Quartz School for Well Site Supervisors

Module 8
Directional Drilling

Section 5a
Bottom Hole Assemblies
for Directional Drilling
 Objectives

1. Describe the minimum number of BHA changes needed in:

- a slant directional well
- an S type directional well
2. Describe what is meant by:
- bit side force
- fulcrum effect
- pendulum effect
3. Explain the effect of drill collar stiffness in BHA design

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 Objectives
4. Explain why minimizing the number of DC's and
stabilizers is advisable in directional BHA's
5. Describe the effect of an under gauge near-bit
stabilizer in:
- drop-off BHA's
- build-up BHA's
6. Show why an under gauge second is used in a locked
BHA for tangent section
7. Describe the effect of hole washout on BHA behavior
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 Objectives

8. Describe the effect of drilling parameters have on

inclination & direction with each type of BHA
9. Explain why frequent surveys is advisable when an
MWD tool is available
10. Give examples of typical BHA designed to build and
drop inclination at various rates

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 Deflection Devices

Tools & Techniques to deflect the course of the well in a

controlled manner, (overcoming natural tendencies)

eg., to:
Kick-off, nudge (build angle from vertical to a desired direction)

Trajectory correction (turn, build, drop to the desired trajectory)

Sidetrack (deflect the well from its original course)

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 Rotary Bottom Hole Assemblies

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 BHA Side Force

BHAs cause a side force at

the bit that makes the bit build,
drop or hold angle

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 Definitions

All BHAs cause a side force at the bit, leading to

change hole inclination

 Positive side force-Build Inc.

 Zero Net Side force-Hold Inc.
 Negative Side force-Drop Inc.

 Fulcrum Effect: Builds Inclination

 Packed Effect: Holds Inclination
 Pendulum Effect: Drops Inclination

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 Factors affecting bit side force

The side force is affected in three different ways:

 By the mechanical characteristics of the BHA
 The gauge and placement of stabilizers and other
BHA components
 The diameter, length and material of the BHA
components
 Bit type
 By the drilling parameters applied to the BHA
 Weight on bit
 Rotary Speed
 Circulation or flow rate

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 By the formation being drilled
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 The Principles

Bar of mass M

Weight of 1/2 M Weight of 1/2 M

When we consider the side force, we are only able to use the unsupported
unsupported weight
that lies between the tangent and the bit. Because the weight is supported at each
end, only half of the weight is available at the bit as side-
side-force.

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 Side Force

Forces acting on a bit in an inclined hole

Side force with zero WOB:

H = w x L x BF x sin(inc)/2

Where:
H is side force
w is weight per unit length of the DCs
L is the length of unsupported DCs below the Tangent
BF is the buoyancy factor

Pendulum force (negative side force)

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 Slick Assembly Pendulum Force

If WOB = 0, only pendulum force applies

(-ve side force)
The max. pendulum force at bit is given
by:
H = (Wc x L x BF x sin(inc) 2

If WOB is applied a Positive bending

force is introduced.
Tangency Point moves closer to the bit
And pendulum effect decreases

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 Negative Side Force

Increased WOB results

in a shorter tangent to
bit distance.

This reduces the

pendulum effect and
increases bit tilt,
resulting in greater
positive side force

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 Positive Side Force
Weight on Bit

With WOB we can induce Bit Tilt by

moving the tangent closer to the bit
and thus generate a Build Force
(positive side force).

If the Build Force is great enough it will

become greater than the pendulum
force and an increase in hole angle will
result.
Bit Tilt

Hole Direction

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 Single Stabilizer

The effect of a single stabilizer

changes with its proximity to the bit.

As the distance reduces its effect

goes from none, when the tangent is
the same distance as if no stabilizer
was run, to maximum build when it
becomes a Near Bit Stabilizer.

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 Single Stabilizer BHA

As the stabilizer moves closer to the bit the

tangency point changes.

There is a point of maximum negative side force.

Moving the stabilizer closer to the bit reduces

side force.

Eventually reach a point of zero side force.

Moving stabilizer closer will result in a positive

side force collar above the stabilizer bends
forcing the bit upwards Fulcrum Effect.

Increase in WOB, increase in build rate.

The more limber the collar above the stabilizer

the greater the build rate

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 Two stabilizers

With Two stabilizers, by controlling

their relative position to the bit create
almost any behavioral tendency that we
require.

