RIASSUNTO
Abstract
While jar technology has been used in the oil industry for the better part of the last century, the basic function and capability has not taken many leaps forward. Increasingly complex well geometry and deeper target depths continue to push drillers into tighter, higher risk well conditions that raise the probability of stuck pipe events. As demand for hydrocarbons has forced our drilling capabilities to evolve, the increased risk associated with these wells has forced the evolution of jarring technology to drastically evolve.
By assessing the critical needs of the industry, a jar has been designed to operate in the harshest environments, with superior reliability, and the highest firing loads available to increase the levels of success in freeing a drill string during a stuck pipe event. Every pound of impact force delivered is critical to improve the chances of retrieving the drill string safely to surface and this new technology has raised the standard force by as much as 20%.
While the operation of this innovative technology remains consistent with industry standards, the performance in regards to torsional strength, damage resistance, and impact capabilities far exceed that of previously existing jar technology.
An optional performance component offers operators a safeguard against pulling the jar beyond its mechanical and hydraulic limits which can render it useless down hole. In addition to safeguarding the tool from damage, this module also allows the tool to be pulled to its maximum rating, every time, insuring the hardest possible impact every pull.
This paper will detail how the use of this innovative tool has provided flawless performance in the North Sea and offers a true step change in jar technology to the drilling industry. Case studies and field data provided will support and demonstrate increased performance unmatched in the industry today.
1.0 Introduction
Norway is fast becoming one of the world's most technologically advanced areas for drilling and its culture has a reputation for early adoption of cutting edge technologies. Following the Ekofisk discovery on 1969, Norway's oil industry has continued to utilize the most advanced tools available to maximize returns while mitigating risks in their local drilling operations.
Today's drilling climate and market demand for increased return on assets (ROA) require operating companies and service companies alike to carefully safeguard against any potential risks associated with down time due to complications in drilling the well. Every year hundreds of millions of dollars in down time, BHA components lost in hole, and side tracking operations erode profitability and compromise the viability of drilling some high priced wells, despite the great lengths taken to minimize the risk of stuck pipe events. Year after year, well depths and extended reach horizontals continue to grow across the industry, and with them the risk of costly stuck pipe events. Unfortunately the primary tools used to free a stuck drill string have gone without significant improvement for many years. This critical component is often provides the last chance to retrieve expensive BHA equipment like rotary steerable systems (RSS), monitoring while drilling equipment (MWD), and other high cost bottom hole assembly equipment.