SPE 130523

Research of Conductor Setting Depth Using Jetting in the Surface of

Deepwater
Yang Jin, SPE, China U. of Petroleum, Beijing; Liu Shujie, Zhou Jianliang, and Wang Pingshuang, CNOOC
Research Centre; Tang Haixiong and Luo Junfeng, Shenzhen Limited Branch Company, CNOOC; Zhang Bailing
and Zhou Changsuo China U. of Petroleum, Beijing
Copyright 2010, Society of Petroleum Engineers
This paper was prepared for presentation at the CPS/SPE International Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition in China held in Beijing, China, 810 June 2010.
This paper was selected for presentation by a CPS/SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not
been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
The tripping technology using jet conduit in construction of deepwater drilling is a key technology, In this paper, the
relationship between the jet catheter lateral friction and the properties of the seabed soil is studied through theoretical research
and analysis and field simulation test, The relation model of lateral friction in the sandy soil and clay conduit and the
consolidation time has been established.Combined with construction process of deep-water jet catheter,an analysis of force
situation during the process of drilling pipe jet was carried out,and a calculation model of the tripping in depth of jet catheter.
To combine a deep-water exploration well in the South China Sea with the specific circumstances of, from the depth into the
mud of drilling jet catheter, drilling assembly, Optimization of drilling parameters and the main points of the construction of
jet catheter tripping in, Etc. Explored the technical skill under the jet method surface casing, shows the construction of drilling
jet catheter site specific measures.
Introduction
Since the 90s of last century, deep-water oil exploration become a hot topic day by day, discovery of oil around the world
more and more from the deep-water region. During the past 10 years , about 9.22 billion square of oil equivalent of oil and gas
resources was found in the area of deep water of the world, and more than a half of the world's total reserves discovered
.Chinese offshore oil exploration in the past have been concentrated in coastal areas of the continental shelf water the depth of
which is less than 400m(Pettingill H S, 2001) .But in Chinese vast deep sea ,the depth of accounting for 75% of the South
China Sea and East China Sea area is greater than 500m . The exploration and development of oil and gas resources is very
urgent in order to satisfy the demand for oil to the country's rapid economic growth (Yang Jin, 2008).
Floating deep sea drilling unit (including drilling ships and semi-submersible drilling platform ) using conventional
catheter into the surface under way causes some very thorny problems. Firstly, while drilling the borehole, wall erosion easily
appears (Potbelly ) because the stratum is soft, even the phenomenon of collapse; Second , due to the impact of currents and
swell, in spite of underwater monitoring system (ROV) of assistance, guide shoe is still difficult to align wellhead ; In order to
solve these problems, under normal circumstances will be delayed for several hours or even tens of hours, sometimes it must
be out of service because the wellhead can't be found.
Third, because of hole anomaly or limitations of excess slurry volume in well cementing operation is easy to achieve the
back to the high cement and will not reach design requirement, lead up to cementing operation failed; Fourth, if this
conventional method is used in site operations, it is easy to arise time efficiency is low and high cost of operation from that
situation.
Offshore drilling operations in the general, boreholes and tripping operation and cementing operations usually need to use
1.5 to 2.5 days .According to incomplete statistics in Eastern South Sea with the semi-submersible drilling platform drilling
boreholes and under the duct and cementing operations, the average operating time for 53 hours, equivalent to 2.2 days
.General semi-submersible drilling rigs operating costs of about 100000-200000 U.S. dollars(Xu Rongqiang, 2007)based on
the calculation, operating costs of approximately 200000-500000 U.S. dollars in the operation of Each wells conduit . But also
in the deep water region, because of the possible existence of instability in the sea-bed, formation fracture pressure low,
hydrate plug, shallow water flow hazards, seabed temperature change and other issues, conventional piling, drilling, cementing

