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Torque and Drag, Guidelines to

PERFORM
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Torque and Drag, Guidelines to
PERFORM
Reference:
Version: 1.0
Release Date: Provisory
EDMS UID: 275201564
Published: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50
Owner: SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation
Group
Author: Jesus Vasquez

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Legal Information

Copyright © 2004 Schlumberger, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

This work contains the confidential and proprietary trade secrets of Schlumberger
and may not be copied or stored in an information retrieval system, transferred,
used, distributed, translated or retransmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, in whole or in part, without the express written
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permission of the copyright owner.

Trademarks & service marks

"Schlumberger", the Schlumberger logotype, and other words or symbols used

to identify the products and services described herein are either trademarks,
trade names or service marks of Schlumberger and its licensors, or are the
property of their respective owners. These marks may not be copied, imitated
or used, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of
Schlumberger. In addition, covers, page headers, custom graphics, icons, and
other design elements may be service marks, trademarks, and/or trade dress
of Schlumberger, and may not be copied, imitated, or used, in whole or in part,
without the express prior written permission of Schlumberger.

A complete list of Schlumberger marks may be viewed at the Schlumberger

Oilfield Services Marks page: http://www.hub.slb.com/index.cfm?id=id32083
Marks of Schlumberger include but may not be limited to IDEAL.

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Document Control
Owner: SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group
SPC Documentation Coordinator

Author: Jesus Vasquez

Reviewer:

Approver:
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Contact Information
Name: SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group
Title: SPC Documentation Coordinator

Revision History
Rev Effective Date Description Prepared by
1.0 15-Jul-2004 Imported MSWord content into C. Ramirez
EDMS in XML format, converted
images to meet EDMS standards,
edited content for proper grammar.

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Table of Contents

1 Prerequisite Materials

2 Abstract
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3 Objectives

4 Basic Definitions

5 Causes of Torque and Drag

5.1 Side Forces ________________________________________________ 5- 1
5.2 Formation and Borehole Stability Related Causes _____________ 5- 7
5.3 Friction Factors _____________________________________________ 5-11
5.4 BHA Related Causes ________________________________________ 5-14
5.5 Wellbore Profile and Condition Causes _______________________ 5-16
5.6 Dynamic Causes ____________________________________________ 5-21

6 Effects and Consequences of Torque and Drag

6.1 Rig Technical Limits _________________________________________ 6- 1
6.2 Weight Transfer _____________________________________________ 6- 1
6.3 Rate of Penetration _________________________________________ 6- 1
6.4 Drilling Progress ____________________________________________ 6- 2
6.5 Downhole Vibrations ________________________________________ 6- 2
6.6 Related to Buckling _________________________________________ 6- 2
6.7 Wiper Trip __________________________________________________ 6- 2
6.8 Directional Control __________________________________________ 6- 2
6.9 Mechanical Integrity of the Drillstring _________________________ 6- 3
6.10 Causes for Increased Torque and Drag _______________________ 6- 4

7 Managing Torque and Drag

7.1 Measures for Managing Torque and Drag _____________________ 7- 1
7.2 Factor Affecting Management of Torque and Drag _____________ 7-10

8 Modeling and Estimating Torque and Drag

9 Benefits of Monitoring Torque and Drag in Real-Time

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10 PERFORM Guidelines for Torque and Drag

10.1 PERFORM Guidelines for Torque and Drag __________________ 10- 1
10.2 Continuous Improvement ___________________________________ 10- 5
10.3 What is Torque and Drag Analysis? _________________________ 10-14
10.4 Uses and Application of Torque and Drag ____________________ 10-14
10.5 What is Used for Torque and Drag Analysis? _________________ 10-15
10.6 Data (Collection and Quality) _______________________________ 10-23
10.7 Real-Time or Wellsite Tasks ________________________________ 10-26
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10.8 Drillstring Design Analysis and Guidelines ___________________ 10-28

10.9 Casing ____________________________________________________ 10-30
10.10 Proposal Tasks for PERFORM Engineer While Running
Casing ____________________________________________________ 10-30
10.11 Client Deliverables _________________________________________ 10-31
10.12 Analysis of Torque and Drag Charts _________________________ 10-32

11 Questionaire

Appendices

A InTouch References

B Bibliography

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List of Figures

4-1 Friction Force ____________________________________________________ 4- 2

4-2 Types of Friction Factors __________________________________________ 4- 3
5-1 Drillstring Bending Stiffness _______________________________________ 5- 2
5-2 Components of Side Forces _______________________________________ 5- 2
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5-3 Buckling in Drillstring (Sinusoidal and Helical) ______________________ 5- 5

5-4 Typical Drillstring Behavior in Inclined Wells ________________________ 5- 6
5-5 Unconsolidated Zones ____________________________________________ 5- 8
5-6 Minerals _________________________________________________________ 5- 9
5-7 Fractures_________________________________________________________ 5- 9
5-8 Geopressure _____________________________________________________ 5- 9
5-9 Reactive Formations ______________________________________________ 5-10
5-10 Cement Blocks ___________________________________________________ 5-10
5-11 Water Based Mud Friction Factors _________________________________ 5-12
5-12 Oil and Synthetic Based Mud Friction Factors_______________________ 5-12
5-13 Casing Friction Factors____________________________________________ 5-13
5-14 Ledges __________________________________________________________ 5-15
5-15 Under Gauge Hole________________________________________________ 5-15
5-16 Key Seating ______________________________________________________ 5-16
5-17 Tortuosity Analysis________________________________________________ 5-19
5-18 Downhole Image of Spiraling Hole _________________________________ 5-20
7-1 Non-rotating Drillpipe Protectors ___________________________________ 7- 5
7-2 Types of Centralizers _____________________________________________ 7- 9
10-1 Effects of Heave Systems in Torque Reduction ____________________ 10- 2
10-2 Continuous Improvement Phases _________________________________ 10- 5
10-3 Planning Phase Flow Chart ______________________________________ 10- 9
10-4 Execution Phase Flow Chart _____________________________________ 10-11
10-5 Evaluation Phase Flow Chart _____________________________________ 10-13
10-6 DrillSAFE Inputs_________________________________________________ 10-15
10-7 Types of Torque and Drag Analysis in DrillSAFE ___________________ 10-17
10-8 Effective Axial Load Chart Basics _________________________________ 10-18
10-9 Side Forces Chart Basics ________________________________________ 10-19
10-10 Stresses Chart Basics ___________________________________________ 10-20
10-11 Torque and Drag Excel Chart _____________________________________ 10-22
10-12 Drillpipe Summary per Section ___________________________________ 10-32
10-13 Drilling Loads Summary__________________________________________ 10-32
10-14 Tripping Loads Summary_________________________________________ 10-32
10-15 Theoretical and Actual Trends for Hookloads ______________________ 10-34
10-16 Hole Cleaning Effect in Friction Factors ___________________________ 10-35

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10-17 Tripping Monitoring ______________________________________________ 10-36

10-18 Original and Modified Plan _______________________________________ 10-37
10-19 Weight Distribution_______________________________________________ 10-37
10-20 Weight Distribution with BHA and Well Profile Modified _____________ 10-38
10-21 Effect of BHA and Formation _____________________________________ 10-39
10-22 Hookloads While Running Casing ________________________________ 10-40
10-23 Comparison Between IDEAL and Rig Floor Values_________________ 10-41
10-24 Effect of MW and Actual Survey in Torque and Drag Model _________ 10-42
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10-25 Torque Profile ___________________________________________________ 10-43

10-26 Torque Profile with Modified (tapered) BHA ________________________ 10-43
10-27 Side Forces _____________________________________________________ 10-44
10-28 Stresses Loading Profile _________________________________________ 10-45
10-29 Stresses Loading Profile with Modified BHA _______________________ 10-45
10-30 Tortuosity Chart with a Trouble or Winding Trajectory_______________ 10-46
10-31 Tortuosity Chart with Smooth Well Trajectory ______________________ 10-47
10-32 Tripping Loads for Casing Run with Centralizers ___________________ 10-48
10-33 Friction Factors and Hole Cleaning________________________________ 10-49

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List of Tables

10-1 Drillpipe Grades _________________________________________________ 10-28

A-1 Recommended References _______________________________________ A- 1
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List of Equations

4-1 Friction Factor ____________________________________________________ 4- 1

4-2 Frictional Angle ___________________________________________________ 4- 2
5-1 Total Side Force __________________________________________________ 5- 2
5-2 Effective (Buoyed) Weight in a Vertical Section _____________________ 5- 3
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5-3 Tortuosity Equation _______________________________________________ 5-17

10-1 Von Mises Stress ________________________________________________ 10-29

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1 PREREQUISITE MATERIALS torque, drag, Drilling Office,

A list of manuals and Self Learning Packages (SLP) are shown here as
suggested reading material to better understand the SLP presented here.

InTouch ID Title
Drilling Office Technical Manual (DrillSAFE
Section)
Stuck Pipe Self Learning Package
Wellbore Stability Self Learning Package
Mechanical Integrity Self Learning Package
Thread and Connection Self Learning Package
default\JesusVasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275202266\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

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 2-1 Torque and Drag SLP / Abstract 2-1

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2 ABSTRACT Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

Torque and drag losses are phenomenons that occur mostly in deviated wells,
with special considerations in Extended Reach Development (ERD) wells.
Torque is lost from the rotating drillstring while drilling, so the power available at
the bit for cutting removal is considerably lower than that applied at the rotary
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table or top drive. Drag is experienced as an extra load over the rotating string
weight when tripping in or out of the hole. Both phenomenons have a great
impact in drilling industry due to the problems derived from them, such as:

• stuck pipe
• unsuccessful casing installation
• waste of drilling energy
• time lost
• drilling cost increase.

These phenomenons and their mitigation are becoming increasingly important in

today’s drilling industry, due to the drilling of more challenging wells and because
of tighter legislations in different locations around the world that restrict the use
of highly lubricating oil or synthetic based drilling fluids.

There are some considerations to have in mind when reading this document. The
main objective of this Self Learning Package (SLP) is to cover the basic physics
behind torque and drag phenomenons, the causes and consequences of torque
and drag, common practices for their management, and factors influencing
torque and drag (wellbore profile, formation, wellbore condition, BHA, friction,
mud, drilling system, etc.). It is assumed that the reader already has a basic level
of the material developed, as this SLP is intended for PERFORM engineers to
help to improve knowledge in this matter and bring to our clients the best of our
services, aiming to successfully drill a well. Finally, even though this topic has
been in the drilling industry for quite awhile, this SLP compiles an amount of
documentation, resources, and issues regarding torque and drag that have not
been adequately addressed in the past. No guidelines or basic documentation
has been previously written that addresses the basic steps an engineer should
follow when performing analysis, and delivering quality and helpful information
to our clients.

