Strings

Wiswesser line notation The Wiswesser line-formula notation (WLN) is a method for expressing the more usual graphical structure of a chemical compound as a linear string of symbols. The resulting alternative notation is unambiguous, short and particularly suitable for computer processing and retrieval but can also be understood easily by chemists after minimal training in its use. 

Semi-submersible rigs are often referred to as semis , and are a floating type of rig. Like the jack-up, a semi is self contained. The structure is supported by large pontoons which are ballasted with water to provide the required stability and height. The rig is held in position by anchors and mooring lines or dynamically positioned by thrusters. A large diameter steel pipe ( riser ) is connected to the sea-bed and serves as a conduit for the drill string. The blowout preventer (BOP) is also located at the sea-bed ( sub sea stack ). 

Between the bit and the surface, where the torque is generated, we find the drill string (Fig. 3.9). While being mainly a means for power transmission, the drill string fulfils several other functions, and if we move up from the bit we can see what those are. 

Most rigs are now fitted with a system whereby the drill string is rotated by a drive mechanism in the mast rather than by the rotary table at rig floor level. Thus 90 foot sections can be drilled before connections need to be made, and the drill string can be rotated while pulling out of the hole in 90 foot sections. This improved system, which speeds up the operation and allows better reaming of the hole is known as top drive. 

For various reasons, such as to change the bit or drilling assembly, the drill string may have to be brought to surface. It is normal practice to pull stands consisting of 90 ft... 

Until downhole motors became available a whipstock (Fig. 3.15) which is a slightly asymmetric steel joint, was inserted in the drill string. The assembly is oriented downhole and a rathole is drilled which is then enlarged to full bore hole size. The technique is still used in wells where hole conditions e.g. high temperatures, are unsuitable for downhole motors (see below). 

If a shallow kick off in soft formation is required (e.g. to steer the borehole away underneath platforms) a technique using jet bit deflection or badgering is employed (Fig. 3.16). A rock bit is fitted with two small and one large jet. With the bit on bottom and oriented in the desired direction the string is kept stationary and mud is pumped through the nozzles. This causes asymmetric erosion of the borehole beneath the larger jet. Once sufficient hole has been jetted, the drill bit will be rotated again and the new course followed. This process will be repeated until the planned deviation is reached. 

To deflect the bit in the desired direction a bent sub (w th typically 1° to 2° bend) which can be oriented from surface is inserted in the string just above the motor. 

However, coiled tubing drilling is limited to slim holes, and the reliability of some of the drill string components such as downhole motors needs further improvement. Presently, the cost of building a new customised CTD rig limits the wider application of this emerging technology. 

Casing joints are available in different grades, depending on the expected loads to which the string will be exposed during running, and the lifetime of the well. The main criteria for casing selection are ... 

Tension load Caused by the string weight during running in it will be highest at the top joints... 

This term describes a situation whereby the drill string cannot be moved up or down or rotated anymore. The pipe can become stuck as a result of mechanical problems during... 

Figure 5.37 depicts the basic set up of a wireline logging operation. A sonde is lowered downhole after the drill string has been removed. The sonde is connected via an insulated and reinforced electrical cable to a winch unit at the surface. At a speed of about 600m per hour the cable Is spooled upward and the sonde continuously records formation properties like natural gamma ray radiation, formation resistivity or formation density. The measured data is sent through the cable and is recorded and processed in a sophisticated logging unita the surface. Offshore, this unit will be located in a cabin, while on land it is truck mounted. In either situation data can be transmitted in real time via satellite to company headquarters if required. 

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