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SPE 36097
Safe Mud Weight Window Predictor - Instantaneous, Pre-Planning and Post Analysis
Software
G. Hareland, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, R. K. Bratli and F. Stene, Saga Petroleum as., S.
Fagereng and T. Jorgensen, ITC as.
CWIW 18sS Socklyd PwotwmEngkwws, Inc.
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80X SS2SSS.RbhwdsLM. TX 7WS2-2SSS, U.S.A. lax 01-21 4-95244S5.
Abstract
Newly developed software has illustrated that the safe
mudweight window to avoid borehole collapse and fracturing
can be obtained from the direct use of drilling rind/or the use
of sonic data.
Instantaneous or post anrdysis using inverted drilling
operational data like WOB, RPM, flowrate, and mud
properties can be done by applying an inverted ROP model to
prdlct rock compressive strength. This rock compressive
strength is then used in conjunction with survey, in-situ
stresses and rock failure criteria to predict the safe mud
weight window. The sonic logs are also used to obtain the
rock compressional properties through published correlations.
The rock compressive strength is then used the same way as
the drilling data approach.
This paper gives a solid field example from a North Sea
well where both methods are applied and compared. The field
case provides proof that the new software is a very good tool
for predicting a safe mud weight window to avoid borehole
collapse and fracturing while drilling.
Introduction
During drilling operations it is crucial to maintain the
hydrostatic mud weight pressure between the fracture and
collapse pressure at any depth to ensure trouble free drilling.
The casing program is also dictated mainly from the fracture
and collapse gmdent. Therefore, the knowledge and use of
the correct lkacture and collapse gradients can save the
operating companies large sums of money. When estimating
263
the safe operational mud weight window two important
parameters are
1. the strength crfthe rock, and
2. the stress conditions the rock is subjected to.
The question is; how can these parameters be monitored
while Milling a well. Today there is no way of measuring
compressive rock strength or stresses while drilling. The best
methcd of determining compressive rock strength is by
triaxial testing of core samples, but the problem is that these
data will then only be available after the well is completed,
These triaxial data are then used in conjunction with logs
through correlations when planning the next well.
This paper describes a decision support system for well
planning, and follow-up of well integrity (safe operating mud
weight window) during drilling operations. The system, is a
Windows based modular system, using Internet as the
communication network for data exchange and technological
support] .
One module in the system is the inverted ROP module
which back calculates the compressive strength of the
formation while drilling. This in-situ compressive strength
will be used dynamically to calibrate the in-situ stresses2
which in conjunction with knowledge of the overburden and
pore pressure, and the wellbore survey dictates the collapse
and fracture pressure for the wellbore instantaneously. If the
well has already been drilled and the above information is
available, the true verticat depth collapse and fracture
gradient can be predicted as part of the post analysis or for
pre-planning the next well in the area.
Another approach to obtain the collapse and fracture
gradient is from log dam where the rock compressive
strength of the rock is estimated from the sonic travel times3”
4. After the compressive strengths as a finction of depth are
estimated the same approach as for the use of drilling data to
obtain in-situ stresses is applied2.
Using such a decision support software system, data may
also be more readily available for display instantaneously or
for use in future planning, thus providing a more complete set
of data for design prognosis. Drilling data can easily be
 ~D G., BRATLI, RI(., STENE, F., FAGERENG, S. AND JORGENSEN, T.
collected during driliing operations to ensure primary well
control by reducingtheriskof wellbore stability problems.
Dtilling Models
Thereareusedonetrieoneand PDC drilling bit model in this
project to estimate the reek compressive strength fhm
drilling data.
Tricone Bits
The tricone bit mode~ takes into account the bit operating
conditions, bit wear state aod the geolofg that is being
drilled. ‘l%eROP model is given es;
m
-1.0
ROP= #
r
fC(P, ~+~
NDM,
+
)W%!
1“ )) (1)
In this project the equation above is solved for S, the
confined rock strength. solving equation (1) for S gives;
Equation (2) can now be solved for S every meter of
