Software ensures success of HTHP well in North Sea

PRESSPRO RT™ real-time downhole performance measurement software was chosen by the operator to complement the annular pressure-while-drilling (APWD) tool in case of failure and to provide pressure predictions when tripping and running casing. As APWD data became intermittent and eventually stopped in one section, the PRESSPRO RT software solution proved effective.

In the Central North Sea, a major operator’s HTHP well faced tight operational limits with bottomhole static temperature (BHST) projected at 193–204 degC [380–400 degF]. Uncertainty arose regarding the functionality of the APWD tool at these temperatures. Moreover, APWD tools lack data during casing tripping and running.

During drilling, the APWD data became sporadic and ultimately ceased at 5,262 m [17,265 ft] in the 215.9-mm [8.5-in] section. Although the bottomhole circulating temperature (BHCT) surveys from the measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool remained operational, PRESSPRO RT real-time downhole performance measurement software played a crucial role. During preparations to pull out, the hole was cleaned, but drilling instructions were revised to gather additional geological data. Confidence in the PRESSPRO RT software data enabled drilling to proceed without the APWD tool. The software's predictions were supported by BHCT, standpipe pressure, and historical trends. Comparing the equivalent circulating density (ECD) values from the APWD tool with those from the PRESSPRO RT software revealed a strong correlation.