The spacing in this example is twice

that of the Tangent point from the first
stabilizer, so there is no effect from the
second stabilizer.

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 Two Stabilizer BHAs

Simplest BHA has a NB Stabilizer and a

second stabilizer some distance above
this.

For a given WOB the distance from bit to

first stabilizer (L1) and between the
stabilizers (L2) determines the tangency
point.

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 Principles of Rotary BHA

NMDC

PowerPulse

Stabilizer

Pony NMDC

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 Stabilization

Build Hold Drop Drop

Stabilizer Placement and resultant side forces

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 2 Stabilizer - 90 Build Assembly

Tangency occurs between

the stabilizers.

Various bits and collar

sizes with 30 Klbs WOB

Smaller hole size

more flexible collars
bigger side force

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 Effect of WOB

What is the effect of increasing WOB?

- to a building BHA
- to a dropping BHA

What are the limits?

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 Effect of WOB on 2 Stabilizer Assembly

Increase WOB

Induce Tangency point

Increase Side Force

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 Effects of Stabilizer Gauge

Full Gauge Vs Under Gauge

for Near Bit Stabiliser

Full Gauge vs Under Gauge

for second Stabiliser

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 Under gauge Near-bit Stabilizer

Results in changes of bit

side force

Build BHA will have less build

Lock-up BHA will drop

More under gauge = greater

effect

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 Under gauge Second Stabilizer

Becomes easier to get a

tangency point below it.

More under gauge = greater

effect

Hold assembly = try to get

zero net side force

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 Effects of Hole Gauge

How does hole

gauge effect:
- a building BHA
- a dropping BHA

Considerations:

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 Hole Washout

Dealing with soft formations

Loss of bit side force

May be necessary to drop flow

rate

May be necessary to run a more

limber collar between NB and
string Stabilizer

May need to pick up motor

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 Fulcrum / Build Assemblies

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 Standard Fulcrum Assemblies (Build)

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 Standard Fulcrum Assemblies (Build)

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 Fullcrum (Build) Assemblies - Summary

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 For increasing the build rate of a fulcrum BHA:

Increase in WOB
Reduction in size of the top Stabilizer
Increase in distance between the bottom and top stabilizer
Reduction in RPM
Increase in hole inclination
Reduction in flowrate (soft formations)

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 Standard Packed Assemblies (Hold)

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 Standard Packed Assemblies (Hold)

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 Standard Packed Assemblies (Hold)

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 Typical locked up BHA for 12-1/4 in. hole

The response of this type of BHA is determined by:

1. Hole size
2. Distance between near-bit and lower string stabilizers
3. Stiffness of the collar directly above the near bit
4. Gauge of the stabilizers
5. Drilling parameters

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 Packed (Hold) Assemblies - Summary

UG

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 Standard Pendulum (Drop) Assemblies

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 Standard Pendulum (Drop) Assemblies

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 Standard Pendulum (Drop) Assemblies

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 Semi-drop BHA

- is a lock-up BHA incorporating an under gauge near-bit

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 Pendulum (drop) Assemblies - Summary

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 For increasing the drop rate of a pendulum BHA:

Decrease in WOB
Increase in RPM
Increase in flow (soft formations)
Reduction in size of NB Stabilizer
Increase spacing between bit and first string stabilizer

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 How do bits affect the BHA Tendency !

Roller Cone Bits PDC Bits

Almost no walk tendency
Tendency to walk Right
Long gauge PDC hold
Long tooth bits in soft to
inclination and direction
medium formation have
Short gauge PDC can
greater walk
provide better build/drop
Short tooth in hard formation
rates
have less walk
Higher rotary speed more
Higher rotary speed more
walk
walk (less bearing life)
Higher RPM and low WOB
can affect Build rate
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 How does the formation Dip affect the BHA tendency!

Generally when the apparent

o
angle of Dip is below 45 the
bit follows the easiest path and
drills up-dip

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 Stabilization

Stabilized BHA can be designed to build, hold or drop inclination

Critical elements:
-Stabilizer gauge
-Stabilizer position
-Drill collar OD/weight/moment of inertia
-Hole inclination
-WOB, RPM, flow rates
-Hole gauge
-Bit Type

Prediction issues (formation effects, bit walk, hole washout.)

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 Neutral Point (Vertical Hole)

Is the point where the drill string

transitions from tension to
compression

Needs to be kept in the BHA

Enough DC and HWDP picked

up to ensure enough weight is
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available
 Neutral Point (Inclined Hole)

For an inclined hole the

inclination has to be taken into
account.

