About this Workshop

Workshop Description

It is well known that in the case of wells where the pore-frac windows are narrow, managing the equivalent circulating density (ECD) becomes extremely important as well as challenging. In the presence of these narrow windows, precise management of the ECD is the difference between not fracturing the formation and not allowing influx from the well. The ECD is a function of a combination of the mud weight (MW), the rheological properties (especially the low and high shear-rate viscosities), the frictional pressure drop in the annulus and solids loading. There are abundant references in the literature, which cite that the management of circulating pressures ECD related problems becomes more acute in the case of extended reach wells (ERD). In high-temperature and high-pressure wells (HTHP), it often becomes very difficult to predict the ECD based on some assumed mud properties which end up either over- or under-predicting the actual values. Unfortunately, in wells with narrow margins both situations end up being potentially disastrous; causing either a lost circulation scenario or a well-control situation.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the workshop are to enable operators, service companies and other organisations to improve understanding, knowledge and capability. Additionally, it will offer an opportunity to enhance awareness of the current and upcoming technologies needed to meet the challenges of ECD Management. It will also offer a platform to share knowledge from around the world on tools and practices for technically challenging applications. This will include presentations and discussions to assess key risks and opportunities.

WORKSHOP FOCUS

The workshop will:

• Introduce the concepts challenges and application areas where ECD Management is necessary.
• Highlight the importance of hole cleaning and the interaction with hydraulics.
• Consider the properties of drilling fluids and methods to optimize their impact on ECD.
• Present Managed Pressure Drilling concepts and other equipment for better control of downhole pressure.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This workshop will be of particular value to drilling and completions professionals, geomechanics experts and professionals from other disciplines in the oil and gas industry. Registrants will be encouraged to discuss their own case histories and experiences.

Workshop Details

Documentation:

• Proceedings will not be published; therefore, formal papers and handouts are not expected from speakers.
• Work in progress, new ideas, and interesting projects are sought.
• Professionally-prepared visual aids are not required; handwritten viewgraphs are entirely acceptable.
• Note-taking by participants is encouraged. However, to ensure free and open discussions, no formal records will be kept.

Workshop Deliverables:

• The committee will prepare a full report containing the highlights of the Workshop discussions. This report will be circulated to all attendees. A one-page summary will be prepared by the Workshop Co-Chairperson, which will be posted on the SPE Web Site, and published in the Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT), if space permits. The copyright of the Summary Report will belong to SPE.
• PowerPoint presentation materials will be posted on a specific SPE URL address after the Workshop. Provision of the materials by the discussion leaders will signify their permission for SPE to do so.

Commercialism:

In keeping with ATW objectives and the SPE mission, excessive commercialism in posters or presentations will
not be permitted. Company logos must be limited to the title slide and used only to indicate the affiliation of the presenter and others involved in the work.

Attendance Certificate:

All attendees will receive an attendance certificate attesting to their participation in the Workshop. This certificate will be provided in exchange for a completed Workshop Questionnaire.

Continuing Education Units:

This workshop qualifies for SPE Continuing Education Units (CEU) at the rate of 0.1 CEU per hour of the ATW.

Attendees’ Information:

General and detailed accommodation information will be forwarded to registrants with the attendee package prior to the scheduled Workshop, in September 2009.

Transportation/Visa:

All delegates are advised to book their international airline tickets early from their country to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Further detailed transportation information will be available and included in the attendee package upon registration. All travelers to Malaysia must be in possession of passport valid for at least six (6) months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets. Please check with your travel agent for information on visa requirements to Malaysia.

Dress Code:

Casual clothing is recommended. The Workshop atmosphere is informal.

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