Brian Mees, BP, Scotland
Brian graduated from the University of Glasgow with a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering. After a short career in the aerospace industry working for Rolls Royce, he moved to BP on their graduate program as a Drilling Engineer. Some of his most memorable achievements are being awarded a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship and receiving the Hulbert Cup for ‘undergraduate of the year' during his internship with AugustaWestland Helicopter. In his spare time, he enjoys playing football, long distance running and scuba diving.
Offshore Oil Well Integrity – Channelling of Cement
Wells PWRI-3 and NW1 were drilled in the North Sea's ETAP field between 2008 and 2009. While cementing the 13 3/8" casing in both wells, channelling was observed. Channelling results from inadequate displacement of the drilling fluid, and is usually caused by variations in annular clearance between the casing and formation. During pumping operations, early cement returns to surface indicate channelling. Mismanagement of these returns can result in significant problems, cause excessive non-productive time for operations and be expensive to resolve.
A thorough investigation was conducted to determine the cause of this problem. The presentation details the initial wellbore conditions prior to the cementing operations and the findings from the root cause analysis. Methods to minimise cement channelling in future operations are discussed before presenting conclusions and recommendations.