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Design, Specification, and Implementation of Drilling Operations Database Program

Article · October 1986

DOI: 10.2118/15360-MS

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 SPE
SPE 15360

Design, Specification, and Implementation of Drilling

Operations Database Program
by M.D. Dunn and M.L.Payne,ARCO Oi/& Gas Co,
SPE Members

Copyright 19SS, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This papar was prepared for presentation at the 61 at Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition of the Smiety of Petroleum Engineers held in New
Orteans, LA October 5-8, 1986.

This paper was selacled for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of information contsined in an abslrsct submiltad by the
author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the
author(s). The material, aa preasntsd, doas not naceasarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Enginaara, its officers, or members. Papers
presented at SPE meetings are aubjact to publication review by Editorial Committees of fhe Society of Petroleum Enginaers, Permission to copy is
restricted to an abstract of not more than !300 words. Illustrations may not be copied The abstract should contain :onapicuous acknowledgment of
where and by whom the paper is presented. Writ~ Pubficationa Manager, SPE, P.O. Box 83383S, Richardson, TX 750S2-SS3S. Telex, 730989 SPEDAL.
. .
Abstract system to handle drilling data efficientlyard
quickly, however,would provide an excellenttool
An effective system of managing daily drilling for both engineersand managers.
information generated from the rigsite is a
recognized method of optimizing those same The DrillingDepartmentof ARCO Oil & Gas southern
operations. Such a system would quickly and Districtdesignedand implemented a computersystem
thoroughlyana’.yzedata and present results in a that processesdrillingdata and generatesuaeable
fashionthat would promoteefficientmonitoringof output. The database program is structuredwith
the operation and execution of engineering specific input screens, applicationsubroutines,
analyses. The programwould ccmpilethe data and output repwts, and ad hoc query capability. The
generatereportsthat would permitmore timelyand input includesinitialwell set up, daily drilling
accuratedecisionsby engineersand managers. reports, daily completion reports, casing and
cementingreports,directionalsurveys,and drilling
This type of databasemanagementis very well suited costs The applicationsubroutinesare programs ●

for the computerhardwareand softwareon the market that interface with the database and make
today. Using an integrateddepartmentalsuper-mini engineering calculationsrequired on a routine
computerin ARCO’SSouthernDistrict,a projectwas basis. These ll~~e~!l currently include
executed to automate the processingof drilling hydraulics,well control, surge/swab,and survey
information. This paper covers the conceptual calculations.The output reportsincludedetailed
design, detailed specification ~ and physical parameter and well summaries presented in both
tiplementation of the databasesystem. The process tabular and graphical forms. The reports and
used by ARCO to designand specifythis programwill sumnariesfrequentlyused to monitoroperationsand
benefit drilling personnel involved in managing analyzeproblemshave been automated. In addition,
operational data and costs. the ad hoc query capabilityof the databaseallows
the engineerto reviewany groupof data givena set
of selectionconditions.
I. Introductial
Prior to implementation of this system,engineers
Operatorsand Contractorsare continuallysearching and techniciansspent substantialtime gathering
for ways to improvedrillingoperationsby taking data for variousmanagerialreports,well plans,and
advantage of new technology and maximizing engineering studies. The cctmuon inefficiency
efficiency. To determineefficiencies and progress betweenthesetasks is the time coneunhugnatureto
in improvingoperations,a substantialamount of produce desired results. The sheer volume of
informationmust be monitored and reduced into information makes select ing, gathering, and
bottcm-linefigures. Me of the problemsinherent compilingdata an unattractive and tediousjob. The
to this process is the flow, examination,and positiveaspect of this processis that ccmputers
analysis of informationfrom the wellsite. The can handle this data, and produce results almost
amountof drillinginformation that is generatedfor instantaneously.
a well is so large that canplete engineering
analysis is very laboriousand rafely done. A There is currentlysubstantialindustry activity
involvingthe managementof drillingdata. (he
approach is devfl~~nt of real-tb data
acquisitionsystems‘ ‘ . Anotherapproachis use
 2 DESIGN,IMPLEMENTATION,,
AND SPECIFICATION
OF DRILLINGOPERATIONSDATABASE
. .—
of daiW5drilling informationto compile required
?eports‘ . As a f’irststep, ARCO chose to
emphasize current daily drilling informationard
refine the use of output reports and processing
techniquesto improve managerialand engineering
decisions. Although several ARCO districts,
includingthe SouthernDistrict,have been or are
using real-timedata systems to monitor critical
wells, it has not been completelydefinedhow much
and what type of real-timedata is usefullongterm.
Moreover, computing capacity issues related to
real-timedata acquisition are significant.Once it
has been establishedwhat data is neededand how it
will be used, the gathering,filtering,and storing
of real-timedata will be evaluated.
This projectfirstbegan in 1984,when the Drilling
Departmentstudiedits computingneedsand requested
its own canputer system. After a thorough
hardware/softwareevaluationand lengthy approval
process,a departmentalcanputerwas purchasedin
December,1985. The work on the DatabaseProgram
began in July, 1985, with an initial functional
specificationthat was circulatedfor Department
review. The finalspecification was then completed
and a Requestfor Propxnl (RFP) was sent to eight
candidate contractors. The RFP contained the
functionalspecificationfor tinesystemand detailed
requests for time and cost esttiates, ccmpany
profiles,software standards,product description
I (softwaresource,training,documentation, sup~rt),
and acceptable business conditions (ownership,
licensing rights, maintenance). C2indidates were
evaluatedand a contractorwas aw%rdedthe work in
January, 1986. Fran January to July, 1986 one
consultingprogrammerand one ARCC;drillingengineer
worked to design, develop, ax! implement this
Drilling Database System. The system has been
functionalsinceJune, 1986and benefitsare already
being realized in terms of higher engineering
prmiuctivityand improvedefficiency.
II. ApplicationsofData Compilation
To design an effectiveDatabaseManagementSystem
(DBMS) for ccmpiling and analyzing drilling
information,present uses of the data must be
Understod. The success of the project depended
heavily on precise modeling of the manual data
canpilingprocessesand thoroughunderstandingof
the inter-relationships between input data and
output. Describedbelow are the variousfunctions
to be performedby the proposedsystem.
A. DrillingPostmortemReviews
Since 1978,ARCO’sSouthernDistrictl,=.compileda
PostmortemReviewof each year~sdrillingactivity.
Over the years,this reportevolvedinto a detailed
drillingsummaryservingthe needs of both managers
and engineers. The report contains statistical
swnmariesof time and costs of variousoperational
categories...~ludingaveragecost/footand feet/day
type results. Also includedare summariesof actual
versus predicted time, costs, and depths and
drillingfluid cost ccinparisons.These statistics
1
are used to inform managershow much it costs to
drill and canplete different type wells and to
provide data to more accuratelypredict drilling
times and costs of future wells. Efp’.ciency and
cost analysesare also performedon a rlg basis to
SPE 15360
allowcomparisonof contractorsand selectionof tk
best performingrigsand crews.
From a managerialstandpoint,the report serves a
vital function. Managers are kept informed of
drillingcosts for variouswell types,problemareas
needing improvement,and progress in increasing
efficiencyand economy. The Postmortemalso serves
engineersby summarizing the thne and costsspentin
differentoperations. These sunxnaries are used to
estimatethe potentialbenefitsof new techniques
and tools that are able to contributeto lowerwell
costs. It is also used to identifyproblemareas
and prioritizethe problemsacco~iingto cost.
Although beyond the scope of this paper, it is
importantto realizethat the leverageachievedby
automatingthe processingof drillinginformationin
this project was made possible only because the
methodsof compilingand applyingthe data were well
defined. Methods of processing, presenting,
comparing,and analyzingdrillingperformancedata
is a topic deservingof much more attentionthat
simplycannotbe addressedhere. The point is that
computers only allow faster processingof more
information.Unlessproceduresto processdrilling
informationfrom raw field data to useful results
are developedbeforehand,“computerization” will be
ineffective.
B. OffsetWell Historiesfor Well Planning
Planningfuturewells by researchingwell histories
is anotherimpwtant applicationof drillingdata.
In order to design a useablehole to the proposed
targetfor the lowestcost possible,engineersmust
review drilling reports, geolcgraphcharts, mud
logs, casing/cementingreports, cost statements,
well logs, invoices,etc. To improve performance
and minimizecosts,effortsshouldbe focusedon the
following:
1. Minimize problem thne and cost - Determine
causes of problemand limit futureoccurrences
by identifying early warning signs and/or
factorsthat contributeto problem.
2. Decreaserotatingtime - Analyzeall mechanical,
physical,and chemicalfactorsthat affect ROP
and adjust critical factors to maximize the
drillingrate.
3. Maximize productivityof non-rotatingttie -
Examine practices and time required for
activitiessuch as nippling up, running and
cementing casing, tripping, and legging to
revealareas needingimprovementand to compare
alternativemethods.
4. Utilize the most cost effective service,
equipment,and products- Reviewcasingdesign,
cement volumes,mua : -un, rental equipment
usage, etc. to in: is being used is
necessary and be” ed for the most
economicalprice.
An example where the Eng.,..armust consider the
effects in all four areas is a field study to
detetminethe optimummud program. For instance,to
determinethe cost effectivenessof a low solids
non-dispersedmud systen versus a lignosulfonate
disoersedmud svstem. an end.neer would compare
SPE 15360 M. D. DUNN ANDM. L.PAYNE 3

