directional drilling training manual baker

The Baker Directional Drilling Training Manual provides comprehensive guidance on directional drilling techniques, equipment operation, safety procedures, and best practices for oil and gas well drilling operations. This manual covers fundamental principles, advanced directional control methods, measurement while drilling (MWD) systems, bottom hole assembly (BHA) configurations, and operational troubleshooting. Below are key sections covering safety, equipment, procedures, calculations, and field operations.

Introduction to Directional Drilling

Directional drilling involves controlling the direction and deviation of a wellbore to reach subsurface targets. Key components: Rotary steerable systems, mud motors, MWD tools, and survey instruments.

Safety Procedures

Follow all safety protocols during directional drilling operations.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and fire-resistant clothing.
2. Pressure Testing: Conduct proper pressure tests on all downhole tools and connections.
3. Tool Handling: Use proper lifting techniques and equipment for heavy BHA components.
4. Emergency Procedures: Know location of emergency shutdown controls and evacuation routes.

WARNING! High pressure systems can cause serious injury; always follow pressure control procedures.

Equipment Overview

Proper equipment selection and maintenance are critical for successful directional drilling.

1. MWD Systems: Select appropriate measurement tools based on well requirements.
2. Mud Motors: Choose motor power sections based on formation hardness and flow rates.
3. Survey Tools: Calibrate and verify all directional survey instruments.
4. BHA Components: Select stabilizers, drill collars, and subs based on trajectory requirements.

CAUTION! Always inspect equipment for wear and damage before running in hole.

Basic Principles

• Well Planning: Design well trajectory considering target depth, displacement, and dogleg severity.
• Survey Calculations: Use minimum curvature method for accurate well path calculations.
• Tool Face Control: Maintain proper tool face orientation for directional control.
• Formation Evaluation: Interpret formation characteristics while drilling.
• Hydraulics: Optimize flow rates for efficient hole cleaning and motor performance.
• Torque and Drag: Monitor and manage string forces during drilling operations.
• Wellbore Stability: Maintain wellbore integrity through proper mud properties.
• Kick Detection: Implement proper well control procedures and monitoring.

Advanced Techniques

Advanced directional drilling methods for complex well profiles.

Horizontal Drilling: Extended reach drilling with precise lateral placement. Multilateral Wells: Multiple branches from single main bore. Extended Reach: Drilling beyond conventional reach limitations. Geo-steering: Real-time trajectory adjustment based on formation evaluation.

Rotary Steerable: Continuous rotation with directional control. Push-the-bit: Deflects bit through side force. Point-the-bit: Orients bit in desired direction. Hybrid Systems: Combines multiple steering technologies.

BHA Configurations

Bottom Hole Assembly design for various directional applications.

1. Turn off pumps and secure equipment before BHA changes.
2. Select appropriate BHA based on well profile and formation characteristics.
3. Assemble components in correct sequence with proper torque values.
4. Conduct function tests before running in hole.

Tip: Document BHA configurations and performance for future reference.

MWD/LWD Systems

Measurement While Drilling and Logging While Drilling systems provide real-time downhole data.

1. System Setup: Install and configure MWD tools in non-magnetic drill collar.
2. Data Transmission: Monitor mud pulse or electromagnetic signal quality.
3. Survey Management: Take surveys at recommended intervals for trajectory control.
4. Quality Control: Verify survey data accuracy and reliability.
5. Real-time Monitoring: Monitor drilling parameters and formation evaluation data.
6. Tool Maintenance: Follow manufacturer guidelines for tool care and calibration.
7. Battery Management: Monitor and replace power sources as needed.
8. Data Interpretation: Analyze real-time data for drilling optimization.

WARNING! Always follow pressure and temperature limits for MWD tools.

Operational Procedures

Standard operating procedures for directional drilling operations.

Troubleshooting

Common directional drilling problems and solutions.

CAUTION! Always analyze root causes before implementing corrective actions.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance procedures for directional drilling equipment.

CAUTION! Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules and use only approved replacement parts.

Field Applications

Best Practices: Continuous training and technology adoption for improved performance.

Technical Support: Contact Baker Hughes technical services for specialized assistance.