How can well engineering contribute to sustainable drilling operations?

1 Well design

One of the main tasks of well engineering is to design the well geometry, casing, and completion that best suit the reservoir characteristics, the drilling objectives, and the environmental conditions. A good well design can reduce the risks of blowouts, leaks, and well integrity failures that can cause serious environmental damage and safety hazards. A good well design can also improve the efficiency and productivity of the well by minimizing the drilling time, the fluid and cement consumption, and the formation damage.

3 Well testing

Well testing is the process of measuring and analyzing the flow and pressure behavior of the well and the reservoir to evaluate their properties and performance. Well testing can provide valuable information for optimizing the well completion, stimulation, and production strategies. Well testing can also help to identify and address any potential issues or anomalies in the well or the reservoir, such as leaks, fractures, or heterogeneities. Well testing can contribute to sustainable drilling operations by enhancing the recovery and utilization of the hydrocarbon resources and reducing the waste and emissions.

4 Well intervention

Well intervention is the term used to describe any operation that alters or repairs the well or the reservoir after the well has been completed. Well intervention can include activities such as perforating, fracturing, acidizing, logging, cleaning, or plugging. Well intervention can improve the well performance and extend its life span by restoring or enhancing the flow capacity, removing any obstructions or deposits, or isolating any unwanted zones. Well intervention can also prevent or resolve any environmental or safety issues that may arise during the well operation, such as leaks, corrosion, or scaling.

5 Well decommissioning

Well decommissioning is the final stage of the well life cycle, when the well is no longer productive or economical to operate. Well decommissioning involves plugging and abandoning the well in a safe and secure manner that prevents any future leakage or contamination of the surrounding environment. Well decommissioning also involves restoring the surface location and disposing of any equipment or materials that were used for the well operation. Well decommissioning can ensure that the well does not pose any long-term environmental or social risks or liabilities.

6 Well engineering skills

To perform well engineering tasks effectively and responsibly, well engineers need to have a combination of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Technical skills include the knowledge and application of the engineering principles, methods, and tools that are relevant for well design, control, testing, intervention, and decommissioning. Analytical skills include the ability to collect, process, and interpret the data and information that are essential for well evaluation and optimization. Interpersonal skills include the ability to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with the other stakeholders involved in the drilling operations, such as the drilling contractors, the service providers, the regulators, and the communities.