ROP~s, problemttiet effects of hole washout,ard The goals froma maintenance

mud costs. This comparisoncan then be expressedas
a bottomline cost differencefor the two types of
mud. While substantial.
cost benefitcan accruefrun
improvementin the fourareas,none of thesereview
can be conductedquicklyor thoroughlywithouttools
availableto handlethe data involved.
C. GeneralEngineering
Studies
Althoughsimilarto reviewingoffsetwellsto plan a
futurewell, generalengineeringstudiesare likely
to involvereviewof one particulardrillingaspect
for a wide rangeof wells. Examplesof this type of
studywouldinclwlereviewof cementingpracticesto
detetmine success ratios and problem factors,
sunnary of BHA and drillstring failures and
influenceof inspectionfrequency,comparisonof
seismic predictedgeopressuredto actual pressures
encounteredin exploratorywells,etc. Like offset
well histories,executionof general engineering
studiesrequiresgatheringand processingof large
amountsof information.
standpointwere to keep
the programmingsimple and manageableand insure
detailed documentationfor both users and DIM
managersand programmers.This is importantbecause
the program and system would be maintained
completelywithin the drilling department. This
requiresthat cede be writtenand data stored in a
logical fashion. In line with the goal of easy
system management,it was desirable to utilize
generalpurposesoftwaretools so the programcould
be easilycustomized,updated,and enhancedin the
future. The use of databasemanagersand graphics
packageswas a priority.
Iv. System(hnsiderations
A. Economics
An extensivestudy was made of canputingneeds in
drillingand opthxn solutionsfor thoseneeds. In
addition to the operations database, other
applicationsused to define the requiredhardware
and softwarewere aa follows:

