Directional Drilling

Calculations

1
Type I Type II Type III

KOP

EOC

Build Build-Hold Continuous

and Hold and Drop Build
2
 In the BUILD
Section
r Dx = r (1 - cos I)

Dy = r sin I
I
Dy DL DL = r Irad
r
æ p ö
DL = ç ÷ r Ideg
è 180 ø
I
18,000
r=
Dx p * BUR

3
N18E S23E

Azimuth
Angle

N55W
S20W
4
Example 1: Design of Directional Well

Design a directional well with the following

restrictions:
• Total horizontal departure = 4,500 ft
• True vertical depth (TVD) = 12,500 ft
• Depth to kickoff point (KOP) = 2,500 ft
• Rate of build of hole angle = 1.5 deg/100 ft
• Type I well (build and hold)

5
Example 1: Design of Directional Well

(i) Determine the maximum hole angle

required.

(ii) What is the total measured depth (MD)?

(MD = well depth measured

along the wellbore,
not the vertical depth)
6
(i) Maximum
Inclination
Angle
18,000
r1 =
. p
15
r2 = 0
 D4  D1 
= 12,500  2,500
= 10,000 ft
7
 (i) Maximum Inclination Angle

é D  D  x 2  (D  D ) 2  2(r  r ) x ù
 max = 2 tan 1 ê 4 1 4 4 1 1 2 4
ú
êë 2(r1  r2 )  x 4 úû

é 10,000  4,500 2
 10,000 2
 2(3,820)4,500 ù
= 2 tan ê
-1
ú
êë 2(3,820)  4,500 úû

 max = 26.3 

8
(ii) Measured Depth of Well

x Build = r1 (1  cos  )
= 3,820(1 - cos 26.3 )
= 395 ft
 x Hold = 4,500  395
= 4,105 ft
 L Hold sin  = 4,105
 L Hold = 9,265 ft
9
(ii) Measured Depth of Well

MD = D1  r1 rad  L Hold

æ 26.3p ö
= 2,500  3,820ç ÷  9,265
è 180 ø

MD = 13,518 ft
10
* The actual well path hardly ever coincides with
the planned trajectory
* Important: Hit target within specified radius
11
What is known?
I1 , I2 , A1 , A2 ,
DL = DMD1-2

Calculate
b = dogleg angle
DLS = b100/DL

12
Wellbore Surveying Methods

 Average Angle
 Balanced Tangential
 Minimum Curvature
 Radius of Curvature
 Tangential

Other Topics
 Kicking off from Vertical
 Controlling Hole Angle
13
I, A, DMD

14
Example - Wellbore Survey Calculations
The table below gives data from a directional survey.

Survey Point Measured Depth Inclination Azimuth

along the wellbore Angle Angle
ft I, deg A, deg

A 3,000 0 20
B 3,200 6 6
C 3,600 14 20
D 4,000 24 80

Based on known coordinates for point C we’ll calculate

the coordinates of point D using the above information.

15
Example - Wellbore Survey Calculations
Point C has coordinates:
x = 1,000 (ft) positive towards the east
y = 1,000 (ft) positive towards the north
z = 3,500 (ft) TVD, positive downwards

C N (y) C
N
Z Dz
D D
Dy
E (x) Dx
16
Example - Wellbore Survey Calculations

I. Calculate the x, y, and z coordinates

of points D using:
(i) The Average Angle method
(ii) The Balanced Tangential method
(iii) The Minimum Curvature method

(iv) The Radius of Curvature method

(v) The Tangential method
17
 The Average Angle Method

Find the coordinates of point D using

the Average Angle Method
At point C, X = 1,000 ft
Y = 1,000 ft
Z = 3,500 ft

Measured depth from C to D, DMD = 400 ft

I C = 14

A C = 20

I D = 24 A D = 80
18
 The Average Angle Method
Measured depth from C to D, DMD = 400 ft
I C = 14 
A C = 20

I D = 24 
A D = 80 

C
N (y)
C
Z D N
z

E (x) y D
x
19
The Average Angle Method

20
 The Average Angle Method
This method utilizes the average of I1 and I2 as an
inclination, the average of A1 and A2 as a direction, and
assumes all of the survey interval (DMD) to be tangent
to the average angle.

