Chap 2

AFPC Drilling Operations Manual
Chapter 2 - Overview of AFPC Drilling Operations
CHAPTER 2
OVERVIEW OF AFPC DRILLING OPERATIONS
Contents
Topic See Page

Chapter Overview 3
Field Overview 5
Overview of Well Specifications and Operational Parameters 8
Special Problems 12
Read this chapter You should read this chapter if you require a general appreciation of AFPC’s Drilling
if... Operations.
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June 1998 Page 1 of 13
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Chapter Overview
Field Overview This chapter provides a general overview for all new drilling staff as newcomers to
AFPC drilling operations. A field overview and two well specification and
operational parameter tables are provided which give a good general appreciation of
formations, casing sizes and setting depths. General drilling operations specifications
required to drill safely and successfully in AFPC are also shown.
Special Problems A summarised list of the major drilling problems encountered in drilling operations is
provided with references for each providing additional detailed information in the
Drilling Operations Manual (DOM) and Well Design Manual (WDM).
Newcomers should read this chapter first to obtain an overall understanding of

drilling operations in AFPC.
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Field Overview
General AFPC has two generic well designs (see Figure 2.1)) known as ‘Small Scheme’ and
‘Large Scheme’ wells.
Small Scheme Application

Wells This is the basic casing scheme and is used in all AFPC vertical/deviated wells where
the Shiranish is hydrostatic and can be drilled with the same low mudweight as
required for the reservoir sections.
Casing Design
Three casings are used:
• conductor
• intermediate casing
• production casing.
Large Scheme Application

Wells This casing design is used in the Greater Omar area where the Shiranish has to be
drilled with the maximum practical mudweight (12.5 ppg versus 14.5 ppg shoe
strength) due to the potential presence of high pressure low volume hydrocarbons
from fractures.
Once the Shiranish has been drilled, an extra casing has to be set to isolate the
Shiranish before drilling the reservoir with much lower mudweights.
In the Greater Omar Area, all formations are encountered significantly deeper than
elsewhere.
Casing Design
Four casings are used:
• conductor
• intermediate casing
• production casing
• production liner.
Continued on next page
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Field Overview
Overview,, Continued
Casing Setting Conductor

Depths It is not possible to cement the intermediate casing to surface (due to losses and
washouts) and consequently a conductor needs to be set to provide wellhead support.
No well control contribution is required. The conductor is set as deep as is required
to isolate the deepest known aquifer (125 - 250m). For exploration wells outside the
known area the conductor should provide diverter control and needs to be set so that
an acceptable shoe strength is obtained. SIEP design criteria shall be applied.
Intermediate Casing
In the current AFPC fields no hydrocarbons with potential to flow have been
encountered from the surface up to and including the Jaddala (> 450 wells). The
intermediate casing is set before the onset of hydrocarbons, typically 100m above the
highest top Aliji.
Production Casing
This section is drilled with full BOP control. In Small Scheme wells this section will
penetrate both Shiranish and objective reservoirs. Final TD is usually determined by
immediate and/or future logging and perforating requirements. In Large Scheme
wells there is a high potential of encountering high pressure (+15 ppg) low volume
gas. To reduce the risk of shoe breakdown at the intermediate shoe, the mudweight is
raised to 12.5 ppg before entering the Lower Shiranish in which most of the influxes
occur. Increasing the mudweight is done gradually while drilling ahead and when
high pressures are encountered in the Upper Shiranish mudweights are sufficient to
prevent high initial closed in pressures. In the Large Scheme wells the Production
casing is set immediately below the Shiranish (ie., 10 m, usually in the Erek
formation). This seals off this section as the reservoir cannot be drilled safely and
economically with the high mudweights. In some cases no Erek (or other seal) exists
between the Shiranish and a potential depleted and/or fractured reservoir. In these
cases drilling ahead for the casing seat is a delicate issue, with risk of high losses
into the reservoir.
Production Liner
In Large Scheme wells the reservoir is drilled and completed with a liner. Final TD is
usually determined by immediate and/or future logging and perforating requirements.
Casing Sizes As a rule the reservoir is completed with 7in casing or liner. Efforts are being made
(Slim, Standard, to slim down. Minimum sizes are governed by completion configuration and the
Big) capability to drill the reservoir with smaller bit sizes. In the past some ‘Small
Scheme’ wells were drilled and completed with 9.5/8in casing in the reservoir for
production requirements. These wells were known as “Modified Big”, but currently
are identified as “Big Small Scheme”. See Figure 2.1.
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Field Overview, Continued
Small Scheme Large Scheme
Standard 'Big' (Modified Big) 'Big' Horizontal Slim Horizontal Standard Large Scheme Slim Large Scheme
Small Scheme Small Scheme
'S' 'S-Big' 'H-Big' 'H-Slim' 'L' 'L-Slim'

