image.
b) What version of the software are you using? See previous image.
c) What unit system is active? See previous image.

d) How can you tell what new features were added to this release?
Use Help > WELLCAT Release Notes.
3. Import 5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Example.wcd. What is the

difference between a wcd and xml file? Use File > Import > WCD.
WCD files are “flat” files and do not contain any database hierarchy
information. This type of file was used predominately prior to the
WELLCAT software using the EDM database. XML, or EMD.XML
files contain associated database hierarchy data as well as
WELLCAT specific data.
File Extension Use in the WELLCAT software
XML, or EDM.XML EDM transfer files
WCD Well files created using the WELLCAT software
WCT Template files created using the WELLCAT software
LIB File containing a library of inventory data
RPT Files containing reports you created using the

WELLCAT software
SCK Well files created using the StressCheck software
DAT Various files including: unit systems created using

the WELLCAT software, user pipes, connections,
API couplings, and Multax input files
DXT Data exchange template file
DXD Data exchange import/export file
WPI Input files from the DOS version of the WELLCAT

software

4. Notice many of the functions are now enabled.

Click the Input button to toggle between using the Wizard
List for input dialogs, or to change the operation/load
displayed in the active single result plot.
Wizard Toolbar
a) What is the Wizard Toolbar used for? The Wizard Toolbar

provides easy access to common data entry forms and result
views. The contents of the Wizard List will change depending
on the selected module or result. All items listed in the Wizard
List can also be selected using the Wellbore, Operations,
Loads, Analysis, and Results menus.
b) Why isn’t the open Design displayed in the Well Explorer?

Only Designs saved to the database are displayed in the Well
Explorer.

c)
Use the module icons to change modules.
5. Save the Design data imported from the wcd file to the database.
Although a wcd file contains Well, Wellbore, and Design data, it
does not contain Site, Project or Company level data. Therefore,
you must first create a Company, Project, and Site before saving
the data to the database. Use any name you prefer, and accept all
defaults when creating the hierarchy items. Use File > New >

Company to create the Company. Follow the prompts to create the

Project and Site.

Use File > Save > Save

to Database, and select
the Site you created.
Name the Design

Example.

Notice the Well, Wellbore,

and Design are created and
visible in the Well Explorer.
The name for the Well was
provided in the WCD file.
6. How many casings are in the well? There are several ways to
determine the number of casings.
The Associated Data

Viewer provides information
about the item selected in the
Well Explorer, including the
number of casings.
Wellbore > Well Schematic > General

provides a view of the well configuration.

Wellbore > Casing and

Tubing Configuration
is used to enter casing
and tubing information.
Data in the bottom
spreadsheet (the String
Sections) pertains to the
highlighted row in the top
spreadsheet.
7. Create a new tab. Name the tab Example. Use Tools > Tabs.

Tab is displayed.

8. Split the Example tab into two vertical panes. Put Results > Single
Operation > Fluid Temperature into one pane, and the Well
Schematic in the other.
Use the Splitters to

divide the window.
9. Save this configuration as a User Defined Workspace. Name the

Workspace Class. Use File > Workspace > Save.
Notice the workspace

you created is
displayed in the User
Defined Workspace
section.
10. Apply the “Example” System Workspace, and notice the tabs have
changed. Reapply the Class workspace you created. To apply a
workspace, double-click on the workspace name in the Well
Explorer.

11. Using the Results > Single Operation > Fluid Temperature you
placed in the Example tab, display only the Annulus curve on the
plot. Right-click and select Data Selection and remove the check
from Tubing/Workstring.
12. Using the Wizard List, review the fluid temperatures for the other
Prod operations.
Be sure the Input button is Use the arrows to scroll
not pressed. through the operations.
13. Review the Engineering Options. Use Tools > Options >
Engineering.

a) Based on the options selected, will Normalized or Absolute

safety factors be used for the reports and plots?
Normalized safety factors are used.
b) What is the Normalized safety factor? Press F1 or the Help

button to review the online help.

14. The WELLCAT software makes automatic backups. How often is

a backup made? Use Tools > Options > General.
Backups are set to occur

every 10 minutes.
15. Open the School template. Use File > Template > Open From
File.

16. What module is active and why?

The Prod module is active because it was the active
module when the template was saved.
17. Review the Standard Muds in the Fluids Inventory. These fluids
were in the template. Add another 17.5 ppg water based fluid titled
17.5 ppg WBM. The fluid base density is 8.33 ppg. The plastic
viscosity and yield point at 70°F is 30cp and 15 lb/100ft2
respectively.
Plastic viscosity and yield

point vary with
temperature and
pressure. Enter the
reference temperature for
these input properties.
The reference pressure is
assumed to be
atmospheric. Plastic
viscosity and yield point
are important when the
fluid is used as a flowing
fluid. These properties
are less sensitive for
annular fluids.
18. Create a proprietary connection using the following information.
• Casing: 53.5ppf, N-80

• Connection OD: 10 5/8”
• Connection ID: 8 1/2”
• Connection Grade: N-80
• Connection Internal Pressure Rating: 9,000 psi
• Connection Tension Rating: 1,000,000 lbf
• Connection Compression Rating: 1,000,000 lbf
19. Save the template file using the name WELLCAT Training
Template. Use File > Template > Save As.


Chapter 3
Defining the Design, and Well and
Formation Properties
In this exercise, you will define the common well information used in the exercises for all five
modules in this manual. The data will be entered using the Well Explorer or the Wellbore menu.
Depending on the module you are in, different Wellbore menu items are active and available to
enter input information, while others are grayed out. Wellbore menu options that are specific to a
specific workflow will be discussed in that worflow.
In the exercise, you will define the following information:
• Use the Well Explorer to define the data hierarchy including:
— Company
— Project
— Site
— Well
— Wellbore
— Design
• Use the Wellbore menu to define well and formation data, including:
— General data
— Wellpath data
— Undisturbed temperature profile
— Casing and tubing configuration details
— Annulus content details
— Cement properties
— Pore pressure profile
— Fracture gradient profile
— Lithology
— Formation properties
— Soil properties

Chapter 3: Defining the Design, and Well and Formation Properties
Workflow Steps
1. Create the Company that will be used in this course. Name the
company WELLCAT Training.
2. Create the Project. Name the project WELLCAT Training Project.

The System Datum Description is Mean Sea Level, and the
Project Units are API.
a) What does having Unrestricted for the Tight Group Name

mean?
b) What is the System Datum Description used for?
3. Create the Site. Name the Site WELLCAT Training Site. The
Default Site Elevation is 100 ft above the system datum. What will
be the default datum for all wells associated with this site?
4. Create the Well. Name the Well WELLCAT Training Well. This
well is offshore in 300ft of water. The datum name is RKB and is
100 ft above MSL. The wellhead elevation is 60ft from MSL.
5. Create the Wellbore. Name the Wellbore WELLCAT Training

Wellbore.
6. Create a prototype Design. Name the Design WELLCAT Training

Design. Why are we using a prototype Design?
7. Open the Design.
8. Apply the WELLCAT Training Template you created.
9. Indicate that all casing strings for this well extend from the mudline
to the surface wellhead. The depth of the well is 17,500 ft MD.
10. This well is deviated. Enter the following data to define the
wellpath. What is Max DLS used for?
MD Inclination Azimuth Max DLS
0 0.0 0
2,100 0.0 0 0.0
3,350 25.0 0 2.0

14,500 25.0 0 0.0
15,000 15.0 0 2.0
17,500 15.0 0 0.0
11. Indicate the surface ambient and mudline temperature is 40ºF, and
the temperature at the well total depth, 16,300 ft TVD, is 380.0º F.
12. Specify the following casing and liners for this well.
OD Name Type MD MD MD Pipe Pipe Hole Annulus

(in) Hangar TOC Base Weight Grade Size Fluid
(ft) (ft) (ft) (lb/ft)
30 Conductor Drive 40 N/A 600 309.7 X-52 N/A N/A

pipe
20 Surface Casing 40 450 2,000 94.0 K-55 26 Seawater
13 3/8 Intermediate Casing 40 6,000 9,700 77.0 N-80 17 1/2 10.0 ppg
WBM
9 5/8 Protective Casing 40 9,500 15,000 53.5 N-80 12 1/4 14.5 ppg
OBM
7 Production Liner 14,800 14,800 17,500 32.0 C-95 8 1/2 17.5 ppg
OBM
7 Production Tie-back 40 14,800 14,800 38.0 C-95 N/A 17.5 ppg

WBM
3 1/2 Production Tubing 40 N/A 17,000 12.7 C-75 N/A 10.0 ppg
CaCl2
a) What fluid is used to drill the 17 1/2” hole?
b) What fluid is used to drill the 12 1/4” hole?
13. After the cement is set, what fluids are in the annulus of the 9 5/8”
casing? Add a 14.6 ppg spacer from 9,400 - 9,500 ft MD.
14. Where are the thermal properties of the fluids in the annulus
specified?
15. Where are the thermal properties of the pipe and other structural
elements specified?
16. Where are the thermal properties of the formation specified?

17. Specify the pore pressure and fracture gradient as indicated below.
Vertical Depth Pore Pressure EMW (ppg) Permeable Zone

(ft) (psi)
400 134.03 6.45 No
9066 4568.32 9.70 No
13885 10278.50 14.25 No
16300 14606.48 17.25 No
Vertical Depth Fracture EMW (ppg)

(ft) Gradient (psi)
400 187.01 9.00
8000 6025.97 14.50
12000 10597.39 17.00
16300 16935.05 20.00
a) Can pore and fracture gradient data be imported?
18. Save and close the design.

Workflow Solution
1. Create the Company that will be used in this course. Name the
company WELLCAT Training. Use File > New Company.
2. Create the Project. Name the project WELLCAT Training Project.

The System Datum Description is Mean Sea Level, and the
Project Units are API. Use File > New Project.
a) What does having Unrestricted for the Tight Group Name

mean? All users will be able to view this project.

b) What is the System Datum Description used for? It is the

absolute zero height or depth for the Project and is the depth
from which all Wellbore depths are measured.
3. Create the Site. Name the Site WELLCAT Training Site. The
Default Site Elevation is 100 ft above the system datum. What will
be the default datum for all wells associated with this site? Use File
> New > Site. The Default Site Elevation will be the default datum
for all wells associated with this site.
4. Create the Well. Name the Well WELLCAT Training Well. This
well is offshore in 300ft of water. The datum name is RKB and is

100 ft above MSL. The wellhead elevation is 60ft from MSL. Use
File > New > Well.

5. Create the Wellbore. Name the Wellbore WELLCAT Training

Wellbore. Use File > New Wellbore.
6. Create a Design. Name the Design WELLCAT Training Design.

Use File > New > Design. Refer to the online help for a description
of Designs. Prototype designs are used when analyzing. After you

decide on a particular prototype design, you can change the Phase

to Planned to indicate it is the design you plan to drill.
7. Open the Design by double-clicking on the Design name in the

Well Explorer.
8. Apply the WELLCAT Training Template you created.
9. Indicate that all casing strings for this well extend from the mudline
to the surface wellhead. The depth of the well is 17,500 ft MD. Use
Wellbore > General or the Wizard to access the General dialog.
In the Location field, a well

can be specified as
Onshore, Platform, Subsea,
or TLP. Based on the input
information in the Well
Properties dialog box of the
design, some of these The reference point
choices may not be data is obtained from
available. Select Platform to the information
indicate all casing strings specified in the Well
extend from the mudline to Properties dialog
the surface wellhead. box for the design.

10. This well is deviated. Enter the following data to define the
wellpath.
0 0.0 0
2,100 0.0 0 0.0
3,350 25.0 0 2.0
14,500 25.0 0 0.0
15,000 15.0 0 2.0
17,500 15.0 0 0.0
Use Wellbore > Wellpath Editor.
Max DLS specifies the maximum dogleg severity for the course
length between the preceding and current rows. Max DLS does not
affect the definition of the actual well trajectory, and is used only for
calculating bending stress over the corresponding interval. Max
DLS defaults to the calculated or user-specified DLS value for the
corresponding line, but you can re-specify it.
11. Indicate the surface ambient and mudline temperature is 40ºF, and
the temperature at the well total depth, 16,300 ft TVD, is 380.0º F.
Use Wellbore > Undisturbed Temperature. How could you
specify a non-linear temperature profile?
This option is only available in the Drill

module.

Use the Additional tab to

specify a non-linear
temperature profile.
12. Specify the following casing and liners for this well. Use Wellbore
> Casing and Tubing Configuration.
OD Name Type MD MD MD Pipe Pipe Hole Annulus

(in) Hangar TOC Base Weight Grade Size Fluid
(ft) (ft) (ft) (lb/ft)
30 Conductor Drive 40 N/A 600 309.7 X-52 N/A N/A

pipe
20 Surface Casing 40 450 2,000 94.0 K-55 26 Seawater
13 3/8 Intermediate Casing 40 6,000 9,700 77.0 N-80 17 1/2 10.0 ppg
WBM
9 5/8 Protective Casing 40 9,500 15,000 53.5 N-80 12 1/4 14.5 ppg
OBM
7 Production Liner 14,800 14,800 17,500 32.0 C-95 8 1/2 17.5 ppg
OBM
7 Production Tie-back 40 14,800 14,800 38.0 C-95 N/A 17.5 ppg

WBM
3 1/2 Production Tubing 40 N/A 17,000 12.7 N-80 N/A 10.0 ppg
CaCl2

After a string is
defined in the
Casing and
Tubing
Configuration
spreadsheet, you
must define the
details of the string
in the String
Sections
spreadsheet
before you enter
the next string
If the Annulus
Fluid you want to
use does not
exist, select
Inventory from
the drop-down
and use
Inventories >
Fluids to create
it.



a) What fluid is used to drill the 17 1/2” hole? 10 ppg WBM
b) What fluid is used to drill the 12 1/4” hole? 14.5 ppg OBM
13. After the cement is set, what fluids are in the annulus of the 9 5/8”
casing? Use Wellbore > Annulus Contents.
Annular contents
after cementing.
14. Where are the thermal properties of the fluids in the annulus
specified? Use Inventories > Fluids to specify the rheological and
other fluid parameters used to calculate fluid thermal properties.
Use Inventories > Cement Properties to specify the thermal
properties of cements.
15. Where are the thermal properties of the pipe and other structural
elements specified? Inventories > Heat Conduction Properties is
used to specify the thermal properties for materials used for risers,
coiled tubing, drill pipe, tubing, casing, and other structural
elements except for drill collars.