depth drilled if the wear function of the bit is known. The bit
wear is calculated every meter using the following
correlation;
delBG = Wc~WiNiAiSi (3)
i=l
The wear coefficient WC is determined by iterating over
the bit run until the delBG calculated in equation (3) matches
the specified bit wear grade for the worn bit. The reason for
the iteration is because deiBG is a fimction of S which again
is a function of deiBG.
DelBt3 is the bit wear grade and this is accounted for in
the S calculation in the wear tlmction given by;
W,=l.o-= (4)
8.0
The rock strength for every meter drilled can now be
estimated if the tricone bit IADC bit code, nozzie sizes,
diameter and wear grade is specified.
PDC Bits
l%e PDC bit model’ used in this project uses detailed PDC
bit cutter information. ‘Ibe PDC bit ROP equation can be
used to predict the confined rock compressive strength aa;
where ~ is the number of cutters and the variable Ap is
defined as the vertically projected cutter area for each cutter
aod is given as;
‘fhe wear state of the bfi is again calculated-using
equation (3) and (4) aodthe rock compressive strengt.& S, in
2s4
SPE 3s0s7
equation (5) ean be calculatediteratively for PDC bits as for
tricone bits every meter.
Dtilling Bit Model Dlscusslon
Before drilling a new well a safe operational mud weight
window is based on correlated values fkom nabouring wells.
Currently there is a way of monitoring the pressure
development using the d-exponent approach. For deeision
support of the safe mud weight range using the inverted ROP
models is probably the best approach.
There has been developed rate of penetration models the
past three decades primarily to optimize operatin parameters
.+
end bit selection for the lowestcostper meter . As a result
of this there currently exists ROP models for all types of bits.
The ROP models require inputs of rock drillability or rock
compressive strength and bit wear state. The models that
require the rock compressive strength as an input to predict
ROP can be inverted to predict rock compressive strength
after ROP and bit wear state is known. The outputs fkom
these models can then be compared to rock triaxial tests
performed on rock from the same depth and formation,
The reek comprseslve strength obtained from this
approach can be utilized for many practical
purposes in terms of optimizing or simulation other
procssses before actualty performing them in the
field. The direct use of the compressive strength as
a function of depth log can be used as an input to
ROP models that then shnulate and optimize cost
per meter for individual bit runs or the entire well.
The simulation “before the fact” can then save
operations moneys by obtaining the learning cume
through simulations, The Indirect use of the rock
compressive strength log is to predict in-situ
stresses which can be utilized to; estimate borehole
collapse and fracture gradients instantaneously or
for upcoming wells, predict sand production from
resewoim for dfffersrtt drawdowns, estimate
minimum in-situ stress profile for hydraulic fracture
design and optimization and estimation of rssemoir
directional perrneabilfty’s.
Required Input Parameters
The data that are required in the driliing bit models to predict
the rock compressive strength are detailed bit information, b~t
operating parameters, driliing fluid parameter, pore pressure
and Iithoiogy description.
For the use of the PDC bit driiling modei the required
inputs are average PDC cutter diemeter in inches, number of
face cutters, average cutter baekrake and siderake in degrees
and the bit cutter wear grade when it was pulled.
Testing the PDC Bit Model
l%e rock compressive strength modeule was tested with two
PDC bits. The PDC bit infeon is iiated in Titble 1.
SPE SS097 SAFE MUD WEIGHT PREDICTOR - INSTANTENOUS, PRE-PLANNING AND POST ANALYSIS SOFTWARE
‘he ROP model iterates to determine the wear coefficient
and calculates the rcxk compressive strengths as can be seen
in Ilgure 1. ‘he rock strength decreases over both bit mns
due to the blt wear only assuming all other bit operating
parameters constant. Because all the operating conditions are
constant the rock strength calculation should indicate a
decrease as the bit wears.
The calculated rock compressive strength for the green
(no wear) bit matches triaxial compressive strength of the
rock used in the laboratory which generated the ROP with
operating condkions used in the test.
Testing the Trlcone Bit Model.
The tricone bit model was also tested with two Liitsas in Table
2.
The compressive strength calculated for the tricone bits
are shown in Figure 2. When calculating the rock
compressive strength using the tricone bh model, the ROP
module iterates over both bh runs to obtained the correct bh
