SPE Journal
Volume 15, Number 3, September 2010, pp. 856-866

SPE-97028-PA

Tuning of Computer Model Parameters in Managed-Pressure Drilling Applications Using an Unscented-Kalman-Filter Technique

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DOI  More information 10.2118/97028-PA http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/97028-PA

Citation

  • Gravdal, J.E., Lorentzen, R.J., Fjelde, K.K., and Vefring, E.H. 2010. Tuning of Computer Model Parameters in Managed-Pressure Drilling Applications Using an Unscented-Kalman-Filter Technique. SPE J.  15 (3): 856-866. SPE-97028-PA. doi: 10.2118/97028-PA.

Discipline Categories

  • 1.2.7 Pressure Management (MPD, Underbalanced Drilling)
  • 1.2.3 Torque/Drag Modeling, BHA Performance Prediction
  • 1.6.1 Monitoring (Pressure, Temperature, Sonic, Nuclear, Other)
  • 1.1.5 Risk Reduction
  • 1.1.4 Real-Time Data Transmission, Decision-Making

Keywords

  • well-flow modeling, Kalman filter, managed-pressure drilling, real-time models, parameter estimation

Summary

To manage the annular pressure profile during managed-pressure drilling (MPD) operations, simulations performed with advanced computer models are needed. To obtain a high degree of accuracy in these simulations, it is crucial that all parameters describing the system are as correct as possible. A new methodology for real-time updating of key parameters in a well-flow model by taking into account real-time measurements, including measuring uncertainty, is presented. Key model parameters are tuned using a recently developed estimation technique based on the traditional Kalman filter.

The presented methodology leads to a more-accurate prediction of well-flow scenarios. Although the present study is motivated by applications in MPD, the idea of tuning model parameters should be of great importance in a wide area of applications.

The performance of the filter is studied, using both synthetic data and real measurements from a North Sea high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) drilling operation. Benefits by this approach are seen in more-accurate downhole-pressure predictions, which are of major importance for safety and economic reasons during MPD operations.

© 2010. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

  • Original manuscript received: 15 July 2005
  • Meeting paper published: 13 October 2005
  • Revised manuscript received: 30 July 2009
  • Manuscript approved: 20 November 2009
  • Published online: 22 April 2010
  • Version of record: 22 September 2010