From: API Bulletin D20. Dec. 31, 1985 21

 The Average Angle Method

I C  I D 14  24
I AVG = = = 19
2 2
AC  AD 20  80
AAVG = = = 50 

2 2

DNorth = DMD sin I AVG cos AAVG

= 400 sin19  cos 50 = 83.71 ft

22
The Average Angle Method

DEast = DMD sin I AVG sin AAVE

= 400 sin19 sin 50 = 99.76 ft

 

DVert = 400 cos I AVG

= 400 cos19 = 378.21 ft



23
 The Average Angle Method

At Point D,

X = 1,000 + 99.76 = 1,099.76 ft

Y = 1,000 + 83.71 = 1,083.71 ft

Z = 3,500 + 378.21 = 3,878.21 ft

24
 The Balanced Tangential Method

This method treats half the measured distance (DMD/2) as

being tangent to I1 and A1 and the remainder of the
measured distance (DMD/2) as being tangent to I2 and A2.

From: API Bulletin D20. Dec. 31, 1985 25

The Balanced Tangential Method

DMD
DNorth = (sin I C cos A C  sin I D cos A D )
2

400
= (sin 14 cos 20  sin 24 cos 80 )
   
2

= 59.59 ft

26
The Balanced Tangential Method

DMD
DEast = (sin I C sin A C  sin I D sin A D )
2

400
= (sin 14  sin 20   sin 24  sin 80  )
2

= 96.66ft

27
The Balanced Tangential Method

DMD
DVert = (cos I D  cos I C )
2

400
= (cos 24  cos14 ) = 376 .77 ft
 
2

28
The Balanced Tangential Method

At Point D,

X = 1,000 + 96.66 = 1,096.66 ft

Y = 1,000 + 59.59 = 1,059.59 ft

Z = 3,500 + 376.77 = 3,876.77 ft

29
Minimum Curvature Method

30
 Minimum Curvature Method
This method smooths the two straight-line segments of the
Balanced Tangential Method using the Ratio Factor RF.

RF = (2/DL) * tan(DL/2) (DL= b and must be in radians)

31
 Minimum Curvature Method

The dogleg angle, b , is given by:

Cosb = cos(I D  I C )  sin I C sin I D (1  cos(A D  A C ))

= cos(24 - 14) - sin14  sin 24  (1  cos(80  20))

= 0.935609

 b = 20.67 = 0.36082 radians



32
 Minimum Curvature Method

2 b
The Ratio Factor, RF = tan
b Z
2

2 æ 20.67 ö
RF = * tanç ÷ = 1.01099
0.3608 è 2 ø
DMD
DNorth = (sin I C cos A C  sin I D cos I D )RF
2
= 59.59 *1.01099 = 60.25 ft

33
 Minimum Curvature Method

DMD
DEast = (sin I C sin A C  sin I D sin A D )RF
2
= 96.66 *1.01099 = 97.72 ft
DMD
DVert = (cos I C  cos I D )RF
2
= 376.77 *1.01099 = 380.91 ft

34
 Minimum Curvature Method

 At Point D,

X = 1,000 + 97.72 = 1,097.72 ft

Y = 1,000 + 60.25 = 1,060.25 ft

Z = 3,500 + 380.91 =3,888.91 ft

35
 The Radius of Curvature Method

2
DMD(cos I C  cos I D )(sin A D  sin A C ) æ 180 ö
DNorth = ç ÷
(I D  I C )(A D  A C ) è p ø

2
400(cos14  cos 24 )(sin 80  sin 20 ) æ 180 ö
   
= ç ÷
(24  14)(80  20) è p ø
= 79.83 ft

36
 The Radius of Curvature Method

MDcos cosIDIDcos )D æ æ180

22
DMD
D (cosICI Ccos )(cos
AAC   AA
cos 180öö
DDEast
East == C D
ç ç ÷÷
(I IDIIC)(
D
A
CAD AAC )
D C è è pp øø

2
400 (cos14  cos 24 )(cos 20  cos 80 ) æ 180 ö
   
= ç ÷
(24  14)(80  20) è p ø
= 95.14 ft

37
The Radius of Curvature Method

DMD(sin I D  sin I C ) æ 180 ö

DVert = ç ÷
I D  IC è p ø

400(sin24  sin 14 ) æ 180 ö

 
= ç ÷ = 377 .73 ft
24  14 è p ø

38
 The Radius of Curvature Method

At Point D,

X = 1,000 + 95.14 = 1,095.14 ft

Y = 1,000 + 79.83 = 1,079.83 ft

Z = 3,500 + 377.73 = 3,877.73 ft

39
 The Tangential Method

Measured depth from C to D, DMD = 400 ft

I C = 14

A C = 20

I D = 24 
A D = 80 

DNorth = DMD sin I D cos AD

= 400 sin 24 cos 80 = 28.25 ft

 