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The presented SLP has been developed as part of a General field Engineer
(GFE) project. The intention is to establish basic guidelines for torque and drag
in real-time and post job analysis. By doing so, it successfully accomplishes
the set objectives.

This version of the document completely replaces any other version, published
or unpublished. Check that the version you are using matches the controlled
version published in InTouch. Document version information is indicated on the
document cover page. To confirm you are using the correct version, check that
the reference, version, release date, EDMS UID, and production date all match
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those on the controlled version of the document. Refer to the document control
page for the document revision history.

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3 OBJECTIVES Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

Upon completion of this SLP the engineer should be able to:

• Define torque and drag and its main causes

• Establish a relationship between friction and torque and drag
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• Describe which factor affects torque and drag

• Describe the main techniques and procedures or operation to mitigate
excessive values of torque and drag
• Describe how hole cleaning and torque and drag are related
• Name the consequences of torque and drag in the drilling industry
• Describe the main PERFORM guidelines for torque and drag
• Describe the basic tools for torque and drag analysis and its outputs
• Describe the main inputs for Drilling Office (DO) to perform torque and drag
analysis
• Identify the real-time applications of torque and drag analysis
• Perform a torque and drag analysis following the basic guidelines described
in this document
• Identify basic client deliverables with regard to torque and drag analysis.

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4 BASIC DEFINITIONS Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

These definitions are frequently mentioned in the next sections and are key
elements for the understanding torque and drag.

Term Definition
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What is drag? Drag is an axial force generated by the interaction between any
element of the drillstring with the formation being drilled. This force
is opposite to the movement of the drillstring. The drag has two
components, one due to friction between the drillstring and the
formation and the other is mechanical, which is due to the cutting
beds in the wellbore. The drag is normally measured in terms of
pound force (lbf), as per English unit systems.
What is torque? The basic definition of torque is the measure of force or effort
applied to a shaft, causing it to rotate. From the drilling point of
view, torque is a rotational force generated from forces within
the well bore, such as:

• frictional torque due to contact forces between the drillstring

and the formation or casing
• mechanical torque due to interaction with cutting beds in
the hole
• bit torque, which is the torque needed for the cutting or
destruction action of the bit
• torque due to dynamic or vibrations.

Torque is measured in unit of force by length (ft.lbf), as per the

English unit system.
What is friction? Friction is the force resulting from the movement of one element
against another. This force resists relative motion between these
two elements in contact. From the drilling point of view, one of the
elements in motion is the drillstring and the other is the formation
or casing.
What are the physics The physics laws under which friction acts are:
laws of friction?
1. The friction force is proportional to the normal force; the
proportionality constant is the apparent friction coefficient.

Equation 4-1: Friction Factor

Where:
FF = Friction force in lbf

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FN = Normal force in lbf

µ = Friction factor or friction coefficient (dimensionless)

Note
In drilling, µ is not a true friction coefficient. Instead, it acts as
a correlation coefficient that lumps together the friction caused
by many factors, including friction, as it will be explained
in Section 5.3 .

The friction factor is often expressed in terms of a constant

angle of repose, or a frictional angle Ø defined by:
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Equation 4-2: Frictional Angle

Where:
Ø = The angle of an inclined plane such that any object placed
on the plane, whatever its weight, will remain stationary,
but if the angle is increased by a small amount the object
will slide down.

Figure 4-1: Friction Force

2. The friction force would be independent of the sliding velocity.

This implies that the force required to initiate sliding will be
the same as the force required to maintain sliding at any
specified velocity. Experiments have shown that the friction
coefficient decreases slightly with sliding velocity, but for
drilling applications this effect is negligible.
What are friction factors? Friction factor is the ratio of the force required to move an object,
divided by the friction force between the object and the surface
against which it is moving. Figure 4-2 shows the types of friction
factors in the drilling environment.

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Figure 4-2: Types of Friction Factors

What are contact or side Side force is the force that exits between the wellbore wall and
forces? any element of the drillstring. The side forces are components
or causes of excessive torque and drag.
What is the relationship As it will be explained in this document, friction is an important
between friction and factor or component of torque and drag measurements. In simple
torque and drag terms, torque and drag will increase or decrease in response to
measurements? friction.
What are weight losses? Weight losses are the weight lost along the wellbore due to the
contact (friction) between the drillstring and the formation or
casing. Mathematically, weight losses are the total weight of the
drillstring minus the downhole weight.
What are torque losses? Torque losses are losses of the torque applied at surface along
the wellbore due to friction, dynamics, and vibrational causes.
Torque losses can be expressed as the surface torque minus
the downhole torque.
What is slack off weight? Slack off weight is the measure of the weight of the drillstring in
the hole minus the additional drag (not rotation), and also the
buoyancy effect due to the drilling fluid in the hole.
What is pickup weight? Pickup weight is the measure of the weight of the drillstring in the
hole plus the additional drag (no rotation).
What is rotating weight? Rotating weight refers to the weight of the drillstring when rotating.
It should be the same as the total weight of the drillstring (taking
into consideration the mud buoyancy effect).
What if off-bottom Off-bottom torque is the torque measure when rotating off
torque? the bottom of the hole (not taking into account the bit torque
component).

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5 Causes of Torque and Drag

5.1 Side Forces ___________________________________________________ 5- 1
5.1.1 Definition ___________________________________________________ 5- 1
5.1.2 Components ________________________________________________ 5- 1
5.1.3 Factor Affecting Side Forces and Its Components _____________ 5- 3
5.1.3.1 Drillstring Weight ________________________________________ 5- 3
5.1.3.2 Borehole Inclination and Directional Changes _____________ 5- 4
5.1.3.3 Buckling ________________________________________________ 5- 4
5.2 Formation and Borehole Stability Related Causes _____________ 5- 7
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5.2.1 Unconsolidated Zones ______________________________________ 5- 8

5.2.2 Minerals ____________________________________________________ 5- 8
5.2.3 Fractures ___________________________________________________ 5-10
5.2.4 Geopressure _______________________________________________ 5-10
5.2.5 Reactive Formations ________________________________________ 5-11
5.2.6 Cement Blocks _____________________________________________ 5-11
5.3 Friction Factors _______________________________________________ 5-11
5.3.1 Values of Friction Factors ____________________________________ 5-11
5.3.2 Hole Cleaning and Friction Factors ___________________________ 5-13
5.3.3 Prediction Factors ___________________________________________ 5-14
5.4 BHA Related Causes __________________________________________ 5-14
5.4.1 Ledges _____________________________________________________ 5-15
5.4.2 Under Gauge Hole __________________________________________ 5-15
5.4.3 Key Seating ________________________________________________ 5-15
5.5 Wellbore Profile and Condition Causes ________________________ 5-16
5.5.1 Tortuosity ___________________________________________________ 5-17
5.5.2 Micro-Tortuosity _____________________________________________ 5-18
5.5.3 Importance of Tortuosity for Torque and Drag _________________ 5-19
5.5.4 Recommended Values of Tortuosity __________________________ 5-19
5.5.5 Spiraling (Hole Quality) ______________________________________ 5-20
5.5.6 Importance of Hole Quality for Torque and Drag _______________ 5-20
5.6 Dynamic Causes ______________________________________________ 5-21

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5 CAUSES OF TORQUE AND DRAG Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

Torque and drag losses will traduce ultimately in losses of drilling energy, which
will affect in a negative way the drilling process. This losses occur basically
because the interaction between the wellbore wall and the drillstring, in order to
this kind of interaction exits it must be contact between the two components or
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198313\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

integrants of this interaction, from this contact come the main causes of torque
and drag, this contact are represented by the side forces or contact forces
between the drillstring and the wellbore. Next are listed the causes and/or factors
that can induce excessive torque and drag in a well.

5.1 Side Forces

5.1.1 Definition
Side forces are the forces that exist between the wellbore wall and any element
of the drillstring. These forces have several components that at the same time
are causes for these side forces. This section illustrates the relationship between
these forces and torque and drag losses.

5.1.2 Components
The first component of side force is the side weight (Wn), which is the component
of the drillstring weight that is perpendicular to the borehole axis. The side weight
tends to force the drillstring to the low side of the hole.

The second component is curvature side force (Fc), which is the product of
tension and curvature of the drillstring in the contact area. A drillstring in tension
is analogous to a piece of string that has a tension force applied at each end.
When the string is in tension, its natural tendency is to be straight. To curve
the string, a side force must be applied at some contact point on the string. In
the same way, the borehole must apply a side force on the drillstring at various
contact points to cause the drillstring to curve.

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The final component is the bending side force (Fb). The bending force is similar
to the curvature side force, but is a result of the drillstring bending stiffness, not
the tension. The drillstring wants to remain straight in its natural state. When the
drillstring is bent, there is a natural restorative force that “springs” it back to its
original straight position. This situation is analogous to a ruler that is bent slightly
and then released. The “spring back” force is the bending side force between the
drillstring and the borehole.

Equation 5-1: Total Side Force

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Where:
TSF = Total side force, in lbf
Wn = side weight due to weight of drillstring, in lbf
Fc = curvature side force due to the tension and curvature in the drillstring, in lbf
Fb = bending side force, in lbf

Figure 5-1: Drillstring Bending Stiffness

Figure 5-2: Components of Side Forces

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5.1.3 Factor Affecting Side Forces and Its Components

The side forces depend on drillstring weight, buckling, and inclination/direction
changes.

5.1.3.1 Drillstring Weight

The weight of the drillstring, as mentioned earlier, is one of the components
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of the resultant or total side force. The weight depends on the density of the
material in which the determined element of the drillstring is made of, and the
dimensions of that element.

Note
In practice, one obtains the weight per unit of length of any component of the
BHA (drillpipe, collars, downhole tools, etc.) and multiplies by the length of this
component, which gives the total weight.

Buoyancy is another factor that plays a role in this. The buoyancy effect is caused
when an object (drillstring) is immersed in fluid (drilling mud) existing in the
wellbore. The pressure below the object is greater than the pressure above. The
resulting pressure differential is the source of the buoyancy force on the drillstring.