13.3/8in 100-250m 18.5/8in 18.5/8in 13.3/8in 18.5/8in 13.3/8in
+/- 850 m 100-250m 100-250m 100-250m 100-250m 100-250m
Fars
Group
+/- 1100m
Jeribe
+/- 1 100 m
Dhiban
Euphrates
9.5/8in +/- 1600 m 13.3/8in 13.3/8in 9.5/8in +/- 1400
Top Aaliji +/- 1700 m +/- 1600 m +/- 1600 m +/- 1600m Chilou
Jaddala
Top Aaliji 13.3/8in +/- 2000 m 9.5/8in +/- 2000 m
+/-2100m
Top Shiranish +/- 2100 m
Top Shiranish
+/- 2500 m
Gas can be present

Shiranish but in general no well Upper Shiranish
control issue Potential high pressure
low volume gas. Drilled
with 12.5 ppg
Top Reservoir+/- 2800-3200 m Lower Shiranish
Reservoir
8.1/2in barefoot9.5/8in 6in barefoot 7in Bottom Shiranish
Seismic Marker 9.5/8in +/- 3500 m 7in +/- 3500 m
Top Reservoir
7in +/- 3500-4200m
9.5/8in
Seismic Marker
7in 4.1/2in
Figure 2.1 Field Overview
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Overview for Well Specifications and Operational Parameters
Standard Large
Scheme
Hole Size Potential Bits Casing Specs Cement Mud Type Mud Weight
in Drilling Problems see DOM 7 see DOM 10 see DOM 11 see DOM 9 ppg
see DOM 5
Stove pipe Installed with