40
The Tangential Method

DEast = DMD sin I D sin AD

= 400 sin24  sin 80 = 160.22 ft

DVert = 400 cos I D

= 400 cos 24 = 365.42 ft



41
 The Tangential Method

 At Point D,

X = 1,000  160.22 = 1,160.22 ft

Y = 1,000  28.25 = 1,028.25 ft

Z = 3,500  365.42 = 3,865.42 ft

42
Summary of Results (to the nearest ft)

X Y Z

Average Angle 1,100 1,084 3,878

Balanced Tangential 1,097 1,060 3,877
Minimum Curvature 1,098 1,060 3,881
Radius of Curvature 1,095 1,080 3,878
Tangential Method 1,016 1,028 3,865

43
Torque and Drag
Calculations

44
 Friction - Stationary

• Horizontal surface N
• No motion
• No applied force

S Fy = 0
N=W
W

N= Normal force = lateral load = contact force = reaction force

45
 Sliding Motion
N
• Horizontal surface
• Velocity, V > 0
N F
• V = constant
• Force along surface
W
N=W
F=N=W
46
Frictionless, Inclined, Straight Wellbore:

1. Consider
a section
of pipe
in the
wellbore.

In the absence of FRICTION the forces acting on

the pipe are buoyed weight, axial tension and the
reaction force, N, normal to the wellbore.
47
Frictionless, Inclined, Straight Wellbore:

F = 0 along wellbore: DT = W cos I (1)

F = 0  ar to wellbore: N = W sin I (2)

These equations are used for ROTATING pipe.

48
 Effect of Friction (no doglegs):

2. Consider Effect of Friction ( no doglegs):

49
 Effect of Friction (no doglegs):

Frictional Force, F = N = W sin I

where 0 <  < 1 ( is the coeff. of friction)

usually 0.15 <  < 0.4 in the wellbore

(a) Lowering: Friction opposes motion, so

DT = W cos I  Ff

DT = W cos I  W sin I (3)

50
 Effect of Friction (no doglegs):

(b) Raising: Friction still opposes motion,

so DT = W cos I  Ff

DT = W cos I  W sin I (4)

51
 Problem 1

What is the maximum hole angle

(inclination angle) that can be logged
without the aid of drillpipe, coiled tubing or
other tubulars?
(assume =0.4)

52
 Solution

From Equation (3) above,

DT = W cos I  W sin I (3)

When the logging tool is barely sliding

down the wellbore,
DT  0

 0 = W cos I  0.4W sin I

53
 Solution

 cot I = 0.4 or tan I = 2.5

I = 68.2 

This is the maximum hole

angle (inclination) that can
be logged without the aid of
tubulars.
 = cot I
Note: 54
 Problem 2

Consider a well with a long horizontal section.

An 8,000-ft long string of 7” OD csg. is in the
hole. Buoyed weight of pipe = 30 lbs/ft.
 = 0.3

(a) What force will it take to move this pipe

along the horizontal section of the wellbore?

(b) What torque will it take to rotate this pipe?

55
 Problem 2 - Solution - Force
(a) What force will it take to move this pipe
along the horizontal section of the wellbore?
N
F=? F=0

W
N = W = 30 lb/ft * 8,000 ft = 240,000 lb
F = N = 0.3 * 240,000 lb = 72,000 lb

Force to move pipe, F = 72,000 lbf

56
 Problem 2 - Solution - Force

(b) What torque will it take to rotate this pipe?

As an approximation, let us
assume that the pipe lies on T

the bottom of the wellbore.

d/2
Then, as before, F
N = W = 30 lb/ft * 8,000 ft = 240,000 lbf
Torque = F*d/2 = Nd/2 = 0.3 * 240,000 lbf * 7/(2 * 12) ft

Torque to rotate pipe, T = 21,000 ft-lbf

57
 Problem 2 - Equations -
Horizontal
N=W
F = N T=F*d

Force to move pipe, F = W = 72,000 lbf

Torque, T = Wd/(24 ) = 21,000 ft-lbf

An approximate equation, with W in lbf and d in inches
58
 Horizontal - Torque

A more accurate equation for torque in a

horizontal wellbore may be obtained by taking
into consideration the fact that a rotating pipe will
ride up the side of the wellbore to some angle f.

