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Wellbore Integrity

Overview Library

A mechanical earth model is the basis for construction of a stable wellbore. Predrill knowledge, real-time geomechanics data, optimal drilling fluid hydraulics, borehole imaging, and real-time formation evaluation data all play a role in maintaining stability and in managing pore pressure and mud weight to construct the best possible wellbore. With our expert combination of measurements, interpretation, and expertise we are ready to address the wellbore integrity challenges associated with potential drilling hazards such as shallow gas, rubble, tar, and salt inclusions.

Geomechanics Services

Pore pressure predictions, wellbore-stability forecasts and models, and optimal well positioning and trajectories help ensure wellbore stability.

  • Pore Pressure Prediction 

    Pore pressure imaging and analysis services, provided at various scales, are based on velocity analysis procedures constrained by proprietary rock physics models and well data, if available. The methodology reduces formation-related drilling uncertainties, enabling optimization of drilling performance.

  • 4D Reservoir Geomechanics 

    The Visage Stress Simulator helps solve complex stress equations and relates the rock stresses to reservoir properties. It contributes to better well planning because all available data are used to predict the stresses and strains the wellbore will experience. These parameters are employed to identify and assess the likelihood for potential stress effects so that costly unplanned events can be prevented.

Drilling Fluid Hydraulics 

Getting the drilling fluid hydraulics right is crucial to more efficient and safer drilling operations. The appropriate fluid density helps control pressure and promote wellbore stability. The proper fluid viscosity and flow rate improve hole cleaning and mitigate barite sag. The gel strength affects how well the cuttings are suspended. All these complex variables come together to determine the critical parameter of equivalent circulating density (ECD).

StethoScope Formation Pressure while Drilling 

An understanding of formation pressures is essential for decisions on optimal mud weights, which are designed to maintain wellbore integrity and ideal penetration rates for reservoir conditions.

Borehole Imaging and Visualization

During well construction, real-time high-resolution images reveal formation structure and geological features such as fractures, reducing the unknowns and uncertainties inherent in drilling in deepwater environments, enabling optimal wellbore stability for long-term productivity.

  • Seismic LWD 

    The SeismicVISION tool delivers time-depth-velocity information in real time without disrupting drilling operations. The look-ahead technology reduces uncertainty ahead of the bit for optimized deepwater drilling.

  • Sonic LWD 

    The SonicVISION tool improves drilling safety and efficiency by delivering real-time velocity measurements in a wide range of hole sizes, making it ideal for deepwater operations. In addition to providing standard sonic measurements, the tool delivers data used to predict wellbore stability and improve mechanical property understanding, needed to assess and maintain wellbore integrity.

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