IADC/SPE 59230
A Stick-slip Analysis Based on Rock/Bit Interaction:
Theoretical and Experimental Contribution
N. Challamel, SPE, H. Sellami, E. Chenevez, CGES, Paris School of Mines and L. Gossuin, Security DBS
Copyright 2000, IADC/SPE Drilling Conference
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2000 IADC/SPE Drilling Conference held in New
Orleans, Louisiana, 23–25 February 2000.
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analysis bit stick-slip motion by
using rock mechanics considerations coupled with field
bottomhole data.
The data was collected using an instrumented PDC bit. This
new tool enables to measure accelerations, Weight-On-Bit
(WOB) and Torque-On-Bit (TOB) directly above the bit. Tests
were conducted in Montrose (Scotland) at about 700 m depth in
a consolidated Devonien sandstone. During several hours of
testing, the sensitivity to operating and different structural
parameters was evaluated. The effect of stick-slip on Rate Of
Penetration (ROP) was quantified: ROP is really affected by this
dynamical phenomenon which appears above a certain Weight-
On-Bit threshold.
Two stages rule the drillstring behaviour. The stationary
behaviour (small oscillation of the rotation bit speed around the
mean value) is described by modal analysis. Experimental
frequencies are in agreement with the theoretical natural ones.
A perturbation of the operating parameters (generally an
increasing of the WOB) makes the system bifurc towards stick-
slip. The dynamical system is now governed by a non linear
autonomous boundary condition, linked to the rock/bit interac-
tion. Rock mechanics considerations justifie such a law.
Numerical simulations converge on stick-slip, typical limit cycle
experimentally exhibited.
The last analysis is focused on an analysis of “drill-off test”.
In this operating stage, the rock/bit interaction function
changes. Numerical simulations, justified by clearly experimen-
tal evidence, show the benefit effect of such a test, which
stabilizes the system. A discussion on the effect of the stabilizers
and bit type follows as well as how to attenuate this non linear
phenomenon.
Introduction
This paper deals with drillstring torsional oscillations, even
known as stick-slip motion of the bit. In this case, the rotary
speed of the bit oscillates with a large amplitude, even when the
rotation speed is constant at surface. Sometimes, the bit speed
oscillates so much that it can be at rest for a while, as if it has
been plugged into the formation. The bit can rotate at two times
the surface speed, few instant later. This is called “stick-slip”.
The study is applied to PDC (Polycristalline Diamond Compact)
bits although some analogies to roller bits could be pertinent. A
lot of studies have been devoted to lateral and axial vibrations
despite it is difficult to quantify the rock/bit interaction in some
instability cases (bit whirling or bit bouncing). Bit bouncing is
more specially specific to roller bits. Moreover, some real bit
design improvements reduced the tendency of the bit to whirl1.
Rock/bit interaction is often considered as one of the major
parameter which induces stick-slip but the fundamental
mechanism of self-excited torsional vibrations is not yet
explained using rock mechanics considerations. We have chosen
such a description, justified by theoretical and experimental
investigations.
Severe torsional drillstring vibrations can affect drillpipe and
also PDC bit life detrimentally. Empirically, these vibrations are
associated with accelerated PDC bit wear. It is possible that this
accelerated wear results from torsional vibrations, particularly
because it is theoretically possible for the bit actually to spin
backward at some point during a cycle2. These vibrations affect
the Rate Of Penetration (ROP) and can occur more than 50 %
of the total time of a classical rig step3. The genesis of stick-slip
has to be really understood to improve the drilling perfor-
mances.
Stick-slip phenomenon is a typical non linear phenomenon,
encountered in different mechanics problems. It concerns
general dynamics tribology. For instance, such a model can
describe the earthquake mechanism4 in rock mechanics. That’s
why most previous literature attributed these torsional vibrations
to static friction effect5. Such an explanation is nevertheless not
acceptable. Drilling is a penetration process, even in a stick-slip