Directional CP Driving to Prevent Well Collision Problem & Improving Drilling Operations Safety & Efficiency by Using 20” Directional Conductor Pipe In PT.Pertamina Hulu Mahakam

Abstract

More than one thousand eight hundred wells have been drilled in Mahakam field. With such a “crowded” field, trajectory has become very complex and anti-collision become a regular issue. Therefore, for a well construction operation, a good CP (Conductor Pipe) direction is a paramount factor to avoid several issues such as well collision or the necessary to re-plan the well. Several CP sizes (30”, 24” and 20”) had been driven in Mahakam Field. 24” CP size have been driven with simple direction control technique in Mahakam Field with satisfying result of maximum ±15 azimuth deviation average. Driving technique, which is continuously employed by the CP driving team. Driven by cost reduction initiatives in 2014, 24” CP was substituted by smaller 20” CP. 24” CP Driving technique was not directly applicable to a smaller CP size. With the same driving technique, the CP direction accuracy dropped into a maximum 48.2^o azimuth deviation. To answer the challenge and further increase the operational safety, PHM CP Driving Team modified the technique and develop new equipment. Six new improvements which was a combination of new techniques & equipment, successfully restored and even improved the 20” CP direction accuracy. Nowadays, a maximum of 12^o azimuth deviation can be achieved by implementing the new procedure. Moreover, the new improvements can also extend the CP’s directional capability, as a higher CP inclination (from 5° to 10°) can be realized. This innovation of controlling the  direction and inclination of CP greatly reduce the collision risk and reduce significantly the number of production wells that must be closed due to the risk of collision. It improves the drilling operations from the safety aspect, duration and also the expenditure.