III. ObjectivesoftheDrilling OperationsD=_ 1. Office Automation - Document preparation,

business graphics, decision support
Before any developmentproject is initiated,the (spreadsheets),
electronicfilingand mail.
goals and objectivesmust be established.In this
project,the currentmethods of handlingdrilling 2. EngineeringAnalysis - Execution of Fortran
information were studied and problems were cedes such as casing design, directional
identified. The next step was identifyingwhat planning,hydraulics,etc.
featuresneeded to be providedby the system to
alleviatethese problems. The basic objectiveof 3. Drilling Cost Accounting System - Invoice
the database was to increasethe productivityof tracking, material inventory billing, vendor
drillingpersonneland the qualityof their work. evaluations,interimcost statements.
Specificobjectivesdefined desired functionality,
user-friendliness,and maintenancecharacteristics 4. ComputerCmnunication- Terminalemulationand
of the system. file transferwith existingcorporatecomputer
systems.
Severalfunctionalobjectiveswere identified.The
first objectivewas to automate reports that are The integrationof these key ccxnputingfunctions
routinelygeneratedfrom daily information. These into an-interactive, department system was the
reports include the postmortem reviews, wel1 fundamental objectiveused to guidesystemselection
sunmaries, and specific well recaps. It was and development.
estimted these reportsrequired1-1/2to 2-1/2 man
years to manuallycompileper year dependingon rig In additionto ccnnparisons of several classes of
activity,so c,.:areconomicincentivesexisted to computers and several vendors in each class,
have these processes automated. Secondly, econcmic analyses were made of required work
engineeringneeds required that the system be productivityand quality improvementsto pay for
flexibleto allow thoroughparameteranalysis. The system costs. TWO fundamental scenarios were
user must be able to retrieve,group, sort, and compared:The cost and productivityof continued
Cisplayany subsetof the data and use it for well operationswith engineeringwork conductedon a
plans, field studies,and engineeringreports. In mainframe system, limited (PC-based) database
addition,graphics were to be utilized wherever capabilities, and limited-access(secretarialonly)
possible. The last functionalobjectivewas to link office automationversus the cost and productivity
monitoringprogramswith the database. This would of the departmentalsystem which providesall the
allow the engineerto execute drillingmonitoring desiredcapabilities to all users.
programswith currentinputdirectlyprovidedby the
database. Economiccalculationsshow canputingcapabilities
are relatively inexpensive when compared to
User-related features were recognized to be personnelcosts. Moreover,when comparedagainst
extremelyimportantto increaseproductivity.Since operationalcostswhichmay be favorablyaffectedby
the system was to be used mainly by drilling better qualitysupportthroughccmputing,the cost
engineers,it had to be a usefultool for his job of the departmentsystem is minor. In comparing
eXeCUtiOn.This demandedthat outputbe useful,and systen economics,it is importantto examinemore
that input and processingrequire minimum time. than just total cost. Most notablyper user cost,
Input panels should be easy to followand require per user benefit,departmentbenefitand methcxlsfor
minimuninput for items that do not change often. adjustingto increasedprocessingas future needs
User friendliness,definedas interactive,timely, grow (upgrading, longivity)shouldbe considered.
and simpleto use,was considereda key to success.
4 DESIGN.IMPLEMENTATION,
AND SPECIFICATION
OF DRILLINGOPERATIONSDATABA93 SPE 15?60 I
B. Hardware persons,a leading relationalDBMS was chosen as
the basisof the system.
Hardwareselectionwas basedon addressingthe above
computingfunctionsto build an integratedsysten
for drilling. Capacity,speed, operatingsystems, v. M ign of the Drill* Ope-time DBlm
programming languages, application software, —
peripherals, network communications,upgrading, The data structureis comprisalof 53 tables,each
installation,service,reputation,and pricingwere containinga particularset of relateddata fields.
all consideredin ratingdifferenthaxk#are/software All tablesare linkedtogetherwith ccmmonelements
soluticnsand vendors. ARCO’S Southern District such as Well ID (APEnumber)and reportnumber. The
chose to purchasea multi-user,~-bit processor, tables include 15-25data fields each in onjer to
virtualmemory super-miniccmputer to satisfythe improve query performanceand keep the database
departmentalrequirements.Althougha controversial. manageable.
topic at present,independentsurveyscontinueto
ratemini and super-miniccxnputersmuch higher than The overall database system is structuredwith
supermicros, PC-based local area networks specific input, engineeringapplicationsprcgrams,
(PC-LAN’s),and PC-to-Mainframe#inks in tense of standardizedoutput,and ad hoc output. The input
servingthe needsof a department. and structureof the databaseis shown in Figure 1.
The program is menu driven, and the flow of the
c. Software menus is shown in Figure2. The main databasemenu
definesfour functionsthat can be performed:input
The softwareused tc developthis applicationwas well data, view (or print) reportsor graphs, run
given considerable attention because of its engineeringprograms,or perfom ad hoc queries.
tipxtance in the successof the project. Software Subsequentmenus lead the user directlyto specific
for the project involved the database manager, executablecommands.
graphicsprogram,and languagesfor programmingthe
outputand applicationsmodules. A. InputScrsens

