Ahmed K. Al-Zain

A Smart Approach in Acid Stimulation Resulted in Successful Reviving of Horizontal Producers Equipped With ICD Completions: Saudi Arabia Case History

Th e objective of this article is to discuss Saudi Aramco’s drilling Real-Time Operating Center (RTOC) experience in developing personnel, establishing process workfl ow and acquiring technologies to deliver wells safely and eff ectively. Th e article starts by describing the IT infrastructure that facilitates rapid information fl ow from drilling sites to the RTOC. Th en it discusses the process workfl ow, which includes pre-drill collaborative planning, real time predictive modeling, and 24/7 monitoring services to provide accurate response to real time trends for successful management of drilling risks, and therefore reduction of nonproductive time (NPT). Finally, overall achievements of 2008-2009 and a case study of one monitored and optimized well are presented. Introduction In January 2008, Saudi Aramco opened the Drilling & Workover RTOC, a state-of-the-art well visualization and real-time monitoring command center, to plan, drill and complete wells in the safest, most effi cient and cost-eff ective manner. Th e RTOC involves three critical components: People, Process and Technology. We found that understanding each component role is crucial to develop a collaborative environment that helps to promote the RTOC values. Saudi Aramco’s RTOC was opened with a lot of challenging objectives. To meet the drilling management expectations, these phases were divided. Phase 1 Th e initial RTOC objective was to operate the center on critical wells, mainly off shore wells to reduce occurrence of tight hole, stuck pipe, borehole collapse, sidetracked bottom-hole assemblies (BHAs) and borehole instability problems. Phase 2 Th e next step was to improve drilling optimization and effi ciency for the monitored wells. One of the techniques used was to monitor and implement the “Mechanical Specifi c Energy (MSE)” to optimize drilling parameters. Another main goal at this phase was to reduce the NPT for the monitored wells by monitoring the rig activity. Phase 3 At this phase in the process, the RTOC might recommend the bit selection to increase rate of penetration (ROP). A main goal at this phase was to optimize hydraulics, hole cleaning and equivalent circulating density (ECD) for extended reach drilling (ERD) wells, BHA design, monitor drill string mechanics and BHAs to prevent damage and reduce well control incidents. Saudi Aramco RTOC Th e RTOC consists of a main room that is equipped with 10 main consoles; two of them are reserved for supervisors. Th ese computers are connected to large screens on the wall to display monitored wells’ real-time data. A collaborative room for day-to-day meetings is equipped with plasma screens and a PC. Another collabSaudi Aramco RTOC www.saudiarabiaoilandgas.com | SA O&G Issue 15 17