Ingles

Evaluation of drilling rig fluids handling systems
A comprehensive evaluation of the mud mixing, solids control, and waste management systems on drilling rigs prior to spudding a well has been shown to have a dramatic impact on operational efficiency and ultimate fluid-related costs. In one Gulf of Mexico well, modifications to the fluids system enabled the operator to save over $48,000 influid-related costs. In another well, adjustments to the solids control system eliminated synthetic mud losses costing the operator up to $2,000 an hour.
Auditing the fluids handling capabilities of rigs is a critical component of a unique integrated program aimed at optimizing the design, delivery and management of fluids and wastes at the wellsite. To avoid any unexpected problems during thedrilling program, the inspection, which includes everything from examining the shakers, mud mixing system and the mud pits, should ideally be conducted early in the planning stages of an integrated fluids engineering (IFE) project. Audits have been conducted on newbuilds, rigs undergoing refurbishment, and even to improve the solids control and waste management efficiency of units while a well is inprogress.
Enhance productivity
The integrated fluids program exploits the natural grouping of all fluid-related products and services. Owing to the improved drilling efficiency and the synchronized approach to solids control and waste management it encourages. The initiative is helping operators realize significant savings in drilling costs, while simultaneously increasing production and enhancingtheir environmental protection efforts.
The new approach is based on the belief that fluids and fluids-related equipment represent a natural grouping of products and services at the wellsite. This grouping is natural to the extent that the performance of individual components is interdependent, meaning significant opportunities exist to achieve better results by managing these processes jointlyand using combined resources to execute them. The natural grouping includes drilling, drill-in and completion fluids; solids control and filtration equipment and waste treatment and remediation services.
The truly integrated service incorporates total fluid and waste management planning procedures, best practices, benchmarking, newly developed software and other fluid technologies, therebydifferentiating it from simple service bundling approaches. The completely linked product and service approach includes an integrated data management system, featuring a common database to analyze the interactions between the fluid system components. This approach is viewed as fundamental for continuous analysis and improvement.
Rig checklist
The rig inspection, which is conducted with the aid of anall-inclusive Rig Evaluation Manual, includes three primary categories: solids control, fluids handling, and mixing systems.
|
When it is deemed necessary to examine the inner workings of such equipment as centrifuges, desanders, desilters, and mud cleaners, manufacturer representatives accompany the inspecting engineer. Additionally, the inspector conducts a safety audit of all areas where fluidengineers will be working, such as the pit room and shaker house.
When performing an analysis of the solids control system, the integrated fluids engineer looks first at the flowline to determine if there is sufficient diameter and drop to allow for the anticipated flowrate. The location of a gumbo box is noted and evaluated for usefulness, ease of access and mechanical operation. There a fewvital questions to be addressed during the evaluation of the solids control and waste management capabilities of a rig:
* Age and condition of the shakers
* Direction of the motor rotation
* Belttension
* Condition of the jacks, cushions and seals are examined in depth
* Desander, desilter, and mud cleaner operating with sufficient pressure at the manifold
* Inside of...