For the engineeringmodules, Fortran was used Inputof the data is achievedvia 8 differentinput
becausethe existingARCO engineeringprogramsare panels listed by frequencyof use ?.nFigure 2.
writtenin Fortranand it is generallyacceptedas Because of the amount of information, Daily
the standardfor engineeringapplications.“C” was Drilling,Daily Completion,Casing and Cementing,
chosenas the languagefor the outputmodulesdue to and InitialWell Setupinput panelsrequireseveral
its superior screen, file, and character string terminalscreenseach. The otherswere able to fit
handling capabilities relative to Fortran. on one standardterminalscreen(80 charactersby 24
Additionalcapabilitiessuch as portability,speed, lines). Functionality of the inputscreensis very
size of loadmodule,and 1/0 functionsmade “C” very user oriented. Thereare 15 cursercontrolkeys to
suitablefor this application. Finally,graphics facilitate data entry, modifications, and
was handledwith a modernbusinessgraphicspackage deletions. The input screen also functionsas a
availablewith the officeautomationpackage. query panel, so a particularreport or set of
reports can be retrieved by stating selection
The database manager was considered the most conditions(i.e. Well ID, Report No., etc.) and
importantpart of the system software,so several executinga query.
databasemanagerswere evaluated. Severalcriteria
were examined for the database msnager includingThe Daily DrillingReport is the primarysource of
ease of learning and use (particularly for data for the system and was redesignedto provide
development applications ), error handling,completeinformationfor managerialand engineering
performance,transportability(data and program), analyses. The input sc;’f?nsfor this report are
and versatility. shownin Figure3. The scl.+n~ are dividedinto 11
logical s~tions or ‘Iblooks”that correspondto
Utilitiesto developapplications were given a high differenttables in the database. The mud data
ratingprioritybecausetime and cost savingswould makesup a blockand as this informationis entered,
be substantialby taking advantageof available it is inserted into the ‘mud’ table in the
tools. By using developmentutilitiesto design database. The capabilitiesof the DBMS software
inputscreens,formatreports,and link engineering allow screens to be designed for maximum user
subroutines to the database, programming efficiency. For example, a built-in query
prcxluctivity increases tremendously. capabilityat the data field level automatically
Transportabilityof data and ease of convertingthe retrievescertaininformationbased on interactive
program to run on other machines was another input. Much of the informationin the header
importantfeatureconsidered.The databaseprogram (WeUname, Rig, date, l=t w...) for instanceiS
will be used for a long time and possiblyrun on automatically displayedonce the Well ID has been
other types of computersincludingmainframes(if input.
installed at headquarterslevel) and PCIS (if
installedat rigsite)so the softwareshouldbe able The inputscreenis identicalto the DrillingReport
to run on a varietyof hardware. The perfonuance the foremansends in with two additions. First,an
criteriainvolvesthe speedand capabilities of the activitysummaryis providedfor a short suumaryof
DEMS. Having a program that gives results in a the day’s operationswhich is used in the Morning
timely fashion is important. From a versatility Willing summary (“PartnershipReportn). second,
standpoint,the capability of manipulatingand the time breakdowncompletedby the engineer is
displayingdata in a varietyof ways is important. needed to generate statistical time and cost
After reviewingspecifications for severaldatabase breakdowns by hole section, phase, OpeI’’StiOnal
managers
.— and interviewingmany data processing category,and problem.
...—
SPE 15360 M. D. DUNN ANDM. L.PAYNE
The Daily(kmpletionReportis designedspecifically
for completionand workoveroperations. Although
previouslythe drillingreport was also used fcr
completions,this form eliminatesextraneousdata
and allows better descriptionof the completion
operations. The input procedure and screen
functionalityis similar to the Daily Drilling
Report. The CasingarulCcsnenting
Reportis designed
to capture pertinentinformationfrom casing and
cementingjobs. This enablesthe engineerto review
detailedinformationon casingrunningand cementing
procedures.
The Drilling(2&s Report is the field estimated
cost of operations,enteredat the end of each hole
sectionwhich is usefulin generatingcost/hourand
cost/footby hole section. It was decidedthat an
estimatedcost with resolutionfiner than by hole
sectionwould be difficultand unnecessary.
The DirectionalSurveysScreenis used to input raw
surveydata for the directionalsurvey program to
monitorwell trajectory. The InitialWell Set-up
contains general descriptiveinformationfor the
well that remainsunchangedand is entered before
the well is spud. Such informationconsists of
locationdescription,AFE estimates,time and cost
projections,casing program,directional.plan, and
anticipatedformationsand pore pressures.
The lMd of lk?ll Input is a “catch all!’ for
informationthat was consideredimportantand/or
unusualabout the well. This containsinformation
aboutthe well thatmightbe searchedon such as MWD
runs, nmnber of gravel packs, or type completion.
The Rig ~Spification contains rig dimensions,
descriptionof blowoutpreventionequiwnt and pump
capacitiesand efficiencies. Rig informationis
used for generatingpermits(requiresBOPE data)and
calculating hydraulics(requirespunp data).
B. ProgramOutpti
Output functions include all methods by which
drillinginformationis translatedto engineersand
managers. This involvesdescribingdrillingdata in
the clearest and most concise manner possible.
Graphics play an tiportant role in data
presentation.Outputoptionsare shown in Figure2
in the output menu and include both sunmariesof
particularcategoriesand comparisonsof several
differentwells. l%e output can be dividedinto 5
differenttypes:
1. Daily Reports - The Daily Drilling and
CunpleticnReportsare a copy of the day~s data
and input screens. These are available for
viewing by invoking the input screen and
querying the desired dayts information. To
receivea printoutthe user can dump the screen
to a printer. The -earing Reportshown in
Figure 4 is generated from daily data and
executionof monitoringprograms. This report
contains calculations from the directional
survey,hydraulics,and well controlprograns.
The Morning Drillirg Summary is the report
distributedwithinthe Districtand to partners
brieflydescribingthe day’soperations.
2. Well SuonaryReports- Severalstandardtabular
and graphicalwell swunaryreportsare provided
to display data in the most concise manner
5
.... .-
possible. The W Recap and IlitRecoml are
examples of these type reports. Also provided
is a WellboreSchemtic showingthe casingthat
was set and a MultisbotReportwhich contains
directional surveys and calculated well
trajectorylocation. The DrillingTime Analysis
report lists time spent in variousoperations
each day and sums total hours for the
categories.This is used to identifyoperations
that need to be improvedupon and to calculate
percentproblemtime. A problemtime breakdown
is also providedto determinehow much different
problemscosts.
3. qhr~ Graphics - The output for
engineeringanalysis is more detailed than
managerialdata becauseengineersmust evaluate
many specific parameters. For trends to be
recognized,an extensivenumber and types of
graphs are available.To compareparameterson
differentwells, split screens with multiple
plots and the optionof severalwells on each
plot are provided. Figure5 showsan exampleof
the engineeringgraphics.
Since depth is the most ccxnmcncorrelation
betweenwells, parameterversusdepth plots are
speciallyprogrammed. To invoke this option,
the user inputs the wells (up to 3) and
parameters(up to 2) that he wants plotted
versusdepth. For parametersthat are not depth
dependent or for comparing the effect one
parameterhas on another,the optionof plotting
any two parameterson an X-Y plot is also
provided. The engineer specifies the two
parametersto be plotted and definesthe axes
scales,and a graphicssubroutinethen drawsthe
plot.
4. Postmort~ Tables end Grapha - This refers to
quarterlyand yearlydrilling.wanmariesthat are
used to mon:uor operations. The charts and
graphs in these repcrtsare basedon relatively
simplecalculationsbut a tremendousamount of
data. There are 12 tables and up to 27
differentgraphs available with this option.
The graphs sumnarizetime and cost statistics
and compare actual versus predicted time,
depths, and costs, The available types of
tables and graphs and conditionsfor sorting
data are shownin Figure6.
c. Engineering
MonitoringPrograms
To convert raw data into informationmore easily
analyzed, several engineering programs are
interfaced with the database. These programs
perform the routine calculations necessary to
accuratelymonitorthe drillingsituation.
The DirectionalSurvey kkxiuletakes data from the
Wily Drilling Report and calculatesbottomhole
coordinates,TVD, stepout, and dogleg severity.
lhis is used to track the locationof the wellbore
and check directional.drilling or multishot
companies.
The HydraulicsHodule configureshole gecmetryand
calculatesactual and optimunhydraulicseocofiing
to current input. The prcgram calculates ECD,
pressurelosses through the various sections,bit
hydraulics,and reccxmnended
nozzlesizes.
6 DESIGN,IMPLEMENTATION,
AND SPECIFICATION
OF DRILLINOOPERATIONSDATABASE
The Well ControlModulecalculatesstrokesto bit,
bottoms up strokes,kick tolerance,and a required
kill weight mud schedule. The program uses hole
configuration, mud properties, and casing and
formationlimitationsto calculatekick tolerance
and maximumcasingpressures.
The surge/%sab Modulel” calculates dynamic
wellborepressuresbasedon hole configuration,
mud,
and pipe motiondata. Alternately,the programcan
providemaximumspeeds and accelerationsusing the
samedata togetherwith formationlimitations.
