Anadrill, Inc.

Ian G Falconer

Marc Lesage

Matthew Bible

Downhole Torque and Rate of Penetration are utilized to develop indications of formations having high porosity or of the development of an undergauge bit. Downhole torque is normalized by dividing it by the product of downhole weight on bit and bit size to produce Dimensionless Torque while Rate of Penetration is normalized by dividing it by the product of downhole weight on bit and rotary speed. The values of Dimensionless Torque and Normalized Rate of Penetration are compared to 'normally' expected values of these quantities. Deviations from the normal values are taken as an indication of the occurrence of bit penetration of a highly porous formation or of the development of an undergauge or damaged bit.

Method for detecting drilling events from measurement while drilling

Downhole torque and rate of penetration are utilized to develop indications of formations that are porous, argillaceous or tight. This information is useful as an aid in selecting drilling practices and drilling bits. The method separates bit effects from lithology effects when drilling with roller cone or PDC bits by utilizing surface and subsurface wellsite sensors to determine averaged values of real time penetration rate and downhole torque. Changes in bit torque are used to broadly classify the lithology into three categories: porous, argillaceous and tight formations while trends in bit torque and rate of penetration in shale are used to separate wear of the bit from changes in formation strength.

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The Meadows, TX, United States of America

Ian G Falconer