Fundamentals of Drilling Operations

FUNDAMENTALS OF
DRILLING OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS
DRILLING PROCESS OVERVIEW
• Drilling
• Tripping
• Casing
• Cementing
• Logging
• Completions
• Slip & Cut
Drilling
a Well
Prospecting
Drilling
a Well
Site
Preparation
Drilling
a Well
Drill 26”
Hole
Drilling
a Well
Set 20”
Casing
Drilling
a Well
Cement 20”
Casing
Drilling
a Well
Drill 17-1/2”
Hole
Drilling
a Well
Set 13-3/8”
Casing
Drilling
a Well
Cement 13-3/8”
Casing
Drilling
a Well
Drill 12-1/4”
Hole
Drilling
a Well
Run Electric
Logs
Drilling
a Well
Run 9-5/8”
Casing
Drilling
a Well
Cement 9-5/8”
Casing
Drilling
a Well
Drill 8-1/2”
Hole
Drilling
a Well
Drill 8-1/2”
Hole to T.D.
Drilling
a Well
26”
17-1/2”
12-1/4”
8-1/2”
Run
Electric
Logs
Drilling
a Well
26”
17-1/2”
12-1/4”
8-1/2”
Run 7” Liner
Drilling
a Well
26”
17-1/2”
12-1/4”
8-1/2”
Cement 7” Liner
Drilling
a Well Flow Well
Set up for
Well test
26”
17-1/2”
12-1/4”
8-1/2”
Perforate
Drilling
a Well
Plug and
Abandon
26”
17-1/2”
12-1/4”
8-1/2”
Well Planning and Execution
Drilling a Well
Drilling generally proceeds in

phases, with each phase
corresponding to drilling of a
specific hole size, running of
casing and the cementing of
the casing. The next phase
begins with the drilling of new
open hole below the last
casing.
Different service contractors
will be used at different times,
as shown at right.
Drilling Operations
For most purposes, we can break down ‘normal’ drilling

operations to include:
• Drilling / Coring
• Hole Opening (increasing the diameter of hole already drilled)
• Reaming (ensuring hole is drilled to bit gauge)
• Drilling cement
• Sidetracking.
When collecting drilling data it is important to specify the type of
operation, since any operation other than drilling may create more
than one set of depth-based data for the same depth interval.
Non-drilling Operations
Also important for data collection purposes are certain non-drilling

operations, including:
• Tripping
• Circulation (to recover geologic data or to condition the hole)
• Wireline logging
• Casing and cementing
• Fishing and milling (remedial operations if equipment is lost in the
hole)
Drilling Phases
A drilling ‘phase’ normally is considered to be the depth and time

interval needed to proceed from the first drilling of new open hole
of a certain size, through wireline logging, casing and cementing
operations in preparation for the next open hole section.
Normally, the next phase begins at the depth where drilling ended
during the previous phase.
In sidetracking operations, however, the depth from which the
drilling of the sidetrack begins is considered the start of the new
phase. Some Clients may prefer that the sidetrack be treated as
a separate well for reporting purposes.
Example Drilling
Time Curve
A drilling time
curve or days vs.
depth plot is
commonly used to
show the relationship
between the
programmed and
actual time required
to drill the well, and
to mark where the
major drilling events
occurred.
Well Types
The proposed well may be Vertical Directional Directional Sidetrack

‘J’ ‘S’
a straight hole drilled
vertically, a deviated well
turned to a predetermined
angle, or a so-called
horizontal well. An
extended reach well is a
deviated well with a
particularly long deviated
section
Directional Drilling Nomenclature

Horizontal Well Types
In general, operators
specify horizontal wells Long Medium Short
Radius Radius Radius
when it is necessary to
increase the amount of 1.5-3 deg/ft
reservoir exposed to the
well bore. Due to the
8-20 deg/100 ft
need for accurate
reservoir information to 2-6 deg/100 ft
correctly place the
horizontal section, this
type of well is usually
drilled for development
purposes.
Measuring Deviation
Drillers survey the well path at regular intervals, even during straight-
hole drilling. Directional Drillers do the same but use more highly
developed techniques, and survey at more frequent intervals.
Survey tools used include:
• Magnetic single shot surveys (most common for straight
wellbores)
• Magnetic multi-shot surveys
• Gyroscopic surveys
• Steering tools
• Measurement while drilling (MWD) surveys (most common for
directional wellbores).
Casing
Casing is relatively large-diameter

steel pipe used mainly to protect
the hole from collapse and isolate
weak zones from pressures that
might cause them to fail.
Casing is normally cemented in
place, and various accessories will
be added to the casing string to
aid the cementing process. Once
the casing is cemented, it is
considered a permanent part of
the well.
Definitions Related to Casing
Casing: Top of tubular string runs to surface (or seabed)