In additionto the directinterfaceto data fromthe
morning reports, the monitoringprograms can be
rerunat any time with modifieddata. For instance,
if 400 feethas been drilledand mud weighthas been
raised since morning,the programscan be run by
recallingthe morning’sdata on one panel,changing
the appropriateparameters,and executinga new
calculation.
Plansto incorporatea dynamicBHA analysisprogrem
and comprehensive statistical analysis for
maximizingROP are currentlyunderway.
D. Ad Hoc Retrievals
The ad hoc query capability of the relational
databasemanageris p?rhapsthe most powerfultool
in the LX)DBMSsystem. This capabilityallows the
user to retrieveany subset of data based on a
selectedset of conditions. When the user chooses
this option,the programinvokesa DEMS utilityto
execute Structured Query Lar@uage (SQL) query
commands. For example,a commandto list all wells,
depths,mud weights,plasticviscosities,and yield
pointsfor Spindletopfieldwould appearas follows:
SelectWellname,Depth,MW, PV, YP (ItemsDesired)
From Genwell,Gerxiay,
MIXI (TableNames)
WhereField= ‘iSpindletoplt; (Condition)
The flexibilityof the querying capability is
virtually unlimited and allows engineers to
creatively look for ways to improve drilling
performance
and reducecosts.
An exampleapplicationof this capabilityis a liner VII. FuturePlane
cementingstudy that was performedon 1984and 1985
onshoreand offshorewells in this District. Using Although currently under study, future work is
modified input screens, pertinentdata for liner possiblein severalareas:
jobs was input into the database. Over 20
parameterswere then scrutinizedfor a wide variety 1. Refinementof Current Data Analysis:As new
of conditions. The study identifiedparameters
which had the most affec~on the cementingsuccess
ratio and allowed recommendations to be made on
pumping procedures,Slacer and cement volumes,
circulatingtimes,hole sizes,etc.
VI. Implementaticnofthe System
linplementation(jf the system was a three phase
process. First was development, testing, and
documentationof the program itself. second was
trainingand introductionof users, and third was
inputtingthe data into the system.
Figure 7 shows the project developmentschedule
whichdescribesthe tasks fran systemconceptionto
installation and management. The proce9s of
SPE 15360
designing, ceding, testing and installing tk
software is camnonto typicalsoftwaredevelopment
projects. Substantial effort was involved in
definingthe specificinputscreens,outputreports,
and engineeringinterfacesthat were required. TkE
thorough definitionof functionalityin the RFP
enabledaccurateestimatesof the time and costs to
completethe project.
The second phase of system implementationwas
preparing the drilling engineers to use the
program. The engineer involved with the
specificationand project developmentassumed the
role of database administrator,assigned user
privileges,and coordinatedtraining. Passwordsand
uniqueprivilegeswere necessaryto limitaccessto
the databaseand maintaindata integrity. Adequate
trainingand thoroughdocwnentation was criticalto
insurethe system was used to its full potential.
Althoughformallecture-style classeswere conducted
to initiateusers to the system,the most effective
trainingoccurredwith hands-onuse of the system
I
ccmbined with assistance from the database
administrator.In a matter of 2-3 weeks, most of
the 10 drillingengineershad sufficientknowledge
of the systemto becomequiteproductive.
The processof defininghow data was to be loaded
was lengthybut importantin order to minimizethe
difficultyof input. The first step was mcxli~ing
the drillingreportto includethe requireddata and
match the input screens. This improvedthe speed
and accuracy of transferringdata from forms to
input screens. The next step was defining the
procedureto get data from the rigsite to the
system. Due to cost and user considerations, it
was decidedto avoid rigsiteentry in the initial
phase. The process begins with the foreman
completingthe report and telefaxingit into the
office. At this point the report is reviewedand
input into the databaseby the engineer. Benefits
includingtightercontroland improvedaccuracyof
the reportshave been realizedby having followed
this procedure. The process also insures that
adequateattentionis paid by the engineerto what
has transpiredat the wellsite.
ideasarise,benefitsfrommore extensiveoutput
from the currentdatabasehave been identified.
For example,a ?lHo~eConditionSunxnarY”of mud?
directional.,”drillstring/BHA,
and hole drag may
be usefulin predictingpendinghole problems.
2. Extensionof the System: Upstreamextensionof
the system to the rigsite is planned so that
data can be enteredat the rig and transmitted
directly into the office computer. This will
enable foremen to access the analysis
capabilitiesof the system. ~SO, downstream
extension is being considered sc that
headquarter groups can receive a drilling
activity summary by file transfer from the
department computer in the District to the
mainframesystemat headquarters.
SPE 15360
--—— M. D. DUNN ANDM. L.PAYNE
3. Inclusionof Real-timeMudloggingandlor MkD
data:With loweringsatelliteratesand hardware
costs,real-timedata transmissionfrom the rig
remains a possible future extensionof this
system. However,sntil processingand use of
the data is fully understoodso that the types
and quantitiesof data that are trulyusefulcan
be defined, real-time acquisitionshould be
limitedto monitoringand controlfunctions.
4. special Purpose Drilling DBMS: With the
general-purpose relational DBMS available,
special.
databasescan be quicklygeneratedfor a
varietyof problems. As mentionedpreviously,a
databasewas developedand applied to review
severalyear’sworth of liner cementingjobs in
quick, easy fashion. Similar tasks have been
conductedfor gravelpack completionoperations,
PDC bit performance,and fracturingoperations
studies.
VIII. Cimclusions
E?asedon the work conductedin this project,the
followingconclusionscan be made:
1. The goal of a totally integratedsystem to
process information within the Drilling
Departmentis being fulfilled. A schematic
describingthe proceduresto plan, drill, and
review a well and the variousapplicationsof
computerresourcesis shownin Figure8.
2. The drillingoperationsdatabaseplays a major
role in servingthe needs of drillingengineers
and managers. Economic benefits have been
realized in terms of higher personnel
productivityand improvedfieldoperations.
3. The DODE!MS
Programaccomplishedthe objectives
+fined in the originalproposalincludingthe
de:.ailed goals for functionality,
user-friendliness,
and systemmaintenance.
Ix. McamEdatiorE3
Based on the successof this developmentprojectand
the experiencegainedin the process,the following
recommendations are made:
1. Thoroughlyevaluateusage,speed,capacity,and
functionality issuesrelatedto hardware. Manypermissionto publish this paper. The consulting
hardwareevaluationsare conductedwith limited
knowledge relative to the vast array of
ccmputersavailabletoday. Micros,Supmnicros,
Minis, Super-minis, Mini-supers, Parallel,
FaUlt-t..c)leran~.P Mainframe,and Super COmPUters Reference9
are all different and have substantial
differencesin capabilities and costs. If speed 1. Isaacs,W. R. and Ebbc,J. E., Design and Impact
and storage capabilities in a multi-user
enviromnent are important issues, several
ccmputerclassesand typesneed to be evaluated.
2. Make use of availablesoftwaretools such as
DBMS packages, graphics codes, and existing
engineering programs. Building on proven
products allows faster development, mre
reliable perfo~aance,and easier growth and
maintenancein the future.
7
3. Conduct extensivework to define the desird
functionalityand featuresof any systemthat is
planned for develo~nt. Typically betwe6i
one-thirdand one-halfof the totalprojectt~
should be spent up front definingthe problem
and software functionality to solve it.
Presently,many developerscompletelydefinethe
software and prepare full user documentation
prior to any prcgramningto be sure that the
functionsare understockand agreedupon.
4. Have an end-user design and maintain the
program. Althoughapplyingcanputingtechnology
to an operationalprocess poses the classic
issue of whether to educate the computing
specialists about the operations or the
operations engineer about the ccmputer, a
successfuldc%isionwas made in this case to
teach drilling personnelthe ccmrputingskills
required to develop the application. This
insured appreciation for the goals and
importance of the system results, and
understandingof the drilling data and user
relatedissues.
5. Limit the number of personsdirectlyinvolved
with the project. Failure to recognize
potential.problems from involving too many
people can erode organization,accountability,
and concentration
on the project.
6. Evaluate the benefits and penaltiesinvolved
with developingcorporate-wide DBMS systemsas
compared to district level systems. If
standardizationbetween different operating
areas is possible,a corporatesystemmight be
feasible. In this case, it was determinedthat
Gulf Coast,West Texas,Rocky Mountain,Arctic,
and International drilling operations are
differentenough to requiresome customization
of the DODBMSconceptfor each region. For this
reason,each districtis able to custcurize
their
own DBFtSsystem. Action is being taken to
insurecompatibilitybetweenthesedistrictsand
between the districts and headquartersfor
futureinformationexchanges.
Acknowledgement
The authorswould like to thank Arco Oil and Gas
Company and particularlythe Southern District
managementfor theirsupportof the subjectwork and
programmingfor developmentof this system was
providedby Adamsand RountreeTechnology,Inc.
of a Real-Time Drilli ng CenterlSPE PaperNo.
13109,1984.
2. Morgan,M. J. and Ashmun,J. R. ar%lRoberts,K.
S., A Beta AcquisitionSystem Using Satellite
Communications for Offshore Drilling Rigs,
presented at Offshore Mech & Ar’tic
symposium, Dallas, 1985.
8 DESIGN,IMPLEMENTATION,
AND SPECIFICATION
OF DRILLINGOPERATIONSDATABASE SPE 15360