Determining buoyancy is crucial to well planning because it reduces the amount

of drillstring weight that is calculated on the surface. This weight reduction is
determined by a buoyancy factor. This buoyancy factor must be considered for
vertical, horizontal, and inclined sections of the wellbore. The effective weight
(buoyed weight) in a vertical section is given by the following:

Equation 5-2: Effective (Buoyed) Weight in a Vertical Section

Where:
W = Weight of the drillstring
element in air, in lbf
ρm = Density of the drilling fluid, in lbf/galUS
ρs = Density of the drilling element, most commonly density of still, in lbf/galUS
We = Weight buoyed of the drillstring element, in lbf

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Note
In deviated and horizontal sections of any well, the effect of the inclination must
be taken into consideration on the buoyancy force, which applies both axially and
laterally on objects in the wellbore fluid.

5.1.3.2 Borehole Inclination and Directional Changes

The inclination of the well affects which side force component has the greatest
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impact on the total side force. As the inclination increases, the normal component
of the drillstring weight (Wn) increases. Therefore, the side weight contribution to
the total side force becomes more important. As inclination decreases to zero,
the side weight becomes negligible. Hence, the curvature side force and bending
side force contribute most of the total side force in low inclination sections.

5.1.3.3 Buckling
Before explaining the relationship that buckling has with side forces, it is
important to understand the definition of buckling as a basic concept. Buckling is
the deformation that the drillstring suffers when it is submitted to compression.
Basically, this deformation is the deviation of the drillstring from its own axial axis.
It could be sinusoidal or helical, as described later.

Buckling is an important consideration in deviated wells because while tripping

in or sliding, the drillstring and other tubulars (e.g., liners, workstrings, tubing,
perforating guns, Coil-tubing) are subjected to large compressive forces.
Consequently, many operations during drilling may result in buckling. This
phenomenon must be properly addressed to account for its impact on drag and
torque and its elevation of drillstring stresses.

Figure 5-3 illustrates a string behavior under increasing compressive loads.

When compression is below the critical buckling load, the string will sustain
this compression without buckling. Above the critical buckling load, the string
buckles into sinusoidal or “snaky” buckling. This buckling condition results in the
drillstring deforming into a snaky configuration along the low side of the well. For
compression loads above the critical helical buckling load, the string can no
longer maintain its snaky configuration and it coils up against the wellbore and
helically buckles. String lock-up immediately follows the onset of helical buckling
due to a dramatic increase in side forces. Helical buckling should therefore be
avoided. In high inclination wells, the magnitude of the helical buckling load (for a

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conventional drillstring) is very high, so its occurrences are not common. It is the
growth of the snaky buckling and the associated increase in side forces which
predominantly need to be quantified.
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Figure 5-3: Buckling in Drillstring (Sinusoidal and Helical)

There are ways to quantify the amount of buckling in the drillstring. For example,
the severity of snaky buckling is quantified by how far from the low-side (in dega)
the string is displaced. If the snaky buckling amplitude remains below about 40
dega, the buckling is generally tolerable and does not cause significant increases
in drag. However, more severe sinusoidal buckling should be avoided as it can
cause large increases in side forces, which can also lead to string lock-up or
loss of surface string weight.

Figure 5-4 illustrates typical buckling behavior in a deviated type well profile.
Buckling extends from the 85 dega tangent, where compression is a maximum
up into the near-vertical section. In the 85 dega section, stabilization forces
due to high inclination provide adequate support to restrain the buckling to the
snaky mode. In the build section, wellbore curvature provides additional support,
restraining the buckling in that section to the snaky mode and of less severity
than the 85 dega tangent section. Full helical buckling develops in the near
vertical wellbore. This helical buckling gradually disappears as the neutral point
(point where the drillstring passes from compression to tension) is approached,
where compression in the string is less than the critical buckling load.

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Figure 5-4: Typical Drillstring Behavior in Inclined Wells

Considerations in Buckling

• Critical angle: The critical angle is the angle above which the pipe or
drillstring requires force to be pushed into the hole. In this region, a lower
inclination angle produces less drag, but allows more severe buckling due to
lower wellbore support. A higher inclination angle generates relatively higher
drag, but relatively lower buckling severity. The optimization is dependent on
quantifying these sensitivities.

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• Trip-in Effects: When tripping into a well, the friction between the drill
string and the wellbore may be high enough that the drillstring is under
compression. When this is the case, buckling could occur.

How to Detect Buckling

Besides modeling and pre-detecting buckling during the planning phase of a well
using the Drilling Office application (illustrated later in this document), there
could be a way to detect buckling in real-time or at the rigside during the drilling
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phase. Drillstring buckling has been detected while rotary drilling with a roller
cone bit under high WOB, due to higher than normal torques. In order to avoid
this, a PDC bit (which can drill with a lower WOB) can be used.

Note
It is important for the integrity of the drillstring that in case of buckling, rotation
should not be initiated. First, buckling should be relieved by picking up the
drillstring and then reaming back to bottom. Rotating a buckled string is not
recommended, as it can lead to high bending stresses, severe dynamics, and
twist-off.

Due to the mechanism and condition for buckling to be present in a drillstring,

it is not normally important in drilling operations with shallow or nearly vertical
wells where the drillstring is mostly in tension. However, as the wells become
longer and more deviated, it is often the case that large parts of the drillstring
are in compression and buckling effects must be considered. It is necessary to
include the interaction between torque and buckling, if drag and torque are to be
correctly estimated for these extreme wells. This is important to keep in mind
during the planning phase of a well.

5.2 Formation and Borehole Stability Related

Causes
The formation being drilled will play an important role in the causes of torque and
drag. Geological and physics characteristics of the formation will influence the
amount of torque or drag that a drillstring will present during the making of a
hole. To see the effect that formation can have in the causes of torque and drag,
several cases are presented.

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Note
It is not a fundamental part of this SLP to explain the mechanisms of how the
phenomenon listed below are induced or produced, but it is advisable to become
knowledgeable in this matter.

5.2.1 Unconsolidated Zones

Figure 5-5 is an illustration of an unconsolidated zone. Basically, it is the
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198313\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

formation that collapsed into the wellbore, forming a bridge in the worst of cases,
or generating excessive drag and torque in the drillstring.

5.2.2 Minerals
Due to the removal of restraining force inside the formation as the wellbore
is drilled, formation itself flows into the wellbore and causes torque and drag
increase. See Figure 5-6.

Figure 5-5: Unconsolidated Zones

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Figure 5-6: Minerals

Figure 5-7: Fractures

Figure 5-8: Geopressure

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5.2.3 Fractures
When drilling a formation that is naturally fractured, or in the vicinity of a fault
zone, pieces may break off into the hole. These pieces may vary in size from
small to boulder scale. The effect of this break into the wellbore can vary from an
increase in torque and drag in the drillstring, to ultimately, jamming the BHA.

Geopressure
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5.2.4

If the pore pressure (Pp) exceeds the drilling fluid hydrostatic pressure (Ph), the
formation can cave into the wellbore. See Figure 5-8.

Figure 5-9: Reactive Formations

Figure 5-10: Cement Blocks

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5.2.5 Reactive Formations

In some cases, water from the drilling fluid reacts with formation (reactive shale),
causing them to hydrate, swell, and subsequently collapse into the wellbore
(e.g., smectite and bentonite clays in “gumbo” shales). When tripping the bit,
BHA components can become severely balled, increasing torque and drag and
therefore, the potential for stuck pipe.
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5.2.6 Cement Blocks

If cement becomes unstable around the casing shoe, open hole squeeze plug, or
kick off plug, hard cement chunks can fall into the wellbore, which increases the
torque and drag and can jam the drillstring.

5.3 Friction Factors

A friction factor is defined as the ratio of the force required to move an object,
divided by the side force between the object and the surface on which it is
resting. The friction factor is always less than unity. Depending upon the nature
of the drillstring motion, frictional forces may be one of the following:

• Drag forces (axial motion of the drillstring only – sliding mode)

• Frictional torque generated by rotation only (rotating mode)
• A combination of both translation and rotation friction (i.e., torque and drag –
reaming mode).

5.3.1 Values of Friction Factors

It is difficult to define measurements of the range of coefficient of friction, since it
is affected by so many factors. Factors include formation nature or composition
itself, type of mud, material of the drillstring, properties in the mud, etc. A
compilation of the range of the friction factors is shown next — in most cases
gathered in the type of mud, type of surface in contact (openhole/cased hole),
and the drilling activity (rotation/sliding). This information was gathered from
documentation consulted, as listed in Appendix B .

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Figure 5-11: Water Based Mud Friction Factors

Figure 5-12: Oil and Synthetic Based Mud Friction Factors

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Figure 5-13: Casing Friction Factors

Note
Section 10 describes the guidelines for PERFORM in regard to torque and drag
real-time application at the well site. Determining the friction factor is one of the
guidelines described. Keep in mind that as the friction factor is derived from
loads measured in the field (pick up, slack off, and torque), anything that affects
the load is interpreted as friction effect.

The friction factor will vary for a variety of reasons. In particular, the global
coefficient reflects differences in the local value in cased and openhole sections.
The friction factor is also subject to the effects of the stiffness of the bottom hole
assembly and the action of the stabilizers in different formations.

5.3.2 Hole Cleaning and Friction Factors

The friction factor is also affected by hole cleaning. After a cutting bed has
been built (due to not enough hole cleaning), friction increases due to the
drillstring embedding in the cutting beds and creating a higher resistance against
movement of the drillstring. This creates an increase or higher friction factor.
Differential sticking induced by a higher annular pressure due to hole cleaning
changes can be another contribution to higher friction factors.

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In one instance, the hole was clean, but the off bottom rotating torque was higher
than when the hole was loaded with cuttings. This was evident when comparing
the off bottom rotating torque values before and after circulating the hole clean at
the same measured depth. Because the formation cuttings were firm and hard
(most cases, shale), it is thought that the cuttings within the cutting bed acted as
ball bearings with respect to the drillstring in rotational mode. This result is not
certain for all extended reach wells. It depends on the thickness of the cutting
bed, the formation type, and drilling fluid characteristics.
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5.3.3 Prediction Factors

Friction factors are defined by many papers in the drilling industry. Still, the
model for torque and drag prediction and monitoring is not clearly understood,
measured, or quite defined. Models that have been elaborated and developed
over the years will work in most cases to estimate a value for the torque and
drag losses, then comparing them with real indicators as drilling measurements
(downhole/surface torque, downhole/surface weight on bit). It would be peculiar
if, having made these predictions/models about what to expect, they do not
compare with reality. Many comparisons that traditionally have been made
contain significant “fudge factors” that collect together all the elements not
understood or measured in detail. An example of the fudge factor is the use of
euphemism friction factors in torque and drag calculations. This does not bear
any relation to a ‘coefficient’ of friction between the drillstrings and the formations.