SPE 130523

operations after tripping in of catheter are often difficult into practice, high-risk operations for the high cost of deep-water
drilling is clearly inappropriate to.
Technical Aspect of Tripping in of Catheter in Deepwater
Technical Aspect Both at Home and Abroad.
In the late 1980s, conductor setting depth using jetting drilling in deepwater began to carry out research and application of
. U.S. WRITER Company research and development a unit named JET/DRILLCASING for floating drilling unit and push
into market, solve the technical problems caused by conventional methods and improve the timeliness of the on-site operations
and improve the efficiency of field operations, six oil fields of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico first one to apply the technology in
received a good value for money ,therefore, the technology quickly spread and promotion of.
At homebecause there are a small number of deep-water drilling, in 2007 the first deep water well in China was drilled
only by HUSKY in the South China Seathe depth of which is 1482 meters, and the depth of the well finished drilling is
3843 meters .
Drilling Catheter Technique Using Jetting Technology.
Surface conductor is tripped in place by jetting mode, utilizing water-jet and the gravity of conductor string , we can tap
by jetting and trip in the catheters simultaneously, and trip in the drilling tool assembly in the jetting catheter column to
Enhance safety and the working efficiency effectively at the same time. When drilling to the preplanned depth, make the
conductor string static, utilize the adhesion friction force of the seabed surface soil to make the catheter firmthen trip in the
tools out of hand and trip out the drilling tool in the conductor to complete installation of the surface conductor. The model of
jet drilling is shown in Figure.1.
Advantages on the jetting conductor: 1) conductors can be tripped in during drilling by use of the jetting conductor
technology and solve the difficult problem that the wellheads are hard to find when the conductors are to be tripped in after
drilling on the deepwater surface. 2) The jetting conductor technology will save the drilling time at least 12 hours. The drilling
project which costs millions of dollars a day will attain considerable economic benefit. 3) There is no need to do well
cementation ,and it can prevent the break of stratum in routine well cementation because the density of the cement paste is too
large, at the same time it can prevent the wellhead to sink because of low temperature and other influence factors on cementing
quality. 4) Field operation is convenient and aging effectiveness is high if jetting conductor technology is used with a good
prospect of application.

Fig. 1 The model of jet drilling

Determination Method of Conductor Setting Depth Using Jetting Drilling in Deepwater

Analysis of Drilling Pipe Load in Jetting Process.
Drilling under the method for the jet catheter, to establish a reasonable depth of drill pipe under the computational model,
must take into account such factors as the conduit surface load, conduit dimensions, conduit and seabed soil cement strength,
the nature of seabed soil and so on.
The main factors of the depth is axial load of conduit, the axial load generally consists of four parts: loading on conduit,
The bottom of the bit pressure, conduit weight, drill string weight and wall friction, as shown in Figure 2.

SPE 130523

Fig.2 Force diagram

Driving Depth Calculation Method of Drilling Riser.

According to the drill conductor force analysis shown on Figure.2,
Equation of vertical force balance during jeting tripping in can be obtained

N upN f + Wbit = WconduitWdrill string

Eq.1
In which: Nup:axial load while lifting pipe column ,kN; Wconduit :weight of the conduit in the sea; Wdrill string: the weight of
drill string in the sea; Wbit :pressure stress that exerts on seafloor soil,kN; Nf :lateral friction force on the catheter , kN.
Only when Nf Wcatheter+Wdrill string the catheter will maintain stability and will notsag and collapse.The driving
depth computing model of drilling riser is as follows:
H D f (t ) W 0
Eq.2
Computing model on the minimum driving depth of offshore drilling riser:

H min =

W
D f (t )

Eq.3

In formula Eq.2 and Eq.3 ,W is the given load on the column (including riser deadweight) ,KN;D is outer diameter of the
riser, m. H: the minimum driving depth of drilling riser. H is the driving depth of riser. f(t)is the force of friction applied by
the riser to seabed soil which depends upon how long they have been in touch with.kN/m2.
As seen from formula Eq.3 ,the driving depth of riser have relations with the load on the top of the riser, the diameter of
the riser, the wall thickness of the riser and lateral friction. Eq.3 calculation of Drilling pipe Side-friction force
For the drilling pipe and the surrounding seabed friction between the soil, it has an important factor depend on the rest
time after the jet .From the experiment that conduit and seabed soil consolidation strength of the relationship between
change over time as shown in Figure 3.

Fig.3 Relations between conduit friction and consolidation time Using Jetting

The regular pattern of the friction between pipe pile and seabed soil following the change of time:

= 0.0026 ln(t ) 0.0002

Eq.4

SPE 130523

In the formula, is catheter and seabed soil per unit area between the friction, Mpa; t is catheter and duration of action
between the seabed soil, h.
Based on the above, the result of lateral drilling pipe friction calculationin the process of actual construction site
according to the construction site for a given time to determine a reasonable depth of.
Construction Technology for Jet Catheter in Deepwater
Drilling Tool Combination.
In the South China Sea as an example of a deep-water exploratory well, 36 inches of string combination of borehole just
like Table 1
NO.

