Drilling Mechanics: Bit Sensing and Physics-Based Modelling for Drilling Optimization
Challenging drilling applications and fluctuating oil prices have created a new emphasis on developing innovative technology to enhance safety and reduce cost. Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) drill bits were introduced in the late 1970s and revolutionized the drilling industry, with currently 60% of the drill bits utilized in oil and gas wells being PDC.
Overview
Abstract
Challenging drilling applications and fluctuating oil prices have created a new emphasis on developing innovative technology to enhance safety and reduce cost. Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) drill bits were introduced in the late 1970s and revolutionized the drilling industry, with currently 60% of the drill bits utilized in oil and gas wells being PDC. Several different mechanistic and empirical models have been developed of the interaction between PDC cutters and the formation. Nevertheless, it is fair to state that there is at the current time no generally accepted method for determining rock strength from measurements of bit-rock interaction forces while drilling. This research experimentally investigates the value of drill bit-based force sensing to evaluate the forces acting on a PDC cutter, estimate the formation strength while drilling, and enable closed-loop drilling optimization. Additional emphasis is placed on drilling data and performance analysis with a dynamic drilling simulator to recreate the drilling environment and drilling process.
Brief Biography
Alexis is a PhD Student at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology with his research focusing on drilling optimization and drilling data analytics. He holds a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Montanuniversität Leoben and Integrated Master Degree in Mineral Resources Engineering from Technical University of Crete.