5.4 BHA Related Causes

The BHA can cause a side force at the bit that leads to an increase in hole
inclination (positive side force - Fulcrum effect), no change in inclination (zero
net side force - Lockup BHA), or a drop in inclination (negative side force -
Pendulum effect). Also, changes in the hole direction (bit walk) can be minimized
or increased by specific rotary BHA and drilling parameters. In addition to these
three basic types of BHA is the rotary steerable systems PowerDrive, which
allows changes in direction and inclination while rotating the drillstring.

Causes of excessive torque and drag related to the BHA has already been
defined and illustrated in this document. These are stiffness, weight, and
buckling. The causes are included in others factors or descriptions due to those
relationships, however, other causes should be noted, as described next.

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5.4.1 Ledges
Ledging is likely to occur where there is a formation change, and in sequences of
hard and soft interbeds.

5.4.2 Under Gauge Hole

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An under gauge hole occurs when the gauge protection on the bit becomes
ineffective after drilling long sections of abrasive formations. If care is not taken
when tripping in, a new bit can become jammed in an under gauge hole.

Figure 5-14: Ledges Figure 5-15: Under Gauge Hole

5.4.3 Key Seating

When a drillstring is forced against the borehole wall, the drillpipe rotation
will initiate key seat formation (see Figure 5-16), and the drag and torque will
increase due to the increase in contact of the drillstring and the wellbore. This
phenomenon will result in stuck pipe when tripping out. Keep in mind that key
seating can occur in casing hole and in open hole.

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Figure 5-16: Key Seating

5.5 Wellbore Profile and Condition Causes

Another important factor in producing or generating torque and drag losses in a
well is the profile “path” of a well, which is a major contribution in the generation
and/or reduction of these losses. Simply, a smooth path will have less energy
wasted or lost in torque and drag than a difficult or winding path. In this factor,
other elements play an important role, such as inclination and direction, and
when combined, will influence in dogleg severity. This is discussed later. The
path or profile of a borehole is the result of complex interactions between the
behavior of the rock and different drilling parameters, such as:

• Bottom hole assembly design

• Weight on bit and rotary speed
• Formation dip
• Borehole diameter
• Formation drillability

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• Borehole stability.

There are various profile types that can be drilled to a target (build and hold,
double build, etc.). The selection of a specific profile type and its detailed design
must consider many possible limitations and constraints, in addition to torque and
drag. Examples include wellbore stability at specific inclinations and azimuths,
hole cleaning, geological sensitivities (problem shales, under-pressured sands,
salt sections, etc.), and anti-collision requirements with respect to existing and
future wells. For all deviated well profiles, it is important for the trajectory to
be as smooth as possible with minimum doglegs. Thus, the ability to achieve
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directional control in the specific geology involved must be an integral part of the
design process.

Note
To the fullest extent possible, the BHA should be planned to achieve the desired
built/turn tendencies with the maximum amount of rotary drilling. This tends to
minimize doglegs and promote better hole cleaning and ROP.

An element or factor that accounts for increasing drag and torque in a well is
called tortuosity, as explained next.

5.5.1 Tortuosity
Tortuosity is commonly defined as the amount by which the actual wellbore
deviates from the planned trajectory. This is the cumulative dogleg planned into
the well, or for a drilled well, the total dogleg change (positive addition) even
when it is a drop.

Equation 5-3: Tortuosity Equation

Where:
Tn = Tortuosity at station
survey “n”, in dega/100 ft
Tn-1 = Tortuosity at station survey “n-1”, in dega/100 ft
DLS = Dog leg severit,y in dega/100 ft
MDn = Measured depth at survey station “n”, in ft
MDn-1 = Measured depth at survey station “n-1”, in ft.

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Typically, as the length of the well path increases, so will the tortuosity. Actual
drilled tortuosity is often higher than the planned well tortuosity, especially in
wells with long tangent sections, since the DLS in the tangent is often difficult to
maintain at zero.

Note
It is recommended that the overall well tortuosity be maintained below 0.8
dega/100 ft, to minimize the risk of the completion assembly hanging up before
getting to bottom.
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5.5.2 Micro-Tortuosity
“Micro-tortuosity” is often defined as when the hole axis is a helix instead
of a straight line, it must be related with hole spiraling. Micro-tortuosity is
defined as the tortuosity that occurs on a much smaller scale as compared to
macro-tortuosity (tortuosity).

Micro-tortuosity differs from macro-tortuosity in that (i) it occurs on conventional

assemblies as well as motor assemblies (and rotary steerable, for that matter),
and (ii) it creates a uniform spiraled wellbore that can only be detected by
advanced wireline survey techniques or LWD caliper tools.

These two factors, tortuosity and micro-tortuosity, will compose an element that
will increase the torque as drag losses in a given well. Simply, the more tortuous
the well path is, the higher the torque and drag losses will be.

Figure 5-17 shows an analysis of tortuosity done in a PERFORM job, comparing

the continuous inclination and azimuth with the survey station. the guideline
section shows several examples with extended analysis.

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Figure 5-17: Tortuosity Analysis

5.5.3 Importance of Tortuosity for Torque and Drag

• The smoother the wellbore profile is, the smoother will be its drilling phase.
Tortuosity will increase the torque and drag requirements to drill a well.
• If the tortuosity value is considered during the planning phase, ideal torque
and drag numbers will be obtained.
• Adding tortuosity to a wellbore profile allows more consistent results between
different engineers.
• It is an aid for drilling software limitations in modeling vertical sections of wells.

5.5.4 Recommended Values of Tortuosity

Values shown below are not from offset data, but are commonly used for drilling
engineers.

• Vertical, tangent sections 0.75 dega/100 ft

• Built, drop sections 1.5 dega/100 ft

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• Turn only sections 1.0 dega/100 ft.

5.5.5 Spiraling (Hole Quality)

An important factor is the spiraling influence in the hole quality, and therefore, in
the torque and drag issues. Hole quality is generally related to the smoothness
of the wellbore or to the wellbore stability. But, hole quality must be with the
phenomenon known as hole spiraling. For the definition of hole spiraling, a good
question is how exactly does the borehole follow the surveyed path? If it follows it
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in a more or less helical path around the center-line of the planned well trajectory
like a spiral, then hole spiraling is an issue and it has been defined. However,
there are several interpretations about hole spiraling. This concept is discussed
now to give an awareness of the existences of this phenomenon and the relation
that it has with the principal topics treated here, which is torque and drag.

Hole spiraling is not easy to detect because a simple cause is the frequency in
the MWD survey (at least every +/- 30-ft, in most cases). Because the collar
will lie on the low side of the wellbore, the survey data would show very little
trajectory variation. However, downhole images can show this phenomenon as a
clear sinusoidal form of the borehole. See Figure 5-18.

Figure 5-18: Downhole Image of Spiraling Hole

5.5.6 Importance of Hole Quality for Torque and Drag

Improvements in hole quality can have a range of impact from individual
drilling measurements, such as lower vibrations and better hole cleaning, to
the economics for an entire field development. The last one is possible since,
by lowering torque and drag, a high-quality wellbore can increase the potential
reach from an existing fixed structure (rig).

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The relation that hole quality (spiraling hole) can have in torque and drag can
resume in several areas that together can cause torque and drag. These are:

• Hole cleaning: Due to the rugosity of the spiral wellbore, cuttings will have
to travel a tortuous path. This will lead to additional torque and drag as a
consequence of the cutting bed being built in the hole.
• Lower torque and drag: Torque and drag are closely associated with hole
quality, as a straighter hole will result in better casing installation, fewer stuck
pipe incidents, and therefore, less trouble and more drilling time.
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• Casing installation: When looking down a spiraled hole, it would resemble a

pipe threaded on the inside. If a straight tubular casing is run into a spiral hole,
the cross-section in the annulus will not be uniform, due to the casing riding
in the true center of the hole and the hole wandering along a helical path.
• Better logging response: A spiraled hole will dramatically affect the response
of a logging tool, especially those tools that require borehole contact, such as
density and neutron porosity tools (adnVISION). The logging tool will straddle
the peaks in the spiral on the low side while the borehole walls move closer
on one side of the tool and farther away on the opposite side.

5.6 Dynamic Causes

The dynamic causes affect torque more than drag. When the downhole friction
torque changes, a torsional wave is generated and propagates upwards towards
the Kelly or topdrive (the drillpipe acts as a transmission line for torsional waves).
A rotary table with a completely constant speed, independent of the load,
represents a fixed end for such a torsional wave. As a result, torsional waves are
reflected back down the drillstring with 100% efficiency. Once vibrational energy
is trapped in the drillstring, severe torsional oscillation can build up, leading to
stick and slip motion and other problems. The rotary table/topdrive will respond
to these large torque variations with significant speed variations. The problem
of severe oscillations associated with stick and slip motion of the bit can be
reduced, even removed, by reducing the downhole static friction or controlling
the rotary table speed, in a way that dampens torsional oscillations by inducing
a motion proportional to the torque variations. This concept is called torque
feedback and represents a compromise between two contradictory requirements
— maintaining the desired speed and holding constant torque.

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Note
While torque may be due to drillstring dynamics, another cause of torque can
be from the interaction between the formation and the bit. This torque depends
heavily in the bit design, with PDC bits generating more torque (because of the
cutting action principle) than the roller cone bits. Keep in mind the estimation of
the bit torque when designing a well, particularly for extended reach wells.
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6 Effects and Consequences of Torque and

Drag
6.1 Rig Technical Limits ___________________________________________ 6- 1
6.2 Weight Transfer _______________________________________________ 6- 1
6.3 Rate of Penetration ____________________________________________ 6- 1
6.4 Drilling Progress ______________________________________________ 6- 2
6.5 Downhole Vibrations __________________________________________ 6- 2
6.6 Related to Buckling ___________________________________________ 6- 2
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6.7 Wiper Trip _____________________________________________________ 6- 2

6.8 Directional Control ____________________________________________ 6- 2
6.9 Mechanical Integrity of the Drillstring _________________________ 6- 3
6.9.1 Tension ____________________________________________________ 6- 3
6.9.2 Torsion _____________________________________________________ 6- 3
6.9.3 Fatigue _____________________________________________________ 6- 3
6.9.4 Casing Job _________________________________________________ 6- 4
6.9.5 Tight Hole __________________________________________________ 6- 4
6.9.6 Stuck Pipe __________________________________________________ 6- 4
6.10 Causes for Increased Torque and Drag ________________________ 6- 4

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6 EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF TORQUE

AND DRAG Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

There are many effects and consequences of torque and drag, which affect many
factors and/or elements related to the drilling process.
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6.1 Rig Technical Limits

• Torque capacities: Excessive values of torque can make the topdrive stall,
which could result in damage to it.
• Exceed derrick lifting capacity: If the excess in drag is too high, the possibility
exits that rig lifting or pulling capacity can be reached, (ultimately resulting in
a stuck pipe situation).
• Rotational capacity: The capacity of the rig topdrive or rotary table to rotate
can be affected by excessive values of torque.