Name

26in drill bit

Manufacturer
/Model

Device ID

Hughes
Christensen

6071409

GTX-CG1
2
3
4

A962M5640XP

Schlumberger

01230

A962M5640XP
Floating drilling
coupling

Schlumberger

ARC-9 w/PWD

Schlumberger

SBD7509
3514

ARC-9

6
7
8
9.
10
11

Power Pulse9
25 7/8"
spiral stabilizer
9 1/2" Pony
NMDC
9 1/2" Pony
NMDC
9 1/2" Pony
Steel DC
9 1/2" Pony
Steel DC
2x 9 1/2"
drill collar

15.60

Max. Outside
Diameter,(in)

Bottom Connection
/Top Connection

26.00

3.75

Schlumberger
5

Outside / Inside
Diameter (in)

9.63
7.88
9.56/3.00

Cumulative
Lengm

0.555

0.555

9.24

9.795

0.803

10.598

5.974

16.572

8.601

25.173

7.63Reg Pin
7.63 Reg Box

17.25

7.63 Reg Box

7.63 Reg Pin

9.56

9.00
3.00

Length
(m)

7.63 Reg Pin

10.00

7.63 H90 Box

9.00

7.63 H90 Pin

PowerPulse 900
NF

E0969

Schlumberger

78437-1

9.5/3.06

25.88

7.63Reg Pin/Box

2.805

27.978

Schlumberger

SBD8040

9.56/2.88

9.56

7.63Reg Pin/Box

3.057

31.035

Schlumberger

SBD8041

9.63/2.88

9.63

7.63Reg Pin/Box

3.066

34.101

Schlumberger

OSS0902073A

9.63/2.88

9.63

7.63Reg Pin/Box

2.923

37.024

Schlumberger

OSS0902073B

9.63/2.88

9.63

7.63 Reg Pin/Box

2.922

39.946

Rig

WH95006/95007

9.5/3.00

9.00

7.63 Reg Pin/Box

18.722

58.668

Rig

WH55012

8.25/3.00

8.25

7.63 Reg Pin//6.63

Reg Box

1.224

59.892

473

7.94/2.81

9.56

6.63 Reg Pin/Box

0.436

60.328

254920

7.94/2.88

8.00

6.63 Reg Pin/Box

0.455

60.783

5.90

9.16

7.63 Reg Box

12

Crossover joint

13

Spacer Sub #1

14

Spacer Sub #2

15

hydraulic
mechanical
jar

National-Oilwell

336-80775-20

8.00/2.75

8.16

6.63 Reg Pin/Box

9.556

70.339

16

the lower part

of CADA

Drill Quip

R54-7075

8.00/3.00

8.00

6.63 Reg Pin/Box

2.085

72.424

Drill Quip

R54-7075

8.00/3.00

28.00

6.63 Reg Pin/Box

0.69

73.114

Rig

80019/80012

8.00/2.81

8.00

6.63 Reg Pin/Box

18.795

91.909

55017

8.00/3.00

8.00

6.63 Reg Pin/5.50 FH

Box

1.21

93.119

5.88/4.00

7.00

5.50 FH Pin

129.721

222.84

17
18

the upper
part of CADA
2x8"
drill collar

Weatherford
International
Weatherford
International

19

Crossover joint

Rig

20

14x5 7/8"
Heavy Weight
Drill Pipe

Rig

Total Weight (lbf)

79897

Total Length (m)

222.84

Table 1 The South China Sea deep borehole wells 36in string combinations
Drilling Parameter Optimization
In the construction technology for jet catheter in deepwater, reasonable bit pressure parameters is very important for the

SPE 130523

drilling speed. If the bit pressure imposed by the large, drill bit drilling speed is too large, broken soil crumbs too late to return
to the ground ,extended outside the diameter of wellbore is not enough, leading to the friction force from catheter outer surface
between the seabed soil is too larger, drag increment and work slower.
If the bit pressure imposed by the smaller, drill bit drilling speed is too slow, although the broken crumbs of soil on the
inner tube completely back to the ground, as the drill water boreholes eye a long time Jet, resulted in expansion of borehole
diameter, leading to the friction force from catheter outer surface between the seabed soil is too smaller, construction of postoperation must spend a lot of time waiting for, affect the overall progress of drilling .Therefore, a reasonable bit pressure
parameters is very important.
As an example of a deep-water exploratory well in the South China Sea, the reasonable drilling parameters of depth using
deep-water jet catheter just like Figure 4.

Fig.4 a deep-water exploration wells drilling parameter curves in South China Sea

According to the Seabed soil mechanics properties of deep wellreceive catheter drilling parameter design in
jetting method like Table 2.
Depth into the mud
From(m)
To(m)
0.0
2.4
2.4
3.6
3.6
9.0
9.0
16.0
16.0
38.4
38.4
41.0
41.0
47.0
47.0
53.0
53.0
65.0
65.0
75.1
75.1
79.7
79.7
82.7

Bit
(kN)
0.0
0.0
20.0
20~45
90~180
220~270
220~270
220~270
360~450
360~450
450~550
450~550

Pump Pressure
Mpa
1.3
1.4
1.7
2.1
3.4
5.9
6.9
9.7
9.7
9.7
12.4
12.4

Delivery Capacity
l/s
12.6
12.6
15.8
18.9
31.5
39.4
47.9
50.5
50.5
50.5
50.5
63.1

Table 2 Catheter drilling parameter design in jetting method.

