Schlumberger Technology Corporation

William Lesso

John C Rasmus

John James

Benjamin Peter Jeffryes

Iain Michael Cooper

Claude J Vercaemer

Michael Charles Sheppard

Richard John Meehan

Robert J Utter

Jonathan Dunlop

Edward M Tollefsen

Walt Aldred

Scott Paul

Amanda L Weber

Marcus Turner

Matthew Richard Orton

William John Fitzgerald

A method for evaluating inflow or outflow in a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The pressure measurements may then be processed to obtain an interval density of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of interval densities corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The interval density may be measured during static conditions or while drilling and may be further processed to compute a density of an inflow constituent in the annulus. Changes in the computed interval density with time may be used as an indicator of either an inflow event or an outflow event.

Methods for evaluating inflow and outflow in a subterraean wellbore

A method for estimating equivalent top of fluid level or a theoretical surface annular back pressure in a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The pressure measurements may then be processed to compute the equivalent top of fluid level and/or theoretical surface annular back pressure of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of values corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The equivalent top of fluid level and/or theoretical surface annular back pressures may be used in automated managed pressure drilling operations.

Interval density pressure management methods

A method identifying a wellbore volume change while drilling a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The wellbore volume change may include, for example, a borehole washout or a borehole pack-off. The pressure measurements may then be processed to obtain an interval density of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of interval densities corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The interval densities may be measured while drilling and may be further evaluated as an indicator of a wellbore volume change.

Methods for evaluating borehole volume changes while drilling

Methods for evaluating inflow and outflow in a subterranean wellbore

A method evaluating a cuttings density while drilling a subterranean wellbore includes acquiring first and second axially spaced pressure measurements in the wellbore. The pressure measurements may then be processed to obtain an interval density of drilling fluid between the measurement locations. A tool string including a large number of axially spaced pressure sensors (e.g., four or more or even six or more) electronically coupled with a surface processor via wired drill pipe may be used to obtain a plurality of interval densities corresponding to various wellbore intervals. The interval density may be measured while drilling and may be further processed to compute a cuttings density in the annulus. Moreover, changes in the computed interval density with time while drilling may be used as an indicator of a change in cuttings density.

Methods for evaluating cuttings density while drilling

A system and a method determine movement of a drilling component, such as, for example, a tool, a drill bit or other wellbore device, within a wellbore. The system and method may process information obtained from the wellbore by using, for example, a numerical processing algorithm. The information may be data acquired during drilling of the wellbore. Rig surface data recording systems may track the position of the drill bit, the BHA and/or other component of the drill string during the time the component is within the wellbore. Downhole measuring devices may record data at various positions along the BHA and above the drill bit as a function of time.

System and method for determining movement of a drilling component in a wellbore

A method of fracturing a formation while drilling a wellbore. The method includes providing a bottomhole assembly ('BHA') having a reamer positioned above a pilot hole assembly, connecting the BHA to a drill string, actuating the BHA to drill a first wellbore section with the reamer and to drill a pilot hole with the pilot hole assembly, hydraulically sealing the pilot hole from the first wellbore section, and fracturing the formation proximate the pilot hole.

System and method for fracturing while drilling

A subpart of a drill string is described having an outer circumferential surface which is contoured and adapted to engage the wall of the borehole with a small angle of attack while exerting during rotary drilling operations an compacting pressure on mud cake and/or cuttings present in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole.

Wellbore consolidating tool for rotary drilling application

Wellbore consolidating tool for rotary drilling applications

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and methods for improving the stability of a wellbore during drilling operations using a rotary drill string. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for enhancing the performance of the filter or mud cake layer on the wall of the wellbore as a protective and isolating layer.

A method and system is disclosed for automatically detecting the state of a drilling rig during the drilling process of a wellbore. Two or more, but preferably four independent input data channels are received, each input data channel representing a series of measurements made over time during the drilling process. Based on the input channels the most likely state of the drilling rig is detected from at least three possible rig states. The detection method is preferably probabilistic and even more preferably based on particle filtering techniques. The preferred systems and methods disclosed are also capable of detecting events and displaying or notifying drilling personnel of the detected events and suggesting corrective action.

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Anderson, TX, United States of America

William Lesso