6.2 Weight Transfer

Basically, due to friction the drillstring can have with the wellbore, as previously
explained, the objective of transferring weight to the bit to cause the rock
destruction can be affected. This will implicate a reduction in the Rate of
Penetration (ROP).

6.3 Rate of Penetration

If there is a reduction in the weight transferred to the bit, the ROP will be reduced.
If excessive or erratic torque exists, the energy available for drilling is wasted or
lost along the wellbore.

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6.4 Drilling Progress

Because the ROP is reduced and time must be spent to mitigate torque and drag
issues, the daily drilling progress will be decreased.

6.5 Downhole Vibrations

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The torque that is created from dynamic causes can create or contribute
to downhole vibration that eventually will affect the drilling progress and the
MWD/LWD and directional tools. The InTouch website has valuable information
and a Technology Based Training (TBT) concerning vibration.

6.6 Related to Buckling

While tripping in or sliding, the drillstring is subjected to large compressive forces
that will produce buckling and will increase the drag in the drillstring, therefore
causing some of the consequences just described.

6.7 Wiper Trip

If the increase of torque and drag has become an issue and is affecting the
normal or optimum drilling operation, one of the mitigation measurements is to
do non-planned wiper trips, which involve time and energy. It is important to
consider the possible consequences of wiper trips before doing it.

6.8 Directional Control

If weight transfer is affected, it will be able to directionally control the well and
steer it in the planned direction. Erratic torque can cause damage to directional
tools, such as motors and PowerDrive.

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6.9 Mechanical Integrity of the Drillstring

“Under mechanical integrity we understand that our drillstring and its elements
stay during and after drilling the same way we assembled it at the surface. We
are all interested in extended life of drillstring components and in extended life of
our tools, in particular.” (reference, Mechanical Integrity SLP). Excessive value
of torque and drag can represent a factor that limits the mechanical integrity of
a drillstring due to many mechanisms that, basically, can lead to a mechanical
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198320\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

failure in any element of the drillstring. Some of these mechanisms are described
next.

6.9.1 Tension
Steel fails in tension if enough stress is put upon it. The elastic limit is exceeded,
behavior becomes plastic, and the steel elongates and breaks. If excessive drag
exits, over-pull of the drillstring may cause one of its elements to fail for tension.

6.9.2 Torsion
This mechanism occurs when torsion limit is exceeded. In the worse of cases,
failures from torsion can lead to twisting off part of the BHA or drillstring.

6.9.3 Fatigue
Fatigue is damage caused by repeated cyclic stresses. In some cases, it is not
necessary for stress to be high; it might be as low as 10% to 20% of yield stress.
Fatigue normally occurs when the drillstring is being rotated at the same time it is
bent or buckled. Vibration can add its own effect on the whole action, as well.
The mechanism is that exerting a cyclic stress on steel (load - unload - load -
unload, etc.) induces eventual changes in the crystalline structure of the steel
and will eventually break. The higher the range of stresses exerted in the cycles
(especially if the cycles alternate between tension and compression), the fewer
cycles will cause the steel to break.

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6.9.4 Casing Job

Problems in getting the casing set at the planned depth can be experienced due
to torque and drag, and to wear problems. Most wear occurs in one part of
the inside circumference of a casing (as drillpipe is rotated while pushed to the
inside of a dogleg). On drillpipe, wear more often leads to a uniform reduction
in outside diameter of the pipe body and tool joints.
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6.9.5 Tight Hole

Tight hole will be a kind of cause-effect of torque and drag. It happens when the
drillstring finds resistances in the wellbore to pass through some points, due
to formation, well profile, etc.

6.9.6 Stuck Pipe

Stuck pipe is the most unwanted consequence or indication of excessive torque
and drag. When the drillstring is stuck in the hole, the drilling process suffers
severe delay and lost energy, money, and time. Every effort should be made by
the PERFORM engineer to detect and communicate effectively any signal with
regards to torque and drag that can indicate a possibility of the drillpipe getting
stuck.

Note
It is advisable to expand on this common problem in the drilling industry. See
Appendix A for a list of documentation on this subject.

6.10 Causes for Increased Torque and Drag

An increase in torque and drag or an abnormal trend (any trend deviating for
the theoretical model established) detected could mean several things. Some
of these are:

• Tight hole conditions

• Cuttings build-up, poor hole cleaning
• Wellbore stability issues

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• Rig equipment problems

• Tortuosity in wellbore
• Misinterpretation of measurements instruments
• Cement block falling inside the wellbore
• Buckling in drillstring
• Hole getting under-gauge
• Downhole vibrations
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• Change in formation boundaries

• Unknown or not identified
• Stuck pipe/differential sticking
• Effectiveness of the mud lubricity
• Formation influx

Note
This evaluation cannot be seen as a replacement for a highly accurate kick
detection system, but can verify its results.

• Effectiveness assessment of torque reduction tools (e.g., NRDPP, RDPP,

and centralizers).

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7 Managing Torque and Drag

7.1 Measures for Managing Torque and Drag ______________________ 7- 1
7.1.1 Well Design ________________________________________________ 7- 2
7.1.1.1 Well Design Components ________________________________ 7- 3
7.1.2 Special Tools _______________________________________________ 7- 4
7.1.3 Drilling Tools ________________________________________________ 7- 6
7.1.4 Techniques and Operations __________________________________ 7- 6
7.1.5 Hole Cleaning Guidelines ____________________________________ 7- 7
7.1.6 Others _____________________________________________________ 7- 7
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7.2 Factor Affecting Management of Torque and Drag _____________ 7-10

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7 MANAGING TORQUE AND DRAG Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

Excessive values of torque and drag during the drilling phase of a well should be
addressed in the proper way. Otherwise, problems will result from the time/cost
point of view. The consequences of torque and drag was explained in Section 6
, showing how the drilling process can be affected for these two common and
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198321\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

particular factors. Many managing measurements to mitigate or eliminate the

effects of excessive values of torque and drag during drilling have been available
for awhile, each with the goal of improving or optimizing the energy put in place
to drill a hole.

Note
Consider some aspects that may affect mitigation measures in high or low level.
First, if any of these measures are really necessary, torque and drag reduction
should not necessarily be pursued if the operation has adequate drillstring and
rotary capacity to handle them. Of course, this must be properly determined and
balanced with the consequence that it may imply. Second, before approaching
any problem, the reason or causes of that problem must be known and aimed
for directly. Otherwise, all the measures that can possibly be used could just be
wasted.

7.1 Measures for Managing Torque and Drag

The causes of torque and drag are simple — contact and friction — so those are
the points at which any measures or action should be addressed. The following
list attempts to cover a wide range of measures in today’s drilling industry.
However, some are mentioned as real-time or at the well side measures.
These are the ones a PERFORM engineer should be most concerned with,
in order to optimize the well once it has been designed, and torque and drag
happen to be an issue during drilling. Basically, the managing measures can
be ordered or classified taking into consideration factors such as well design,
techniques/operations, specials tools, and others.

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7.1.1 Well Design

The management of torque and drag is a crucial part of well design and well
operations for the sake of a timely and economically successful operation. Before
considering the use of mechanical tools, techniques or others, thoughts need to
be given to the impact of different design options at the planning stage of a well.
The following are key options to evaluate:
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• Optimizing the well profile

• Modifying casing tubular designs
• Changing annulus fluids (oil-based mud is more lubricating than water-based
mud)
• Adjusting operating practices. For example, reducing sliding distances or
rotating completions to bottom.

Note
Making changes to the well design will influence other aspects such as hole
cleaning and hydraulics, wellbore stability, formation damage (fluids), and
reservoir trajectory drainage. In addition, the impact on economics of the well
design will be a major factor in selecting the best workable plan.

Many methods for calculating well-path trajectory have been formatted to

represent a suitable plan to reach geological objectives. There are basically
six different methods, which have been widely used in the directional drilling
applications and are used in Drilling Office software:

• Tangential (backward angle, terminal angle)

• Average Angle (angle averaging)
• Balanced Tangential (acceleration, secant, trapezoidal, vector averaging)
• Mercury (compensated acceleration combined)
• Minimum Curvature (minimum radius of curvature, circular arc)
• Radius of Curvature.

All except the Tangential method demonstrates a relatively accurate

representation of the wellbore trajectory. Readily available computational tools
naturally leads to the use of the more demanding Minimum Curvature Method,
to maximize on survey calculation accuracy. While the variation in survey

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calculation methods plays a minor role in the overall torque and drag analysis, it
does contribute to the overall accuracy and thoroughness of the well path design.
Therefore, the Minimum Curvature method is the choice and is consistently
utilized in the well planning process.

7.1.1.1 Well Design Components

The well design process can be reviewed in the Drilling Office manual that is
available on the web, and in the directional driller manual that can be downloaded
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198321\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

from the Learning Center web site (UTC or SLC). (Further reading in this matter
is highly advisable.) A quick overview of this process and what the engineer
should take into consideration for optimizing torque and drag is shown next.

1. Structural surface location and target coordinates: The choice of surface

location relative to target coordinates defines the design space for the
trajectory of the well. The geometric elements of the well are prescribed by
other factors, which include drag and allowable curvature for drilling tools in
applicable hole size.
2. Geometric special calculations: The variables that shape the geometry
of a directional well plan are KOP (Kick Off Point), BUR (Built Up Rate),
hole inclination, azimuth, and casing program. Reviewing what is common
knowledge today, it is clear that tie depth of KOP contributes significantly to
the torque and drag characteristics and horizontal reach of a well. BUR
are a matter of connecting points along the wellbore to intersect target
coordinates, but the choice of an optimal BUR is determined by hole size,
drilling tool capability, anticipated drag effects, and an over-all evaluation of
the drilling objectives.
3. Casing program: The casing design process requires tie selection of a casing
program to meet at the minimum design requirements, such as imposed
mechanical stress (hoop, radial, and tri-axial) and loads (burst, collapse,
tensile), among other prerequisites that include estimated life-cycle of well,
future re-entry work formation isolation, and casing wear tolerance.
4. Geological obstacles: Crooked well paths or 3-D trajectories are not the well
profiles of choice, for many other reasons than just torque and drag. Furtive
views of local geology obtained from seismic data provides information on
route geological obstacles such as sensitive shales, unstable sandstone
stringers, dips, faults, and the prominent water or gas sands subtended by
the oil bearing reservoir.