Driven or cellar
Cemented
Severe losses Upper Fars Claystone /Sand / 114 size: 18.5/8in Class G Spud Mud 8.8 - 9.2
Washouts Gysum weight: 55 lbs Weight 14.5 ppg
Drillstring failure Lower Fars Claystone/ 114 grade: J-55 TTOC: Surface
22in Stuck Pipe Anhydrite conn: BTC
Lower Fars Salt Salt / Anhydrite / 114 LOT: n/a
Dolomite Depth: Below
Lower Fars (TZC) Limestone / 114 aquifer
Anhydrite
Potential H2S Jeribe Limestone 114 size: 13.3/8in Lead: Bentonite / 8.8 - 10.0
Losses Dhiban Anhydrite / 445 weight: 68 lbs Class G Organic
Stuck pipe Limestone / grade: N-80 Weight 12.1 ppg Polymer
Drill Failure Dolomite conn: BTC
Euphrates Limestone / 445 Leak off objective Tail:
17.1/2in Dolomite 14.5 ppg Class G
No problems Chilou Limestone 445 Weight: 15.8 ppg
Jaddala Limestone / 445 TTOC +/-1000m
Chert
Soft sticky formations Jaddala Limestone / 437 size: 9.5/8in Lead: Bentonite 9.2-10 ppg (12 ppg
Potential H2S Chert weight: 47 lbs Class G Polymer from 200 m above
Shiranish Gas Aaliji Limestone 645 grade: L-80 Weight 14.5 ppg the Shiranish
Losses Upper Shiranish Limestone 645 conn: NVAM
12./14in Lower Shiranish Limestone 645 x/o: 1200-2000m Tail:
Erek Limestone / 537 weight : 53.50 lbs Class G
Mudstone grade: P-110 Weight 15.8 ppg
Potential gas filled conn: NVAM TTOC +/- 2500m
formations
Losses
Unstable formation
Hole collapse Erek Limestone / 537 size: 7in Class G OBM 8.6
Losses Mudstone weight: 29 lbs (70/30 OWR)
Unstable formation R'Mah Limestone / 537 grade: L-80 Weight: 15.8 ppg or
Hole collapse Chert conn: NVAM Glycol / KCl
Losses Derro Limestone / 537 TOL: +/- 3 440m TTOC: TOL
Losses Chert
Post Judea Sandstone Sandstone 537 8.8
Post Judea Carbonate Dolomite / 537
8.1/2in Abrasive formation Limestone
Low ROP Mudstone /
Upper Rutbah\ Claystone / 537/
Differential Sticking Siltstone / 617
Lower Rutbah Sand / 537/
Sandstone 617
Mulussa G, F Interbedded / 537/
Unstable Shales E, D & Daubayyat Claystone / 617
Sloughing at water Dolomite /
Contact Siltstone
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Parameters,, Continued
Standard Large
Scheme, continued
Hole Size BOP’s Logging Final Surveying BHA Recommended Flow Rate
in see DOM 13 see DOM 12 (normal requirments) (suggested) (gpm)
see DOM 8 see DOM 6 Vertical Deviated
Stove pipe
Driven or
Cemented
Tri-cone bit
BS with float - STAB max 1 000 max 1 000
1 x 9.1/2in DC
22in STAB - 9.1/2in
and 8.1/4in DC’s
as required.
USI casing wear if required MWD or EMMS every 30 m Tri-cone bit

NBSTAB with float 1 000 1 000
Shock sub
STAB-1 x 9.1/2in DC
STAB 3 x 9.1/2in DC
17.1/2in STAB-4 x 9.1/2in DC
XO - 2 x 8.1/2in DC
STAB - 8 x 8.1/2in DC
XO - 15 x HWDP
WOB: 34 Tons
13.5/8in BOP's (top to bottom) PI/LDL/CNL/GR MWD or EMMS every 30 m Tri-cone bit 750 800
13.5/8in Annular 5000 psi Casing wear and cement NBSTAB with float
Test 1500 psi evaluation Shock sub
13.5/8in pipe 10 000 psi USI and CET STAB-1 x 9.1/2in DC
12./14in Test 5000 psi STAB 3 x 9.1/2in DC
13.5/8in shear 10 000 psi STAB-4 x 9.1/2in DC
Test 5000 psi XO - 2 x 8.1/2in DC
13.5/8in pipe 10 000 psi STAB - 8in DC
Test 5000 psi XO - 15 x HWDP
WOB: 34 Tons
13.5/8in Annular 5000 psi USI casing wear NBSTAB - 1 x 6.1/4in DC
Test 1500 psi After reaching 8.1/2in TD OR PONY DC
13.5/8in pipe 10 000 psi CBL inside 9.5/8in casing STAB - 1 x 6.1/4in DC
Test 5000 psi STAB - 4 x 6.1/4in DC
13.5/8in shear 10 000 psi STAB - 15 x 6.1/4in DC
Test 5000 psi 15 x HWDP
13.5/8in psipe 10 000 psi WOB: 16-19 Tons
8.1/2in Test 5000 psi
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Standard Small
Scheme
Hole Size Potential Bits Casing Specs Cement Mud Type Mud Weight
in Drilling Problems see DOM 7 see DOM 10 see DOM 11 see DOM 9 ppg
see DOM 5
Stove pipe Installed with

