Major operators are using solid expandable tubulars in existing wells to tap added reservoir pay. This use of the technology is the result of close collaboration between the contractor and the operator, particularly the reservoir engineering and drilling departments. Together they have devised plans that maximize the return-on-investment (ROI) and the long term sustainability of the reservoir.

The use of solid expandable tubulars to provide a larger drainhole in existing wellbores is proving to be a considerable benefit to many operators. Aside from the obvious production gains from a larger borehole, the operator also gains on the drilling side of the equation. The larger inside diameter (ID) through the solid expandable casing allows for the use of larger drilling tools. These larger tools typically drill farther and faster than smaller tools and suffer far less non-productive time due to failures.

This paper reviews the value derived from using solid expandable tubulars in the casing design of existing wells with actual case history data. Further, the paper details ancillary benefits that can be factored into the value gained by the operator.

Keywords:
Directional Drilling, solid expandable tubular technology, assembly, wellbore, lateral, hole quality, operator, expandable tubular technology, Upstream Oil & Gas, expandable liner
Subjects:
Well Planning, Drillstring Design, Drill Bits, Drilling Operations, Drilling Equipment, Casing and Cementing, Drill pipe selection, Directional drilling, Directional drilling systems and equipment, Casing design
Copyright 2006, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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