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5. BHA: Bottom Hole Assemblies should be designed to achieve the desired

build/turn tendencies with the maximum amount of rotary drilling (as opposed
to sliding). This tends to minimize doglegs as well as promote better hole
cleaning and rate of penetration, and therefore, reduction in drag and torque.

Note
If torque and drag remains an issue after optimization of the well design,
it is necessary to consider specific torque and drag reduction techniques
and/or tools.
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7.1.2 Special Tools

The tools to drill a hole used by today’s industry in regard to reduction of torque
and drag has three main objectives:

1. Optimize hole cleaning efficiency, while reducing torque

2. Ensure new equipment has torsional and tensile properties equal to or better
than standard equipment
3. Minimize mechanical damage to external profile.

These tools are listed next, with a brief description.

• RDPP (Rotating Drillpipe Protectors): Designed to eliminate the

metal-to-metal contact between the drillpipe tool joints and casing, thus
reducing casing and drillpipe wear. They clamp to the drillpipe so they rotate
together. They consist of three main components: a rubber or plastic sleeve,
a steel cage for strength, and a key to hold the assembly together
• NRDPP (Non-Rotating Drillpipe Protectors): Designed so the sleeve is free
to rotate independent of the drillpipe. This is the fundamental difference with
the rotating RDPP. The sleeves are held captive by two stop collars, with
enough space in between for the sleeve to rotate to form a “hydrodynamic”
bearing. InTouch content ID 3719473 gives a good example of the use of
drillpipe protector and reduction in torque and drag.

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Figure 7-1: Non-rotating Drillpipe Protectors

• Subs (bearing-based or roller tools): Consists of a steel body sub, run in the
drillstring between tool joints. Similar to the NRDPP design, in respect that
the center element remains stationary or rotates at a slow speed. The sub
can use either a bearing assembly or non-rotating sleeve to allow the drillpipe
to freely rotate within the center element. Some designs incorporate rollers in
the center element to reduce friction in the axial as well as rotary directions.
• Hole Cleaning-Subs: Consists of a rotating steel body sub with either shaped
blades or a helix section, designed to mechanically and hydraulically agitate
the cuttings beds for improved cuttings removal, to minimize torque and drag.
• Specialized Drillpipe (DP): Configuration similar to conventional drillpipe,
with the addition of integral blade stabilizers placed on the joint body. The
stabilizers are coated with a low friction material to reduce torque, drag,
and casing wear. The blades are designed to disturb cuttings beds and
improving hole cleaning.
• Centralizers Roller Tools: Consists of a ductile iron centralizer with high
tensile steel rollers to help reduce torque and drag and stand-off for improved
cementation.
• Roller-based Tools: Roller-based tool technologies can be presented as a
solution for reducing mechanical friction losses and therefore, torque and
drag. An important point is that since roller-based tools function almost
independently of drilling fluid type, they should enable operators to use
lower-cost drilling fluids, such as water-based mud that complies more easily
with local environmental legislation. Some advantages of using these tools
are:

– Reduce torque and rotational stick and slip

– Improve slide drilling efficiency due to better WOB control
– Reduce casing and DP tool joint wear

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– Reduce key seating and DP heat checking

– Resistance to differential sticking
– Improved hole cleaning
– Tools may be used for drilling, logging, running completions, perforating,
etc.

7.1.3 Drilling Tools

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Common drilling tools like HWDP (Heavy Weight Drill Pipe) and DC can be
used in advance to manage torque and drag issues. These can be used in the
following way:

• Add weight to the bottom hole assembly with minimal increases in stiffness
and therefore, in the contact forces or side forces
• Reduce contact area of BHA with well walls, reducing the friction losses, the
losses in torque and drag, and also minimizing the risk of differential sticking
• Increase the drillstring capacity to withstand relatively higher compressive
loads.

Note
Despite improvements that the uses of HWDP and DC add to the BHA in
order to reduce torque and drag, the string weight in curves produces greater
normal loads and therefore, greater contact forces or side forces.

7.1.4 Techniques and Operations

The techniques and operations that can be used to manage torque and drag
issues deals with others important factors — hole cleaning and wellbore stability.
These two topics are covered in a separate document. It is recommended
that you become knowledgeable of these factors, as they are a main part
of the PERFORM services given to our clients. A short introduction to the
measurements that should be implemented at the rig side in order to improve hole
cleaning and wellbore stability, therefore torque and drag issues, is given next.

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7.1.5 Hole Cleaning Guidelines

Hole cleaning is affected by seven main factors. The first action taken to optimize
and/or mitigate bad trends in any of these factors is the main concern for
managing torque and drag with regard to hole cleaning issues. These factors are:

• Rate of penetration: Determines the cuttings volume in returning mud and

should not be greater than the capacity of removing the cutting from the hole.
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• Hole stability: Cavings are loaded to the returning mud; the mud weight is the
key factor for maintaining/mitigating wellbore stabilities issues.
• Annular velocity: Lifts the cutting out of the hole, when not enough, a cutting
bed will be formed in the hole, increasing torque and drag trends. Planning is
the key for managing this.
• Mud rheology: Suspends and carries the cutting out of the hole. Change
in the mud properties such as viscosity, YP (Yield Point), and PV (Plastic
Viscosity) are primary for improving hole cleaning. The use of low/high
viscosity sweeps is another action that can help.
• Circulating time: Transport the cutting to surface. Allows circulation time
at a maximum drilling flow rate to improve the rate of removing the cutting
from the hole.
• Hole angle: Reduces the ability to clean the hole, only an optimum wellbore
profile during the planning phase can help with this.
• Surface rotational speed: The surface RPM provides the effect to stir the
cuttings, preventing the formation of cutting beds and helping to improve
the hole cleaning. The range of RPM for the optimum hole cleaning will
vary depending on the technical limits of the rig, inclination of the hole, the
mud properties, and others.

7.1.6 Others
• Lubricants: Increased mud lubricity, through the use of additive lubricants, is
another torque and drag reduction option. Effective lubricants are very limited
when OBM is already being used. However, increasing the OWR (Oil to Water
Radio) can improve OBM lubricity. Lubricating beads can reduce torque, but
generally have to be continually added due to difficulty in recovering them at
the surface. As a reference, dramatic torque reductions have been observed

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after the use of high concentrations of fibrous lost-circulation materials, which

appear to form a low-side ’bed’ with much reduced friction. Lubricants can be
used for drilling, running casing, and completions.
• Feedback systems: In the case of some deviated wells, the trajectory must be
as smooth as possible and with minimum doglegs. Besides the basic torque
encountered in a wellbore during drilling, downhole vibrations generate
an additional level known as dynamic torque. The potential for torsional
dynamics must be recognized when assessing torque-reduction measures.
To do this, it is recommended that measurements be taken to examine
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the presence and magnitude of dynamic torque. If torsional dynamics are

present, the use of a torque-feedback system should be considered. This
system has shown to be successful in reducing torsional dynamics and
thereby increasing available torque. The key is to be aware of the impact
of torsional dynamics, examine its presence via measurements, and take
appropriate remedial actions. In the end, drilling limits will be determined by
both mean and dynamic torque behaviors.
• Rotary steerable systems (PowerDrive): The use of rotary drilling systems,
which enables inclination/azimuth control without oriented drilling, increase
drilling efficiency in directional wells by making a hole smoother in terms of
tortuosity and hole quality, improving the profile of the well. Its use adds
some advantages to the drilling industry with regard to torque and drag
problem mitigation. They are:

– No non-rotating external parts

– No dependence on friction with borehole wall
– No limit on back reaming, less risk of stuck tools
– Proven steerability up to 10 dega/100 ft (Technical manual advice is to
compare with field experience before accepting this value).

• Variable gauge stabilizer (Adjustable stabilizer): This stabilizer has the ability
to adjust the size of the gauge by a hydro-mechanical system, allowing better
control/correction of inclination in rotating and rotary steerable assembly.
Controlling/managing the torque and drag issue are earned from this
meaning.
• Hole quality (Spiraling): Attempts to manage symptoms of poor hole quality
(hole spiraling) and difficulty in running casing and liners has been made for
use of managing tools or techniques rather than to find a cure for the basic
roots of the problem. As some documentation has shown, a short gauge bit
may be the cause of hole spiraling. In this case, use of a long gauge bit is
the remedy. Hole spiraling can occur with steerable motor assemblies and

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rotary assemblies. The best way to drill a high-quality wellbore is to use

extended-gauge bits. There are several SPE papers that can be found on the
web dealing with this topic.
• Casing related (Centralizer): The main task for centralizers is to provide
adequate stand-off, facilitate casing and liner running, provide wear
protection particularly in extended reach wells, and allow pipe rotation. All
these functions help to minimize the friction between casing and borehole.
Some are manufactured from a low friction alloy to reduce the coefficient of
friction. These can be used to reduce axial drags during installation and
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torques during the rotary cement job. Basically, two types of centralizers are
commonly used, bow type and rigid. The bow-type centralizer consists of
spring bows attached to the centralizer collar. The spring bows must be
flexible to allow passage of the centralizer through well restrictions, but also
provide adequate stand-off in washout areas. See (a) of Figure 7-2. The rigid
or solid centralizers have a fixed outer diameter and do not have the flexibility
of bow-type centralizers. See (b) and (c) of Figure 7-2.

Figure 7-2: Types of Centralizers

• Compounds: If the torsional limitation is related to the drillstring, as opposed

to the rig, several means exist to optimize the strength of an existing drillstring
or to design an enhanced drillstring. Substantial increases in nominal
torsional capacity of the existing drillstring can be obtained through tool-joint
stress balancing and the use of high-friction thread compounds.

