David W. Raymond

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) well construction technology evaluation report.

A synopsis of a report evaluating well construction technology for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) is presented. The assessment of well construction technology had two primary objectives: 1. Determining the ability of existing technologies to develop EGS wells. 2. Identifying critical well construction research lines and development technologies that are likely to enhance prospects for EGS viability and improve overall economics. Towards these ends, a methodology was followed in which a case study was developed to systematically and quantitatively evaluate EGS well construction technology needs. This paper provides an overview of the analysis and highlights key findings.

Laboratory Simulation of Drill Bit Dynamics Using a Model-Based Servohydraulic Controller

Drilling costs are significantly influenced by bit performance when drilling in offshore formations. Retrieving and replacing damaged downhole tools is an extraordinarily expensive and time-intensive process, easily costing several hundred thousand dollars of offshore rig time plus the cost of damaged components. Dynamic behavior of the drill string can be particularly problematic when drilling high strength rock, where the risk of bit failure increases dramatically. Many of these dysfunctions arise due to the interaction between the forces developed at the bit-rock interface and the modes of vibration of the drill string. Although existing testing facilities are adequate for characterizing bit performance in various formations and operating conditions, they lack the necessary drill string attributes to characterize the interaction between the bit and the bottom hole assembly (BHA). A facility that includes drill string compliance and yet allows real-rock/bit interaction would provide an advanced practical understanding of the influence of drill string dynamics on bit life and performance. Such a facility can be used to develop new bit designs and cutter materials, qualify downhole component reliability, and thus mitigate the harmful effects of vibration. It can also serve as a platform for investigating process-related parameters, which influence drilling performance and bit-induced vibration to develop improved practices for drilling operators. The development of an advanced laboratory simulation capability is being pursued to allow the dynamic properties of a BHA to be reproduced in the laboratory. This simulated BHA is used to support an actual drill bit while conducting drilling tests in representative rocks in the laboratory. The advanced system can be used to model the response of more complex representations of a drill string with multiple modes of vibration. Application of the system to field drilling data is also addressed.

Analysis of Coupling Between Axial and Torsional Vibration in a Compliant Model of a Drillstring Equipped With a PDC Bit

In this paper, we discuss results of rock drilling tests at Sandia National Laboratories’ Hard Rock Drilling Facility (HRDF). The HRDF incorporates a drillstring with axial and torsional compliance and is equipped with a coring bit having PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) cutters. We measure and analyze chatter and show evidence of stick-slip as well as coupling between axial and torsional vibrations. We show the coupling signature in axial vibration data in the form of side bands indicating frequency modulation at the torsional natural frequency. The influence of operating conditions on the bit response is shown.Copyright

Port function based modeling and control of an autonomously variable spring to suppress self-excited vibrations while drilling

Self-excited vibrations are a major problem for rotary drilling. They may be mitigated by introducing adjustable compliance near the bottom of the drillstring, but it is challenging to identify the appropriate stiffness, particularly in situ and with limited available data on the rapidly-changing overall system dynamics. We describe an approach to modeling and simulating self-excited vibrations in drillstrings. Our approach uses impedance and admittance port functions to represent and systematically combine subsystems, and integrates established models for drillstring vibrations and rock / bit interactions. Simulations predict that intermediate stiffnesses provide better stability than either compliant or stiff extremes, which aligns with results from earlier work. Results also indicate that at least two different mechanisms limit stability in different stiffness regimes, producing significant differences in the relationship between vibration frequency and controlled module stiffness. This suggests a potential means of developing autonomous stiffness controllers that depend only on measurements taken at the variable stiffness module, without requiring a dynamic model of the rest of the drillstring.

Development of a Mine Rescue Drilling System (MRDS)

Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) has a long history in developing compact, mobile, very high-speed drilling systems and this technology could be applied to increasing the rate at which boreholes are drilled during a mine accident response. The present study reviews current technical approaches, primarily based on technology developed under other programs, analyzes mine rescue specific requirements to develop a conceptual mine rescue drilling approach, and finally, proposes development of a phased mine rescue drilling system (MRDS) that accomplishes (1) development of rapid drilling MRDS equipment; (2) structuring improved web communication through the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) web site; (3) development of an improved protocol for employment of existing drilling technology in emergencies; (4) deployment of advanced technologies to complement mine rescue drilling operations during emergency events; and (5) preliminary discussion of potential future technology development of specialized MRDS equipment. This phased approach allows for rapid fielding of a basic system for improved rescue drilling, with the ability to improve the system over time at a reasonable cost.