For a well at 45 only 71% of

BHA weight is available in air.

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 The Principals

Forces acting on a Bit in an inclined hole

(for a string rotating off bottom).

Available weight:

)
W = w x L x BF x cos(
Where:
is the hole inclination in degrees
w is weight per unit length
L is the length of DCs below the Tangent
BF is the buoyancy factor
Available weight
BF = 1-(mwt/65.5) (for ppg)

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 Neutral Point Calculations

In deviated wells

Available WOB = (Buoyed BHA Weight) x (cos Inclination)

Available WOB x DF
BHA Weight in air =
BF x cos

where DF = Design Factor (usually DF = 10%)

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 Neutral Point Calculations

Example:
Hole Size: 12
Well Inclination: 45
Mud Density: 11 ppg
Required WOB : 40,000 lbs
Use a design factor of 10%
a) How many DCs (8 ,32, 160 lbs/ft) this BHA will
require?
b) If the number of DCs is limited to 6, how many HWDP
should be added to the string? (HW= 5, 31, 49.7 lbs/ft)

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 Neutral Point - answer

cos(45) = 0.707 8 DC are 5120 lb/32ft

BF for 11ppg = 0.831 5 HWDP are 1540 lb/31ft
Required BHAair WT = (40000 x 1.1)(0.831 x 0.707)
= 74982 lbs
Number whole DC = 74982 5120
= 15 DC
There are only 6 DC available; how many HWDP are required?
Required BHAair WT = 74982 lbs
6 x DC = 5120 x 6
= 30720 lbs
Amount HWDP = (74982 30720) 1540
= 29 jts

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 Special BHA's

1. Tandem Stabilizer
2. Roller Reamers
3. Variable Gauge Stabilizer
4. Jetting BHA
5. Gilligan BHA's
6. Hole Openers

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 Tandem Stabilizers

String Stabilizer run directly above near-bit

Normally for directional purposes

May result in high rotary torque

Longer gauge NB Stabilizer may be an alternative

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 Stabilizers

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 Roller Reamers

Used where there is excessive rotary torque

replaces some or all of the stabilizers

Behave differently to stabilizers with respect to

directional response if used as a Near Bit
tendency is to drop angle

Increase spacing between NB and first string

to try and counteract the drop

Important to check roller condition after each

run

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 Adjustable Gauge Stabilizer

Various makes & sizes available D&M, Andergauge, Sperry

AGS, TRACS

First Rotary Steerable tool 2D only

Minimum two position stabilizer

In most cases can be run as a Near Bit or String Stabilizer

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 Jetting BHA

is an easy and cost-effective way of kick off a well, in very

soft formation
- can be used with MWD
- safer to use SS

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 Gilligan BHA

Flexible Build-Up BHA

Flexible tubular inserted above NB Stabilizer

BURs of 6 - 11 / 100 are possible

depends on flexibility of tubular.

Vital to take surveys at close intervals to track

achieved BUR.

Common before advent of steerable motors

as a method to perform a blind side track.

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 Hole Opening BHA

Hole Opener

BHA needs to be stabilized but

limber

MWD yes or no?

Cutter type various available

Bull Nose

Length:7 9size dependant

Ported or non-ported?
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 Under Reamer

Bi Center bits
Ander reamer Andergauge
DBS NBR Near Bit Reamer
Halliburton Security
DBS URS Under Reamer Services
Halliburton Security
Reamaster (XTU) Smith Services
RWD Ream While Drilling Baker
Hughes Christensen

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 Hole openers and Anderreamers

Tri Max 8 - 9 7/8, 10 5/8, 12

Smith Quad 9 7/8 - 10 5/8
BHI 12 - 13 , 13 , 14, 14
Security DBS 14 - 17
Anderreamer 17 - 24
Smith Rhino reamer

Considerations
 Shocks
 Hydraulics
 MWD signal

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 Motor Design Considerations

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 Settings of the motor
Bend angle
 RPM restriction if too high a setting is selected
 The bend dictates the sliding dogleg capability
 If it can give 7o/100ft then it will !!!

