Best Practice - SAG Correction Calculations in Drilling Office 3.
1 RT
Prepared by: Kjetil Ween, Drilling Engineer Approved by:
Date prepared: June 2003
Best Practice
SAG Correction Calculations in Drilling Office 3.1 RT
Proprietary Notice
This information is confidential and is the trade secret property of Schlumberger. Do not use, disclose, or
reproduce without prior written permission of Schlumberger. Schlumberger makes no warranties; express,
implied, or statutory, with respect to the product described herein, including without limitation, any warranties
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Responsibilities.................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Definitions........................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Information requirements ................................................................................................ 4
1.5 SAG Correction Procedure.............................................................................................. 4
1.5.1 Entering the BHA into BHA Editor .................................................................................. 4
1.5.2 Entering the Wellbore Geometry into BHA Editor ....................................................... 5
1.5.3 DrillSAFE ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.5.4 Results................................................................................................................................. 7
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1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this procedure is to introduce a guideline to use when performing SAG
correction calculations with Drilling Office 3.1 RT.
Estimation of SAG angle correction is usually restricted to misalignments in the vertical
plane of the D&I package to the actual borehole. Azimuthal sag correction is therefore
disregarded in the procedure, due to the overriding effects of gravity on potential lateral
misalignments.
The calculated SAG angle should always be added to the raw inclination to obtain the
actual inclination of the borehole.
In Drilling Office 3.1 RT (DrillSAFE), it is possible to calculate SAG corrections in two
different ways:
o Using existing well geometry and survey
o User defined Inclination and Azimuth
The existing well geometry and survey method should always be used when possible. This
method takes into account the actual plan / survey and wellbore geometry, in addition to
the relevant BHA.
Although it is possible to calculate SAG in IDEAL, Drilling Office should be regarded as the
official calculation software.
It is company policy, which must be strictly adhered to, that SAG corrections will be
applied when the correction is +/-0.1 degrees or more.
1.2 Responsibilities
The directional driller is responsible for SAG correction calculations at the well site.
However, this procedure applies to all personnel performing SAG corrections.
1.3 Definitions
Inclination Sag Angle – The Inclination Sag Angle is the angle between the projection
onto the vertical plane of the vector tangent to the borehole, at the survey tool measure
point, and the projection onto the vertical plane of the survey instrument axis. The
misalignment is typically due to the sag of the MWD collar relative to the stabilizer(s).
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1.4 Information requirements
o Actual BHA
o Well Geometry with actual casing depths
o Planned directional well path to be drilled
o Mud weight
o Formation Stiffness
1.5 SAG Correction Procedure
1.5.1 Entering the BHA into BHA Editor
The position of the D&I sensor relative to other elements of the BHA (especially
stabilizers) is essential when calculating SAG corrections. The actual BHA must be used
(obtained from the BHA make up sheet) for all SAG correction calculations at the well site.
BHA’s must be entered carefully and attention to detail is a prerequisite to order to get
reliable results.
Open the BHA Editor application (Start/Schlumberger/Drilling Office/BHA Editor/File/New
Drill String) and create a new BHA or edit a planning BHA. Construct the BHA as required
by using the “drag and drop” function from the left menu.
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1.5.2 Entering the Wellbore Geometry into BHA Editor
Create or modify the relevant Wellbore Geometry to reflect actual casing depths, weights
and sizes.
Open the BHA Editor application (Start/Schlumberger/Drilling Office/BHA
Editor/File/Wellbore Geometry). Construct the Wellbore Geometry as required by using the
“drag and drop” function from the left menu.
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1.5.3 DrillSAFE
Open the DrillSAFE application (Start/Schlumberger/Drilling Office/DrillSAFE):
o Select the Sag & BHA Magnetization tab
o Use the Existing Well Geometry and Survey method
o Load the relevant BHA, Wellbore Geometry and Survey/Plan
o In the Mud Weight Input section, enter the Mud Weight
o Locate the Well Parameters section and enter the Formation Stiffness (normally
0.5 is used if no other information is available)
o Press the Filter button and define relevant hole sections and active casing strings
o Define Tortuosity (optional)
o Locate the Survey Depth section. Enter the Start Depth and End Depth (If you are
using a plan enter the Start Depth, Step Depth and End Depth).
o Click the Run button.
The model has now performed the Sag and BHA Magnetization Analysis. A brief summary
of the results is displayed in the results panel, located in the bottom portion of the
DrillSAFE Inputs window. A report can be obtained by selecting the Report button.
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1.5.4 Results
Click the report button to obtain the SAG correction results. The SAG output report details
the BHA and Wellbore data entered, SAG and drillstring magnetization parameters, BHA
description, Wellbore description and SAG/Drillstring magnetization output data.
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The relevant SAG angle is listed as “Inclination Sag”. This correction should always be
added to the survey inclination. If the given correction is negative, this negative number is
added to the inclination, which has the effect of making it smaller. As mentioned in the
introduction, the azimuth error can be neglected.
It is company policy, which must be strictly adhered to, that SAG corrections should be
applied when the correction is +/-0.1 degrees or more.
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