8.

CASING DESIGN

8.1 Introduction to the Casing Design Process

8.1.1 Design Casing Scheme Configuration - Select Casing sizes

and Setting Depths
Depth, ft.
Pressure Profile
Circulating out an Influx
Fracture
Pressure Profile

Formation Fracture
Minimum Casing Setting Depth
Borehole Pressure Profile
Less Than Fracture Pressure
Influx Depth

Pressure, psi
8.1.2 Define the Operational Scenarios and Consequent Loads on
the Casing

radial (burst and collapse) and axial (tensile and compressive) loads

8.1.3 Calculate the Loads on the Casing and Select the Appropriate
Weight and Grade of Casing

uniaxial
Burst Load

External Loads, Pe:

Internal Loads, Pi:
Biaxial and Triaxial Loading
Design Factors

Design Factor
 BURST
PER CENT OF YIELD STRESS
COLLAPSE

LONGTIUDINAL COMPRESSION LONGTIUDINAL TENSION

PER CENT OF YIELD STRESS

8.2 Casing Design Rules Base

Conductor:
The design scenario to be used for collapse of conductors in this course
(and the examinations) is when the casing is fully evacuated due to lost
circulation whilst drilling. In this case the casing is empty on the inside
and the pore pressure is acting on the outside.

The maximum burst load is experienced if the well is closed in after a

gas kick has been experienced. The pressure inside the casing is due to
formation pore pressure at the bottom of the well and a colom of gas which
extends from the bottom of the well to surface. It is assumed that pore
pressure is acting on the outside of the casing.

Note that it would be very unusual to close a well in due to a "shallow" kick
below the conductor. It would be more common to allow the influx to flow
to surface and divert it away from the rig. This is to avoid the possibility
of the formation below the shoe facturing.
The design scenario to be used for collapse of surface casing in this course
(and the examinations) is when the casing is fully evacuated due to lost
circulation whilst drilling. In this case the casing is empty on the inside
and the pore pressure is acting on the outside.

The maximum burst load is experienced if the well is closed in after a

gas kick has been experienced. The pressure inside the casing is due to
formation pore pressure at the bottom of the well and a colom of gas which
extends from the bottom of the well to surface. It is assumed that pore
pressure is acting on the outside of the casing.

The design scenario to be used for collapse of intermediate casing in this

course (and the examinations) is when the casing is fully evacuated due
to lost circulation whilst drilling. In this case the casing is empty on the
inside and the pore pressure is acting on the outside.

The maximum burst load is experienced if the well is closed in after a

gas kick has been experienced. The pressure inside the casing is due to
formation pore pressure at the bottom of the well and a colom of gas which
extends from the bottom of the well to surface. It is assumed that pore
pressure is acting on the outside of the casing.
The design scenario to be used for burst of production casing in this course
(and the examinations) is when a leak is experienced in the tubing just
below the tubing hanger. In this event the pressure at the top of the casing
will be the result of the reservoir pressure minus the pressure due to a
colom of gas. This pressure will the act on the fluid in the annulus of well
and exert a very high internal pressure at the bottom of the casing.

The design scenario to be used for collapse of production casing in this

course (and the examinations) is when the annulus between the tubing and
casing has been evacuated due to say the use of gaslift.

8.3 Other design considerations

8.4 Summary of Design Process
Appendix 1
CASING DESIGN EXAMPLE:
Surface Casing (20” @ 3000 ft)

Burst Design - Drilling :

Internal Load:

= 2028 psi

= 1728 psi
 = 1342 psi

= 0 psi

Collapse Design - Drilling

Internal Load:

= 1342 psi

= 0 psi
Intermediate Casing (13 3/8” @ 6000 ft)

Burst Design - Drilling :

Internal Load:

= 4992 psi
 = 4392 psi

= 2684 psi

= 0 psi

Collapse Design - Drilling

Internal Load:

External Load:

= 2964 psi
 = 0 psi

Production Casing (9 5/8” @ 10000 ft)

Burst Design - Production :

Internal Load:

= 6503 psi

= 10751 psi
 = 4693 psi

= 0 psi

Collapse Design - Drilling

Internal Load:
= 5434 psi

= 0 psi