Well Program – Oil & Gas Vertical Well
(TD = 2440 m)
1. General Data
- Well type: Vertical Oil & Gas Exploration Well
- Total Depth (TD): 2440 m (≈ 8005 ft)
- Surface Location = Target Location (vertical well assumption)
- Drilling Objectives: Reach TD safely, isolate formations, prevent kicks/losses, and prepare
well for production testing.
2. Preliminary Casing Design
Casing Program (proposed based on formations and drilling challenges):
1. Conductor Casing: Set at 30 m (≈ 98 ft) – protects unconsolidated surface formations and
provides foundation for wellhead.
2. Surface Casing: 13 3/8", 68 lb/ft, K-55 – Set at 600 m (≈ 1968 ft) – isolate fresh water
zones and provide anchorage for BOP.
3. Intermediate Casing: 9 5/8", 47 lb/ft, L-80 – Set at 1600 m (≈ 5249 ft) – isolate
unstable/loss zones and allow safe mud weight window.
4. Production Casing: 7", 29 lb/ft, P-110 – Set at 2440 m (≈ 8005 ft, TD) – final casing string
to TD for production testing.
3. Mud Design
- Mud System: Water-Based Mud (WBM)
- Selected Mud Weight: 10.0 ppg
- Justification:
* Pore pressure at TD ≈ 3965 psi → equivalent mud weight ≈ 9.53 ppg
* Safety margin applied → selected 10.0 ppg
* Below fracture gradient equivalent (≈ 11.54 ppg) → within safe drilling window
- Note: Monitor Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD). Example: If friction adds 600 psi, ECD
≈ 11.44 ppg, still below fracture limit.
4. Possible Drilling Challenges & Mitigation
- Shale Swelling/Instability → Use inhibitive mud (KCl/PHPA), maintain proper mud
properties
- Lost Circulation in carbonates/fractured zones → LCM pills, cement squeeze if severe
- Sand Production/Instability → Maintain mud weight, use sand control if needed
- Faults/Over-pressured zones → Monitor mud logging, apply well control practices, adjust
MW if necessary
- Kick Risk → Ensure BOP functionality, keep crew trained for well control procedures
5. Detailed Casing Design
Design loads considered for each casing string:
- Running Loads (with 10% overpull)
- Initial Cementing Loads (pressure testing after cementing)
- Kick Circulation Loads (0.5 ppg kick intensity at TD = ~208 psi extra pressure)
- Partial Evacuation / Loss Scenarios
Summary of Running Loads (with 10% overpull):
- Conductor: ~10.8 klb
- Surface: ~147.2 klb
- Intermediate: ~271.4 klb (highest load)
- Production: ~255.4 klb
6. Cementing Program
General Cement Design (assumed values based on API recommendations and formation
data):
1. Conductor Casing (30 m):
- Slurry: Neat cement, 15.8 ppg
- Yield: 1.18 ft³/sk
- Volume required: ~10 bbl + 50% excess
- Top of cement: Surface
2. Surface Casing (13 3/8", 600 m):
- Lead Slurry: 12.0 ppg, 2.0 ft³/sk (lightweight to reduce ECD)
- Tail Slurry: 15.8 ppg, 1.18 ft³/sk (for strength and zonal isolation)
- Total Volume: ~250 bbl (lead + tail), 50% excess to surface
- Top of cement: Surface
3. Intermediate Casing (9 5/8", 1600 m):
- Lead Slurry: 12.5 ppg, 1.9 ft³/sk
- Tail Slurry: 15.8 ppg, 1.18 ft³/sk
- Total Volume: ~400 bbl, 30% excess
- Top of cement: 200 m above shoe
4. Production Casing (7", 2440 m):
- Lead Slurry: 13.5 ppg, 1.5 ft³/sk
- Tail Slurry: 15.8 ppg, 1.18 ft³/sk
- Total Volume: ~350 bbl, 20% excess
- Top of cement: ~500 m above shoe
Note: Centralizers to be placed every 3 joints in deviated intervals to ensure good cement
placement.
7. Drill String Design
- Hole Sections & Bits:
* 17 1/2" hole → 13 3/8" surface casing
* 12 1/4" hole → 9 5/8" intermediate casing
* 8 1/2" hole → 7" production casing
* 6" hole → open hole to TD if needed
- BHA Components:
* Drill Collars: Provide weight on bit (WOB), stabilize hole
* Stabilizers: Maintain hole trajectory, reduce vibrations
* MWD/LWD: Real-time logging & pressure data
* Shock Subs: Reduce bit bounce
- Drill Pipe Selection:
* 5" DP for intermediate and production sections
* 3.5" DP possible for smaller hole sizes
* Hookload rating checked against max running load (≈ 271 klb)
8. BOP Selection (Optional)
- Proposed BOP Stack Rating: 5000 psi WP
- Class: Annular + Pipe Rams + Shear Ram
- Configuration: 1 Annular Preventer, 2 Pipe Rams, 1 Shear Ram
- Bore Size: Compatible with 13 3/8" surface casing
- Accumulator: Sized to close all preventers with 50% reserve