Long before surface locations are built and drilling rigs show up, oil and gas drilling engineers crunch reams of data when researching, planning and designing drilling programs. As drilling has become more sophisticated and expensive, operators and service providers have incorporated computerized predictive modeling to give their wells the best possible chance of success. 

 

But as the saying goes, no plan survives first contact with the enemy. That’s why successful drilling engineers collect real-time data like as-run bottom hole assembly, directional surveys, hook load values, torque, pump rates and pressure as they drill – making adjustments as they go. 

 

“We import many data points including our directional plan, mud properties and estimated friction to calibrate the actual friction factor to ensure we will be successful in getting the casing string to bottom,” said Adam Marsh, Senior Drilling Engineer, NL Fisher.  “Often times while drilling a well, the question is asked: Will the casing string or liner get to bottom, and how can we get it there?” 

 

Using the rig collected data, we can accurately predict hook loads when running the liner. At NL Fisher, gone are the days of using a “rule of thumb” or guessing what friction factor to use when preparing to run casing.  

 

Want to know if you can skip the wiper trip or reamer run? Do you need to float the liner in? Where should the airlock sub go. We can tell you that accurately using real data.  

 

Torque and drag analysis 

 

Wellbore friction, usually known as torque and drag, between drill string and the wellbore wall is one of the most critical issues which limits going beyond a certain measured depth.  

 

Drag is the frictional force generated when the pipe is moving or tends to move in the wellbore. The term “torque and drag” commonly refers to torque, axial force, buckling calculation along the pipe during drilling or casing running operations. 

 

“Torque and drag modeling is critical in the analysis of the drill string/casing and the wellbore, and in predicting and preventing problems when drilling or running casing,” said Adam Marsh, Senior Drilling Engineer, NL Fisher.  

 

Getting it right saves time and money 

 

Consistently getting torque and drag analysis right on the wells we supervise is just another way NL Fisher delivers value to our clients.   

 

Take our engineering support on Longshore Resources Ltd. (Longshore)’s recent Charlie Lake well (8-19-78-9-W6).  

 

“By analyzing thousands of data points, we avoided unnecessary wiper trips and dedicated reamer runs,” said Adam. 

 

Since 2016, NL Fisher has proudly helped Longshore successfully achieve its drilling objectives in over 30 wells.   

 

Exceptional torque and drag analysis - it’s just one more way NL Fisher saves its clients time and money as they maximize their project’s potential. 

 

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