The Main Points of Construction Technology for Jet Catheter in Deepwate
The construction technology for jet catheter in deepwaterProcess more complex .The following is still the South China Sea
as an example to illustrate a deep-water exploration well some of the construction elements of the technology
a. Record the weight of pipe string including the mentioned and the tripping in the weight of;
b. Investigate the use of DSC equipment, water depth and recorded in the DP;
c. Check the tide tables
d. Drill pipe inspection
e. Open the DSC equipment and bring all the pipe string
f. The use of DP Equipment to the last check the exact location of drilling equipmentcheck the use of ROV seabed
wellhead location identification

SPE 130523

g. Lock DSC equipment in accordance with the following start the mud pump rate500gpm, 600gpm, 800gpm,
900gpm
h. In the penetration depth 15m (mud line) position , 3m will be raised in order to break the catheter obstructions;
i. In the penetration depth 26m (mud line) position , 3m will be raised in order to break the catheter obstructions;
j. When the penetration depth of 27m, pump speed increases to 1100gpm
k. When the penetration depth of 30m(BML), will be raised 3-5m on the conduit in order to break obstructions
l. When the closure of the mud pump to continue to raise the catheter(tripping in)3-5m
m. Repeat several times on the catheter to mention (tripping in ) of operation when pump would be closed before the next
one process;
n. When the depth of penetration depth of 2-3m away from the designslowly into the mud line under the 90% of the
pipe string weight, reduce the pump displacement to 250gpm ,until the catheter into the design of the depth of the projected
depth
o. When the 36in catheter is in place, reduce the pump speed to 30gpm, open the DSC equipment
p. Making a connection must adjust the water pump - vertical position every time
q. After the TD, use the ROV inspection of borehole drilling equipment and determine the current location of;
Field Application.
Taking advantage of established computation model of the depth into the mud, one deep well on the South China Sea has been
calculated. The depth of catheter into the mud surface is predicted to be 70 meters, and in practice it is 68.9 meters, so the
calculated depth is very consistent with the actual depth 36in catheter starts the injection drilling from 1374.5 meters to 1443
meters. Anti-Shen plate is about 1.5 meters higher than the sea-bed. Operating points follow: prepare meticulously before
operation to ensure lifter and circulation system safe. Accurate measurement of the length of the 36 in pipe and Stinger strings
is accurate to mm, and it ensures that the drill leakage is around 0.1- 0.2 m. According to the weight of BHA under the catheter
and running tools, accurate calculation of the maximum bit pressure per meter of drilling can be done. Before Jet Drilling
Started, adjust the length of the drill and connect as few columns as possible to ensure that there is also a single root after the
final column to the TD.
Conclusions
According to the relationship between consolidation time after the conduit is tripped in and the properties of submarine soil,
the relation model of lateral friction in the sandy soil and clay conduit and the consolidation time has been established.
Combined with technology characteristics of jetting technology catheters, utilize the material of seabed soil, the
parameters such as bit pressure in the process of construction of catheters tripping in using jetting technology are designed.
According to the process requirements of catheters using jetting technology, the stress feature of pipe column during
jetting catheters are tripping in is researched and analyzed, and calculation model of the setting depth of drilling riser using
jetting technology which affords good results in field application is established.
Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the company of CNOOC (China) Co., Ltd. and Husky Oil China Ltd.
References
Beck R D, Jackson C W, Hamilton T K. Reliable deepwater structural casing installation using controlled jetting [R]. SPE22542, 1991:7584.
Lin GuanghuiCasing While Drilling Technique First Application in China Nanhai.China Offshore Oil and Gas(Engineering), 1996, (8)1
53-58.
Liu Caihong,Yang Jin,Cao Shijing,Optimization study of drilling riser guiding holes,OIL DRILLING & PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY,
1996, (8): 153-58.
Pettingill H S, Weimer P. World-wide deepwater exploration and production: past, present and future [A]. Houston, Texas: 21st Annual
Research Conference, 2001-12.
Xu Rongqiang, Chen Jianbing, Liu Zhengli, Du Wei. The Application of Jetting Technology in Deepwater Drilling. PETROLEUM
DRILLING TECHNIQUES , 200735(3):19-22.
Yang Jin, Cao Shijing. Current situation and developing trend of petroleum drilling technologies in deep water. OIL DRILLING &
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY , 20082: (10-13)
Zhai Huiying, Yang Jin, Zhou Jianliang ,Liu Shujie , Analysis and research of cementing strength tests between water isolation tube and
soil,OIL DRILLING & PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, 1996, (8)153-58.