wear coefficients.
Again, the calculated rock compressive strength for the
green (no wear) bh matches triaxial compressive strength of
the rock used in the laboratory that generated the ROP with
operating conditions used in the test.
Evaluation of the Drilling Models Using Field Data
A well was selected for the purpse of evaluating the drilling
bit models. The requirements for the well selected was that it
had good quality drilling data and that there were triaxial
rock compressive strength tests performed on core samples
from nearby wells. The triaxial data was to serve as a
verification of the compressive rock strength calculated from
the drilling models.
Rock compressive strength (confined and unconfined) was
calculated and results from a section of a 8,5 inch 517 IADC
cede tricone bit are shown in Figure 3. The calculated
confined and unconfined rock compressive strength varies
every meter of the bit run. The confined compressive strength
values varies in the range of 40 to 65 MPa except for a
interval from about 2597 to 2600 meter where the confined
rock strength is less than 20 MPa. The reason for this drop in
rock strength is due to a drop in the WOB while the ROP was
hut constant. As shown in Figure 3 the drop in calculated
reck strength is due to the lower WOB it took to drill the rock
at thk depth. The confined compressive strength values from
tlds section are reasonable md compared to the confined
triaxial rock strength values at about40 MPa andup.
The unconfined rock compressive strength vrdues for this
section are 20 +/- 5 MPa except in the small section from
2597-2600 meter were the vrdues drop to about 7 MPa.
Comparing these values to triaxial data the values are very
well in range.
‘Ibe entire tricone bit run horn 2408 to 2653 is plotted in
Figure 4. The first observation to be made is that there is a
large amount of unconfined compmsive strength around 25
266
MPa and a large amount of calculated confined compressive
strength values in the range of 50 to lCXIMPa. ‘here is a drop
in the calculated strength values from 2480 to 2511 meter and
from 2545 to 2570 meter. This is due to increased ROP
values. The reason for this increase could be many. One
possibility is that we are drilling into a weaker formation. It is
currently a minimum confined rock strength default value.
llds value is set at 1000 psi or 6,8 MPa. If the values are less
than this number the rock is totally unconsolidated.
The rock compressive strength results are reasonable and
is a reflection of the actual ddling data.
Triaxial data obtained from this section might give some
idea about the rock strength values obtained for this bit run.
Table 3 lists the recorded triaxial data from an offset well
near the beginning of the IADC 517 tricone bit run at 2408
meter depth.
The compressive strength values from the drilling model
from the beginning of the bit mn above can not be directly
correlated to the triaxial data since they are from different
depths. But, it is in good agreement with the range of data
from the triaxial test.
From the calculated values in Figure 4 it is seen that the
general trend for the rock strength increases with depth,
which is to be expected. Again, here the values calculated
seems reasonable. The section from about 2000 to 2400
meters was tilllcd with a TSP core bit and a can therefore not
be predicted, since no TSP bit model is integrated in the
software are ttis time.
Calculation of Compressive Strength From Log Data
Earlier studies4 has shown that it is possible to determi ne rock
compressive strength from logs, and in particular sonic logs.
Correlations between log values and compressive strength
relations has been made, and used with great success in the
North Sea.
co mt)arison of the Two ADD roaches,
When comparing the two different approaches to obtain the
rock compressive strength they match very well with field
data. The compressive strength from a North Sea well is used
to illustrate this. Figure 5 shows the compressive strength
obtained from both approaches. The plot shows a good match
between the two methods. Triaxial test performti on cores
from the nearby wells also match the compressive strengths
well.
Field Case - Collapse and Fraoture Gradient
The Collaoae Ora&‘ent.
When calculating the collapse grtilent the rock umpreaaive
strength from either the drilling or log data is used as
described in earlier publications 2-s. B~jdy, the ‘k
mnpreasive strength givea the rock failure criteria as well as
the in-situ stresses. The rest of the required information is
formation- (pore-) pressure and well survey in the stress field.
 HARELAND G., BRATU, R.K., STENE, F., FAGERENG, S. AND JORGENSEN, T. SPE 3S097