Driven or cellar
Cemented
Severe losses Upper Fars Claystone /Sand / 437 size: 13.3/8in Class G Spud Mud 8.8 - 9.2
W ashouts Gysum weight: 68 lbs Weight 14.5 ppg
Drillstring failure Lower Fars Claystone/ 437 grade: N-80 TTOC: Surface
17.1/2 Stuck Pipe Anhydrite conn: BTC
Lower Fars Salt Salt / Anhydrite / 437 LOT: n/a
Dolomite
Lower Fars (TZC) Limestone / 437
Anhydrite
Jeribe Limestone 114/437 size: 9.5/8in Lead: Bentonite / 8.8 - 10.0

Dhiban Anhydrite / 437/517 weight: 47 lbs Class G Organic
Potential H2S Limestone / grade: L-80 Weight 12.1 ppg Polymer
Losses Dolomite conn: NVAM
12.1/4 Euphrates Limestone / 437/517 LOT: 12.5 ppg Tail:
Dolomite Class G
Chilan Limestone 437/517 Weight: 15.8 ppg
Jaddala Limestone / 437/517 TTOC +/-1000m
No problems Chert
Jaddala Limestone / 437 size: 7in Class G OBM 8.6

Chert weight: 29 lbs Weight 15.8 ppg
Soft sticky formations Aaliji Limestone 645 grade: L-80 TTOC +/-2500 m (70/30 OWR)
Potential H2S Upper Shiranish Limestone 645 conn: NVAM
8.1/2 Shiranish Gas Lower Shiranish Limestone 645 or
Losses
Erek PHPA / KCl 8.8
Potential gas filled R'Mah
formations Derro
Post Judea Sandstone
Unstable formation Post Judea Carbonate
Hole collapse Upper Rutbah\
Lower Rutbah
Abrasive formation Mulussa G, F
Differential Sticking E, D & Daubayyat
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Standard Small
Scheme, continued
Hole Size BOP’s Logging Final Surveying BHA Recommended Flow Rate
in see DOM 13 see DOM 12 (normal requirments) (suggested) (gpm)
see DOM 8 see DOM 6 Vertical Deviated
Stove pipe
Driven or
Cemented
Tri-cone bit
BS with float - STAB 1 000 1 000
1 x 9.1/2in DC
17.1/2 STAB - 9.1/2in
and 8.1/4in DC’s
as required.
13.5/8in Annular 5000 psi USI & CET NBSTAB with float
Test 1500 psi Shock sub
13.5/8in pipe 10 000 psi STAB-1 x 9.1/2in DC
12.1/4 Test 5000 psi STAB 3 x 9.1/2in DC
13.5/8in shear 10 000 psi STAB-4 x 9.1/2in DC
Test 5000 psi XO - 2 x 8.1/2in DC
13.5/8in pipe 10 000 psi STAB - 8 x 8.1/2in DC
Test 5000 psi XO - 15 x HWDP
WOB: 34 Tons
13.5/8in Annular 5000 psi After reaching 8.1/2in TD NBSTAB - 1 x 6.1/4in DC
Test 1500 psi CBL inside 9.5/8in OR PONY DC
13.5/8in pipe 10 000 psi casing STAB - 1 x 6.1/4in DC
8.1/2 Test 5000 psi STAB - 4 x 6.1/4in DC
13.5/8in shear 10 000 psi STAB - 15 x 6.1/4in DC
Test 5000 psi 15 x HW DP
13.5/8in psipe 10 000 psi WOB: 16-19 Tons
Test 5000 psi
PDC bit
NBSTAB - 1 x 6.1/4in DC
OR PONY DC
15 x HW DP
WOB: 16 Tons
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Special Problems
Shiranish Gas Large and Small Scheme wells have to drill the Shiranish formation. The formation
Kicks is classified into ‘Upper’ and ‘Lower’. In large scheme wells this formation contains
high pressure low volume gas contained in fractures which exist throughout the
formation.
In the event Shiranish gas is encountered it is important to deplete the gas and the
apparent flow of the well before drilling on. The depletion process can take a long
time (days). An feature of this phenomenon is the tendency for the WBM, which is
used to drill the section, to turn into ‘foam’ when Shiranish gas is encountered.
In Small Scheme wells kicks can be followed by losses. Drilling can continue with
losses and gains on connections.
For additional information see

