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Technology
Assessment & Research (TA&R) Program
| Project Number |
541 |
| Date of Summary |
November 6, 2006 |
| Subject |
Application of Dual
Gradient Technology to Top Hole Drilling |
| Performing Activity |
Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Petroleum Engineering |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr. Jerome Schubert |
| Contracting Agency |
TEES/OTRC |
| Estimated Completion |
Completed |
| Description |
This engineering study on the use of dual gradient drilling for top-hole
applications will potentially improve safety in handling some of the shallow
below seafloor drilling hazards encountered in the Gulf of Mexico. These
hazards include, but are not limited to, methane hydrates, shallow gas, and
shallow water flows. This technology could also minimize the environmental
impact of the current “pump and dump” practice while drilling conductor and
surface holes. Project Description
- Perform an analysis to determine the minimum equipment requirements
for the Top Hole Dual Gradient package including any necessary pressure
containment equipment.
- Perform analysis of the benefits of Top Hole Dual Gradient drilling
over conventional riser and riserless (pump and dump) drilling.
- Perform an analysis of how this technology may benefit the industry
while drilling in known methane hydrate areas, artificially charged
shallow marine sediments, and deep HTHP gas wells on the shelf.
- Perform the preliminary engineering design of the equipment required
to conduct Top Hole Dual Gradient drilling including options for drilling
with a minimal (two barriers) BOP stack below the surface casing and with
only the dual gradient pump package in a balanced drilling mode.
- Perform preliminary engineering of the riser (mud return line and
power supply for a dual gradient pump package) and running procedures
while drilling riserless.
- Define the mud and circulating system requirements.
- Develop well control and drilling procedures for top-hole dual
gradient drilling.
- Perform risk analysis on the equipment and the procedures designed for
this project.
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| Progress |
Complete. |
| Report |
|
AA (445
pages; 5,886 KB) |
Shubert, Jerome; Elieff, Brandee. Application
of Dual Gradient Technology to Top Hole Drilling. Harold Vance Department of
Petroleum Engineering. Texas A&M. November 2006 |
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