16. Where are the thermal properties of the formation specified? Use
Inventories > Formation/Soil Properties to specify the thermal
and physical formation properties.
You can define many different formations. Use Wellbore >

Lithology to indicate which formation the well intersects.
17. Specify the pore pressure and fracture gradient as indicated below.
Vertical Depth Pore Pressure EMW (ppg) Permeable Zone

(ft) (psi)
400 134.03 6.45 No
9066 4568.32 9.70 No
13885 10278.50 14.25 No
16300 14606.48 17.25 No
Vertical Depth Fracture EMW (ppg)

(ft) Gradient (psi)
400 187.01 9.00
8000 6025.97 14.50
12000 10597.39 17.00
16300 16935.05 20.00

Use Wellbore > Pore Pressure and Wellbore > Fracture

Gradient.
Enter data from the top The base of the zone is

down. This data will be assumed to be the depth of
used in all WELLCAT the next data point.
modules. Pressures Permeable zone data can
can only be entered on be used to calculate
a TVD basis and can external pressure profiles.
be specified as either a
pressure or an
equivalent mud weight
(EMW). The WELLCAT
software will
automatically calculate
the other value based
on the specified TVD.
a) Can pore and fracture gradient data be imported? The pore

pressure and fracture gradient data can also be imported from a
text file using File > Import. The data in the text file must be in
ASCII format and must only contain rows of numeric data with
at least two columns (the other columns are ignored) that may be
delimited by spaces, commas, or tabs. The first column must
contain depths data and the second column must contain
pressure values.
18. Save the Design by clicking . Right-click on the Design name

in the Well Explorer and select Close.


Chapter 4
Drill
The WELLCAT™ software Drill module is a thermal and pressure simulator. It is used to simulate
fluid flow and heat transfer in the wellbore and the surrounding formation during drilling
operations. It has the capability to model a full transient fluid flow and heat transfers solution.
Results from the Drill module are available for use during stress analysis inside the Casing
module as well as for annular pressure build-up and wellhead movement analysis inside the
MultiString module.
Drill module is an advanced engineering tool used for predicting:
• Temperatures and pressures while drilling, conditioning hole, running casing, and logging.
• Cement circulation and setting temperatures.
• High-pressure high-temperature hydraulics.
• Downhole tool temperatures.
• Casing service loads during drilling.
• Undisturbed temperature profile from log data.
Drill has the following functional features:
• Modeling of thermal disturbances caused by drilling by entering the drilling days, rotating
hours, average flow conditions, bit, and BHA data as input
• Computation of drilling fluids and cement density and rheology as a function of temperature
and pressure
• Simulation of vertical and deviated wells as well as onshore and offshore wells
• Determination of undisturbed temperature profile from log data
• Determination of circulation temperatures, pressures, and effective circulating densities for

drilling, hole conditioning, and cementing operations
• Modeling of casing and liner cementing, cement squeezes, and cement plug operations
• Calculation of slurry placement temperatures and temperature build-up while waiting

on cement

Chapter 4: Drill
• Determination of post-cementing casing temperatures for landing and casing temperatures

during drilling of deeper intervals

Chapter 4: Drill
Workflow Overview
In this section of the course, you will learn how to use the Drill module
using the design created in previous chapter. You will define:
• Time required to trip drill pipe, the bottom hole assembly, and
logging tools
• Drilling operations performed while drilling, logging, and

conditioning the 12 1/4” and 8 1/2” hole sections
• Operations for running and cementing the 9 5/8” casing, 7” liner,

and the 7” tie-back
After you have defined all the drilling operations, you are ready to
calculate and view the results of the thermal simulations. You will learn
how to calculate results in the Drill module and then view them for
analyzing.

Chapter 4: Drill
Workflow Steps
1. Import the file 5000_1_3_WELLCAT_Start_Drill.edm.xml.
2. In the WELLCAT Training Company, open the WELLCAT

Training Design.
3. Activate the Drill module if not already active.
4. Specify the following trip times for various drilling operations.
Operation Time (hr/1000ft)
Drill Pipe, trip in and out 0.40
BHA, trip in and out 0.40
Log Travel In 0.50
Log Travel Out 1.00
5. Create the following operations:
Operation Name Operation Type Prior DRILL Operation Next Casing String
Drill 12 1/4” Hole Drilling Undisturbed 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Logging 12 1/4” Hole Logging Drill 12 1/4” Hole 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Condition 12 1/4” Hole Trip Pipe & Circulate Logging 12 1/4” Hole 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Run 9 5/8” Casing Run Casing & Condition 12 1/4” Hole 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Circulate
Cement 9 5/8” Casing Primary Cementing Run 9 5/8” Casing 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Drill 8 1/2” Hole Drilling Cement 9 5/8” Casing 7” Production Liner
Logging 8 1/2” Hole Logging Drill 8 1/2” Hole 7” Production Liner
Condition 8 1/2” Hole Trip Pipe & Circulate Logging 8 1/2” Hole 7” Production Liner
Run 7” Liner Run Casing & Condition 8 1/2” Hole 7” Production Liner
Circulate
Cement 7” Liner Primary Cementing Run 7” Liner 7” Production Liner
Clean-up Liner for Tie-back Trip Pipe & Circulate Cement 7” Line 7” Production Liner

Chapter 4: Drill
Run and Set 7” Tie-back Run Casing & Clean-up Liner for Tie- 7” Production Tie-back
Circulate back
Use the excerpts from the Results > Reports > Drill Input Data
report on the section titled “Drill Input Data Report” on page 43.
When entering the operational parameters:
• Because we often want to use the temperature calculated by the
preceding operation, use the Initial Mud Pit Temperature
calculated by the software for all operations except for the first
operation, and for all operations using a new fluid.
• In order to update the calculated values, sometimes it is

necessary to highlight the value, click the Backspace key, and
then click the Tab key to refresh the calculated field.
• Although it is not necessary to input the operations on the

Operations > Drilling Operations dialog in the order they are
performed, it is easier. In any case, be sure to select the correct
Prior DRILL Operation on the Drilling Operations tab.
• Operations can be dragged into the correct position in the Name

list by clicking the left mouse button when an operation is
highlighted, moving the cursor to where you want to drop it, then
releasing the mouse button.
• It is a good practice to calculate results ( ) and save

( )data
• To reduce the time required to create an operation, consider

using the Copy Op functionality to create similar operations.
When using this functionality, it is important to ensure the
copied parameters are edited to correctly reflect the operation
details.
• Similarly, consider using the Copy Prev functionality on the

Drill String tab to use a string from a previous operation, either
as it is, or with modifications.
6. Calculate Drill Module results.
7. At the end of the Drill 12 1/4” Hole operation, what is the

temperature of the fluid in the annulus?

Chapter 4: Drill
8. Does the Number of Trips considered in the analysis change the

results much in this example? Compare results using 1 and 4 trips
for the Drill 12 1/4” Hole operation. Remember to user Copy Op.
9. There is no circulation in a logging operation. What do you think

will happen to the annular fluid temperature when you are not
circulating? Compare the results for the Drill 12 1/4” Hole,
Logging 12 1/4” Hole, and Condition 12 1/4” Hole operations.
10. WELLCAT does not have a BOP Test operation type. If you wanted
to model a BOP test, what type of operation would you use?
11. If you pump faster during a circulation operation, will it always

lower the temperature in the annulus? Analyze the Condition 12 1/
4” Hole operation while circulating at 500, 600, 650, and 700 gpm.
12. What could be causing this? How does fluid flow change with flow
rate? Use the Flow Summary.
13. When you review the results for an operation, at what time in the
operation do the results represent?
14. At the end of the Drill 12/14” Hole and the Logging 12 1/4” Hole
operations, how far out from the center of the wellbore has the
formation temperature increased?
15. Is the ECD in the safe range for all operations?

Chapter 4: Drill
Workflow Solution
1. Import the file 5000_1_3_WELLCAT_Start_Drill.edm.xml. Use

File > Import > Transfer File. Overwrite any existing data.
2. In the WELLCAT Training Company, open the WELLCAT

Training Design. Double-click on the Design name in the Well
Explorer to open it.
3. Activate the Drill module. Activate the Drill module by clicking

the toolbar button.
4. Specify the following trip times for various drilling operations.
Operation Time (hr/1000ft)
Drill Pipe, trip in and out 0.40
BHA, trip in and out 0.40
Log Travel In 0.50
Log Travel Out 1.00
Specify the time required to trip, and log. Use the Operations >
Operation Times dialog box to enter operational times for tripping
of pipe, BHA, and electric logging tools. In this exercise the default
values are used. However, you can edit these values to reflect your
rig handling equipment and rig hand experience.

Chapter 4: Drill
5. Click the Operations > Drilling Operations > Details button to

define the details of a drilling operation you have created. The Drill
Operation Details dialog contains several tabs for you to define
the drilling operation parameters. The tabs available are determined
by the selections made in the Drilling Operations dialog.Create
the following operations:
Drill 12 1/4” Hole Drilling Undisturbed 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Logging 12 1/4” Hole Logging Drill 12 1/4” Hole 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Condition 12 1/4” Hole Trip Pipe & Circulate Logging 12 1/4” Hole 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Run 9 5/8” Casing Run Casing & Condition 12 1/4” Hole 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Circulate
Cement 9 5/8” Casing Primary Cementing Run 9 5/8” Casing 9 5/8” Protective Casing
Drill 8 1/2” Hole Drilling Cement 9 5/8” Casing 7” Production Liner
Logging 8 1/2” Hole Logging Drill 8 1/2” Hole 7” Production Liner
Condition 8 1/2” Hole Trip Pipe & Circulate Logging 8 1/2” Hole 7” Production Liner
Run 7” Liner Run Casing & Condition 8 1/2” Hole 7” Production Liner
Circulate
Cement 7” Liner Primary Cementing Run 7” Liner 7” Production Liner
Clean-up Liner for Tie-back Trip Pipe & Circulate Cement 7” Line 7” Production Liner
Run and Set 7” Tie-back Run Casing & Clean-up Liner for Tie- 7” Production Tie-back
Circulate back
Use the excerpts from the Results > Reports > Drill Input Data
report on the following pages for operation parameters.
• Because we often want to use the temperature calculated by the
preceding operation, use the Initial Mud Pit Temperature
calculated by the software for all operations except for the first
operation, and for all operations using a new fluid.


Chapter 4: Drill

Operations > Drilling Operations dialog in the order they are
Prior DRILL Operation on the Drilling Operations tab.


( )data

details.
• Similarly, consider using the Copy Prev functionality on the

Drill String tab to use a string from a previous operation, either
as it is, or with modifications.
12 1/4” Hole Section
Drill 12 1/4” Hole

To create a drilling operation, access the Operations > Drilling
Operations dialog. Use the Drilling Operations dialog to give the
operation a name and to specify when the operation occurs. You must
then specify many details that define that operation.

Chapter 4: Drill
Using Operations > Drilling Operations:
• Select an Operation type.
• Define a Prior DRILL Operation.
• Specify the Next Casing String.
• Click Details to display the Drill Operation Details tabs.
• Enter required data on the Details tabs. This data can be found
in Section , “Drill Input Data Report,” on page 43.
Select the operation type that best describes

the operation. Use the Prior Drill Operation
The information displayed list to assign the operation a place in the
on this dialog corresponds sequence of operations. Use the Next Casing
to the selected operation. String list to select the next casing string to be
run after this operation.
Each of these
distinct activities is
first created and
listed in the
Operation Name
section of the dialog.
The rest of the dialog
displays the data
corresponding to the
currently selected
operation. To create
an operation, simply
type the new name in
the next empty
space in the box at
the end of the list. Click the Details button to
specify additional information
about the operation.

Chapter 4: Drill
Usually the Start and

End depths are for an
entire hole phase. For Number of Trips, the initial
Default values are trip in and the final trip out are
based on data in the considered one round trip.
Wellbore > Casing Specify the days to drill, including on-
and Tubing bottom time and trip time.
Configuration
spreadsheets.
However, you could
specify a smaller
interval if you want to
enter separate bit
runs. You can also
extend the end depth
for a rat hole.
The time to pull out of

the hole is based on
times input on the
Operation >
Operations Times
dialog.
The Booster Pump section is only
The Circulation on bottom before
available if a riser is present.
Pull Out of Hole field indicates the
conditioning and hole cleaning
period at TD
Use the Operations > Drilling Operations > Details > Drilling tab to
define the parameters required to model the activities during a drilling
operation.
The Drilling Operation Type models drilling from the prior casing
shoe to the setting depth of the associated pipe. A series of tripping and
drilling operations are simulated in this event. If desired, the drilling
interval can be subdivided into several Drilling operations.
The drilling process disturbs the wellbore, heating the upper sections
and cooling the lower sections. This situation can have significant
effects on temperatures experienced in subsequent operations. Results
for this operation include temperature build-ups with time of the
temperature and pressure profiles while circulating at the interval total
depth.