3. Graf, R. L. and Segrest, R. P., “practical

Applicationsof a DrillingData Center”, Oil &
Gas Journal,my 19, 1986.
4. key, K. D. and Gill,B. B. and Buras,K. F., A
ComputerDatabaseSystemDesigned for DrillinE
InformationAnalysis,SPE PaperNo. 12073,1983.

5. Weatherspeon, R. L.> DesiRn Outline for a

Microcomputer ng Management Program, SPE
Drilli
PaperNo. 13493,1985.

6. Eclipse MV-1OCOO Super-Mini Computer, Data

GeneralCorporation,
Westboro,Massachusetts.

7. Doyle, L. W., n~tting Around in Departmental

Computing”,Computerworld,MaY 14, 1986.

8. Oracle RDBMS, Oracle Corporation,Menlo Park,

California.

9. Ad=, Neal, ItThreeStep Bit ~lection Wn Trim

Drilling Costs”, Oil & Gas Journal!June 17,
1985.
Computer Program, developed by
10. !!Surge/Swab”
Ehertech Engineering and Research Company,
Houston,Texas, throughProject No. 16 of the
DrillingEngineeringAssociation.
—

I AFE PROJECTIONS II PERMITINFO I

I INITIAL SETUP I

“INPUT” &

CSG/CMTREPORTS RIG SPECS

DIRECTIONAL SURVEYS DRILLING COSTS

nH~
@w ~
o o
“APPLICATIONS
DBMS
MODULES”
DATA
BASE
4-”
•1

I
“OUTPUT” ,,
L 4 +~
MORNING REPORTS
DRLG, ENGR, COMPL
ENGR ANALYSIS
GRAPHICS I POSTMORTEMS AD HOC OUTPUT

Fig. l-Drllling datab8se det811edblock diagram.

