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Abstract

eDrilling is a new and innovative system for real time drilling simulation, 3D visualization and control from a remote drilling expert centre. The concept uses all available real time drilling data (surface and downhole) in combination with real time modelling to monitor and optimize the drilling process. This information is used to visualize the wellbore in 3D in real time. eDrilling has been implemented in an Onshore Drilling Center in Norway.The system is composed of the following elements, some of which are unique and ground-breaking:

• An advanced and fast Integrated Drilling Simulator which is capable to model the different drilling sub-processes dynamically, and also the interaction between these sub-processes in real time. The Integrated Drilling Simulator is used for automatic forward-looking during drilling, and can be used for what-if evaluations as well.
• Automatic quality check and corrections of drilling data; making them suitable for processing by computer models
• Real time supervision methodology for the drilling process using time based drilling data as well as drilling models / the integrated drilling simulator
• Methodology for diagnosis of the drilling state and conditions. This is obtained from comparing model predictions with measured data.
• Advisory technology for more optimal drilling.
• A Virtual Wellbore, with advanced visualization of the downhole process. A new generation visualization system designed to integrate all participants involved, will enable enhanced collaboration of all drilling and well activities in a global environment.
• Data flow and computer infrastructure

eDrilling (Ref. 1)has been implemented in an Onshore Drilling Center on Ekofisk in Norway. The system has been used on several drilling operations. Experiences from its use will be summarized and presented; both related to technical and work process issues. The supervision and diagnosis functionalities have been useful in particular. The system has given very early warnings on ECD and friction related problems. This paper will present the eDrilling system used on a specific Ekofisk wells with focus on experiences from its use.

Introduction

The southwestern part of the Norwegian continental shelf, called the Ekofisk Area, contains eleven major chalk fields. The Ekofisk field is the first and main discovery, discovered in 1969 and put on production in 1972. The fractured chalk reservoir lies at a depth of 9500 – 10700 feet and is approximately 11.2 x 5.4 kilometers in area, with production coming from two zones Ekofisk and Tor. It is one of the North Sea Giants with a STOIIP of 7 mmbo!

Currently there are 4 fields in production, 4 fields abandoned with current production around 325,000 bbls per day of oil and 350 scf of gas per day. Water injection is currently used to maintain reservoir pressure, and approximately 900,000 bbls of water are injected each day.