Predicting stuck pipe and preventing potential borehole collapse through automatic diagnostics 

Background   

Vår Energi utilized wellAhead during an exploration well in the North Sea, with the eDrilling team advising on the software related diagnostics and observations.

A potential borehole collapse and a stuck pipe incident was prevented using eDrilling's automated monitoring software wellAhead, which provides real-time diagnostic support. 

Automatic Diagnostics  

The AI-based software detected the fluctuating real-time SPP values and their inconsistencies with the modeled SPP values, which pointed towards a potential pack-off situation. In addition, wellAhead triggered and automatic diagnostic during POOH, highlighting low ECD values potentially risking a borehole collapse and cuttings accumulation - a reinforcement of eDrilling's commitment towards enabling safer and greener energy operations. 

During pressure points acquisition with LWD in the 8 ½” open hole section, wellAhead showed an increasing and fluctuating real-time measured SPP compared to modelled SPP between 5 to 18 bar [#1], at approximately 06:30. This pointed towards a potential pack off situation. The software provided the following diagnostic messages below. 

DATE/TIME: 04.05.2021/06:30

DEPTH [mMD]: 1854

WARNING/NOTIFICATION: Calculated ECD below collapse pressure

RISK: Early warning collapse 

RECOMMENDATION: Increase flow rate to keep ECD above collapse pressure 

Simultaneously, an automatic diagnostic was triggered during POOH without circulating, stating that the ECD was lower than collapse pressure [#2], risking borehole collapse. Earlier observations showed measured ECD higher than the modelled ECD [#3] before the reduction to below collapse pressure at approximately 07:00. This shows a potential collapsed borehole and/or cuttings accumulation, which was also highlighted by the eDrilling advisory team. 

Result

Revision of the new information and observations resulted in a change of plans, reducing the number of pressure points acquisition, to avoid downhole risks and potential stuck pipe incident.