 WE 15360

DRILLINGOPERATIONSDBMS

MAIN DBMS MENU

1. Input,Update,or EditWell Data

2. View or PrintReportsand Graphs
3. Run EngineeringMonitoringPrograms
4. Ad Hoc Queries

O. Returnto PreviousMenu

Pleaseenterchoice(O-4):

INPUTMENU REPORTSAND GRAPHSMENU #K)NT.ToRING PRWRAMMENU

1. DailyDrillingReport 1. MorningDrillingSummary 1. Hydraulics

2. DailyCompletionReport 2. EngineeringReport 2. Survey alculations
3. Casingand CementingReport 3. EngineeringGraphics 3. Well Control
4. DrillingCosts 4. WellboreSchematic 4. Surge/SwabAnalysis
5. DirectionalSurveys 5. Mud Recap 5. BHA Analysis
,6. InitialWell Setup 6. Bit Record 6. Cost Analysis
7. Bit Graphics 7. StatisticalAnalysis
8. Multi-ShotReporl
9. DrillingTime Analysis o. Returnto PreviousMenu
.0. Post MortemTablesend Graphs

O. Returnto PreviousMenu
L

Fig, 2-Menu flowchart.

 WE 15360

ID: 560171 Rpt# : 14 DRILIJIC ~RT for C6/09/86 Afe#: 560171 Supv: RWS
Well: ss 332 A #4 tit ~: 13.375/4498 ST: OSS/SST: 14 /19
Rig: H&P 100 Depth: 7435 Previous: 6015 Prc6 1420 E!oP: 06/06/86
DPetx?6AM: CLSAN GUMKI OUT OF FL Daily$ : 52267 Cm.$ : 123U248 ‘&$: 2000000
Next UK: 9.625 /10493 Hoj: 18.6 Bar: 3250 Qnt: 1980 %1: 17000 D/W: 3282

•~~ DATA** lt_BIT DATA** ●ZmD ~~~ t*D]w~ DATA**

TYPS: FOLY Mbt: 20 NO: 6 Depth: 7430 Depth: 7430
Wght: 14.2 Ph: 7.8 size: 12.25 M Wt: 14.2 Trq B: 350
ViSC:
46 Pm: .1 Make: STC Form: SHALE Trq O:
Pv/Yp: 22/22 Pf: .1 TYPe: = ~: 40 Ro Wt : 245
0.31s:7’/14 Mf: .6 serf: EU457U Q: 665 h Wt: 260
Apiwl: 31.6 Chlr: 20000 out : Tg: 190 % Ut: 235
HtHpl : s oil: Ftg: 1325 Yaxgae: 670 Drag:
HtH~ : Gwr: / HI’S:5.8 m Exp: .8
% %1: 25 Wob: 20/40 / Sh Cm: Lnr: 5.5
% s-id:
TR % L& 6.5 RF(JI: 180 Est PP: 13.4 SW: 82
H/vol:1100 P/vOl: 3000 cond: -- -- ROP Sh: 225 Psi : 3olM
Tfa : ROP .%l
: 580 SPS: 58
-tM$--clm Hud$ Jets: 8 /8 /8 / / Spp: 500
DailY: 13657 TOtl: B7119 24//// Sp@ :
Bit (Zst : 0 Psi2 :

lTD41FKm
.—— ------–——---APERArms FKAI 06CQ m 060G-------------------
06DQ 2.5 DROP SURVEY POOH
0830 0.5 RRC4)RD INFWO4ATION FROM RLL T03L
0900 0.5 CiiANOE BHA
0930 1.5 ORI~T FfdD PROXAM RLL TCCJL
1100 1,5 TIH TU 5700
1230 1.5 LfX W/ ‘tiL lUDL FR3M 5700-6015
14GQ DRLG m 6415
1600 CL!UNGUTGUMM
1700 DRIG
2000 CLSANODTCOMB3
2100 9.0 DRLG m PD
I

I Depth H/See Phs-e ~; ~ip Sun

●*mEBmucEcm**

Rigs Circ Eval Cesg Bope Dthr Prob P/Cole A/U

7435 P2 M . 0000002 4.5 HP u

●✍ A~ ~ ●e

POOH. Change BHA. Drill to PD while cleaning gwbo.

~.
Pi!AAWDD ‘m mrm+l)
NiA# Len: o wt(Alr): o (I’M):0 Hre.(rns):
o Tot HI’S
:0
Rmarka :

eeq? #.jt,9 R.ell

Length OD Id Weight Grade Cant-met
ion Fish Neck
1 BIT 1 12.25 o o 6-5/8 o
)1 NBS 5.14 8 2.875 0 6-5/8 0
1 PrX 9.06 7.B 2.813 0 6-5/8 0
;11SS 5.37 8 ;.875 0 6-5/8 0
Slm 18.6 7.75 0 6-5/8 0
6114s :.;: 7.688 2 0 6-5/8 0
71w!’tS 7.92 2.875 0 6-5/8 0
81MDC 4.GE 8 2.875 0 6-5/8 0
91X0 2.2 8 3 6-5/8 0
101 MW?J 17.21 8 1.92 0 6-5/8 0
11 5.49 8 2.875 0 6-5/8 0
61.48 8.5 2.563 0 6-5/8 0
4.87 8 2.875 0 6-5/8 0
123.57 ;.5 2.563 0 6-5/8
6.D8 2.875 0 6-5/8
 DATE: / /
ARCO SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPE 15360
DAILY ENGINEERING REPORT
WELL ID: RPT# : FO,, : / /

WELLNAME: RIG: SUPV : ENOR :