‘l’he results using this approach for a North Sea well are Acknowledgments
shown in F@sre 6. ‘l%e collapse gradients for the two We thank Saga Petroleum as. for permission to publish tlds
approaches match very well. This gradient is then used as the paper.
lower mud weight range to avoid wellbore collapse.
Nomenclature
The Fracture Gradtcent
The wellbore fracture gradient is calculated using the ROP = Rate of penetration (ft/hr)
compressive strength data to obtain the in-situ stresses, and jC(~) = Chip hold down function (dimensionless)
then estimating the tlacture gradient knowing the pore
pressure and well survey. A sample fracture gradient for the
Wf = Wear function (dimensionless)
two approaches is shown in Figure 7. D,it = Bit diameter (inches)
s = Rock compressive strength (psi)
The Safe Mud Weieht WMow.
The safe mud weight window can now be composed of the
w = Weight on bit (klbs)
t%acture and collapse gradient. Combining the “two gradients a, b, c = Bit &sign constants
and approaches shows a definite “window” to avoid tillling N = Rotational Sp (RPM)
problems or design casing programs. P = Mud weight (ppg)
Figure 8 shows the two approaches combined and the P = Plastic Viscosity (cp)
actual trouble free mud weight used in this well. It had earlier Zm = ModMed jet impact force (Ibs)
been a problem in that the actual mud weight in some
sections had been below the estimated collapse gradient and 4 = Formation relative abrasives
borehole cave-ins had given stuck pipe and increased ddling Wc = Bit wear coeftlcient
trouble time for these specific sections. = Every meter in the depth interval
By combining the two collapse curves and using only the L.IBG = Bit wear grade
larger values for collapse this can be used as the upper limit
@ = Cutter Back-Rake Angle (degrees)
of the collapse curve. If fast drilling is an ultimate goal as it is
in most cases it is recommended to stay as close to the P = Cutter penetration per revolution,
collapse curve as wssible. This is of course up to the P = (W~ROP / RPM)
operator, but it is well known that penetration rate is
increased due to less effective rock confining pressure and References
that the lower confining pressure reduces chip hold down and
effective compressive strength or actual dsillabllity. 1. BratIi, R.K., Stene,F., Asdn@y B. S., Giljarhus, S., Fagereng,
The fracture curve from the two approaches could be S., Bautz, S. and Wolff, A.W. “A DecLrsion Support Tool for
combkwd and the lower value of the two set as the maximum Well hregrify on a World Wide Web (WWW)” IADC Asian Well
mud weight to avoid fracturing. Control Conference 1994, Singapore, Dec. 1,-2., 1994.
2. Harehusd G. and Hoberock, L.,L.’’Use of Drilling Parameters to
Predict In-Situ Stress Bounds”, SPWIADC paper 25727,
Conclusions
presented at the Drilling Conference in Arnaterdrm February
1. A software tool for predicting “safe mud weight window” 22-25,1993.
has been developed and applied with excellent result on 3. Krokeide, C., Remvik, F., Bratli, R.K. and J@gensen, T. “The
North Sea wells. use of Logs and Correlations for Rock Mechanical
2. The softwaw program uses different methods in obtaining Predictions”, M(M conference in Japen 1995.
the collapse aod fracture gradient. 4. Gnyiz E.,C.~Relationship Between Formation Strength and
3. One of the methods of obtaining the collapse and fracture Ekctric Log”, SPE 18166, 1984 SPE Annual Tectsnkal
gradients using drilling data through rate of penetration Conference, Houston, TX, Sept. 16-19.
model, which predicts rock compressive strength and in- 5. Hareland G. and Rampersad P.,R., “Drag Bit Model Including
Wear”, SPE 26957, presented at the III LACPEC Conference,
situ stresses.
Buenos Aires, April 27-29, 1994.
4. The rock compressive strengths obtained from the drilling Winters, W. J. aod Warre~ T., M,’’Roller Bit Model With
6.
model compares well with compressive strength obtained Rock DUCtity and Cone Offset”, SPB 16696, 1987 SPE
from log data. Annual TechnicaL Conference, Dallas, TX, September 27-30,
5. The combined usage of the these two different approaches 1987.
in obtaining collapse and frachue gradients might give a 7. Warren T. M. ‘“Drilling Model for Soft I%rmation Bits”, JFT,
more narrow but safer mud weight window. December 1981, %3-970,

2S6
SPE 36097 SAFE MUD WEIGHT PREDICTOR - INSTANTENOUS, PRE-PIANNING AND POST ANALYSIS SOFIWARE

TABLE 1- INPUT FOR PDC-BIT

R91ml&rlQ!h Rla l/31x wQJLdkl B@Wl&ul
2!Y30 500 8VJ 919 5 1 20 30
22002008% 919 3 !4 20 30 I

[
TABLE 2- INPUT FOR TRICONE BIT
I
R@tllen@il R&l L!?lRGYYQar N!xl NQz2N9z3
2(X)O 500 116 5 11 11 11
2200 200 8% 116 3 12 12 12

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 HARELAND (3., BRATU, R.K., STENE, F., FAGERENG, S. AND JORGENSEN, T. SPE 36097

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SPE 3S097 SAFE MUD WEIGHT PREDICTOR - INSTANTENOUS, PRE-PLANNINQ AND POST ANAIYSIS SOFIWARE

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 HARElAND G., BRATLI, R.K., STENE, F., FAGERENG, S. AND JDRGENSEN, T. SPE 36097

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