Identifier

etd-0409103-015539

Degree

Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (MSPE)

Department

Petroleum Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Underbalanced drilling (UBD) has increased in recent years because of the many advantages associated with it. These include increase in the rate of penetration and reduction of lost circulation and formation damage. Drilling of deviated and horizontal wells also increased since recovery can be improved from a horizontal or a deviated well. The drilling of deviated wells using UBD method will reduce several drilling related problems such as hole cleaning and formation damage. Prediction of flow and pressure profiles while drilling underbalanced in such wells will help in designing and planning of the well. The main aim of this research is to study and model the effect of well deviation on pressure and flow profile in the drillstring and the annulus under UBD conditions through the use of mechanistic two phase flow models. Specifically, a current model is modified to include effects of wellbore deviation. Simulation results are compared with data from a deviated well drilled with UBD technology.

Date

2003

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Jeremy K. Edwards

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2399

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