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7.2 Factor Affecting Management of Torque and

Drag
The following criteria can been used as a guide to find the right mitigating or
managing measurements of torque and drag. These factors, in combination with
the management measures given in the last section, is the main tool to mitigate
or avoid excessive values of torque and drag.
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1. Mode of operation: The most suitable technique depends on the requirement

for either sliding or rotating operations, even both in case of rotary steerable
systems.
2. Distribution of contact loads (side forces): The position of mechanical tools
in the string must be considered, based on the anticipated side forces
distribution, and obtained from the DrillSAFE application in Drilling Office.
This will optimize friction reduction and prevent over-stressing of the
mechanical tools.
3. Ratio of cased hole to openhole length: This can help to determine strategy if
a combination of techniques is to be used.
4. Costs, availability and support: The initial outlay and contingency options
must be considered and compared. Higher concentrations of lubricants may
be needed, or damage to mechanical tools may occur in extreme conditions.
At the same time, high concentration of lubricant/additives for the mud may
need a related environmental plan.
5. ECD (Equivalent Circulating Density): This generally applies to mechanical
tools. It is necessary to ensure the configuration does not introduce
unacceptable pressure loss in the annulus, so the hydraulics of the well
will be affected.
6. Rigsite logistics: Considered handling issues, procedures, maintenance,
inspection, and make-up times.
7. Compatibility: Some mechanical devices may be unsuitable for high
temperature applications, and bearing seals might be affected by certain
chemicals. Compatibility, environmental impact temperature stability, and
formation damage must also be reviewed.
8. Casing wear and buckling/fatigue benefits: When considering performance,
be aware of additional benefits such as raked casing wear and the reduced
likelihood of pipe buckling.

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8 MODELING AND ESTIMATING TORQUE AND

DRAG Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

It is not the intention of this SLP to produce or provide a model for estimation
of torque and drag, for three main reasons. First, there are a number of
mathematical models and software in today’s drilling industry that estimate
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198322\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

values for torque and drag and have gained wide acceptance as a planning and
monitoring tool. Second, due to the complexity of the mathematics and physics
involved in modeling and estimating torque and drag values, time involved to do
this would be tremendous. Third, the principle purpose of this SLP is to discuss
and list some considerations involved in the modeling of torque and drag that
can influence the understanding of this matter. The PERFORM engineer must
be aware of these considerations and/or factors when estimating torque and
drag values for a well design. It can have an impact on the interpretation of
the theoretical and actual number when comparing them for a post or real-time
analysis.

1. Torque and drag software programs subdivide the entire drillstring into a
series of short lengths (according to the mathematical model based on) for
which calculations are performed. These calculations begin with known or
assumed forces at the bit (WOB) and proceed up the string in sequential
fashion, solving for equilibrium of each subdivision, with the final result being
the measured weight for the given operating condition.
2. Programs used for planning are not designed to predict drillstring behavior
during the transition from one operating mode to another. They only address
what the final conditions will be once a given mode (tripping in, tripping out,
sliding, rotating) is achieved. Many of today’s comprehensive programs
include such effects as buckling and drillstring bending stiffness.
3. It is possible to perform extensive torque and drag modeling to find the build
rates, inclinations, and drop rates that would connect the upper hole section
(surface location) of a well to the lower hole section (target) with the least
torque, drag, and casing wear.
4. Since the software models are predominantly based on lab measurements,
mathematical models have been developed for predicting bit torque using
various bit types. However, actual bit torque varies substantially during drilling
and is influenced by many factors, including Weight on Bit, Bit Design, Rotary

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Speed, Bit Wear, Bit Hydraulics, and Formation Hardness. Considering the
complex nature of the influence of these factors on bit torque, mathematical
models should be used carefully.
5. Simulated curves for drag and torque are helpful to the PERFORM engineer
and driller when running and cementing casing and liners, because deviations
from the estimated model may give early warnings of downhole problems.
Simulations of up, down weight, and torque, caused by casing rotation during
cementing, should be performed in the planning phase of a well to determine
the feasibility of casing movement during the primary cement job. When
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extended reach wells are drilled, the same torque and drag simulation curves
may be used to monitor hole cleaning.
6. For the most part, torque and drag programs are based upon the simplifying
assumption that either there is no drag or that drag is working everywhere
along the drillstring in the same direction. Since the direction of drag is
opposite to that motion, these programs pre-define the direction of friction
as either up-string (trip in), down-string (trip out), or tangential (rotate),
depending upon the operating condition being analyzed.
7. This modeling can be performed using offset friction coefficient
measurements and directional surveys. Values of downhole weight on bit
and downhole torque can provide reliable information about the area’s friction
factors. In general, torque and drag models are useful for planning if doglegs
are included in the model. Simulated dogleg values should be updated
frequently, with actual surveys, to increase accuracy of predictions.

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9 BENEFITS OF MONITORING TORQUE AND

DRAG IN REAL-TIME Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

Before any monitoring and real-time action at the wellsite is done, proper planning
of the well should be done. This refers to optimizing the wellbore trajectory and
profile to avoid a high level of torque and drag due to design issues such as
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198323\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

tortuosity, doglegs, etc. Proper planning is the key for any successful operation.

During the drilling of a well and during a casing operation, the PERFORM
engineer will monitor torque and drag according to the guidelines described in
this document. The benefits of this monitoring can be many and are in direct
relationship with the prevention or mitigation of its consequences and effects. A
review of these benefits are:

• Rig limitation: torque and lifting limits (indication of reaching, or nearly reach
it)
• Derive the effectiveness of weight transferred during the drilling
• Monitor the rate of penetration (ROP)
• Help to identify downhole vibration
• Help to identify buckling
• Optimize the wiper trips schedule and monitor their effectiveness
• Contribute to improved directional control
• Help in combination with the adequate maintenance program to monitor the
utility life and condition of the elements of the drillstring
• Support in achieving a successful casing operation
• Identify tight hole conditions (formation trouble zones)
• Prevent and/or anticipate drillpipe stuck situations (a major benefit)
• Identify changes in formation boundary, in combination of other parameters
such as LWD measurements and mud logging data
• Maximize the footage drilled
• Maximize daily drilling progress

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• Help to identify risk conditions and formation that can be plotted in a DrillMAP
(RiskTRAK) for futures wells in the zone; the drilling process is then optimized
in time, cost, and energy for upcoming jobs
• Recording the pick up, slack off, and rotating off bottom weights for each
connection increases the driller and PERFORM engineer’s awareness of
downhole conditions
• When plotting actual against predicted weights, field experience has
demonstrated that when the hole is clean the predicted and actual values
agree within about 5,000 lbf to 10,000 lbf. But, only experience and
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275198323\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

continuous reference to offset data can give the adequate range of value
for a determinate well.
• Monitoring torque and drag in real-time as part of the PERFORM services
helps to analyze available data at the rig site and to convert the data into
valuable information. This can improve well profitability by optimizing drilling
efficiency.

Monitoring torque and drag values in real-time can lead to obtaining the friction
factor of a wellbore in OH (Open Hole) and CH (Cased Hole). The evaluated
real-time calculated friction factor trend enables the PERFORM engineer, drilling
engineers, and driller to identify upcoming drilling problems at an early stage. To
define a downhole problem accurately, friction factors must be set in correlation
to other drilling parameters such as flow rate, ROP, formation, ECD, GR (Gamma
Ray), and/or operations such as circulating cuttings out of the hole.

Note
Wellsite monitoring of torque and drag is not new in the drilling industry. Its use
as a means of determining hole cleaning issues in deviated wells and extended
reach wells has been adopted and is routinely used. It is one of the wellsite tasks
of the PERFORM engineer and its results have proven helpful.

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10 PERFORM Guidelines for Torque and Drag

10.1 PERFORM Guidelines for Torque and Drag ___________________ 10- 1
10.1.1 Effects to Drilling Optimization ______________________________ 10- 1
10.2 Continuous Improvement ____________________________________ 10- 5
10.2.1 Planning Phase ____________________________________________ 10- 5
10.2.2 Execution Phase ___________________________________________ 10- 9
10.2.3 Evaluation Phase __________________________________________ 10-11
10.3 What is Torque and Drag Analysis? __________________________ 10-14
10.4 Uses and Application of Torque and Drag ____________________ 10-14
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10.5 What is Used for Torque and Drag Analysis? _________________ 10-15
10.5.1 Drilling Office DrillSAFE Review _____________________________ 10-15
10.5.1.1 Inputs _________________________________________________ 10-15
10.5.1.2 Outputs ________________________________________________ 10-17
10.5.1.3 Effective Axial Load Chart _______________________________ 10-18
10.5.1.4 Side Forces ____________________________________________ 10-19
10.5.1.5 Stresses Chart _________________________________________ 10-19
10.5.1.6 Torque Losses Chart ___________________________________ 10-20
10.5.1.7 Report _________________________________________________ 10-20
10.5.2 Excel Spreadsheet for Torque and Drag Interpretation and
Analysis ___________________________________________________ 10-21
10.6 Data (Collection and Quality) _________________________________ 10-23
10.6.1 Surface Measurements _____________________________________ 10-23
10.6.2 Mud Logger Logs __________________________________________ 10-25
10.6.3 Drilling Cuttings Analysis ___________________________________ 10-25
10.7 Real-Time or Wellsite Tasks __________________________________ 10-26
10.8 Drillstring Design Analysis and Guidelines ___________________ 10-28
10.9 Casing _______________________________________________________ 10-30
10.10 Proposal Tasks for PERFORM Engineer While Running
Casing _______________________________________________________ 10-30
10.11 Client Deliverables ___________________________________________ 10-31
10.12 Analysis of Torque and Drag Charts __________________________ 10-32

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10 PERFORM GUIDELINES FOR TORQUE AND

DRAG Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

10.1 PERFORM Guidelines for Torque and Drag

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This section describes the guidelines for torque and applications at the wellsite.
The main objective is to give the engineer (PERFORM) the tools and basic
knowledge to implement the planning, monitoring, and evaluating process
(concerning torque and drag) that has been described before, with the ultimate
result of drilling optimization. Some considerations/factors that affect drilling
optimization from the point of view of torque and drag are described first, before
going into the applications and guidelines for torque and drag for PERFORM
services. These factors are purely drilling process related, from rig equipment
to planning of the well.

10.1.1 Effects to Drilling Optimization

• Rig Power:

– Rigs perform various operations, sometimes simultaneously with drilling,

pumping, tripping pipe, and running casing. They must have the
horsepower to fulfill these operations, particularly when high values in
torque and drag are expected or present. Generally, the rigs are sized
accordingly. Rig economics also influence rig sizing, so selecting a rig
with a suitable power output is economically critical.
– Some rigs may be under-powered, especially land rigs. It may be more
economical to drill a well with sub-optimal parameters than to contract
a more powerful rig and drill the well faster. The parameter that an
under-powered rig affects most is hydraulic energy. The rig does not have
the power to drive the pumps to their full potential and consequently, flow
rate and pressure are compromised, (i.e., hole cleaning, motor rotary
speed, etc.). Also, the lifting and holding power for running in the hole,
increases in torque and drag, and stuck pipe can be affected by the use
of an under-powered rig.