Liner: Top of tubular string runs to point within last casing
string
Scab Liner: Liner beginning and ending within a
previous casing string
Expandable liner: Refers to various systems based on expandable
tubulars. After the tubular string has been run to the
desired depth, an expansion device (i.e., mandrel or
pig) is forced through it to permanently expand
the diameter of the pipe.
Casing Type Size OD Setting Function

Functions (in) depths (ft)
of Casing Conductor 16-30+ 40-1500 Protects rig foundation
pipe Restrains unconsolidated formations
Confines circulating fluids
Prevents formation fluid flow and lost
circulation
Surface 7-16 to 4500 Supports BOP's and well head
casing Prevents contamination of fresh-water
zones
Prevents loss of circulation
Intermediate 7-11.75 Varies Prevents sloughing and hole
casing enlargement during deeper drilling
operations
Protects production string from
corrosion
Protects hole from high formation
pressures
Helps prevent stuck pipe from 'key-
seating'
Prevents loss of circulation
Production 2.375- Through Prevents migration of reservoir fluids
casing 9.625 producing Allows selective production of oil and
zone gas from reservoir
Protects down hole producing
equipment
Helps provide well control if tubing fails
Liner 5-7 Through Similar functions to production casing
Producing Limits need for full string of production
zone casing
Casing Components
The float collar is a one-way valve that
allows circulation while preventing flow
into the casing from the bottom. This
allows the casing to be run partially empty,
reducing the load on the derrick, and
prevents cement from flowing back into
the casing after it has been spotted in the
annulus.
Centralizers maintain the clearance
between the casing and borehole needed
for a good cement job.
Wall scratchers strip filter cake from the
borehole wall, to enable a better bond with
the cement.
Liner Components
A liner is landed at the desired

setting depth by running it in the
hole at the end of a landing string
made up of drill pipe.
The liner hanger is a slip device
that attaches the liner to the
previous casing.
The landing collar is a receptacle
for the plugs used in cementing.
Cementing
Operators classify cement jobs as primary or secondary

cementing.
Primary cementing generally refers to the cementing of casing
and has the following functions:
• Bond and support casing
• Prevent fluid movement between formations
• Protect casing from corrosion
• Protect casing from shock loads while drilling
Cementing
Secondary cementing, also known as squeeze cementing, is the

process of forcing a cement-water mixture, under pressure, into
holes or cavities in formation or casing. Squeeze cementing is
done to:
• seal off lost circulation zones
• abandon non-productive zones
• repair faulty primary cementing jobs or casing
• isolate a zone in preparation for testing and production
API Cement Classes
API-rated oil well cements are classified from A to H, mainly by

resistance to temperature and pressure.
Class A has the lowest resistance.
Class H, when used with special additives, has the highest

resistance.
API Cement Classes

Class Depth Range, Depth Range, Comments
feet meters
A Surface - 6000 Surface - 1830 Used when special properties are not
required; similar to cement used in the
construction industry
B Surface - 6000 Surface - 1830 Used when conditions require moderate
(MSR) to high (HSR) sulfate resistance
C Surface - 6000 Surface - 1830 Used when conditions require high early
strength
D 6000 - 10000 1830 - 3050 'Retarded Cement', no longer in common
use; for moderate temperatures and
pressures.
E 10000 - 14000 3050 - 4270 'Retarded cement', no longer in common use;
for high temperatures and pressures
F, J 10000 - 16000 (F) 3050 - 4880 (F) 'Retarded cements', not in common use; for
12000 -16000 (J) 3660 - 4880 (J) use under extremely high temperature and
pressure conditions
G, H Surface - 8000 Surface - 2440 Primary differences between Class G and H
(neat) (neat) are surface grain and water requirements;
both classes can cover a wide range of
depths, temperatures and pressure with
various combinations of accelerators and
retarders
General Cementing Procedure
A self-contained cementing unit equipped with its own set of

pumps is normally used to batch-mix the cement slurry and
inject it into the hole, via the inside of the casing string (if
primary cementing) or a special cementing string made up
of drill pipe (if secondary cementing). Also for primary
cementing, rubber plugs and small volumes of spacer fluids
will be used to isolate the slurry from wellbore fluids while it
is being displaced.
Displacement and final positioning of the slurry usually is
made with the rig pumps.
Cementing
Central Storage Well Site
Storage Mixing Storage Mixing
Dry
Cement
Dry-
Additive Surge
Blend Tank
Blending
Dry
Additives High Pressure
Flow Line
Water Liquid-
Cement Slurry
Additive Pumping
Mixer
Mixing Unit
Liquid Liquid
Additives Additives
Casing W/Cement
Pumping Head
Attached
Typical Cementing Unit

