Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

Exxon Production Research Company

Mark W Biegler

Bruce A Dale

John W Mohr

James Karl Powers

David A Baker

Ismail Ceyhan

Jason A Burdette

Marcus Asmann

A S David Khemakhem

James H Myers

Charles R Dawson

Eugene A Sikirica

Marco Rasi

Roger A Frederickson

AS David Khemakhem

A method associated with the selection of tubulars for hydrocarbon production is described based upon evaluating the performance limits of threaded connections. Constituents of an evaluation group of threaded connections are determined and then a first group of the connections is evaluated via model analysis over a range of conditions. Then, physical testing on a first group of threaded connections in the evaluation group is conducted over that range of conditions. Once modeled, the results from the physical testing and the modeling analysis of the first group are compared to assess a characteristic performance factor for the first group. A second group of threaded connections are determined and the assessed performance factor from the first group is applied to a second group, and the performance limits of the second group are defined over the range of conditions based on this characteristic performance factor, without requiring testing the second group.

Method and system for evaluating groups of threaded connections

A method associated with the selection of tubulars for hydrocarbon production is described. In particular, the method is associated with the evaluation of performance limits of threaded connections. In this method, constituents of an evaluation group of threaded connections are determined via model analysis. Then, physical testing on a first group of threaded connections in the evaluation group is conducted. Modeling analysis on the first group and a second group of threaded connections is performed, wherein the second group are not physically tested. Once modeled, the results from the physical testing and the modeling analysis are compared to assess a characteristic performance factor for the first group. Then, the characteristic performance factor is applied to the second group, and the performance limits are defined based on this characteristic performance factor.

In one embodiment, a method of installing tubular conduits (for example, casing, liners, sand screens) into a deep or highly deviated borehole is disclosed. A lower plug () is attached at one end of a portion of a tubular conduit. This end is inserted into a borehole. After insertion into the borehole the desired length of conduit intended to resist internal collapse forces and be substantially buoyant, a plug () is attached at the upper end. The plug has a valve () designed to enable fluid communication between the pressurized fluid section and the insertion string. A pump is attached to the valve and the pressurized fluid is added to the pressurized fluid section, after which the valve is closed. After the tubular conduit is inserted to the desired depth, the valve is opened allowing the pressurized fluid flow out of the pressurized fluid section. Conventional well construction activities may then resume.

Tubular flotation with pressurized fluid

A gravel pack is formed using a mixture of a solid deformable material and conventional gravel pack gravel. In the event of reservoir compaction, such a gravel pack will reduce the transmission of forces from the subterranean formation to the wellbore completion hardware, thereby significantly extending the life of a well. Deformable materials selected for mixing with conventional gravel may be elastically flexible, plastically deformable, or crushable solid materials or particles.

Deformable gravel pack and method of forming

A method of installing tubular conduits (e.g. casing, liners, sand screens) into a highly deviated borehole. A lower plug is attached at one end of a portion of a tubular conduit. This end is inserted into a borehole. After insertion of the length of conduit intended to be buoyancy-aided into the borehole, an inflatable plug insert is attached at the upper end. The inflatable plug has a built-in valve designed to enable fluid communication between the buoyancy-aided tubular section and the insertion string. A pump is attached to the built-in valve and the fluid within the section intended to be buoyancy-aided is removed, after which the built-in valve is closed. The buoyancy provided by the evacuated section enables insertion of the tubular conduit into boreholes greatly deviated from the vertical, reducing running drag and the risk of the tubular becoming differentially stuck. After the tubular conduit is inserted to the desired depth, the built-in valve is opened allowing the fluid above the plug insert to fill the buoyancy-aided section. Conventional well construction activities then resume.

Method for installation of evacuated tubular conduits

A method for determining a parameter by combination of engineering models and statistical analysis of drilling data in a data base to determine the frequency or probability of sticking of the drill string during drilling of wells at hole-angles from vertical to horizontal. The parameter can be used to decrease the probability of sticking of drill string during drilling a well and to minimize the cost of a well.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Mark W Biegler