David A. Curry

Better knowledge management through knowledge engineering

The authors believe that current knowledge management practice significantly under-utilizes knowledge engineering technology, despite recent efforts to promote its use. They focus on two knowledge engineering processes: using knowledge acquisition processes to capture structured knowledge systematically; and using knowledge representation technology to store the knowledge, preserving important relationships that are far richer than those possible in conventional databases. To demonstrate the usefulness of these processes, we present a case study in which the drilling optimization group of a large oil and gas service company uses knowledge engineering practices to support the three facets of the knowledge management task: knowledge capture; knowledge storage; and knowledge deployment.

Cesium Formate: Results and Analysis of Drilling with a New High Density Unweighted Brine

Full scale laboratory experiments were recently conducted to investigate drilling rates achievable with a new, high density, clear brine fluid, Cesium Formate (CsCOOH). These tests were conducted using industry accepted protocols, including bit selection, rock samples drilled, hydraulics, bit loading, and laboratory drilling apparatus. Control experiments using a hematite-weighted water based field mud were also conducted. This paper presents the data with the authors analysis. In addition, the authors discuss related prior work. The fluid of interest consists of a 18.7 ppg Cesium Formate with additives for viscosity and fluid loss control. These tests are believed to have used the highest density drilling fluid ever for published drilling tests conducted in a controlled full scale laboratory environment simulating downhole conditions.

Improved Method for Estimating the Strength of Carbonate Rocks

A substantial number of underground formations penetrated during oil and gas well drilling operations consist of carbonate rocks, limestones and dolomites. Knowledge of their strength can help drill bit and mud weight selection, drilling performance prediction, wellbore stability analysis, and even casing point selection.

Better Knowledge Management Through Knowledge Engineering: A Case Study in Drilling Optimisation

In recent years the term knowledge management has been used to describe the efforts of organisations to capture, store, and deploy knowledge. Most current knowledge management activities rely on database and web technology; currently, few organisations have a systematic process for capturing knowledge, as distinct from data. The paper presents a case study in which knowledge engineering practices are being used to support knowledge management by a drilling optimisation group within a large service company. The three facets of the knowledge management task are illustrated: (1) Knowledge is captured by a knowledge acquisition process in which a conceptual model of aspects of the company’s business domain is used to guide the capture of cases. (2) Knowledge is stored using a knowledge representation language to codify the structured knowledge in a number of knowledge bases, which together comprise a knowledge repository. (3) Knowledge is deployed by running the knowledge bases within a knowledge server, accessible by on the company intranet.

Full-Scale Laboratory Study of the Impact of Drilling Fluid Composition and Properties on Penetration Rates in Brazilian Pre-Salt Carbonates

Massive hydrocarbon reserves exist in the pre-salt carbonate formations in deepwater offshore Brazil. Very low penetration rates, around 2 m/hr, and very high rig costs provide a strong incentive to improve drilling performance here. The work for this paper forms part of a project combining application engineering and laboratory studies to meet this objective. Full-scale laboratory drilling tests were used to benchmark the drilling performance of the drilling system preferred at the start of the project and to investigate the performance potential of new bit designs and different drilling fluids. This paper describes the drilling fluid tests, presents and analyses their results, and draws conclusions on drilling fluid formulation for high penetration rate performance in pre-salt carbonates.