Sleeve stabilizer position

 Motor body bearing housing
 Drive shaft
 Slick

Sleeve stabilizer size

 Housing 1/8 under gauge
 Drive shaft 1/16 under gauge

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 Motor Stabilization Options

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 RSS BHA

Note features PDC Bit Selection? Rockbit Note features

WOB requirements WOB requirements

Run BHA software

Insert bit

RSS BHA design

Insert Camco Bias Unit

Insert Camco Control Unit

Insert Full Gauge Stab

DLS>3/30 in Yes Insert flex

No

Insert MWD

Insert U/G Stab

Insert DCs stabilised

Yes
every 60 feet

Sufficient
DC? No weight from
WOB x buoyancy
No

Insert HWDP
Yes
No

Sufficient
Insert Jar / Acc above
weight from Yes
neutral points Review RSS configuration /
WOB x buoyancy
stab configuration

Insert HWPP for transition

Insert drill pipe available

Run tendency / prediction PowerPlan

Exit Yes Model work? No

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 BHA Design - Clients expectations

Shocks and vibration management (CBT certification)

Dog Leg capability (need to liaise with DE)
Rate of penetration

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 BHA Design Key factors

Bit design
Stabilizer
Flex
Hydraulics

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 Bit design features

Stability
 Minimize Shocks (Highest percentage, ref. FFM)
 Minimize vibration
 Minimize Stick slip
Steerability (around 5% failure in 2004 YTD)
 Gauge length
 Aggressive side cutting ability
Durability
 Shoe to TD
Rate of penetration
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 Short gauge

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 Example of gauge configurations

Active Gauge

Dual Action
Gauge

Steering Wheel
Gauge

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 Stabilized Control Collar (IBS or Sleeve)

Reducing stabiliser to bias unit spacing

 Reduced drop tendency in neutral, improved DLS / BUR
 Should allow lower bias settings, improve seal life
Sleeve Left Hand Thread
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 Stabilization

Control Stabilizer
 Non magnetic melon shaped profile
 Spiral blade
 RAB (GVR) stabilizer
 Motor stabilizer (vorteX)

Control Collar IBS or sleeve type

 Reduces drop tendency in neutral:
- Lower bias settings in soft formations
- Improved seal life / reduced pad wear
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 Flex Joints

Flex joints are normally used on a profile requiring greater than 2/100
DLS (PD675)

Downside: Assembly may be sensitive to changes in formation, esp.

non-homogeneous rock or stringer zones

Length, diameters & materials

 Non-mag / flex jointor short DC

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 Dog Leg capability

Theoretical DLS Range:

 PD475: 0 to 8+ deg/100
 PD675: 0 to 5 deg/100 (with flex up to 8 deg)
 PD900: 0 to 3 deg/100 (with flex up to 5 deg)
 PD1100: 0 to 2 deg/100 (with flex up to 4 deg)

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 RSS Tip-Stabilizer Type and Placement
Where is the good place for Stabilizer?
a) Above Control Unit
b) On the Control Unit
c) It depends

Which Stab gauge is good?

a) Full gauge
b) Under gauge
c) It depends

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 PowerDrive vorteX
BHA configurations
* Bit PowerDrive X/O Stab - Motor ?
* Bit PowerDrive NMStab - Flex Joint Motor ? (AIM)
* Bit PowerDrive x/o - Motor (sleeve)
Considerations
 Hydraulics, DLS
 Limitations of surface RPM
 PowerDrive 475 vorteX ?
 No E-Mag (C-Link ?)
vorteX motor vs PowerPak (with 0 bent, kink)

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 PowerDrive VorteX
Applications
 Environmental (Noise reduction)
 Reduction of stick-slip
 Rig limitations (top drive rating torque / RPM output)
 Improved drilling performance (ROP)
 Less casing wear

Motor selection requirement for low speed, high torque

 PowerEdge (no ABH, angular bearing assembly)
 GT option (700GT 7:8/ 962GT 7:8) used on most runs
 XP option has also been used (675XP 7:8)
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 RSS-PD Xceed
Looks and acts like a motor (No formation depended)

2 Sleeve-type spiral stabilizers

-First Stabilizer 1/8 UG
-Second Stabilizer UG

BHA tendency is neutral

Bi-center Bit
8 x 9 1/4 can be used on regular CRS tool with both slick stabilizer
8 1/2 x 9 7/8 needs to be run with a special collar and steering section design

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 Common BHA Problems

1. Formation Effects
2. Worn Bits
3. Accidental Side Track
4. Pinched Bit
5. Differential Sticking
6. Drilling Parameters

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