Wellbore instability can be attributed to several causes. The ones thought to be most important include: chemical interaction with the drilling fluid, high tectonic stresses, and insufficient mud weight. Drillstring vibration, although not traditionally addressed as a potential cause, might influence the stability of wellbores drilled in specific formations. Evidence of the strong correlation between severe vibration and wellbore instability has been reported in the literature. However, a more thorough understanding of the phenomenon is still lacking. This paper describes a study that has been developed by PETROBRAS focusing on how drillstring vibration impacts wellbore instability. Vibration has been monitored in some wells, and events related to borehole enlargement were observed. Four field cases are presented showing a strong correlation between high vibration level and wellbore enlargement in different lithologies. Other sources of wellbore enlargement have also been identified, and they can be clearly separated from vibration.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
oil technology, vibrations, mechanical stability, sensors
Topics:
Drill strings, Vibration, Drilling, Wells
1.
Santos, H. M, Pla´cido J. C. R., and Wolter C., 1999, “Consequences and Relevance of Drillstring Vibration on Wellbore Stability,” SPE/IADC 52820, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
2.
Santos, H. M., 1997, “A New Conceptual Approach to Shale Stability,” Ph.D. dissertation, School of Petroleum & Geological Engineering, University of Oklahoma, OK.
3.
Dunayevsky, V. A., Abbassian, F., and Judzis, A., 1993, “Dynamic Stability of Drillstrings under Fluctuating Weight on Bit,” SPE Drilling and Completion, June, 84.
4.
Dykstra, M. W., Chen, D. C-K., Warren, T. M., and Azar, J. J., 1995, “Drillstring Component Mass Imbalance: A Major Source of Downhole Vibrations,” SPE/IADC 29350, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
5.
Besaisow, A. A., and Payne, M. L., 1988, “A Study of Excitation Mechanisms and Resonances Inducing Bottomhole Assembly Vibrations,” SPE Drilling Engineer, Mar. 93.
6.
Mitchell, R. F., and Allen, M. B., 1987, “Case Studies of BHA Vibration Failure,” SPE 16675, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, TX.
7.
Aadnoy, B. S., 1986, “Transversal Vibrations in Stabilized Drilling Assemblies,” Energy Sources, No. 4, 305.
8.
Aarrestad, T. V., and Kyllingstad, A., 1989, “Measurements and Theoretical Models on Rig Suspension and the Effect on Drillstring Vibrations,” SPE 19553, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, TX.
9.
Field, D. J., Swarbrick, A. J., and Haduch, G. A., 1993, “Techniques for Successful Application of Dynamic Analysis in the Prevention of Field-Induced Vibration Damage in MWD Tools,” SPE/IADC 25773, SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
10.
Henneuse, H., 1992, “Surface Detection of Vibrations and Drilling Optimization: Field Experience,” SPE/IADC 23888, SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, New Orleans, LA.
11.
Gomel, M., Mabile, C., Perreau, P. J., and Rey-Fabret, I. F.: “Early Detection of Drill String Vibrations Based Solely on Surface Measurements,” Offshore Mediterranean Conference, Ravenna, Italy, Paper 048/06.
Copyright © 2002
 by ASME
You do not currently have access to this content.