Chapter 4: Drill
Use the Drilling Fluid tab to specify the drilling fluid used for the
operation, and how the temperature of the drilling fluid will be modeled
as it is being pumped into the well.
Consider using Use Average Inlet Temperature in situations where you
want to indicate the mud is entering at a constant temperature, such as
when you are not taking returns, you are drilling an HTHP well that
requires the mud be kept at a constant temperature, or you are using a
cooling system.
The Drilling Fluid

default value comes
from the Wellbore >
Annulus Contents
tab.
Mud Pit Geometry

assumes all pits are
the same size. The
analysis will assume
that each pit has an
agitator contributing
to the temperature
of the mud.
The Environment section is Initial Mud Pit Temperature is a calculated field

used for computing if you have calculated results for the previous
convective heat transfer operation. Do not be concerned if the temperature
across the mud pit surface. you see does not match this screenshot. In this
example, results have been calculated so, this is
a calculated temperature.

Chapter 4: Drill
Use the Drill String tab to define the drill string for the current operation.
The drill string can include drill collars, drill pipe, heavy-weight drill
pipe (HWDP), and a bit.
Use this drop-down list to select a

previously defined drillstring.
The options for Pipe

and Connection
are all populated
with options entered
into the
corresponding
inventory. If you do
not see what you
need, you must
input it into the
corresponding
inventory.
Logging 12 1/4” Hole

For the logging operation, specify a 24 hr logging time. To validate the
simulation data, you will enter a recorded logging temperature of 300° F
logging at 15,000 ft MD 14 hours after the start of logging period.

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
Condition 12 1/4” Hole

The 12 1/4” hole is conditioned for 4 hours at 500 gpm flow rate. Time
taken to trip in and trip out the conditioning BHA is 6 hours. By default,
the WELLCAT software reports temperature versus time and pressure
versus time data for the top and end of drillstring. You can request this
data at additional depths besides the default. In this case, specify an
additional depth point at the shoe of the previous casing, 9,700 ft.

Chapter 4: Drill
If the bit nozzle

data does not
display, click the
Ocean Current
tab, and then
return to the Drill
String tab.

Chapter 4: Drill
Run 9 5/8” Casing

It takes 30 hours to run in the 9 5/8” casing. Cementing begins right after
circulating at bottom for a period of 6 hours at 500 gpm.

Chapter 4: Drill
Cement 9 5/8” Casing

The cement slurry is pumped at 8 bpm and 50° F injection temperature
followed by the displacement fluid at 500 gpm. The waiting on cement
time is 8 hours. The lead is 14.8 ppg slurry, and 1,000 ft of 15.8 ppg tail
slurry is used. 50 bbl of 14.6 ppg lead spacer precedes cement and is
pumped at 500 gpm at 50° F inlet temperature.
WELLCAT does not consider the casing to be set in the

hole unless the cement has hardened. Therefore, for the
cement operation, use the same casing you have been
using since the cement is not set at this time.

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
8 1/2” Hole Section
Drill 8 1/2” Hole

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
Logging 8 1/2” Hole

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
Condition 8 1/2” Hole

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
Run 7” Liner

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
Cement 7” Liner

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
Clean-up Liner for Tie-back

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill
Run and Set 7” Tie-back

Chapter 4: Drill
6. Calculate Drill Module results.
Calculate results using:

- Results > Calculate option
- Pressing the F8 keyboard key
- Click the Calculate icon
- Using the Wizard
The Calculate dialog will display.

Chapter 4: Drill
A list of all operations defined using the Drilling Operations dialog and
tabs is displayed. By default, all operations that have not been calculated
since the OK button was pressed on one of the Drilling Operations tabs
are selected when the dialog opens. You can select a subset of these
operations for calculations by using the Shift and Ctrl keys on your
keyboard.
If required, you can click Diagnostics... to display engineering data

before and after each calculation.
Click Calculate to perform calculations for the selected operations.
A progress bar indicates the calculation progress for each operation

individually.
The Calculate dialog box automatically closes when the calculations

are complete. You can then view the calculated results, which are
available in the Results menu.
7. At the end of the Drill 12 1/4” Hole operation, what is the

temperature of the fluid in the annulus? Use Results > Multiple

Chapter 4: Drill
Operations > Fluid Temperature. Right-click in the plot, and use

the Data Selection dialog to select the operation and flow path.
WELLCAT displays
the temperature at end
of the operation.

Chapter 4: Drill
8. Does the Number of Trips considered in the analysis change the

results much in this example? Compare results using 1 and 4 trips
for the Drill 12 1/4” Hole operation. Remember to use Copy Op.
Temperatures are slightly hotter with one trip.
9. There is no circulation in a logging operation. What do you think

will happen to the annular fluid temperature when you are not

Chapter 4: Drill
circulating? Compare the results for the Drill 12 1/4” Hole,

Logging 12 1/4” Hole, and Condition 12 1/4” Hole operations.
The temperature during

logging is the hottest
because there is no
circulation.
10. WELLCAT does not have a BOP Test operation type. If you wanted
to model a BOP test or shut-in operation, what type of operation
would you use? A logging operation because it is the only one that
does not involve fluid circulation.

Chapter 4: Drill
11. If you pump faster during a circulation operation, will it always

lower the temperature in the annulus? Analyze the Condition 12 1/
4” Hole operation while circulating at 500, 600, 650, and 700 gpm.
Circulating at 600gpm
has a lower
temperature than
circulating at 500 gpm.
Interestingly, the
temperature at 700
gpm is a bit higher.
This suggests that
somewhere between
600 and 700 the
temperature reverses.

Chapter 4: Drill
It may be easier to
read the data in
tabular form.
12. What could be causing this? How does fluid flow change with flow
rate? Use the Flow Summary.
Notice there is
turbulent flow at 700
gpm.

Chapter 4: Drill
At 650 gpm, it is all

laminar flow.
13. When you review the results for an operation, at what time in the
operation do the results represent? Results are presented for the end
of the operation.

Chapter 4: Drill
14. At the end of the Drill 12/14” Hole and the Logging 12 1/4” Hole
operations, how far out from the center of the wellbore has the
formation temperature increased?

Chapter 4: Drill
15. Is the ECD in the safe range for all operations?

Chapter 4: Drill
Drill Input Data Report
Use the excerpts from the Results > Reports > Input Drill Data report
for operational parameters to use in the exercise.

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 4: Drill

Chapter 5
Prod
The WELLCAT™ software Prod module is a thermal and pressure simulator. It is used to simulate
fluid flow and heat transfer in the wellbore and the surrounding formation during completion,
production, stimulation, steam injection, testing, and well servicing operations. It has the
capability to model a full transient or steady-state fluid flow and heat transfers solution. Results
from the Prod module are available for use during stress analysis inside the Tube and
Casing module.
Prod is an advanced engineering tool used for predicting:
• Temperatures and pressures for flowing and shut-in well streams.
• Conditions for casing and tubing stress analysis based on service loads.
• Temperatures and pressures during forward and reverse circulation operations.
• Thermo-setting resin and gel treatment behavior.
• Permafrost thaw radius.
Prod has the following functional features:
• Modeling, in series, of linked production and nonproduction periods, including circulation

and injection operations, to build an accurate temperature history of the wellbore
• Modeling of compositional (black-oil), VLE, and file-defined hydrocarbons as well as

water-based and oil-based drilling fluids, synthetic muds, brines, foams, cements, and reactive
gel treatment fluids
• Analysis of multiphase flow using standard industry correlation models (Beggs & Brill; Duns
and Ros; Gray, Hagedorn & Brown; Orkiszewski) or mechanistic models (Zhang,
Ansari, Kaya)
• Analysis of gas PVT behavior using standard industry equations-of-state

(Benedict-Webb-Rubin, Soave-Redlich-Kwong, Soave-Redlich-Kwong-Starling,
and Peng-Robinson)
• Modeling of steam properties during steam injection using a NIST/ASME model
• Modeling of temperature and pressure dependence of density and viscosity for water-based
and oil-based drilling fluids

Chapter 5: Prod
• Consideration of all casing strings and annulus fluids in the thermal analysis, and reporting of
results for each pipe and annular fluid in the wellbore
• Calculation of time-domain variations of fluid pressure and properties in transient analysis
• Analysis of permafrost thaw and freeze back behavior
• Modeling of gel-injection operations, with radial tracking of gel front in permeable layers
• Analysis of coiled tubing-aided well servicing operations

Chapter 5: Prod
Workflow Overview
In this section of the course, you will learn how to use the Prod module.
You will define several production operations that occur during the life
of the well. You will continue working on the design that was created in
the previous chapter. Later in the course, you will use results from the
Prod module to create load cases for the casing and tubing strings inside
the wellbore.
The specific details for each of the fluid flow and heat transfer
simulations are entered in the Operations > Operations dialog. This
dialog box contains several tabs for you to define the production
operation parameters. The tabs available are based on selections made
in the Operations dialog.
In this exercise, you will create the following operations:
• Displace to brine
• Pull workstring, run tubing, and set packer
• Initial production
• Shut-in #1
• Acid Job
• Shut-in #2
• Produce 1 year
• Shut-in #3
• Post-prod acid job
• Shut-in #4
• Gas lift of depleted zones
After you have defined all the production operations, you will calculate
and view the results of the thermal simulations.

Chapter 5: Prod
Workflow Steps
1. Import 5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_Prod.edm.xml. Open the

WELLCAT Training Design and activate the Prod module.
2. Use the Default formation properties, with no permeable layers,

from 400 to 16,300 ft TVD. What is the Lithology data used for?
3. Create the following operations.
Name Configuration Operation Fluid Prior Operation

Type
Displace to Brine Workstring Circulation 10.0 ppg CaCl2 Run and Set 7”
Tieback (Drill
Operation)
Pull ws, run tbg, set pkr Production Tubing Shut-In Displace to brine
Initial production Production Tubing Production Produced fluid Pull ws, run tbg,
set pkr
Shut-in #1 Production Tubing Shut-in Initial production
Acid Job Production Tubing Injection Acid Shut-in #1
Shut-in #2 Production Tubing Shut-in Acid Job
Produce 1 year Production Tubing Production Produced fluid Shut-in #2
Shut-in #3 Production Tubing Shut-in Produce 1 year
Post-prod acid job Production Tubing Injection Acid Shut-in #3
Shut-in #4 Production Tubing Shut-in Post-prod acid job
Gas lift of depleted Production Tubing Gas Lift Produced Fluid Undisturbed
zone/(Annulus) (Gas Lift) (Produced Gas)
Use the data presented in the Results > Reports > Prod Input Data
report on page 38.


Operations > Operations dialog in the order they are

Chapter 5: Prod

Prior Operation on the Operations dialog.

• It is a good practice to calculate results ( ) and save ( )data.

details.
• Use Operations > Operations to define the operation geometry

configuration, select the operation, fluids in the string and/or
annulus, the prior operation, and whether you want to use
steady-state or transient conditions.
• To specify operation details, click Details on the Operations

dialog. Use the details tabs to define additional details describing
the operation.
Riser Present
There is a small check box labeled “Riser Present” which acts as a switch to
have a marine riser situated from the seabed to surface. This normally only
applies to subsea stack wells or TLP platform wells and, therefore, to
semisubmersible operations, and needs to be checked for each operation to
which it applies. If checked, an extra tab will be inserted in the Details dialog
box for each operation for which it was checked.
4. Calculate Prod results.
5. Compare fluid temperatures for multiple production operations

using Results > Multiple Operations > Fluid Temperature or
Results > Single Operations > Formation Temperature.
Remember to right-click, and use the Data Selection dialog to
select the operation and flow path you want to analyze.
a) What has happened to the fluid temperature inside the

workstring at the end of the Displace to Brine operation?

Chapter 5: Prod
b) Two days later, at the end of the Pull ws, run tbg, set pkr
production operations, what has happened to the fluid
temperature inside the tubing?
c) Which production operation, Initial Production or Produce 1

year, has the highest flowing wellhead fluid temperature inside
the tubing? Why?
d) What production temperature would the wellhead elements be

required to handle? (The spreadsheet view may present this
information in an easier to read format.)
e) During the Produce 1 year operation, the fluid inside the tubing
is hot. During the one day shut-in operation (Shut-in #3), after
producing for one year, is the temperature of the tubing fluid
cooling?
f) Does the tubing continue to cool during the Post-prod acid job?
g) What happens to the fluid temperature inside the tubing during

the Shut-in #4 operation? Why?
6. Analyze how the fluid temperature builds up as a function of time

during the different production operations. Select Results > Single
Operation > Temperature vs. Time.
a) How long does it take for the temperature at the top of the tubing
to stabilize during production?
7. Review temperatures of all casings/tubing, and/or the fluids inside

the casing/tubing and the annulus using Results > Single
Operations > Wellbore Temperature.
a) At the end of the Produce 1 year operation, what casing/tubing

strings are heated above 250° F?

Chapter 5: Prod
Workflow Solution
1. Use File > Import > Transfer File to import

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_Prod.edm.xml. Activate the Prod
module by clicking the Prod icon ( ) on the Product toolbar. You
can also select Tools > Select Product > Prod.
2. Use the Default formation properties, with no permeable layers,

from 400 to 16,300 ft TVD. The Wellbore > Lithology information
is used by the Drill and Prod modules to define the heat transfer
characteristics of the formation layers around the wellbore. This
spreadsheet can also be used to define permeable layers within the
formation, which is used while modeling injection operations in the
Prod module. The lithology is the only additional wellbore input
that is required before creating production operations.
The Formation Properties column has a pull-down list from

which you can either select a default lithology (as shown
here), or a previously defined lithology. You can also access
the Inventories > Formation/Soil Properties inventory to
define a new lithology.

