| Popis: |
Many of today's well construction projects are technically and economically challenging. Examples include deepwater exploration wells in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore field development projects such as Hibernia, Newfoundland, Canada and onshore field development projects in tectonically active regions such as the Cusiana field in Colombia. Minimizing non-productive time associated with wellbore instability and unexpected pore pressure regimes reduces the risk of dangerous accidents and is required to complete the well on time and within budget. Minimizing non-productive time is a complex task that requires thorough pre-spud planning to identify drilling risks and geological hazards and to develop contingency plans for handling those risks. Building a mechanical earth model during the well planning phase and revising it in real time has proven to be extremely valuable in delivering complex wells safely while minimizing unplanned well construction costs. Monitoring and revising the model while drilling requires geomechanics expertise, teamwork, data management and excellent communications among service companies and their client. This paper defines a mechanical earth model, explains why it is important, how it is developed and how it is applied to well construction and field development. We will discuss sources of information and the multi-disciplinary team approach required to: generate, revise and maintain an earth model. Three examples of the application of the earth model concept are discussed. |