Slurry Mixing Tanks Prime movers
Control
Console
Slurry
pumps
Cementing in Stages
A single-stage cement job means that only one batch of

cement is mixed and pumped for a given application.
A multi-stage cement job results in two or three batches of
cement being placed (or 'spotted') at different depths in the
hole. When the volume of cement needed is large, or the
cemented interval is very long, a multi-stage job is
necessary.
Single-stage Cementing
Two-stage Cementing (with free-fall plugs)

Two-stage Cementing (displacement-type plugs)

Well Testing
Once drilling has been completed,

the well data will be evaluated and
a decision made as to whether a
Drill Stem Test (DST) should be
run.
Equipment needed for a DST
includes:
• Test Tree
• Surface Safety Valve (SSV)
• Sensing equipment -- measures
pressure, temperature, and flow
rate of produced fluids
• Choke Manifold
• Heater or Steam Exchanger
• Separator
• Gauge Tank or Surge Tank
• Oil Manifold and Transfer Pump
• Flare Stack or Burner Boom.
Well Testing Equipment
Well Testing
General Well Test Procedure - 1

Well Testing
General Well Test Procedure - 2

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30
Pump Pressure (psi) 100

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook
100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

Drilled stand may be
reamed up and down at
this point
3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
200 0
Hook
100 300
Martin Decker Gauge
(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000
300
250 350
2000 4000 80
70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30
500
20
10 0 WOB
50
200 0
Hook
100 300
Martin Decker Gauge
(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

Drilled stand may be
reamed up and down at
this point
3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

3000 300
250 350
80
2000 4000 70 90
60
200 100 400
50
1000 5000
40
150 450
0
30

20 500
10 0 WOB
50
0
200
Hook

(Hookload and WOB)
X 1000 lbs
50 400
Rotary Speed (RPM)

SLIP & CUT
• Increasing number of lines on block increases hoisting capacity
• More lines used, means more lines subjected to wear
• Drill line slipped and cut so lines do not wear at same spots
• Drilling line condition is critical to safety on rig floor
• Drilling line should be inspected at various points
SLIP & CUT
Slip & Cut Programme
• Drill line is subject to great deal of force
• Line to be cut after it has performed a certain amount of work
• Measurement of work done is called mega joules or ton-miles
• Length to cut and slip is determined by mega joule/ton-mile
calculation provided no obvious wear is observed.
• Programme designed to avoid excessive wear at the lap and pick up
points
SLIP & CUT
• Slipping –
• loosening the deadline anchor and placing a few more meters/feet of line into service
from the storage reel.
• Changes the pick-up points
• Cutting –
• the line on the drawworks reel be loosened and a section cut and removed form the end
• Changes the lap points
• Line usually cut and slip the same time
• Care must be taken to ensure line not moved from one sheave onto another
• Once slip & cut complete, ensure deadline anchor is secured and in good
condition
SLIP & CUT
• Two types of cable cutter
• Hydraulic – clean cut with minimal effort
• Manual high impact – striking top head with a sledgehammer
• There is a generic cut and slip procedure
SLIP & CUT
Identifying wear condition:
• Lines
• Drum
• Drum anchor
• Sheaves
• Deadman anchor
• Travelling and crown blocks
Abnormal Line Wear:
• Bird caging
• Kinking
• Excessive stretch

Fundamentals of Drilling Operations

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Fundamentals of Drilling Operations

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What are the main steps involved in drilling a well?

What are the main steps involved in drilling a well?

What are some non-drilling operations mentioned?

What are some non-drilling operations mentioned?

FUNDAMENTALS OF

Drilling generally proceeds in

For most purposes, we can break down ‘normal’ drilling

Also important for data collection purposes are certain non-drilling

A drilling ‘phase’ normally is considered to be the depth and time

The proposed well may be Vertical Directional Directional Sidetrack

Directional Drilling Nomenclature

Horizontal Well Types

Casing is relatively large-diameter

Definitions Related to Casing

Casing: Top of tubular string runs to surface (or seabed)

Casing Type Size OD Setting Function

A liner is landed at the desired

Operators classify cement jobs as primary or secondary

Secondary cementing, also known as squeeze cementing, is the

API Cement Classes

API-rated oil well cements are classified from A to H, mainly by

Class A has the lowest resistance.

Class H, when used with special additives, has the highest

API Cement Classes

General Cementing Procedure

A self-contained cementing unit equipped with its own set of

Central Storage Well Site

Storage Mixing Storage Mixing

Typical Cementing Unit

A single-stage cement job means that only one batch of

Two-stage Cementing (with free-fall plugs)

Two-stage Cementing (displacement-type plugs)

Once drilling has been completed,

General Well Test Procedure - 1

General Well Test Procedure - 2

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)

Pump Pressure (psi) 100

100 300 Martin Decker Gauge

Rotary Speed (RPM)