Chapter 5: Prod
3. Specify the following production operations. In this exercise, you

will create the following operations.
Name Configuration Operation Fluid Prior Operation

Type
Displace to Brine Workstring Circulation 10.0 ppg CaCl2 Run and Set 7”
Tieback (Drill
Operation)
Pull ws, run tbg, set pkr Production Tubing Shut-In Displace to brine
Initial production Production Tubing Production Produced fluid Pull ws, run tbg,
set pkr
Shut-in #1 Production Tubing Shut-in Initial production
Acid Job Production Tubing Injection Acid Shut-in #1
Shut-in #2 Production Tubing Shut-in Acid Job
Produce 1 year Production Tubing Production Produced fluid Shut-in #2
Shut-in #3 Production Tubing Shut-in Produce 1 year
Post-prod acid job Production Tubing Injection Acid Shut-in #3
Shut-in #4 Production Tubing Shut-in Post-prod acid job
Gas lift of depleted Production Tubing Gas Lift Produced Fluid Undisturbed
zone/(Annulus) (Gas Lift) (Produced Gas)
Use the excerpts from the Results > Reports > Prod Input Data report
on page 38.


Operations > Operations dialog in the order they are
Prior Operation on the Operations dialog.


( )data

Chapter 5: Prod

details.
• Use Operations > Operations to define the operation geometry

configuration, select the operation, fluids in the string and/or
annulus, the prior operation, and whether you want to use
steady-state or transient conditions.
• To specify operation details, click Details on the Operations

dialog. Use the details tabs to define additional details describing
the operation.
Riser Present
There is a small check box labeled “Riser Present” which acts as a switch to
have a marine riser situated from the seabed to surface. This normally only
applies to subsea stack wells or TLP platform wells and, therefore, to
semisubmersible operations, and needs to be checked for each operation to
which it applies. If checked, an extra tab will be inserted in the Details dialog
box for each operation for which it was checked.

Chapter 5: Prod
Displace to Brine
To create an Operation, enter

the name in the Name section. Select the fluid associated with this
Configuration is at the
The remaining data on this operation. If the fluid has not been defined,
end of the operation.
dialog pertains to the select Inventory from the pull-down list and
highlighted operation. define the fluid first in the Fluids Inventory.
Most operations are transient. Longer The Model Permeable Layers option is enabled only
term operations, like production, may for single-phase liquid injection and polymer treatment
be steady-state. If the operation is operations, and the formation was defined as
transient, a prior operation must be permeable in the Lithology spreadsheet.
selected in the Prior Operation field

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod
Pull Workstring, Run Tubing, Set Packer

Chapter 5: Prod
Pressure can be specified either at the

wellhead or at the perforations. This
selection is available in the Location pull-
down list.
This operation, as opposed to the

previously discussed displacement
job, uses the production tubing.
Note the missing Geometry tab,
which is not necessary since the
production tubing has already
been defined.

Chapter 5: Prod
Initial production
To specify production rates, first

select the Input data. In this
example, Oil, Gas & Water is
selected, so these fields are
enabled. GOR is disabled but
calculated. The other possible
selections are Oil, GOR & Water
or GOR, Gas & Water.

Chapter 5: Prod
Shut-in #1

Chapter 5: Prod
For the first shut-in operation

after initial production, specify
a 14,000 psi pressure at the
perforations at 17,150 ft. The
well is shut-in for a duration of
one day.

Chapter 5: Prod
Acid Job
For the acid job after shut-in, specify a

14,700 psi flowing pressure at the
perforations. The acid is injected at an
inlet temperature of 45° F and at a rate
of 84 gpm. The time of injection is eight
hours.

Chapter 5: Prod
Shut-in #2

Chapter 5: Prod
After the acid job, the well is shut-

in for one day with a 14,000 psi
pressure at perforations.

Chapter 5: Prod
Produce 1 year
The long-term production

operation is modeled for a period
of one year. The production flow
rate is 5,000 bbl/day oil and 25
MMscf/day gas. Use the default
geothermal temperature at
perforations as the inlet
temperature. The bottomhole
flowing pressure is 13,500 psi.
Use the Hagedorn & Brown
multiphase correlation and the
SRK gas model.
Refer to the online help for
suggestions when each model
should be considered.

Chapter 5: Prod
Shut-in #3

Chapter 5: Prod
After one year of production model a

one day shut-in operation with a
14,000 psi static pressure at
perforations.

Chapter 5: Prod
Post-prod acid job
The next operation is a post-

production acid job with acid
injected at a rate of 84 gpm for
eight hours with an injection
temperature of 45° F. The
bottomhole flowing pressure at
the perforations is 14,700 psi

Chapter 5: Prod
Shut-in #4

Chapter 5: Prod
Model another shut-in operation

for two days, and specify the
details shown here.

Chapter 5: Prod
Gas lift of depleted zones
Model a two day gas lift operation. The

production flow rate during gas lift is
2000 bbl/day oil, 0.1 MMscf/day gas,
and 120 bbl/day water. The
bottomhole flowing pressure is 3,400
psi. Specify default geothermal inlet
temperature. Use the Hagedorn &
Brown model for
multiphase correlations.

Chapter 5: Prod
Specify an annular gas injection

rate of 2 MMscf/day and an
injection pressure and temperature
of 2,500 psi and 100° F
respectively. The gas lift valve is
set at 16,000 ft MD.
4. Calculate Prod Results
Calculate results using:

- Results > Calculate option
- Pressing the F8 keyboard key
- Click the Calculate icon
- Using the Wizard

Chapter 5: Prod
Click Calculate to
Operations that must calculate results for the
be recalculated due to selected operations and
data change will be the operations with
highlighted. results that are required
to obtain the Initial
Condition Temperature
profiles for the
selected operations.
Click Diagnostics... to
display engineering
data before and after
each calculation.
Use the Diagnostics... dialog

to specify the files you want
displayed during the load and
operation calculations. The
Diagnostics dialog box looks
the same for each module in
the WELLCAT software.
5. Compare fluid temperatures for multiple production operations

using Results > Multiple Operations > Fluid Temperature or
Results > Single Operations > Formation Temperature.
Remember to right-click, and use the Data Selection dialog to
select the operation and flow path you want to analyze.

Chapter 5: Prod
a) What has happened to the fluid temperature inside the tubing at

the end of the Displace to Brine operation?
Circulating cool brine into the

well during the displacement
process results in a cooling of
the fluid temperatures in the
string.
Using Results > Multiple

Operations > Wellbore
Temperatures, you can see
that circulating cool brine into
the well during the
displacement process results
in a cooling of the tubing
string.

Chapter 5: Prod
b) Two days later, at the end of the Pull ws, run tbg, set pkr
production operations, what has happened to the fluid
temperature inside the tubing?
Two days later, when the

tubing is set in place, the
temperature has warmed,
and is nearly identical to the
Undisturbed profile.

Chapter 5: Prod
c) Which production operation, Initial Production or Produce 1

year, has the highest flowing wellhead fluid temperature inside
the tubing? Why?
The long-term production (Produce 1 year) generates a flowing
wellhead temperature 100° F hotter than the two-day production
test (Initial Production). Both the long duration and the high
production rate cause this higher temperature.

Chapter 5: Prod
d) What production temperature would the wellhead elements be

required to handle? (The spreadsheet view may present this
information in an easier to read format.)
Wellhead elements should handle these
temperatures for production operations.
e) During the Produce 1 year operation, the fluid inside the tubing
is hot. During the one day shut-in operation (Shut-in #3), after
producing for one year, is the temperature of the tubing fluid
cooling? Yes, the fluid inside the tubing cools significantly
during this one day shut-in.

Chapter 5: Prod
f) Does the tubing continue to cool during the Post-prod acid job?
Yes, the injection of cool fluid continues to
cool the tubing. Below approximately
10,800ft it becomes cooler than the
Undisturbed temperature.

Chapter 5: Prod
g) What happens to the fluid temperature inside the tubing during

the Shut-in #4 operation? Why?
The Shut-in #4 curve shows that, at the end of the acid job, instead
of continuing to cool off towards the Undisturbed profile, the
wellbore heats back up again. This result is caused by the
cumulative effect of radial thermal conduction during one year of
production. As a result, the formation surrounding the wellbore is
much hotter than undisturbed even after an acid job.

Chapter 5: Prod
WELLCAT assumes undisturbed temperature 50 ft

from the wellbore center. Notice in the following plot Use the Input/Single Result Wizard List
that at the end of the Produce 1 year operation the to scroll through the operations as you
temperature rises closer to the wellbore center due to view the formation temperatures. Notice
the cumulative effect of radial thermal conduction that farther from the wellbore the
during one year of production. temperature change is between the
Produce 1 year and Shut-in #4
operations is not significant.
6. Analyze how the fluid temperature builds up as a function of time

during the different production operations. Select Results > Single
Operation > Temperature vs. Time.

Chapter 5: Prod
a) How long does it take for the temperature at the top of the tubing
to stabilize during production?
Even though the

produced fluid heats up
quickly, the equilibrium of
the flowing temperature is
not reached for months.
This result can be useful
for a production test if
your equipment has
temperature limitations.
You may need to limit the
duration of flow to keep
the temperature at the
mudline or surface below
a given value.
7. Review temperatures of all casings/tubing, and/or the fluids inside

the casing/tubing and the annulus using Results > Single
Operations > Wellbore Temperature.
a) At the end of the Produce 1 year operation, what casing/tubing

strings are heated above 250° F? Below the mudline, all the
casing/tubing strings, except for the surface casing, are heated
above 250° F at the end of the one-year production. This large
increase in temperature can cause significant thermal axial
growth and potential buckling problems. If the annular spaces
between casings have no pressure outlet and are filled, this
increase in temperature can also cause thermal expansion of the
trapped fluid, thereby resulting in severe pressure increases in
each of the annuli.

Chapter 5: Prod
The MultiString module calculates annular pressure build-up in trapped

annuli based on Prod thermal simulations.

Chapter 5: Prod
Prod Input Data Report
This section shows a detailed report generated by the WELLCAT

software that contains information for the input data required for
defining all the production operations in this exercise. Input data that
needs to be entered in both the Wellbore menu and the Operations menu
is provided.

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 5: Prod

Chapter 6
Casing
The WELLCAT™ Casing module is used to analyze casing loads, design integrity, and buckling
behavior under complex mechanical, fluid pressure, and thermal loading conditions. It has
standard and automatic load cases that can be linked to Drill or Prod thermal analysis.
The Casing module is an advanced engineering tool used for:
• Comprehensive casing, liner, and tie-back design and analysis.
• Installation and service load analysis.
• Multi-string load transfer analysis.
• Buckling stability and post-buckling analysis.
Casing module has the following functional features:
• Determination of running, installation, and service loads and stresses from standard or
automatically generated user-defined load cases
• Determination of accurate loads, stresses, and buckling solutions for both vertical and
directional wells, with or without friction
• Consideration of all mechanical, fluid pressure, and thermal loading mechanisms
• Specification of separate design factors for pipe body and connection
• Determination of burst, collapse, axial, and triaxial safety factors, with burst and axial safety
factors based on lesser pipe body or connection rating
• Ability to include centralizers in the stress model to more accurately predict contact forces
• Accommodation of user-specified yield anisotropy for CRA or composite

materials applications
• Ability to specify ISO connection ratings and view triaxial design factors for the
ISO connections
• Accommodation of user-specified temperature-dependent yield strength and user-specified

minimum wall thickness (API default)

Chapter 6: Casing
Workflow Overview
In this section of the course, you will learn how to use the Casing
module. You will define multiple load cases to model the stresses acting
on the 9 5/8” Protective Casing during the life of the well. You will
continue working on the design created in the previous chapter. You will
use results from the Prod module to create load cases for the casing and
tubing strings inside the wellbore.
The specific details for each of the loads are entered using the Loads >
Loads dialog. This dialog box contains several tabs for you to define the
load parameters. The tabs available are based on selections made in the
Loads dialog.
In this exercise, you will create the following loads:
• Green Cement Test

• Lost Returns with Water
• Gas Kick
• Overpull
• Mud Drop Due to Lost Returns
• Drill Ahead
• Produce 1 Year

Chapter 6: Casing
Workflow Steps
Note: Refer to “Casing Input Data Report” on page 31 for data and
analysis parameters for use in the exercise.
1. Import 5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_Casing.edm.xml. Open the

WELLCAT Training Design and activate the Casing module.
2. In this workflow, we are analyzing the 9 5/8” Protective Casing.

How do you select a string for analysis?
3. What is the Wellbore > Dogleg Severity Overrides spreadsheet

and the Max DLS column in the Wellbore > Wellpath Editor used
for?
4. To account for tortuosity in the wellbore, use the Wellbore >

Dogleg Severity Overrides spreadsheet to specify a 2°/100ft
dogleg override through the entire wellbore. Then use Wellbore >
Wellpath Editor to specify a maximum dogleg severity of 4°/100ft
between 2,100 - 3,500 ft MD, and 14,500 - 15,000 ft MD.
a) What dogleg values does the software use to calculate bending

stresses?
b) Using the Results > Dogleg Profile what dogleg severity will be
used in the calculating of bending stresses?
5. Use the Wellbore > Cementing and Landing dialog box to

specify the cementing data for the casing. Use defaults for all data
except the following:
• Lead Slurry: 14.8 ppg slurry
• Tail Slurry: 1000ft of 15.8 ppg slurry
• Displacement Fluid: 14.5 ppg OBM
6. How do you apply an upward force to the casing at the surface

before landing the string in the wellhead so that only the part of the
string above the TOC experiences the increase in tension?
7. What are the minimum acceptable design factors for the pipe body
and connections used for all load analysis?

