Editor’s note: These abstracts have been edited for space and clarity. This program is current as of 15 January 2013. Additions, withdrawals and other changes to the conference program after this date may not be reflected. Click here for the most updated program.

TECHNICAL SESSION 4: DEEPWATER

Thermal Modeling Reveals Hidden Conditions that Can Impair Wellbore Stability and Integrity, R. Mitchell, R. Sweatman, Halliburton

This paper describes thermal modeling, combined with drilling fluid analysis, which reveals concealed changes in well conditions during various drilling and completion operations. These hidden conditions represent significant changes in the well’s drilling and completion fluid temperature, pressure, and density that may help explain wellbore stability and integrity issues.

Casing Design for Dual-Gradient Wells, A.J. Cantrell, Cherokee Offshore Engineering

This paper outlines factors that should be accounted for in dual-gradient casing design as compared to conventional deepwater casing design.

Big Bore Expandable Liner Hangers for Offshore and Deepwater Applications Reduces Cost and Increases Reliability: GOM Case History, J. McCormick, A. Carter, Halliburton

A case history of six expandable liner hangers (ELH) in the Gulf of Mexico show consistent materials cost savings, reduced installation time, improved reliability and increased versatility over the conventional system.

This paper disseminates technical information to increase operator awareness of an additional technology. Because deepwater exploration and development wells are becoming more prevalent, solutions for decreased materials costs, reduced installation time, improved reliability and increased versatility are needed. This ELH technology assists with both increased efficiency for current operations and the ability to push the deepwater technological envelope.

BOP Testing – Qualification Tests, Test Facilities and the Efficient Means of Operating Them, F.B. Springett, C. Johnson, M. Shah, National Oilwell Varco

BOP performance is in the limelight all the way from the manufacturers to governmental levels. Greater performance objectives require higher testing standards. This paper will examine the needs of a modern BOP test facility and the methods used to deliver on those needs effectively.

Zonal Isolation Through Gas Hydrates Offshore Tanzania, J.S. Vølstad, T. Tveit, Statoil; P.C. Aguilar Mayorga, N. Hurtado, M. Bogaerts, Schlumberger

Deepwater cementing becomes increasingly challenging as drilling operations move to greater water depths and to more remote locations. Understanding these challenges and mitigating the associated risks in time becomes ever more important. Before the first exploration well for an operator offshore Tanzania was spudded in a water depth of 2,580 meters, an extensive analysis was performed to determine all the risks for cementing operations, especially critical was the cementation of the surface casing.

Perforating Gunshock Loads – Prediction and Mitigation, C.E. Baumann, K.E. Barnard, H.A. Williams, Schlumberger; D.R. McDaniel, J.R. Cromb, Anadarko Petroleum

Most wells and particularly high-pressure wells are susceptible to gunshock damage when they are perforated with inappropriate gun systems. This paper presents a simulation methodology to predict gunshock loads for tubing-conveyed and wireline-conveyed perforating jobs. This methodology enables completion engineers to evaluate the sensitivity of gunshock loads to changes in gun type, charge type, shot density, tubing size and length, number of shock absorbers, rathole length, and placement of packers, among others.

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