Taking moments about the point P: T F

Torque, T = W * (d/2) sin f in-lbf
d/2 f
o
Where f = atan  = atan 0.3 = 16.70 P

T = 240,000 * 7/24 * 0.2873 = 20,111 ft-lbf W

59
 Problem 3
A well with a measured depth of 10,000 ft. may be
approximated as being perfectly vertical to the kick-off
point at 2,000 ft. A string of 7” OD csg. is in the hole;
total length is 10,000 ft. The 8,000-ft segment is
inclined at 60 deg. Buoyed weight of pipe = 30 lbs/ft.
 = 0.3

60
 Problem 3

Please determine the following:

(a) Hook load when rotating off

bottom
(b) Hook load when RIH
(c) Hook load when POH
(d) Torque when rotating off bottom

[ ignore effects of dogleg at 2000 ft.]

61
 Solution to Problem 3

(a) Hook load when rotating off

bottom:

62
 Solution to Problem 3 - Rotating

HL = HL2000  HL8000
0.5

lb lb 
= 30 * 2000 ft  30 * 8000 ft * cos 60 
ft ft
= 60,000 lbf  120,000 lbf

HL = 180,000 lbf When rotating off

bottom.
63
 Solution to Problem 3 - lowering

2 (b) Hook load when RIH:

The hook load is decreased by friction in the
wellbore.
Ff = N
In the vertical portion,

N = 30 * 2000 * sin o0 = 0
o

Thus, F2000 = 0
64
 Solution to Problem 3 - lowering

In the inclined section,

N = 30 * 8,000 * sin 60
= 207,846 lbf

65
 Solution to Problem 3 - Lowering

Thus, F8000 = N
= 0.3 * 207,846 = 62,352 lbf

HL = We,2000 + We,8000 - F2000 - F8000

= 60,000 + 120,000 - 0 - 62,354

HL = 117,646 lbf while RIH

66
Solution to Problem 3 - Raising

2(c) Hood Load when POH:

HL = We,2000 + We,8000 + F2000 + F8000

= 60,000 + 120,000 + 0 + 62,354

HL = 242,354 lbf POH

67
 Solution to Problem 3 - Summary

0 HL
ROT
RIH
2000
POH
MD
ft

10000
0 60000 120000 180000 240000
Axial Tension 68
 Solution to Problem 3 - rotating

2(d) Torque when rotating off

bottom:
In the Inclined Section:
Torque
N = W sin I = Force * Arm
F = N d
= Ff *
2

69
Solution to Problem 3 - rotating

(i) As a first approximation, assume the

pipe lies at lowest point of hole:

ædö ædö ædö

Torque = Ff ç ÷ = Nç ÷ = W sin Iç ÷
è 2ø è 2ø è 2ø
æ7 1 ö
= 0.3 * 30 * 8000 * sin 60 * ç * ÷


è 2 12 ø

Torque = 18,187 ft - lbf

70
 Solution to Problem 3 - rotating

(ii) More accurate evaluation:

Note that, in the above figure, forces are not
balanced; there is no force to balance the friction
force Ff.
The pipe will tend
to climb up the
side of the
wellbore…as it
rotates

71
 Solution to Problem 3 - Rotating

Assume “Equilibrium”
at angle f as shown.

F Along Tangent = 0 = Ff  W sinI sin f

N = W sinI sin f …… (6)

F Perpend . to Tangent = 0 = N  W sinI cosf

N = W sinI cos f …… (7)
72
 Solution to Problem 3 - rotating

N W sin I sin f
Solving equations (6) & (7) =
N W sin I cosf
 = tan f
1
f = tan (  ) (8)

73
Solution to Problem 3 - rotating

(ii) Continued
Evaluating the problem at hand:

From Eq. (8), f = tan 1 (  ) = tan 1 (0.3)

f = 16.70 

Taking moments about the center of the

pipe: d
T = Ff *
2 74
Solution to Problem 3 - rotating

Evaluating the problem at hand:

From Eq. (6), Ff = W sin I sin f

= 30 * 8000 * sin60 * sin 16.70

 

Ff = 59.724 lbf

75
 Solution to Problem 3 - rotating

Evaluating the problem at hand:

d
From Eq. (9),T = Ff *
2
æ7 1 ö
= 59,724 * ç * ÷
è 2 12 ø
Torque = 17,420 ft - lbf

76
 Solution to Problem 3

2 (d) (ii) Alternate Solution:

77
 Solution to Problem 3

Taking moments about tangent

point,
d
T = W sin I sin 
2
7
= 30 * 8000 * sin60 * sin 16.70 *
 
24
T = 17,420 ft - lbf
78
 Solution to Problem 3

Note that the answers in parts (i) & (ii)

differ by a factor of cos f

(i) T = 18,187
(ii) T = 17,420

cos f = cos 16.70 = 0.9578

79