Chapter 6: Casing
8. Include in the analysis the effect of temperature on minimum yield

strength, and the effect of frictional contact with the casing due to
buckling and hole curvature. Use the default value (0.3) for friction.
9. What temperature deration schedule is used?
10. What do “initial conditions” represent?
11. Where do the default initial conditions come from?
12. Using the default values, what are the annular fluid densities for the
initial conditions?
13. For this workflow, we want to use the Cement 9 5/8” Casing
operation as the initial conditions for both temperature and density
profiles, in the string and annulus, for all of the loads.
14. After changing the temperature and density profiles, how have the
fluid densities in the annulus changed?
15. Create the Overpull load using the data in section “Casing Input
Data Report” on page 31.
16. Create the Green Cement Test load using the data in section “Casing
Input Data Report” on page 31.
a) What external pressure profile is used for Green Cement Test

load types and why?
17. Create the Gas Kick load using the data in section “Casing Input
Data Report” on page 31. What is the Fracture Margin of Error?
18. Create the Lost Returns with Water load using the data in section
“Casing Input Data Report” on page 31.
a) Where do the temperature and pressure profiles for this load

come from?
b) Is this a burst or collapse load?
19. Create the Drill Ahead load using the data in section “Casing Input
a) Where do Drill Link Type loads retrieve temperature and

pressure profiles from?

Chapter 6: Casing
20. Create the Mud Drop due to Lost Returns load using the data in
section “Casing Input Data Report” on page 31.
a) Why do we use the 17.5ppg OBM as the Fluid Inside Casing?
b) Is this a burst or collapse load?
21. Create the Produce 1 Year load using the data in section “Casing
a) Why is the 17.5 ppg WBM used for the Internal Pressure
Profile inside the 9 5/8” casing?
22. Calculate results.
23. Refer to the Results > Multiple Loads > Design Limits Plot.
What loads appear to be failing?
24. If all loads were located in the very middle of the Design Limits
Plot, what would you think?
25. Loads appearing to fail in the Design Limits Plot should be further
investigated. Use the Results > Summaries > Minimum Safety
Factor table to determine what loads are not meeting the design
factor.
26. Which loads have the most total length change?
27. For the Produce 1 Year load, how much of the casing is buckled?
28. How much torque is acting on the casing above the TOC during the
Produce 1 Year operation? What is the dogleg above the TOC?
29. What are some possible solutions to the issues we have seen?
30. Change grade of the 9 5/8” casing to Q-125, and include an LTC Q-
125 connection as well.
31. Calculate the results, and review the Design Limits Plot. Does it
indicate areas of concern?
32. To further investigate the results displayed on the Design Limits

Plot, use the Results > Summaries > Minimum Safety Factor
table. Is the connection failing?
33. Change the 9 5/8” connection to Vam.

Chapter 6: Casing
34. Calculate the results, and review the Minimum Safety Factors
table. Are issues with the connection resolved?

Chapter 6: Casing
Workflow Solution
Note: Refer to “Casing Input Data Report” on page 31 for data and
analysis parameters for use in the exercise.

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_Casing.edm.xml. Activate the Casing
module by clicking the Casing icon ( ) on the Product toolbar.
You can also select Tools > Select Product > Casing.
2. In this workflow, we are analyzing the 9 5/8” Protective Casing.

How do you select a string for analysis? Select the 9 5/8”
Protective Casing using the Current String drop-down, as shown
below. Alternatively, select Wellbore > Current String > 9 5/8”
Protective Casing.
3. What is the Wellbore > Dogleg Severity Overrides spreadsheet

and the Max DLS column in the Wellbore > Wellpath Editor used
for? Wellbore > Dogleg Severity Overrides spreadsheet and the
Max DLS column in the Wellbore > Wellpath Editor are used to
override the smoothness by adding tortuosity to a planned well path
for use in bending stress calculations. Dogleg overrides should not
be applied to actual wellpath data.
4. To account for tortuosity in the wellbore, use the Wellbore >

Dogleg Severity Overrides spreadsheet to specify a 2°/100ft
dogleg override through the entire wellbore. Then use Wellbore >

Chapter 6: Casing
Wellpath Editor to specify a maximum dogleg severity of 4°/100ft

between 2,100 - 3,500 ft MD, and 14,500 - 15,000 ft MD.
a) What dogleg values does the software use to calculate bending

stresses? WELLCAT calculates the bending stresses based on
the maximum specified dogleg severity on either the Dogleg
Severity Overrides spreadsheet or the Wellpath Editor.
b) Using the Results > Dogleg Profile what dogleg severity will be
used in the calculating of bending stresses?
A 2º/100 ft dogleg, as
specified on the Dogleg
Severity Overrides
spreadsheet, is used
throughout much of the
wellbore. 4º/100ft is used
in the two intervals
specified using the
Wellpath Editor.
5. Specify the cementing data for the casing. Use defaults for all data
except the following:
• Lead Slurry: 14.8 ppg slurry
• Tail Slurry: 1000ft of 15.8 ppg slurry

Chapter 6: Casing
• Displacement Fluid: 14.5 ppg OBM
Select the desired fluid from

the drop-down lists. Only
fluids in the Inventories >
Fluid Inventory are
displayed. If the fluid you want
to use is not in the list, you
must add it to the Fluid
Inventory.
6. How do you apply an upward force to the casing at the surface

before landing the string in the wellhead so that only the part of the
string above the TOC experiences the increase in tension? On the
Wellbore > Cementing and Landing > Primary Cementing and
Landing tab, click the Pickup Force radio button and enter the
force. Use Applied Surface Pressure if the surface pressure is
applied during the WOC period.
7. What are the minimum acceptable design factors for the pipe body
and connections used for all load analysis? Use Loads > Design
Parameters to define the design factors. In this exercise, the
following are used.

Chapter 6: Casing
8. Include in the analysis the effect of temperature on minimum yield

strength, and the effect of frictional contact with the casing due to
buckling and hole curvature. Use the default value (0.3) for friction.
Use Wellbore > Design Parameters > Analysis Options as
indicated below.
9. What temperature deration schedule is used? The Inventories >

Temperature Deration schedule is used.
10. What do “initial conditions” represent? Loads > Initial Conditions

represent the internal and external pressure profiles, and the
temperature profile for the load after the casing/tubing is landed
and cemented.

Chapter 6: Casing
11. Where do the default initial conditions come from?
The default values are derived from data on the Wellbore >
Cementing and Landing dialog and from Wellbore > Undisturbed
Temperature dialog, and represent the conditions immediately after
the displacement of the cement.
12. Using the default values, what are the annular fluid densities for the
initial conditions? Use Loads > Initial Conditions > Annulus.
Default annular fluid

densities:
Mud
Lead Cement
Tail Cement
13. For this workflow, we want to use the Cement 9 5/8” Casing
operation as the initial conditions for both temperature and density

Chapter 6: Casing
profiles, in the string and annulus, for all of the loads. Use the Fill
button to do this.
Check the Fill button.

Chapter 6: Casing
14. After changing the temperature and density profiles, how have the
fluid densities in the annulus changed?
The densities have increased due

to hydrostatic pressure.
15. Create the Overpull load using the data in section “Casing Input

Chapter 6: Casing
16. Create the Green Cement Test load using the data in section “Casing
a) What external pressure profile is used for Green Cement Test

load types and why? The external pressure profile for the Green
Cement Test is displacement fluid above the TOC, lead cement,
and tail cement gradients. By definition, a Green Cement Test is
done while the cement is still in the fluid state (green), so the
external pressure profiles should be due to fluids in annulus at
the time, including cements.
17. Create the Gas Kick load using the data in section “Casing Input
Data Report” on page 31. What is the Fracture Margin of Error?
It is the incremental amount above the fracture gradient that will be
allowed at the shoe. Using a margin of error can result in a more
conservative analysis since the internal pressure profile needs to be

Chapter 6: Casing
greater to exceed the fracture gradient plus the margin of error at

the shoe.

Chapter 6: Casing
18. Create the Lost Returns with Water load using the data in section
“Casing Input Data Report” on page 31.

Chapter 6: Casing
a) Where do the temperature and pressure profiles for this load

come from? This load is a “hybrid” type load, which means it
uses temperature and pressure predictions from another casing
load that is linked to a Drill or Prod operation. In this specific
load, the predictions are coming from the Initial Conditions load
which is linked to the Cement 9 5/8” Casing Drill operation.
b) Is this a burst or collapse load? This is a burst load

Chapter 6: Casing
19. Create the Drill Ahead load using the data in section “Casing Input

Chapter 6: Casing
a) Where do Drill Link Type loads retrieve temperature and

pressure profiles from? A predefined Drill operation.
20. Create the Mud Drop due to Lost Returns load using the data in
section “Casing Input Data Report” on page 31.

Chapter 6: Casing
a) Why do we use the 17.5ppg OBM as the Fluid Inside Casing?

Because it is the fluid used to drill the next hole section and is
the fluid in the hole during lost circulation.
b) Is this a burst or collapse load? This is a collapse load.
21. Create the Produce 1 Year load using the data in section “Casing

Chapter 6: Casing
a) Why is the 17.5 ppg WBM used for the Internal Pressure
Profile inside the 9 5/8” casing? Refer to the Wellbore > Casing
and Tubing Configuration spreadsheet. Note that the fluid

Chapter 6: Casing
inside the 9 5/8” casing is the same fluid in the annulus of the 7”
Tieback.
22. Calculate results. Click to calculate results.
Blue highlighted loads

must be calculated
because there has been
a data change since the
load was last calculated.

Chapter 6: Casing
23. Refer to the Results > Multiple Loads > Design Limits Plot.
What loads appear to be failing?
Three loads, Lost Returns with Water, Gas Kick, and
Produce 1 Year.
24. If all loads were located in the very middle of the Design Limits
Plot, what would you think? If all loads are in the middle, perhaps
the string is over designed and a lighter pipe or different grade may
work.
25. Loads appearing to fail in the Design Limits Plot should be further
investigated. Use the Results > Summaries > Minimum Safety
Factor table to determine what loads are not meeting the design
factor. The Minimum Safety Factor table indicates the triaxial
absolute safety factor is less than the triaxial design factor for the
Lost Returns with Water and Gas Kick loads, and the burst absolute

Chapter 6: Casing
safety factor is less than the burst design factor for the Lost Returns
with Water load.
The asterisk (*) indicates

the Absolute Safety
Factor is less than the
Design factor.
Look at the codes at the
bottom of the table to
determine what they
stand for.

Chapter 6: Casing
26. Which loads have the most total length change? Use Results >
Multiple Loads > Length Change Bar Chart. Total length change
is zero for loads after the cement has set. Total length change is
only non-zero when there is displacement at the surface due to
pick-up, or slack-off after cement is set.
27. For the Produce 1 Year load, how much of the casing is buckled?
Use Results > Summaries > Movement.
Buckled length

Chapter 6: Casing
28. How much torque is acting on the casing above the TOC during the
Produce 1 Year operation? Use Results > Summaries > Casing
Load.
Torque acting
above the TOC.
The torque and
dogleg above the
TOC is due to
buckling.

Chapter 6: Casing
29. What is a possible solutions to the issues we have seen? Apply a

pick-up force. Refer to Results > Summaries > Casing Load.
Notice the advised pickup

to prevent buckling.
30. Change grade of the 9 5/8” casing to Q-125, and include an LTC Q-
125 connection as well.

Chapter 6: Casing
31. Calculate the results, and review the Design Limits Plot. Does it
indicate areas of concern?
The Lost Returns with Water load exceeds the

triaxial design limit of the connection.

Chapter 6: Casing
32. To further investigate the results displayed on the Design Limits

Plot, use the Results > Summaries > Minimum Safety Factor
table. Is the connection failing?
Notice the asterisk indicating the design
factors are not met.
33. Change the 9 5/8” connection.
Select Vam from the list. If Vam is not in the

list, click Inventories and select the Q125
Vam connection.

Chapter 6: Casing
34. Calculate the results, and review the Minimum Safety Factors
table. Are issues with the connection resolved?
No. Notice the asterisks, and the C flag
indicating issue is in connection..

Chapter 6: Casing
Casing Input Data Report
This section shows a detailed report generated by the WELLCAT

software that contains information for the input data required for
defining loads for all the casing strings inside the wellbore in this
exercise. Input data that needs to be entered in the Wellbore menu and
the Loads menu is provided.