• DOM, Chapter 5, General Drilling Practice, Large Scheme Wells - Introduction
and 12.1/4in Hole and Small Scheme Wells 4 - 8.1/2in Hole Section
• DOM, Chapter 13, Well Control, Potential Problems 2 - Shiranish Gas..
Foaming of WBM As described in Shiranish Gas Kicks,, the mud foaming can be a serious problem
while drilling through the Shiranish formation.
Details on the effects and treatment of the mud can be found in DOM, Chapter 9,
Drilling Fluid and Hydraulics, Water Based Muds 2 - Emulsification.
Slow Drilling in Slow drilling in the reservoir section can be a problem in Large Scheme wells but is
Reservoir not such a problem in the Small Scheme wells.
Normally ROP’s vary between 1-2 m/hr, although rates between 0.2 m/hr - 5 m/hr
have been observed.
Gauge wear on bits is the main problem.
Sustained attention to optimum bit choice, hydraulics, drilling parameter

optimisation and minimising vibrations at the bit are required to improve ROP.
Drillstring Failure Drillstring failures tend to occur in the surface hole sections of large scheme wells.
Recommendations to reduce the likelihood of failures can be found in DOM,
Chapter 5, General Drilling Practices - Appendix C - Drillstring Vibration
Control.
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Special Problems
Problems,, Continued
Stuck Pipe For all well types the most significant problem is across the sticky ‘Euphrates’
formation. Other formations also demonstrate the potential for sticking pipe.
Additional details can be found in DOM, Chapter 5, General Drilling Practices,

High Angle and Horizontal Wells and DOM, Chapter 15, Stuck Pipe, Appendix A,
Formation Related Problems and Precautionary Measures
Hydrogen Miocene reservoirs contain H2S in Al Kharrata, Ash Shola and An Nishan fields.
Sulphide However, H2S is not observed when drilling Large/Small scheme wells through the
Miocene in Thayyem.
Most reservoirs have some H2S after they have been in production, however it is
normally only seen on workovers.
Losses Losses are likely in all wells. For additional information see DOM, Chapter 5,
General Drilling Practices, Appendix B, Field Experiences.
Casing Wear Casing Wear is a recognised hazard in AFPC drilling operations.
AFPC has experienced severe casing wear in vertical wells. However, improvements
have been seen with the introduction of smooth banding on all drillpipe.
Casing wear is monitored daily on all wells. Horizontal wells, particularly with the
current well designs are a particular concern, as twice as much drilling and over
three times as much tripping is done through the intermediate casing.
For more detailed information see DOM, Chapter 5, General Drilling Practices,
Casing Wear 1- 4 and High Angle and Horizontal Wells 1 - General Guidelines
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AFPC Drilling Operations Manual

Chapter 2 - Overview of AFPC Drilling Operations

OVERVIEW OF AFPC DRILLING OPERATIONS

Topic See Page

Newcomers should read this chapter first to obtain an overall understanding of

Small Scheme Application

Large Scheme Application

Continued on next page

Casing Setting Conductor

Continued on next page

Small Scheme Large Scheme

'S' 'S-Big' 'H-Big' 'H-Slim' 'L' 'L-Slim'

Gas can be present

Figure 2.1 Field Overview

Stove pipe Installed with

Continued on next page

USI casing wear if required MWD or EMMS every 30 m Tri-cone bit

Continued on next page

Stove pipe Installed with

Jeribe Limestone 114/437 size: 9.5/8in Lead: Bentonite / 8.8 - 10.0

Jaddala Limestone / 437 size: 7in Class G OBM 8.6

Continued on next page

For additional information see

Gauge wear on bits is the main problem.

Sustained attention to optimum bit choice, hydraulics, drilling parameter

Continued on next page

Additional details can be found in DOM, Chapter 5, General Drilling Practices,

Casing Wear Casing Wear is a recognised hazard in AFPC drilling operations.

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