The effect of bottomhole assembly dynamics on the trajectory of a bit

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The Effect of Bottomhole Assembly Dynamics on the Trajectory of a Bit

Authors Keith K. Millheim (Amoco Production Co.) | Michael C. Apostal (Jordan, Apostal, Ritter
Assocs.)
DOI https://doi.org/10.2118/9222-PA
Document ID SPE-9222-PA
Publisher Society of Petroleum Engineers
Source Journal of Petroleum Technology
Volume 33
Issue 12
Publication Date December 1981

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Summary

This work, which reports on the effect of bottomhole assembly (BHA) dynamics on the trajectory of a bit, is part of an on-going effort to develop a
computer model that simulates the three-dimensional (3D) movement of the bit. A theoretical description of the dynamic version of the 3D finite element
algorithm is presented. The basic mechanisms associated with pipe rotation are explained by showing the predominant paths of motion of five BHA's
as a function of rotary speed, and stabilizer-bit-, and pipe-friction coefficient values. In a parallel test program, five shallow wells were drilled
directionally under controlled conditions. Results of these tests are incorporated to demonstrate that dynamic predictions of the bit's tendencies
compared well with numerical results predicted by the program. Two other field examples are cited: one from the Gulf of Mexico, and another from
Holland. Data from these wells are used to illustrate how the dynamic results can be applied to explain the bit's trajectory behavior. A final section
examines the use of the computer-generated results in predicting the tendencies of the bit for the five assemblies.

Introduction

Directional drilling is the science of directing the bit along some predetermined trajectory toward a target. To do this, the bit must be controlled in the
vertical (inclination) and horizontal (direction) planes. BHA's, mud motors with deflection subs, whipstocks, and jetting bits all are used as a means of
steering the bit along the prescribed trajectory. However, the BHA is the most popular method of controlling a directional, straight, or deviation control
well once the initial orientation (kickoff) has been made. Historically, design and operation of BHA's have been based on experience. Certain basic BHA
configurations were used to build, hold, and drop angle. The associated direction change (bit turn or bit walk) was considered a byproduct of the
process. BHA design evolved from an art to a science when certain computer programs were developed that predicted the static two-dimensional force-
displacement behavior of a BHA. Later, Millheim used a 3D static program to explain the responses of BHA's in various geological situations. The main
emphasis in all these efforts has been directed toward determining the inclination response of the assemblies. To predict the direction as well as the
inclination tendencies of a bit accurately, the rotation of the drillstring must be considered. The 3D static program presented by Millheim has been
extended to include a dynamic capability. This paper presents the basic formulation of the algorithm that serves as the basis for the dynamic model.
Having a computer code representing a mathematically rigorous solution, however, does not ensure that the code will represent the actual drilling
process accurately in the field. In reviewing the computer results, it has been observed that other effects such as geology and hole conditions have to
be taken into consideration to predict the inclination tendencies of a BHA successfully. To predict bit direction, rotary speed dynamics have to be
included as well. For nearly 3 years, the dynamic 3D model mentioned earlier has been studied and compared against field results. To test the
program's predictions further, an experiment was conducted involving five shallow directional wells drilled under controlled conditions in an area where
the geology is known accurately. Results of these tests, which are presented in this paper, verify the predicted bit tendencies as generated by me
dynamic program.

JPT

P. 2323^

File Size 992 KB Number of Pages 16

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A method for modeling directional behaviour of bottomhole assemblies with downhole motors. Igor KRULJAC1, Boris KAVEDŽIJA 2 , Ivanka JÜTTNER3. 1.
Introduction Directional drilling is the ability of directing the bit along some predetermined trajectory toward a target. Number of techniques has arisen in time
to achieve this goal like whipstocks, jetting bit, mud motors with bent subs just to name a few. Also, as a method for directing the bit, certain BHAs have been
used. [9]. Millheim, K.K.; Apostal, M.C.: "The Effect of Bottom-Hole Assembly Dynamics on the Trajectory of a Bit", SPE 9222, 55th Annual Fall Technical
Conference and Exhibition of the SPE of AIME, Dallas, Texas, September 21-24, 1980. Advanced BHAs extend capability, boost efficiency. THE GROWING
COMPLEXITY of well trajectories and the increased length of horizontal hole sections have driven innovation in bottomhole assem-blies. Those advances
have also made the collection of downhole date more critical to success. From complete new well construction systems to improvements in more tradi-tional
technology, the bottomhole assembly is steadily becoming more sophisticated. Toni Marszalek, Schlumberger Oil-field Services and Dan Scott, Hughes
Christensen are to chair a session at the 2001 SPE/IADC Drilling Technology Conference Components of the Bottomhole Assembly. The BHA is the business
end of the drilling system that attaches to the drill string and is lowered down in to the hole. The directional BHA will also contain an MWD tool which
measures the angles and trajectories of the well bore and relays them back to surface to make sure the well is still on target. Functions of the BHA. Located at
the end of the bottomhole assembly is the drill bit, which cuts through the rock structure to explore and exploit oil and gas reservoirs. Using a bit that is right for
your drilling application is important, and having the right bottom hole assembly provides support, direction, weight, torque, and capabilities to maximize drilling
performance.