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 6: Casing

Chapter 7
Tube
The WELLCAT™ software Tube module is used to analyze tubing loads, design integrity, and
buckling behavior under complex mechanical, fluid pressure, and thermal loading conditions. It
has standard and automatic load cases which may be linked to Prod thermal analysis.
The Tube module is an advanced engineering tool used for:
• Comprehensive tubing design and analysis.
• Modeling installation and service loads.
• Tubing movement analysis.
• Modeling complex completions.
• Buckling analysis.
• Analyzing packer loads.
• Modeling CRA tubulars with yield anisotropy.
Tube module has the following functional features:
• Determination of installation and service loads and stresses from standard or automatically
generated, user-defined load cases, including production, injection, shut-in, tubing leak,
pump-in to kill, rod pump, pressure test, fracture screen-out, full evacuation, overpull during
installation, and so on
• Determination of accurate loads, stresses, and buckling solutions for both vertical and
directional wells, with or without friction
• Capability to model multiple mechanical, hydraulic, or hydrostatic-set packers set in a

user-defined setting sequence
• Capability to model dual-completion designs
• Specifications of latch down and sliding tubing-packer seal assemblies, with user-specified
up/down displacement and no-go constraints
• Consideration of all mechanical, fluid pressure, and thermal loading mechanisms for all
load cases

Chapter 7: Tube
• Specification of separate design factors for pipe body and connection
• Determination of burst, collapse, axial, and triaxial safety factors, with burst and axial safety
factors based on lesser of pipe body or connection ratings
• Accommodation of user-specified yield anisotropy for CRA or composite

materials applications
• Ability to specify ISO connection ratings and view triaxial design factors for the
ISO connections
• Accommodation of user-specified temperature-dependent yield strength and user-specified

minimum wall thickness (API default)

Chapter 7: Tube
Workflow Overview
In this section of the course, you will learn how to use the Tube module.
Continuing with the design used in previous workflows, you will define
multiple loads to model the stresses acting on the 3 1/2” tubing during
the life of the well. Results from the Prod module will be used to create
load cases for the tubing.
The specific details for each of the loads are entered using the Loads >
Loads dialog. This dialog box contains several tabs for you to define the
load parameters. The tabs available are based on selections made in the
Loads dialog.
In this exercise, you will create the following loads:
• Overpull while running in hole

• Pressure Test
• Steady State Production
• Production Shut In
• Tubing Leak
• Full Evacuation
• 1 Year Production
• Acid Job

Chapter 7: Tube
Workflow Steps

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_Tube.edm.xml. Activate the Tube
module.
2. Select the 3 1/2” Production Tubing for analysis.
3. How would you specify annular restrictions, such as gravel pack or

scab liner, that may inhibit buckling?
4. What is the data in Wellbore > Annulus Contents used for, and
where does it default from?
5. Review the design parameters.
6. Indicate that you want to investigate whether two tools can pass
freely through the tubing, and if not, what the required force would
be. Tool dimensions:
• 2 5/8” OD, 30 feet long
7. Specify the initial conditions (temperature and pressure) when the

tubing was landed. Use the Prod operation Pull ws, run tbg, set pkr.
8. Create a Latched Permanent Packer.
• Name: Latched Permanent Packer
• Type: Packer
• Running String: Production Tubing
• Packer Depth: 17,000 ft MD
• Set hydraulically with initial set pressure of 1500 psi
• Plug Depth = 17,000 ft
• Seal bore is present
• Packer Bore ID = 3 1/2”

Chapter 7: Tube
• Use the operating envelope in

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Packer_Envelope.txt.
9. Create the Overpull while running in hole load. What does this load
model?
• Type: Overpull
• Running Fluid: 10.0 ppg CaCl2
• Overpull force: 20,000 lbf
10. Create the Pressure Test load. What does this load model? What
temperatures are used?
• Type: Pressure Test
• Pump Pressure: 9500 psi
• Fluid Inside the Tubing: 10.0 ppg CaCl2
• Annular wellhead pressure: as calculated
11. Create the Steady State Production (t) load. What does this load
model? Steady State Production is a load with internal thermal
simulations. It performs a simple thermal calculation using a part of
the Prod module engineering algorithms that is incorporated into
the Tube module. This load simulates the pressure and temperature
profile due to the production operations. Most of the time, it is a
burst load. It is also a thermal load as the produced fluids heat up
the tubing causing growth.
• Type: Steady State Production
• Pressure: 13,500 psi at the perforations
• Perforation Depth: 17,150 ft MD
• Produced Fluid: Produced Fluid
• Oil Production Rate: 5,000 bbl/D
• Gas Production Rate: 25 MMscf/day
• Water Production Rate: 0 bbl/D

Chapter 7: Tube
12. Create the Production Shut In load. What does this load model?
What temperatures, densities, and external conditions are used?
• Type: Shut-In
• Perforation Depth: 17150 ft MD
• Link the load to the Steady State Production (t) operation
• Fluid density inside tubing: Use Tubing Density From

Operation or Load
13. Create the Tubing Leak load. What does this load model?
• Type: Tubing Leak
• Operation or Load: Production Shut-In
14. Create the Full Evacuation load. What does this load model? What
• Type: Tubing Evacuation
• Operation or Load: Initial Conditions
15. Create the 1 Year Production load. What does this load model?
What temperatures are used?
• Type: Prod Link
• Operation: Produce 1 year
16. Create the Acid Job load. What does this load model? What
• Type: Prod Link
• Operation: Acid Job
17. Calculate results.
18. Review the internal, external, and differential pressures for the
following loads: Initial Conditions, Steady State Production (t),
Full Evacuation, Pressure Test, and Tubing Leak.

Chapter 7: Tube
a) What is the internal pressures for the Full Evacuation load?
b) Which loads are burst and which are collapse?
c) What is the external pressure profile for all those loads?
19. View Results > Multiple Loads > Burst Safety Factor, and
Results > Multiple Loads > Differential Pressure for all defined
tubing loads in two horizontal windows.
a) Based on the Differential Pressure plot, which load(s) is

driving the burst design?
b) Based on the Differential Pressure plot, which load(s) is

driving the collapse design?
20. Replace the Differential Pressure plot with the Results > Multiple
Loads > Collapse Safety Factor plot. Do the plots suggest your
design is acceptable in terms of burst and collapse?
21. View Results > Multiple Loads > Axial Safety Factor, and
Results > Multiple Loads > Axial Loads for all defined tubing
loads in two horizontal windows. Based on these plots, is the axial
design criteria met?
22. Using the Results > Multiple Loads > Design Limit plot, which
loads do not appear to meet the triaxial design criteria?
23. Using the Results > Multiple Loads > Triaxial Safety Factor
plot, which loads do not appear to meet the triaxial design criteria?
24. Refer to Results > Summaries > Minimum Safety Factor.
a) Which loads fail triaxial design?
b) Why is the Pressure Test load not showing as failing the triaxial
design criteria on this table?
25. Investigate tubing movement for the 1 Year Production operation.

a) Why does the sum of all the movements equal zero?
b) Is there a buckling issue?

Chapter 7: Tube
26. What force is required to prevent buckling for the 1 Year

Production load?
27. To begin to solve buckling issues, allow 18 ft downward tubing

movement with a “nogo”.
28. Calculate results. What is the total tubing movement now for the 1
Year Production load?
29. For the 1 Year Production load, what force will be required to pass
a tool, and how long can the tool be?
30. Are any loads outside the packer operating envelope?
31. Review Results > Single Load > Packer Schematic. The packer
Schematic displays a schematic for each of the packers defined in
the string along with important packer forces computed as part of
the analysis.
32. Review the packer loads for all loads. Use Results > Multiple
Loads > Packer Loads. Refer to the online help for a description
of the information displayed.

Chapter 7: Tube
Workflow Solution

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_Tube.edm.xml. Activate the Tube
module by clicking the Tube icon ( ) on the Product toolbar. You
can also select Tools > Select Product > Tube.
2. Select the 3 1/2” Production Tubing for analysis. Use the Current
String selection list.
3. How would you specify annular restrictions, such as gravel pack or

scab liner, that may inhibit buckling? Use Wellbore > Buckling
Restrictions to model special annular clearance restrictions that
may exist in a wellbore. The onset and extent of buckling depend
significantly on the annular restrictions between the production
tubing and the casing.
Restriction ID is between the casing

and the tubing. It should be larger
than the tubing outside diameter, but
smaller than the casing inside
diameter.
4. What is the data in Wellbore > Annulus Contents used for, and
where does it default from? The Annulus Contents spreadsheet
can be used to specify multiple fluids in the tubing annulus. The
default value is the tubing annular fluid specified in the Wellbore >
Casing and Tubing Configuration. Data from this spreadsheet is
used to define the default initial conditions for the production
tubing. You can add multiple annular fluids, but at least one of the
fluids must be the same as the fluid specified on the Casing and
Tubing Configuration spreadsheet. If gas is specified, to alleviate

Chapter 7: Tube
annular pressure that builds up during production operations, it

must be the first fluid in the list.
Select the fluid you want to
use from the drop-down. If
the fluid does not appear,
define it in the Inventories
> Fluids first.
5. Review the design parameters. Use Loads > Design Parameters.
6. Indicate that you want to investigate whether two tools can pass
freely through the tubing, and if not, what the required force would
be. Tool dimensions:
Use Loads > Tool Passage. This dialog is used to specify tool
geometry. For each load, the Tube module will compute the
maximum tool length that will pass through the tubing in the highest
dogleg caused by wellbore deviation and buckling. If the tool length
is greater than the length that will pass freely, the software will
report the force required to push or pull the tool through the dogleg.
The bending stiffness of the tool is assumed to be that of a solid
cylinder.

Chapter 7: Tube
7. Specify the initial conditions (temperature and pressure) when the

tubing was landed. Use the Prod operation Pull ws, run tbg, set pkr.
Use Loads > Initial Conditions.
Notice the default Data Source is Annulus

Contents and Undisturbed Temperatures.
Since we have a Prod operation for running
the tubing, we will use that instead. Use this
operation for inside the tubing and in the
annulus.

Chapter 7: Tube
8. Create a Latched Permanent Packer. Use Wellbore > Packers.
Each packer must have a unique depth within

the interval delimited by the hanger depth and
the tubing base.
Use Axial Load Change After Packer Set

Use the Seal Bore Present area to define a piston to specify a pickup or slackoff, at the
area for the seal assembly over which a differential surface, after the packer is set.
pressure can act on the tubing. If this box is not
checked, the tubing is assumed to be integral to
the packer and latched with no piston effect. The
packer bore ID will affect axial force distribution in
the tubing.
Check the Seal Movement Allowed box to

allow for upward or downward tubing
movement. A Nogo can be present either way.
If the box is not checked, the tubing cannot
move and the packer is assumed fixed.

Chapter 7: Tube
The Operating Envelope tab allows you to

specify the packer operating envelope
based on vendor specifications. Packers
are rated in terms of annular pressure
differential across the packer and load
transfer from the tubing to the packer.
Packer ratings should be entered in
clockwise, or counter-clockwise order. The
WELLCAT software will connect the first
and last points.
• Name: Latched Permanent Packer
• Type: Packer
• Running String: Production Tubing
• Packer Depth: 17,000 ft MD
• Set hydraulically with initial set pressure of 1500 psi
• Plug Depth = 17,000 ft
• Seal bore is present
• Packer Bore ID = 3 1/2”
• Use the operating envelope in

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Packer_Envelope.txt.
9. Create the Overpull while running in hole load. What does this load
model? Use Loads > Loads.This load simulates tension in the

Chapter 7: Tube
tubing due to its own buoyed weight plus additional pickup force
applied to unset the packer or to free stuck tubing.
• Type: Overpull
• Running Fluid: 10.0 ppg CaCl2
• Overpull force: 20,000 lbf
10. Create the Pressure Test load. What does this load model? What
temperatures are used? This load models a tubing pressure test with
pressure applied at the surface. The temperatures specified on the
Initial Conditions dialog are used as the temperature profile for the
load case.
• Type: Pressure Test
• Pump Pressure: 9500 psi
• Fluid Inside the Tubing: 10.0 ppg CaCl2

Chapter 7: Tube
• Annular wellhead pressure: 0 psi
11. Create the Steady State Production (t) load. What does this load
model? Steady State Production is a load with internal thermal
simulations. It performs a simple thermal calculation using a part of
the Prod module engineering algorithms that is incorporated into
the Tube module. This load simulates the pressure and temperature
profile due to the production operations. Most of the time, it is a
burst load. It is also a thermal load as the produced fluids heat up
the tubing causing growth.
• Type: Steady State Production

Chapter 7: Tube
• Perforation Depth: 17,150 ft MD
• Produced Fluid: Produced Fluid
• Oil Production Rate: 5,000 bbl/D
• Gas Production Rate: 25 MMscf/day
• Water Production Rate: 0 bbl/D
Select the type of

hydrocarbon being
produced. The fluids in the
list must be defined on the
Inventories > Fluids >
Standard Hydrocarbon
tab.

Chapter 7: Tube
12. Create the Production Shut In load. What does this load model?
What temperatures, densities, and external conditions are used?
This type of load retrieves temperature and pressure predictions
from a previously defined Prod operation or a previously defined
Tube load with internal thermal simulations. This load should be
linked to another load or production operation. The load models
shut-in. If this is a long-term shut-in, temperatures are set to
undisturbed. If gas is in the tubing during the shut-in, gas gravity
can be entered and this will override the internal densities from the
production case. Note that if gas gravity is not used, the calculated
internal pressures may be slightly inaccurate for compressible
fluids because the internal density is based on production
temperatures and pressures.
Select the operation or load

that you want to use for the
temperature profiles.
Choose how the fluid density

inside the tubing will be
calculated. In this example,
we are getting the density
from the load.
• Type: Shut-In

Chapter 7: Tube
• Perforation Depth: 17150 ft MD
• Link the load to the Steady State Production (t) operation
• Fluid density inside tubing: Use Tubing Density From

Operation or Load
13. Create the Tubing Leak load. What does this load model? This load
case recalls all of the load conditions from the prior case (usually a
production case), and applies the tubing pressure on the annulus at
the surface, that can result in high-collapse loads near the packer
(particularly if a kill weight packer fluid is used). The Operation or
Load drop-down list box has the names of all loads or operations
defined for the current string that can be linked to other loads.
Selecting one of these items allows the code to use the temperature
density and pressure profiles from the item as final conditions for
the current load case.
• Type: Tubing Leak
• Operation or Load: Production Shut-In
14. Create the Full Evacuation load. What does this load model? What
temperatures are used? This load simulates air inside the tubing
with no surface pressure, and the “packer fluid” as the outside

Chapter 7: Tube
pressure. Temperatures are assumed to be undisturbed unless a

prior case is specified.
• Type: Tubing Evacuation
• Operation or Load: Initial Conditions
15. Create the 1 Year Production load. What does this load model?
What temperatures are used? This load case is used to model the

Chapter 7: Tube
current string with the temperature profiles and pressure and

additional data imported from a Prod operation.
• Type: Prod Link
• Operation: Produce 1 year
16. Create the Acid Job load. What does this load model? What
temperatures are used? Similar to 1 Year Production, this load case
is used to model the current string with the temperature profiles,

Chapter 7: Tube
pressure, and data imported from a Prod operation. For this load,
we use the Acid Job operation.
• Type: Prod Link
• Operation: Acid Job

Chapter 7: Tube
17. Calculate results. Click to calculate results.
Blue highlighted loads

must be calculated
because there has been
a data change since the
load was last calculated.
18. Review the internal, external, and differential pressures for the
following loads: Initial Conditions, Steady State Production (t),
Full Evacuation, Pressure Test, and Tubing Leak. Use Results >
Single Load > Pressures. Use the Data Selection dialog to select
the curves, and Results Wizard List to change loads displayed in
the plot.
Select the load from the Results Wizard List.

