A risk assessment was conducted of potential oil spills from a floating drilling system in the Beaufort sea. The study used analysis of historic data as well as fault tree and event tree analyses. A quantitative assessment of the risk was given and recommendations for further risk reduction were made. Staff: M. Nessim

For more information on the project, contact: Maher Nessim, Director, Pipelines & Structures
tel. (780) 450-8989 x207

A non-linear finite element model was developed and verified to simulate three dimensional casing/formation shear interaction. Casing/formation interaction can be an issue in thermal recovery operations, cases where reservoir depletion results in subsidence or faulting or in permafrost regions where there is potential for thaw subsidence. The model was used to examine the effects of several casing design parameters and initial loading conditions on casing structural response to transverse shear deformations.

This project quantified the effects of drilling parameters on hole quality, and identified drilling and surveying strategies which ensure acceptable directional control at minimal cost. The data from a library of closely-stationed cased-hole gyro surveys from nearly one hundred directional wells was used to compare as-drilled wellbore geometries to the configurations stipulated in the drilling specifications and defined by the survey taken while drilling.

This experimental study evaluated the performance of PBR seal assemblies for thermal well service in situations where isolation of the tubing/casing annulus is required. A series of bench scale tests were completed with a purpose-built test fixture to screen a number of different materials for use as packing elements in thermal wells. The tests quantified the seal characteristics of the materials and, coupled with additional evaluations of various tool designs, the project provided a good understanding of the key factors controlling the successful performance of these assemblies.

A series of numerical evaluations were undertaken to establish the relationship between casing curvature and the leakage potential/rates of different premium connections under cyclic steam injection conditions. The connection evaluations were conducted by finite element analyses, with the loading conditions for the analyses derived from another study completed previously by C-FER, which investigated the presence and magnitude of casing curvature occurring in typical thermal wells.

A series of full-scale connection evaluation tests were performed to assess the seal integrity and performance of selected premium connections for 178 mm (7 inch) and 244 mm (9-5/8") casings, under conditions simulating cyclic steam well environments. The test program focused on identifying suitably qualified premium connections with gas-tight sealing capabilities in recognition of the potentially detrimental effects of steam seepage through connections.

Premium connection serviceability for casing drilling applications ($100,000)

An assessment was performed of the probability of a release from critical sour underbalanced drilling operations. The project also identified critical system components.

For more information on the project contact: Peter Kis, Project Manager
tel. (780) 450-8989 x284

This project evaluated the collapse and buckling resistance of various Grade 55 pipe body configurations and the performance of four candidate premium connections under consideration for installation in vertical and horizontal steam injection wells for thermal recovery of heavy oil.

For more information contact: Peter Kis, Manager, Drilling and Completion Technology
tel. (780) 450-8989 x284.

Full-scale screen and slotted liner assemblies were tested to evaluate their structural/mechanical integrity under loads representative of installation and thermal service conditions in horizontal well applications. The tests focussed on establishing the potential for the assemblies to sustain mechanical damage (i.e., changes in slot dimensions or screen openings or loss of structural integrity) which would impact their ability to control sand influx.