DEPTH: PROGRESS: DAYS
SINCE SPUD: ESTIklATED DAYS:
DAILY ROP : DAY;; MR~ATING HRS : TOTAL ROTATING HRS :
DAILY $ EST CUM $ AFE $
LAST CSG : e SHOE TEST : PPK NExT (xSG :
Mu: VISC : Pv/YP: / GELS: / WL : HTHP$ :

------------------------------ ACTUAL HYDRAULICS --------------------------------

TOTAL GPH : PSI TOTAL HHP: NOZZLES: ///// TFA

HHP @ BIT: HHP/IN2 @ BIT: XPSIf3BIT: JIF:
NOZ VELOCITY: VELOCITY@ DC’S: VELOCITY@DP: ECD :

------------------------------ OPTIMUM HYDRAULICS ------------------------------

REYNOLDS# : MAX PUMP PSI MAX PUMP GPM: MIN GPM(L;;; CUTTINGS) :
CRIT VEL(CV)@DC: @DP: t4AX GPM(AV<CV)@DC:
0PTIHUt4 FLOW RATE(HHP) : gpm NOZZLE SELECTION: 1///;
OPTIMUM FLOW RATE(JIF) : gpm NOZZLE SELECTION: / / / / /

---------------------------------- BIT RECORD -------- --------------------- -----

BIT #: SIZE: MAKE: TYPE: IADC CODE: CONOITION:

OEPTH OUT: FOOTAGE : HOURS RUN: ROP : CC13;/FT:
JETS : TFA : WOB : WOB/IN .DIA:
BIT #: SIZE: MAKE : TYPE: IADC COOE: CONOITION:
DEPTH OUT : FOOTAGE: HOURS RUN: ROP : COSTIFT:
JETS: TFA : WOB : HOB/IN, DIA: RPM:

------------------. -.>------------ WELL CONTROL -------------------------------- -

DRILLSTRING VOLUt4E : bbls ANNULAR VOLUME : bbls CIRCULATING VOLUME:

STROKES TO BIT: BOTTOMS UP STROKES: TOTAL STROKES :
SLOW PUtlP RATE #1 : spm e psi SLOW PUMP RATE #2: apm @ psi
MAX CSG PRESSURE(SHOE TEST) : psi KICK TOLERANCE: PPi!
SIOPP 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750
KW14UD

----------------------------- SURVEY CALCULATIONS ----------------------- -.-----

SURV NO. MD TVD INCL AZIMUTH NORTH EAST VERT SEC DOCLGO

------------------------------ AC71VITY SUMHARY --------------------------------

F@. 4-hNy Mginaerlng mpwl.

u
ijf!lll!u?l~l’lu
!j’’’’’’’’”” ‘“4 !““’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’”<
------ ------ ------ --
-. I

!
1!

mt,l,!,lm-’m[,l,
 p Emamwmcrum

I
1. DRILLIIJ3 SWt4ARY (Footage, Days, Cast Per pericd) I
2. RIGS 03NIMCTED (Rig Type, Ris Fknths miliZed) I
3. CtMFOWTS RIG RATI!X33 (Rig Efficiency, Cost/Foot, Coat/Day) I
4. ACTUAL VS. FLAWED DRLG COSTS (Days, tepth, tits VS AYE F?k.imatea) I
5. DRILLIM3 TINS BREAKtYMJ (By Sole Se&ion, Phaee, Category) I
P~ TIMJ3 EIRSMOYMN (NY Role Seetion, Per Preblem)
!: DRILLIffi COST BNSAKDMA (By Nole Section, Operational Category) ~
8. MUD CaTfs (Total Mud Coets, Per IhY, Per Foot) ,
9. aMFIJmcN swlAKf (ZOnee, Days, Coat for a pericd)
iO . ACTUAL VS PLANNSD CC14FLETION (Days, G2gt vs AFS Ektlmates) I
11. CC+lFLSTION fIMS BRMKECMN (Prcdoctive vs problem Time) I
12. CCX4PLSTI@l FLUID COSTS I
(Percent of Total, cost vs weight) PA? %’%%‘Mltm’ 7“,W,”W,CS
msmlufm~csmrmuA
1
t nmn 0 MN &%rsw’
DAuLLIw -m I
I l—i tmcw”%%w
TIMS PERIOD SS~ION: I
Wlma r PmIc 11 ?lwt 111
I
Beginning date (ddd/yy): 01/01/86 I 1 v//zz?4 V+zv.zi v/2zzzj lU1lIIO

Ming date (mnVdd/yy): 06/30/86 I

I
1
L(XATION SSLWTION:

M or Offehore (ON/OFF/ALL): ALL

County or Area Name (or ALL): ALL
Sleek or Field Name (or ALL): ALL
Well ID (or ALL): ALL

WSLL CLASSIFICATION:

w of Well (SXP, EXT, DSV, ALL): ALL

Type of liole (S, STNAI~, SLANT, ALL): ALL
Sole Section (Table of Sole eect ion cedes): ALL
= (Me Fide (II), ~al. (E), %/Q@. (c), ALL): ALL AFE PREPARATION
RIG SELECTION
RIG REl,AT~:

Type Ris (JU, p/F, LAND, BARGE, CCW’, .S@lI, SUB): ALL
Type of Contract (FIG, DAY, F/D, ALL): ALL

CoQMmON SECTION

TR5 PERIOO sTLEz’TIoN

Beginning date (nddd/yy): 01/01/86

Wing date (mm/dd/yy): 06/30/86
LCCATION SSLK’TION:

Cm or Offalwe (ON/OFF/ALL): ALL

County or Area Name (or ALL): ALL
Block or Field Name (or ALL): ALL
Well ID (or ALL): ALL

WSLL CLASSIFICATION

‘IYCW of Well (ES@, SXT, DSV, ALL): ALL

~ Ccupletion (S, SS, D, DS, ALL): ALL DRILL WELL
Gravel Packed (Y, N, ALL): ALL PEt?W&R#~:CE
Type of Fluid: ALL WELL PLAN

Fig.6+emdem labla8and9raPha.
DRILLINGOPERATIONSDBMS
DRILLINGCOSTACCOUNTING SYSTEM

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