Chapter 7: Tube

Chapter 7: Tube
a) What is the internal pressures for the Full Evacuation load? The
Full Evacuation load assumes the pipe contains air.
b) Which loads are burst and which are collapse? Negative

differential pressure means the load is collapse, and positive
differential pressure means the load is a burst load. Tubing Leak
and Full Evacuation are collapse loads. Steady State Production
(t) and Pressure Test are burst loads.
c) What is the external pressure profile for all those loads? The
external pressure profile is based on entry in the Wellbore >
Annulus Contents.
Pressure is due to 10.0

ppg CaCl2, the packer
fluid.
19. View Results > Multiple Loads > Burst Safety Factor, and
Results > Multiple Loads > Differential Pressure for all defined
tubing loads in two horizontal windows.

Chapter 7: Tube
a) Based on the Differential Pressure plot, which load(s) is

driving the burst design?
The load(s) that results in the highest differential pressure
(lowest safety factor) are the ones that control the design. In this
example, the burst design is controlled by the Production Shut
In, and Pressure Test loads.

Chapter 7: Tube
b) Based on the Differential Pressure plot, which load(s) is

driving the collapse design?
Full Evacuation is driving the collapse load.
20. Replace the Differential Pressure plot with the Results > Multiple
Loads > Collapse Safety Factor plot. Do the plots suggest your
design is acceptable in terms of burst and collapse? Because the

Chapter 7: Tube
load safety factors exceed the burst and collapse design factors, the
plots suggest the design is safe in terms of burst and collapse.
21. View Results > Multiple Loads > Axial Safety Factor, and
Results > Multiple Loads > Axial Loads for all defined tubing

Chapter 7: Tube
loads in two horizontal windows. Based on these plots, is the axial

design criteria met? No.
The Acid Job, Tubing Leak, 1 Year Production, and Steady State
Production (t) loads do not meet the axial design criteria.

Chapter 7: Tube
22. Using the Results > Multiple Loads > Design Limit plot, which
loads do not appear to meet the triaxial design criteria?
Loads that cross the triaxial limit

curve do not meet the triaxial
design criteria. In this example, the
following loads cross the limit:
Steady State Production (t)
Production Shut In
Pressure Test
Acid Job
1 Year Production
23. Using the Results > Multiple Loads > Triaxial Safety Factor
plot, which loads do not appear to meet the triaxial design criteria?
Loads that fall to the left of the

Reference curve do not meet the
triaxial design criteria. In this
example, the following loads do
not meet the criteria:
Pressure Test
Acid Job
1 Year Production
Production Shut-in
Steady State Production (t)

Chapter 7: Tube
24. Refer to Results > Summaries > Minimum Safety Factor.
a) Which loads fail triaxial design?
Refer to the table at the bottom of

the table to determine that L9 and
L3 refer to the Acid Job and 1 Year
Production loads.
b) Why is the Pressure Test load not showing as failing the triaxial
design criteria on this table? Although the Pressure Test load
safety factor is less than the design safety factor, the Acid Job
safety factor is less over the same depth interval. This table
displays the minimum safety factor, and therefore presents the
Acid Job.

Chapter 7: Tube
25. Investigate tubing movement for the 1 Year Production operation.

Select the load from the list.
One row is created for

each tubing interval
with the top at the
tubing hanger or a
packer, and the base
at a packer. There is
no entry for the tail
pipe below the
deepest packer.
Hooke’s Law column displays the length change

attributed to the Hooke’s Law effect, reflecting the
elasticity of the material.
Buckling column displays length
change due to buckling.
Balloon column displays length
change due to pressure differential.
Thermal column displays length

change due to temperature change.
Total column displays the sum of all length changes. For Initial Condition, Total is
nonzero only when there is displacement at the surface due to pick-up or slack-off applied
after the packer is set.
For all other loads, the total movement is zero if no seal movement is allowed. Seal
movement is specified on the Packer Details dialog.
a) Why does the sum of all the movements equal zero? The tubing
is fixed at the hanger at the top and by the packer at the bottom,
so there is no movement.
b) Is there a buckling issue? Yes, there is buckling.

Chapter 7: Tube
26. What force is required to prevent buckling for the 1 Year

Production load? Use Results > Summaries > Tubing Load.
Negative axial force represents compression (Up),
while positive values represent tension (down).
High dogleg and torque values appear in intervals
where the tubing is buckled.
The additional pick-up force required to prevent the tubing from

buckling is calculated and displayed here when buckling is present.
Apply this force using the Axial Load change After Packer Set field
on the Packers > Details tabs.
The friction force will be non-zero only if the Friction option has been
enabled on the Loads > Design Parameters > Analysis Options tab.

Chapter 7: Tube
27. To begin to solve buckling issues, allow 18 ft downward tubing

movement with a “nogo”. Use Wellbore > Packers.
The downward movement represents

the length of sealing assembly
allowed to move in and out of the
packer bore.
28. Calculate results. What is the total tubing movement now for the 1
Year Production load?
This is the actual movement.
29. For the 1 Year Production load, what force will be required to pass
a tool, and how long can the tool be? Use Results > Summaries >
Tool Passage. Based on the doglegs due to buckling combined with
wellbore tortuosity, the Tool Passage Summary displays the

Chapter 7: Tube
critical depth at which a tool may get stuck, the maximum tool
length that can pass through the tubing, and the force required to
make the tool pass for the selected load. If the tool does not pass
freely, the maximum tool length which passes freely will be
displayed along with the force required to pass the rest of the tool.
If the tool passes freely, the Max Length which Passes Freely
value will be displayed as ---.
30. Are any loads outside the packer operating envelope? Use Results
> Multiple Loads > Packer Operating Envelope.
All loads are within the

packer operating envelope.
31. Review Results > Single Load > Packer Schematic. The packer
Schematic displays a schematic for each of the packers defined in

Chapter 7: Tube
the string along with important packer forces computed as part of

the analysis.
Use the Data Selection dialog to select the information

you want displayed, including the packer, load, and
force.

Chapter 7: Tube
32. Review the packer loads for all loads. Use Results > Multiple
Loads > Packer Loads. Refer to the online help for a description
of the information displayed.

Chapter 8
MultiString
The WELLCAT™ software MultiString module is used to perform annular fluid expansion (AFE)
and wellhead movement (WHM) analysis, which take into account all the casings and tubings
inside the wellbore. The annular fluid expansion and wellhead movement analysis can be
performed while drilling or at any point in time during the life of the well. It is also used to
evaluate the integrity of the casings and tubings under the annular fluid expansion and wellhead
movement displacement conditions. Since the entire well is considered as a whole, as compared
to the Casing and Tubing modules which take into account only a single string at a time, results
and input data from all the other modules are used in performing MultiString analysis.
The MultiString module is an advanced Windows-environment engineering tool used for:
• Predicting annular fluid expansion in each annulus during production operations
• Performing stress analysis for pipes, using custom loads, and taking into account the annular
fluid expansion
• Predicting wellhead movement of the entire system while drilling and landing casings and
during production operations
• Performing a hanger lift-off analysis by specifying lock ring ratings for each casing
• Including the effect of soil interaction in the wellhead movement calculations
• Modeling compensator loads in the wellhead movement analysis
• Performing sensitivity analysis on the wellhead movement results by specifying a

user-defined point of fixity

Chapter 8: MultiString
Workflow Overview
In this section of the course, you will learn how to use the MultiString
module. You will perform annular fluid expansion and wellhead
movement analysis during the Produce 1 year operation.
For the annular fluid expansion analysis, assume that all except the 13
3/8” casing annuli are vented. Since the 13 3/8” casing TOC is well
below the 20” casing shoe, any annular pressure build-up above the
fracture gradient at the 20” casing shoe is assumed to be leaked off into
the formation. Stresses acting on the 13 3/8” and 20” casings due to this
annular pressure build-up will be analyzed.
For the wellhead movement analysis, define the loading history of the
well in order as each casing is landed in place. The movement of the
wellhead will be computed and the load distribution between all the
casings will be analyzed.

Workflow Steps
Annular Fluid Expansion

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_MultiString.edm.xml. Activate the
MultiString module.
2. Define the annular fluid expansion analysis details. Use the

following parameters:
• For all strings, use Undisturbed as the Drill Operation
• All strings annuli are vented except for the 13 3/8” Intermediate
Casing
• Use the Produce 1 Year Prod operation as the Final Operation

to define the final temperature condition for all strings
• There is no gas cap present for any string
• There is no fluid bled from the annulus of any string
• For the 13 3/8” Intermediate Casing, allow annular pressure to

enter the formation. Use the prior shoe depth as the Depth at
Leak-Off and a 12.5 ppg Leak-off-Density.
3. Using Analysis > Annular Fluid Expansion > Define Custom

Loads, define the custom loads as follows:
• 20” Surface Casing: AFE and Max Burst using default data
• 13 3/8” Intermediate Casing: AFE and Max Collapse using

default data
• Do not calculate any loads for other strings
4. Where do each of the custom loads (AFE, Max Burst, and Max
Collapse) apply pressures?
5. Where do the default fluid profiles for the custom loads come
from?

6. Why do we not want to analyze the Max Collapse load for the 20”
Surface Casing?
7. Calculate results for annular fluid expansion only.
8. Review Results > Summaries > Multi-String AFE.
a) Where do you see annular pressure buildup?
b) What is the Incremental AFE Volume?
9. Analyze the axial loads for the 20” casing due to the annular
pressure build-up in the 13 3/8” casing annulus. Using Results >
Summaries > Axial Load, compare the internal pressure for the
Initial Conditions and 20”Surface Casing-AFE loads. What causes
the difference in the internal pressure?
10. Are the design factors for the 20” Surface Casing - AFE load
acceptable?
11. Analyze the axial loads for the 13 3/8” casing due to the annular
pressure build-up in the annulus of the 13 3/8” casing. Using
Results > Summaries > Axial Load, compare the external
pressure for the Initial Conditions and 13 3/8”Intermediate Casing-
AFE loads. What causes the difference in the external pressure?
12. Are the design factors for the 13 3/8” Intermediate Casing - AFE
load acceptable?
Wellhead Movement Analysis

13. Wellhead movement analysis requires the specification of the
outermost string to which the wellhead will be attached. In this
example, the 20” surface casing will be considered as the outermost
string. Consequently, all drilling events prior to the setting and
cementing of the 20” surface casing, although they may have been
modeled in the Drill module, do not have any impact on the
wellhead movement analysis. Define the static loads for each string

using the following data. The axial load exerted on the 20” casing
when installing the wellhead was 5,000 lbf.
String Hang-Off Nipple-Up Nipple- Nipple-Up

Drillstring in BOP Down BOP Tree
BOP
20” Casing Undefined 50 kips Undefined Undefined
13 3/8” Undefined Undefined Undefined Undefined

Casing

Casing
7” Undefined Undefined Undefined Undefined

Production
Tieback
3 1/2” Disabled Disabled 50 kips 5 kips

Tubing
a) What is the Installation and Static Load Definition dialog used

for?
b) What is Point of Fixity used for?
c) What string does the WELLCAT software assume the wellhead

is attached to?
d) What is the difference between the String-Dependent Static

Loads and the String-Dependent Installation Components?
14. Specify the following loads, in the order specified below, that will
be applied to the wellhead, and the sequence in which they will be
applied. Why is the Produce 1 Year operation only shown for the 3
1/2” Production Tubing? Use Analysis > Wellhead Movement >
Load History Definition.
String Load Name
20” Surface Casing Install Wellhead
20” Surface Casing Nipple-Up BOP
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Drill 12 1/4” Hole
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Logging 12 1/4” Hole

String Load Name
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Condition 12 1/4” Hole
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Run 9 5/8” Casing
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Cement 9 5/8” Casing
9 5/8” Protective Casing Drill 8 1/2” Hole
9 5/8” Protective Casing Logging 8 1/2” Hole
9 5/8” Protective Casing Condition 8 1/2” Hole
9 5/8” Protective Casing Run 7” Casing
9 5/8” Protective Casing Cement 7” Casing
7” Production Liner Clean-up Liner for Tieback
7” Production Liner Run and Set 7” Tieback
3 1/2” Production Tubing Nipple-down BOP
3 1/2” Production Tubing Nipple-Up Tree
3 1/2” Production Tubing Produce 1 Year

The Load Condition list contains the names of all strings and the static and thermal load cases that
are defined for them. This tree structure allows you to view all previously defined drilling operations
and static loads for the strings included in the wellhead movement analysis.
To build the Load History, you must first select a load from the Load Condition list, and
then click the arrow to transfer the selected load to the Load History event table. For this
example, start with the Install Wellhead load for the 20” surface casing. Another way to
transfer loads is to click the string name in the Load Condition list, use the arrow to transfer
all the loads to the Load History events, and then adjust the load sequence in the Load
History list by clicking Up or Dn
15. Calculate wellhead movement results. Do not include soil

interaction, or liftoff analysis. Click to calculate results.

16. Analyze wellhead movement for each applied load using Results >
Summaries > MultiString Wellhead Movement > Displacement.
• What does the data in the Incremental column tell you?
• What do negative numbers in the summary represent?
• What does the data in the Cumulative column tell you?
• How much does the wellhead move during one year of

production?
17. Review the axial load distribution, without bending, for each string
in the well for the defined loads using Results > Summaries >
MultiString Wellhead Movement > Forces.
• What does a negative axial load indicate?

• If the axial load is NA, what does that mean?
• What is the axial load acting at the tubing hanger while

producing for 1 year?
18. Using Results > Single Load > Axial Load > Wellhead
Movement, review the axial loads in all strings landed in the well
during the Produce 1 Year operation. Are previous operations
considered when calculating these results?
19. What is the contact load between the 13 3/8” and the 20” casing
during the Produce 1 Year operation? Use Results > Single Load >
Axial Loads > Wellhead Contact Loads.

