Casing Program and Well Cost Optimization Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a Mechanical Earth Model (MEM)?

To predict wellbore stability

Which two components are required to construct a MEM?

Rock properties and state of stress

How can rock properties be obtained for MEM construction?

By using sonic logs, image logs, and formation logs

What is the primary reason for establishing a MEM during drilling operations?

To derive the safe mud weight window Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about wells with anomalous pore pressure and fracture gradients is true?

They require a detailed MEM for safe drilling Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of calibrating a MEM using 3D finite element analysis (FEA)?

To predict wellbore stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of a rigorous pre-drill pore pressure prediction coupled with real-time pore pressure analysis?

Reducing the risk of taking costly and dangerous kicks Signup and view all the answers

Why is a good mechanical earth model (MEM) essential for some wells in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico?

To ensure the well can be drilled safely and economically Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major consequences of wellbore instability?

Costly stuck pipe incidents and lost bottom hole assemblies Signup and view all the answers

What is required to complete a well on time and within budget, according to the text?

Minimizing non-productive time associated with wellbore instability Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in determining whether a field can be economically developed?

The severity of wellbore stability problems encountered Signup and view all the answers

What is required for thorough pre-spud planning, according to the text?

An understanding of the field's geomechanics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of building a mechanical earth model during the well planning phase?

To estimate the safe mud weight window Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does the mechanical earth model contain, besides stratigraphic information?

Mechanical parameters, stress state, and failure mechanics Signup and view all the answers

How is the mechanical earth model linked to the local geological structure?

Through seismic data and local stratigraphy Signup and view all the answers

What is the key benefit of using the mechanical earth model during the early field delineation phase?

It accelerates learning about the field over its life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drilling planning and execution decisions is the mechanical earth model most commonly used for?

Estimating the safe mud weight window Signup and view all the answers

How does the mechanical earth model help improve the stability of complex wells?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mechanical Earth Model (MEM)

A numerical representation of in situ stresses and rock mechanical properties for a specific stratigraphic section in a field or basin
Linked to geologic structure through local stratigraphy and seismic data
Contains mechanical parameters, stress state in the rock, and failure mechanics for various decisions

Building a Mechanical Earth Model

A 2-step process: obtaining rock properties and getting the state of stress
Rock properties obtained through sonic log, ITT, formation log, etc.
State of stress obtained through geological model, pore pressure, tectonics, etc.
Calibrated via 3D FEA to predict wellbore stability

Importance of MEM in Drilling

Helps estimate safe mud weight window, reducing well construction costs and improving safety
Enables pre-drill pore pressure and fracture gradient prediction, reducing risks and costs
Critical in deepwater drilling, such as in the Gulf of Mexico
Reduces non-productive time associated with wellbore instability and unexpected pore pressure regimes

MEM in Well Planning and Execution

Informs decisions on well placement, mud weight, and casing design
Helps identify drilling risks and geological hazards
Enables contingency planning for handling those risks
Requires thorough pre-spud planning and understanding of the field's geomechanics

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