Optimize design and minimize risk in a critical deepwater operation

In Southeast Asia, an international operator faced technical challenges during a deepwater development campaign on a remote well, which included a narrow window between the pore pressure and fracture gradient, lost circulation, and challenging conditions. With a water depth of 4,500 ft [1,372 m] and a well depth of 8,500 ft [2,591 m], the well's complexity and remote location required optimized planning and design to successfully complete the well and meet planned objectives—all while minimizing the potential risks and improving operational efficiency.

Simulate realistic pressures during placement and ensure zonal isolation

Schlumberger used the CEMENTICS software to design and evaluate all primary cement jobs, ensuring cement coverage and zonal isolation. The CEMENTICS software modeled changes in the drilling fluids' density and rheology as a function of pressure and temperature, providing a realistic prediction of hydraulic pressure during operations. This simulation predicted friction during placement, enabling successful cementing operations and minimizing the risk of losses. The WELLCLEAN III simulator modeled mud removal and fluid displacement in the annulus and pipe, ensuring isolation of the critical zones. The advanced cementing software enabled the operator to determine top of cement prior to cement bond logging, leading to more-informed drilling decisions, minimized risk, and reduced costs during drilling operations.

Enable successful plug placement in challenging environment

By using the integrated plug design module in the CEMENTICS software, the operator was able to simulate balanced plug placement, including possible contamination situations during placement and pulling out of hole (POOH). A simulation was created prior to plug placement in the deepwater wells prone to contamination because of their small volume and deep plug placement. As a result, the cement plugs were accurately placed at the desired depth, enabling the operator to isolate the well and commence subsequent drilling operations as planned. This improvement saved the operator more than 15 hours in operational time.