Certificate in Directional Drilling

Why Select this Training Course?

The Certificate in Directional Drilling is a specially curated program that addresses the continual advancement in drilling practices and the unprecedented need for knowledgeable directional drillers who are equipped with a robust skill set in navigating complex geologic formations. This course facilitates comprehensive learning rooted in practical know-how and fosters analytical aptitude for real-world challenges.

How does this course meet the needs of complex drilling?

Participants will dive into the intricacies of directional drilling, acquiring skills to design, execute, and evaluate directional drilling plans adeptly. Utilising simulated environments, the training will expose you to a myriad of drilling scenarios, enabling you to make informed decisions for efficient wellbore placement.

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What directional drilling advancements does this course cover?

The program engages with groundbreaking technology and sophisticated drilling methodologies that are directly applicable to modern drilling operations. From advanced hydraulic optimisation to the utilisation of rotary steerable systems, the course offers a forward-thinking approach teaching the latest in software analytics, real-time monitoring, and LWD/MWD technologies.

Who Should Attend?

This course is perfect for:

• Drilling engineers seeking advanced knowledge in directional drilling.
• Well site drilling supervisors and managers responsible for drilling operations.
• Geologists and petrophysicists involved in well planning and execution.
• MWD/LWD engineers and technicians.
• Drilling equipment and services personnel.

What are the Course Objectives?

Participants will:

• Master the fundamental and complex aspects of directional drilling.
• Learn to apply critical planning techniques for directional and horizontal wells.
• Employ ground-breaking tools and technologies that enhance drilling performance.
• Develop strategies for well placement that optimise reservoir exposure.
• Attain proficiency in the evaluation and management of drilling risks.

How will this course be presented?

This dynamic course will be showcased through:

• Comprehensive lectures with the latest industry research and insights.
• Hands-on practical exercises using advanced drilling software.
• Case studies from numerous drilling environments for robust context.
• Group projects and discussions that foster collaborative problem-solving.
• Simulation of directionally drilled well scenarios for practical understanding.

What are the Topics Covered in this Course?

Module 1: Principles of Directional Drilling

• Fundamental theories behind directional drilling trajectory planning.
• Understanding the role of directional drilling in reservoir optimisation.
• Equipment and tool selections for various directional drilling operations.
• The importance of wellbore stability in directional drilling.
• Survey methods and their applications in directional wells.
• Anti-collision considerations during the planning and execution phases.
• Techniques for side-tracking and dealing with doglegs.
• Hydraulic and drilling fluid considerations for directional wells.

Module 2: Advanced Well Planning

• Designing well paths considering geological targets and constraints.
• Planning for complex well trajectories in various formations.
• Utilising software for well path simulations and anti-collision modelling.
• Risk assessment and contingency planning in well design.
• Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for well planning and execution.
• Integration of geomechanical data in well planning.

Module 3: Rotary Steerable Systems

• Operational principles and applicability of rotary steerable systems.
• Selection criteria for push-the-bit versus point-the-bit systems.
• Maintenance and troubleshooting best practices for RSS.

Module 4: Measurement While Drilling (MWD) & Logging While Drilling (LWD)

• Technologies underpinning modern MWD and LWD techniques.
• Data interpretation for advanced decision making.
• Ensuring quality control in data acquisition and processing.
• Real-time reservoir evaluation and geosteering applications.
• Utility of LWD tools in high-angle and horizontal wells.
• Advancements in directional sensors and telemetry systems.
• Integration of MWD/LWD data with well planning software.
• Drilling optimization through continuous feedback loops.
• Challenges and solutions in deepwater directional drilling.

Module 5: Drilling Fluids & Hydraulics Optimization

• Properties of drilling fluids essential for directional drilling.
• Optimising hydraulics for hole cleaning in directional wells.
• Treatment and management of drilling fluids in deviated wells.

Module 6: Drill String Dynamics

• Understanding of the bottom hole assembly (BHA) in directional drilling.
• Minimising vibration and its effects on the drill string.
• Selection and use of stabilisers and reamers in a BHA.
• Strategies to manage torque and drag in complex well trajectories.

Module 7: Solving Directional Drilling Problems

• Identification and management of common downhole problems.
• Techniques for stuck pipe prevention and fishing operations.
• Addressing wellbore integrity issues in directional drilling.
• Decision-making strategies under unexpected drilling conditions.
• Formation damage prevention during directional drilling operations.
• Strategies for wellbore position correction.
• Real-time analysis and decision-making during drilling operations.
• Incorporating lessons learned and best practices into future plans.

Module 8: Advanced Hole-Opening Techniques

• Innovations in expandable and reaming while drilling (RWD) tools.
• Application of bi-center bits and underreamers in hole enlargement.
• Optimisation strategies for rate of penetration (ROP) in hole-opening.
• Customising BHA configurations for maximal hole enlargement efficiency.
• Managing equivalent circulating density (ECD) in complex wellbores.
• Techniques to minimise wellbore tortuosity.
• Benefits of managed pressure drilling (MPD) in directional wells.
• Evaluating post-drilling hole condition and quality assurance.
• Key parameters for successful hole enlargement operations.

Module 9: High Angle and Horizontal Drilling Techniques

• Specialised practices for high angle and horizontal wellbores.
• Ensuring zonal isolation in extended reach drilling.
• Sand control considerations in horizontal wells.

Module 10: Directional Drilling Optimisation

• Leveraging real-time data for performance drilling.
• Applying artificial intelligence (AI) for drilling optimisation.
• Building a culture of continuous performance improvement.

Module 11: Enhanced Geological Steering

• Utilising advanced geological and geophysical data for steering decisions
• The role of seismic-while-drilling technology in directional drilling
• Strategies for maintaining well trajectory within the sweet spot
• Benefits of integrating 4D seismic data for geosteering
• Case studies of successful geosteering in complex reservoirs
• Real-time decision-making based on LWD data
• Collaborative workflows between geology and drilling departments for optimised well placement
• New developments in geosteering software and visualisation tools

Module 12: Drilling Automation and Control Systems

• Evolution of drilling control systems and automation
• Understanding automated drilling technologies and their implementation
• Analysis of real-time data for automated decision making
• System integration and interoperability for drilling operations
• The impact of automation on safety and operational efficiency
• Barriers and enablers to adoption of drilling automation
• Case studies on the practical application of automated drilling solutions
• Future trends in drilling automation and control systems

Module 13: Complex Trajectory Management

• Advanced methodologies for targeting multiple zones in a single well
• Designing well paths to maximise contact with reservoirs
• Techniques for the effective management of multi-lateral wells
• Stress management and mitigation in complex trajectory scenarios
• Considerations for extended reach and long lateral sections
• Innovations in steering mechanisms for complex trajectories
• Post-drilling evaluations and trajectory adjustments
• Troubleshooting common trajectory-related problems and implementing solutions

Module 14: HSE Considerations in Directional Drilling

• Identifying and managing health, safety, and environmental risks
• Safe operational practices and proactive hazard management
• The role of HSE in well planning and execution
• Developing HSE plans for drilling operations and emergency response
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and industry best practices
• Environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies
• Promoting a safety culture within drilling teams
• Incident reporting and analysis for continuous improvement