Reference no: EM132403481 , Length: word count:1200
Exercise - A small national oil company is losing a significant amount of rig time overcoming stuck-pipe problems in its offshore drilling operations.
As a drilling management consultant, you have been asked to propose to the NOC general management a high level action plan to reduce the number of stuck pipe incidents significantly.
To date the company has supplied you with the following information: The main problem is inadequate hole cleaning in directional wells, leading to repeated pack-offs and bridges, especially in the 17.1/2" build sections and 12.1/4" tangent sections, where inclinations are typically (450 - 600). Well depths range from 5,500 - 6,500 ft TVD BRT and 8,000 - 10,000 ft MD BRT. Conventional sliding drilling technology is used for all directional work. Water depths are typically 150 - 250 ft.
The company's drilling department operates one offshore jack-up rig which was built in 1987. It is equipped with a Kelly drive system. The rig crews are employees of the NOC. They are experienced but by all accounts not particularly well motivated.
Any proposals for radical changes to current drilling practices are likely to be met with a combination of mild resentment and reluctant cooperation from the current offshore drilling staff. NOC's senior management is conservative in outlook but under considerable pressure from the country's new government to improve productivity and profitability.
It is suggested the total word count for your action plan should not exceed 1200 words.