Workflow Solution
Annular Fluid Expansion

5000_1_13_WELLCAT_Start_MultiString.edm.xml. Activate the
MultiString module by clicking the MultiString icon ( ) on the
Product toolbar. You can also select Tools > Select Product >
MultiString.
2. Define the annular fluid expansion analysis details. Use the

following parameters:
• For all strings, use Undisturbed as the Drill Operation
• All strings annuli are vented except for the 13 3/8” Intermediate
Casing
• Use the Produce 1 Year Prod operation as the Final Operation

to define the final temperature condition for all strings
• There is no gas cap present for any string
• There is no fluid bled from the annulus of any string
• For the 13 3/8” Intermediate Casing, allow annular pressure to

enter the formation. Use the prior shoe depth as the Depth at
Leak-Off and a 12.5 ppg Leak-off-Density.
Use Analysis > Annular Fluid Expansion > Define Details.

Select a string in the

String List. Information
displayed in the other
fields is associated with
the currently selected
string.
A Drill operation can be

used to describe the initial
conditions for the selected
string. The default value is
Undisturbed. Use this
default for all of the strings.

Specify the pressure in

equivalent mud weight at
which the formation will
fracture, thus allowing the
trapped annular fluids to
leak into the formation.
Also, enter the measured
depth associated with this
value (usually the previous
shoe depth). Leave as 0 for
all the other strings.
In this workflow, we
assume there is no gas cap
present. If you specify there
is gas present, indicate the
type of gas, and the
location.

The Volume Bled field allows

you to specify that part of the
fluid will be evacuated from
the annulus, maybe through a
bleed-off mechanism. This
option can also be used when
crushable foam is employed
(not used in this example).
By checking the Vented

Annulus check box, you
assume that the annulus is
open to the atmosphere and
no pressure build-up will
occur due to fluid expansion.
In this case, all annuli except
the 13 3/8” will be vented.

Finally, select a Prod

operation to define the
final temperature
condition. This selection
applies to all strings.
Select Produce 1 year.
3. Using Analysis > Annular Fluid Expansion > Define Custom

Loads, define the custom loads as follows:
• 20” Surface Casing: AFE and Max Burst using default data
• 13 3/8” Intermediate Casing: AFE and Max Collapse using

default data
• Do not calculate any loads for other strings



4. Where do each of the custom loads (AFE, Max Burst, and Max
Collapse) apply pressures? The AFE custom load cases consist of
the annular fluid expansion calculated pressures applied inside and
outside of the selected string. Max Burst will apply annular fluid
expansion pressure only in the inside of the selected string. Max
Collapse will apply the annular fluid expansion pressure only
outside the selected string.
5. Where do the default fluid profiles for the custom loads come
from? Refer to the online help.

6. Why do we not want to analyze the Max Collapse load for the 20”
Surface Casing? Because it is vented there will not be any pressure
build up in the annulus.
7. Calculate results for annular fluid expansion only. Click to

calculate results.
Check only Calculate

AFE.
Click Calculate to
calculate results for loads
selected on the AFE
Custom Load
Description dialog.

8. Review Results > Summaries > Multi-String AFE.
Only the 13 3/8” casing annuli with TOC below prior shoe was not vented. The annular
pressure build for this annulus was limited to the 12.5 ppg fracture gradient at the 20”
shoe. The maximum surface pressure for the 13 3/8” casing annuli is 274 psi. All other
annuli were vented and, thus, have no annular pressure build-up.
The Incremental AFE Volume result represents the change in annular fluid volume
as the fluid expands because of the increase in temperature. As shown, this volume
change is reported even when the annulus was assumed to be vented.
a) Where do you see annular pressure buildup?
b) What is the Incremental AFE Volume?
9. Analyze the axial loads for the 20” casing due to the annular
pressure build-up in the 13 3/8” casing annulus. Using Results >
Summaries > Axial Load, compare the internal pressure for the

Initial Conditions and 20”Surface Casing-AFE loads. What causes

the difference in the internal pressure?
The 274 psi annular fluid expansion pressure is

added to the internal pressure profile.

10. Are the design factors for the 20” Surface Casing - AFE load
acceptable? Use Results > Summaries > Safety Factor.
Triaxial and axial safety

factors do not meet design
factor criteria.
11. Analyze the axial loads for the 13 3/8” casing due to the annular
pressure build-up in the annulus of the 13 3/8” casing. Using
Results > Summaries > Axial Load, compare the external

pressure for the Initial Conditions and 13 3/8”Intermediate Casing-

AFE loads. What causes the difference in the external pressure?
The 274 psi annular fluid expansion pressure is

added to the external pressure profile.

12. Are the design factors for the 13 3/8” Intermediate Casing - AFE
load acceptable? Use Results > Summaries > Safety Factor.
Safety factors meet design

factor criteria.
Wellhead Movement Analysis

13. Wellhead movement analysis requires the specification of the
outermost string to which the wellhead will be attached. In this
example, the 20” surface casing will be considered as the outermost
string. Consequently, all drilling events prior to the setting and
cementing of the 20” surface casing, although they may have been
modeled in the Drill module, do not have any impact on the
wellhead movement analysis. Define the static loads for each string
using the following data. The axial load exerted on the 20” casing

when installing the wellhead was 5,000 lbf. Use Analysis >
Wellhead Movement > Installation and Static Load Definition.
String Hang-Off Nipple-Up Nipple- Nipple-Up

Drillstring in BOP Down BOP Tree
BOP
20” Casing Undefined 50 kips Undefined Undefined

Casing

Casing
7” Undefined Undefined Undefined Undefined

Production
Tieback
3 1/2” Disabled Disabled 50 kips 5 kips

Tubing





a) What is the Installation and Static Load Definition dialog used

for? It allows you to define static loads for each string for use
during wellhead movement analysis. After the load is defined,
you can use the Analysis > Wellhead Movement > Load
History Definition dialog to specify static and thermal loads
applied to the wellhead, and the sequence they are applied.
b) What is Point of Fixity used for? The point of fixity is the depth
below which the outermost string has zero displacement. By
default, this is the TOC or mudline (for drive pipes). You can use
this option to perform a sensitivity analysis on the wellhead
movement loads and displacements on the system by specifying
a new depth of point of fixity.
c) What string does the WELLCAT software assume the wellhead

is attached to? The outermost string is the string to which the
wellhead will be attached; in other words, MultiString assumes

the wellhead is installed on the outermost string. In this example,

the outermost string is the 20” surface casing.
d) What is the difference between the String-Dependent Static

Loads and the String-Dependent Installation Components?
The String-Dependent Static Loads section must be defined on
a string-by-string basis. The Hang-Off Drillstring in BOP
static load models including the hanging weight of the drill
string in the wellhead. The Nipple Up/Down BOP static loads
model nippling up/down a BOP stack on the wellhead. Similarly,
the Nipple-Up Tree static load models nippling up a tree on the
wellhead. All of these forces will be considered as acting
downwards, with the exception of Nipple-Down BOP, which
acts upward. The String-Dependent Installation Components
section is used to define details about the lock ring ratings and
compensator loads for each string. The Lock-Ring Rating limit
is specified as a limit for negative contact force between a string
and the next outer string to keep the slip assembly together. This
limit is used in lift-off analysis.
14. Specify the following loads, in the order specified below, that will
be applied to the wellhead, and the sequence in which they will be
applied. Why is the Produce 1 Year operation only shown for the 3
1/2” Production Tubing? Use Analysis > Wellhead Movement >
Load History Definition. The Produce 1 Year operation is shown
in the load condition table only for the innermost string in the well.
However, the effect of this thermal load is seen by all the strings in
the well at the time the event occurs. This is also true for all the
Drill operations. The wellhead movement effect for any static load
or thermal operation is seen by all the strings that are present in the
well when that operation occurs. MultiString allows you to include
only one Prod operation per wellhead movement analysis.
String Load Name
20” Surface Casing Install Wellhead
20” Surface Casing Nipple-Up BOP
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Drill 12 1/4” Hole
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Logging 12 1/4” Hole
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Condition 12 1/4” Hole
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Run 9 5/8” Casing
13 3/8” Intermediate Casing Cement 9 5/8” Casing

String Load Name
9 5/8” Protective Casing Drill 8 1/2” Hole
9 5/8” Protective Casing Logging 8 1/2” Hole
9 5/8” Protective Casing Condition 8 1/2” Hole
9 5/8” Protective Casing Run 7” Casing
9 5/8” Protective Casing Cement 7” Casing
7” Production Liner Clean-up Liner for Tieback
7” Production Liner Run and Set 7” Tieback
3 1/2” Production Tubing Nipple-down BOP
3 1/2” Production Tubing Nipple-Up Tree
3 1/2” Production Tubing Produce 1 Year

The Load Condition list contains the names of all strings and the static and thermal load cases that
are defined for them. This tree structure allows you to view all previously defined drilling operations
and static loads for the strings included in the wellhead movement analysis.
To build the Load History, you must first select a load from the Load Condition list, and
then click the arrow to transfer the selected load to the Load History event table. For this
example, start with the Install Wellhead load for the 20” surface casing. Another way to
transfer loads is to click the string name in the Load Condition list, use the arrow to transfer
all the loads to the Load History events, and then adjust the load sequence in the Load
History list by clicking Up or Dn
15. Calculate wellhead movement results. Do not include soil

interaction, or liftoff analysis. Click to calculate results.

16. Analyze wellhead movement for each applied load using Results >
Summaries > MultiString Wellhead Movement > Displacement.
• What does the data in the Incremental column tell you? The
incremental displacement represents the movement of the
wellhead due to a specific load. This movement represents the
applied force from that load divided by the current system
stiffness.
• What do negative numbers in the summary represent? Negative

incremental represents downward movements, while positive
incremental represents upward movement.
• What does the data in the Cumulative column tell you? The
cumulative displacement represents the position of the wellhead
relative to where it was when it was landed.
• How much does the wellhead move during one year of

production? The wellhead move up over 1 ft during.

17. Review the axial load distribution, without bending, for each string
in the well for the defined loads using Results > Summaries >
MultiString Wellhead Movement > Forces.
• What does a negative axial load indicate? Negative loads are

compression, and positive are compression.
• If the axial load is NA, what does that mean? For all the strings
that are not landed in the wellhead when a particular load event
occurs, NA is displayed as the axial force at the hanger depth.
• What is the axial load acting at the tubing hanger while

producing for 1 year?
The load in the tubing hanger for the year

production operation is listed here. For
every string in the wellbore, the Axial Load
columns display the axial force acting at the
hanger depth for that string.

18. Using Results > Single Load > Axial Load > Wellhead
Movement, review the axial loads in all strings landed in the well
during the Produce 1 Year operation. Are previous operations
considered when calculating these results? This spreadsheet or plot
displays the cumulative axial force for the strings currently in the
well as a result of the wellhead movement due to each load
occurring during the life of the well. The updated axial force during
a load is calculated for each string based on the string’s stiffness.
(String stiffness is dependent on the cross-sectional area, Young’s
Modulus, and string length.) The measured depths associated with
the axial forces are automatically determined and are based on the
well configuration (mud line, cement tops, etc.).
Use to select the operation.
Toggle between plot and spreadsheet view.
19. What is the contact load between the 13 3/8” and the 20” casing
during the Produce 1 Year operation? Use Results > Single Load >
Axial Loads > Wellhead Contact Loads. This spreadsheet
displays the contact loads between strings that are associated with
one or more wellheads. This information is especially critical when
lock ring ratings have been specified. This result can be used to
determine if the contact loads are going to exceed the lock ring
ratings between strings, thereby causing a hanger lift-off situation.
If the Liftoff Analysis option has been checked in the Calculate
check box and a lock ring rating for a particular slip is exceeded,

the WELLCAT software shows the new contact forces after

redistribution of loads between strings due to unseating of the slip.
The title displays the depth of the wellhead.
Contact force between 13 3/8” and 20” casings

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Part Number 161484 Revision D December 2014

Halliburton | Landmark Software & Services

Third Party Licenses and Attributions

The WELLCAT™ Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

WELLCAT™ Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Why Are Temperatures Needed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

WELLCAT™ Training Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Defining the Design, and Well and Formation Properties . . . . 3-1

Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual iii

Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Drill Input Data Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43

Workflow Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Prod Input Data Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38

Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

iv WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual

Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Casing Input Data Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31

Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Workflow Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Workflow Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual v

vi WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual

The WELLCAT ™ Software

The WELLCAT (Well Casing and Tubing) software is an integrated

The following flowchart shows the interaction between the different

WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual 1-1

The WELLCAT ™ Modules

This section briefly discusses the five modules in the WELLCAT

The Drill module can be used for the following applications:

• Determining BOP and return line temperatures

• Determining accurate cementing temperature schedules

• Calculating an undisturbed temperature gradient from actual

• Modeling fluid flow hydraulics during drilling and

• Generating wellbore temperatures and fluid pressures that can be

• Calculating initial setting conditions of casings that can be used in

• Computing initial annular fluid temperatures used in annular fluid

• Modeling a temperature history of the well that can be used while

1-2 WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual

The Prod module can be used for the following applications:

• Modeling fracture and acid stimulation jobs

• Modeling water shut-off operations

• Calculating transient wellbore temperatures and pressures during

• Modeling gas lift operations

• Modeling coiled tubing operations

• Modeling water injection operations

• Modeling effect of vacuum insulated tubings

• Modeling permafrost formation in arctic operations

• Predicting shut-in temperatures and pressures

• Calculating hydraulics during circulation operations

• Modeling kill operations

• Modeling squeeze cementing operations

• Modeling spot cement plugs operations

• Generating wellbore temperatures and fluid pressures that can be

• Computing producing annular fluid temperatures that can be used

WELLCAT™ Software Release 5000.1.13 Exercise Manual 1-3