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• Drive System: The drive systems a rig uses for the drilling process has some
considerations, whether using a Kelly system or topdrive, as per torque and
other requirements. Topdrive systems normally allow more power ranges
than rotary table (when using Kelly). Topdrive improves the effectiveness of
reaming, as a greater interval can be achieved without making a connection
(i.e., three joints (topdrive) instead of one joint (Kelly)).
• Steerable System: Reduction in torque and drag on the drillstring can be
achieved while directionally drilling with a motor. After each connection,
a motor may need to be reoriented — which can create high doglegs.
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Consequently, reducing the frequency of reorientations should create a

smoother well profile and reduce drillstring torque and drag.
• Floating Rig Heave Compensation: Rigs that are not fixed to the wellhead,
such as semi-submersibles and drill ships, suffer from heave problems. As
the vessel is not fixed in space, vertical and sideways movement due to
sea waves can cause these problems. This greatly affects weight on bit.
When the vessel raises, weight is removed from it and when it falls, weight is
increased to the drillstring. Floating rigs are fitted with heave compensation
devices to minimize the weight on bit fluctuation. Figure 10-1 shows a case
history of the effect that the use or non-use of the heave compensator can
have in the drilling progress, from reducing ROP to causing erratic behavior in
the torque. For complete details of the case history, see InTouch ID 3879422.

Figure 10-1: Effects of Heave Systems in Torque Reduction

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• Crew Experience: The driller and directional driller can affect the drilling
performance. Their ability (drilling practices) and conscientiousness is key to
optimizing drilling parameters and recognizing events, (vibration, formation
changes, etc.).
• Well Trajectory/Profile Design

– The trajectory should be designed with consideration for good drilling

performance and ease of following the casing program.
– High doglegs should be minimized, to facilitate directional drilling and to
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reduce casing running problems.

– If possible, the well should be planned to complete directional work in
directionally friendly formations. for example, high sliding penetration rate
can be achieved in soft formation but it may be easier to achieve higher
doglegs in firmer formations.
– If it is known that a certain formation induces a walk, build, or drop
tendency, the trajectory should be designed to compensate for this to
reduce the requirement for directional drilling.

• Mud Rheology (Viscosity, Yield Point, Plastic Viscosity, and Gels)

– Viscosity is the internal resistance to flow, so it is very important for

cuttings transport. When describing the viscosity of a mud system, yield
point and plastic viscosity are quoted.

* Yield Point (YP) is the resistance to flow as a result of the chemical

attraction between reactive solids in the mud system.
* Plastic Viscosity (PV) is the resistance to flow as a result of the mud
frictional forces. The size and shape of the particles in the mud
greatly affect plastic viscosity.

– Gels are added to the mud so that when circulation is stopped, the mud
is able to hold the cuttings in suspension without them sagging to the
bottom of the hole.

• Effect of Mud Properties on Hydraulics: Hydraulics has a close relation with

the ability of cleaning the borehole and therefore, will influence torque and
drag is some way. The effect is that mud properties can hold in the hydraulics
and thus, torque and drag.

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– Mud properties greatly affect system hydraulics as they change the

energy required for circulation. Increasing mud weight will increase the
energy required to circulate the mud system.
– Increasing mud viscosity (Yield Point and Plastic Viscosity) will increase
the energy required to circulate the mud system.
– It is important to check the effect of changing mud rheology, due to the
affect it has on system hydraulics.

• Rig Side Communication

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– Greater cooperation between team members (people involved in the

drilling process) is achieved if each individual appreciates the drilling
problems and understands the solutions; the flow of information between
team members is key to this.
– Members of the team involved in optimizing the drilling process generally
are: company man, rig site drilling engineer, PERFORM engineer,
directional drilling coordinator, operator drilling engineer, D&M drilling
dngineer, driller, directional driller, mud engineer, and LWD/MWD
engineer.
– Opportunities for communication are: pre-spud meetings, operator
morning meetings, operations review meetings, conference calls, (office
and rig site), rig floor discussions, and post well analysis and lessons
learned meetings.

• Solids Control Equipment: Solids control equipment removes material from

the mud system. Items that can be removed are junk, cavings and cuttings,
ribbons, chips, rock flower, etc. The goal of solids control equipment is to
remove all solids on their first circulation. If a particle is not removed on
the first circulation, it will reduce in size on subsequent circulations and will
be harder to remove.

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Note
If enough solids that cannot be removed build up, drilling must be stopped
and adequate measurements put in place to mitigate the increase in torque
and drag, as consequence of this.

10.2 Continuous Improvement

Torque and drag losses will always be present during drilling, as they are a
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basic part of the interaction between the drillstring (BHA and drillpipe) and the
formation (wellbore). The concern will be how or in what measurement these
losses affect negatively the drilling process. To avoid these losses from going to
unacceptable limits, measures must be taken to mitigate them or prevent them,
so it is advisable to know how to best manage them. The key for a successful
managing process is the integration of three main phases that, put in place
together, will bring continuous improvement in the managment of torque and
drag losses, and therefore in the drilling process. These three main phases
are illustrated in Figure 10-2.

Figure 10-2: Continuous Improvement Phases

10.2.1 Planning Phase

The planning phase involves steps in the design of the well, taking into
considerations several things, such as:

• optimizing the profile or trajectory to make it suitable for a smooth drilling

operation, with minimum losses in torque and drag

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• optimum selection of the drilling mud systems, as it will play an important

role in the reduction of friction
• adjusting operation practices such as sliding distances or rotation
completions, and selection of the type of drilling system to be used (i.e.,
rotary, steerable, or rotary steerable).

Other main steps during the planning phase are the consulting of any offset data
(formation type, drilling problems related to torque and drag, drilling parameters
per hole size sections, and drilling practices used). This brings the opportunity of
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be aware of possible situations the well might face. After these steps are fulfilled,
a procedure (drilling practices and tools) must be established, and prioritizing of
the kind of data (surface and downhole) needed for real-time and post analysis
and anticipated solutions. This is all for the drilling phase, to promptly mitigate
or reduce any excessive losses in torque and drag.

The following basic steps and topics should be taken into considerations during
this phase:

1. PERFORM/DEC/DCS (Data Consulting Services) Responsibilities: During

this phase, these tasks will be mainly limited to establish the pre-drill
specification given by the client, to collect offset data, and to build models.
Section 10.5 gives a basic idea of the models regarding torque and drag,
which must be considered or built during any analysis. The PERFORM
engineer can work together with the drilling engineer in the planning of the
well, while doing analysis of torque and drag to optimize the well trajectory
and identify any issues.
2. Offset data requirements: All relevant offset data must be collected. The
quality and quantity of information that the PERFORM engineer can have
enables all engineers involved (PERFORM/DE/DCS) to better understand
any torque and drag drilling problems or issues, leading to better decisions
being made. The client must be asked which offset wells they consider to
be the most relevant, so maximum information can be gathered for these.
The following data is required:

a. Bit records, bottom hole assembly records (to provide information on the
drilling system and how the BHA responded to the formation on the offset
well), and which kind of torque and drag values were presented
b. Daily Drilling/Operations Summary Reports, highlighting any drilling
problems, practices, and performance
c. Daily Directional Drilling Summary Reports and Directional Drilling Post
Well Summary Reports

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d. Daily Mud Reports, which provide information on the condition of the mud
throughout the drilling process and whether there were any reasons for
addition of lubricant or additives to treat issues related to excess in torque
and drag during the execution of the offset well
e. Surface and downhole drilling parameter log and data, to illustrate
the parameters that were applied and for correlation to any events as
excessive drag, torque, tight spots, downhole vibration, etc.
f. SLB MEM (Mechanical Earth Models), to help visualize formation
characteristics such as faults and bedding angles that may cause
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275201586\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

excessive values of torque and drag

g. EOWR (End of Well Report), Lessons Learned & Recommendations from
previous wells, so any issue that occurred can be identified
3. Key Performance Indicators: KPI (Key Performance Indicators) will indicate
where previous performance should be improved to raise the benchmark.
Examples of drilling related key performance indicators are:

• Days/10,000 ft
• $/ft or ft/$
• Footage per bottom hole assembly
• Footage per day
• Footage per 1,000 circulating hours
• Bits per section
• Number of runs per well
• NPT (Non-productive time) per 1,000-ft
• Number of runs per section
• Sliding hours per section
• Sliding hours per 1,000-ft

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Note
After the KPI has been identified, the PERFORM engineer and the DE
should set the possible problems related to torque and drag that can affect
this KPI. For example, excessive drag is an indication of possible stuck
pipe situations which will increase NPT, Days/10,000-ft, decrease footage
per day, and others.

4. Building Models: Section 10.5 gives the kind of model that should be built for
SPC IRTP Discipline Documentation Group\Jesus Vasques\\1.0\Release Date: Provisory\EDMS UID: 275201586\Produced: 21-Jul-2004 15:30:50

torque and analysis and for presentation of different situations depending on

the drilling activity that should be considered in the analysis.
5. Recommended drilling practice: After analysis of torque and drag has been
made and any issue or possible problem has been identified, the adequate
drilling practice must be documented and given to the client, to avoid and/or
mitigate such issues or problems.
6. RiskTRAK and DrillMAP inputs: RiskTRAK is a database to capture drilling
risks, events, operational near misses, solutions, and learning points. The
application is contained within Drilling Office. The purpose is to capture
drilling knowledge in a structured manner to enable the Schlumberger
engineers (PERFORM, DE, DCS, etc.) to link the performance of the well to
different drilling practices and solutions. This type of information will facilitate
subsequent well planning and help avoid the same mistakes, by accurately
capturing the causes of successes and failures. One of the significant
enhancements from this application is the graphical visualization of drilling
events and the automation of DrillMAP.

Note
In the planning phase, the engineers (DEC engineer, PERFORM expert,
directional driller, IPM drilling engineer, etc.) will work with the client drilling
team to identify potential drilling hazards related to torque and drag and any
other issue or problem, and to develop methods for detecting them. This will
be based on different drilling simulations (with Drilling Office applications)
and the knowledge captured in the offset wells (RiskTRAK).

7. Flow chart process: Figure 10-3 shows the flow chart to complete the
analysis for torque and drag on the process for the planning phase.

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Figure 10-3: Planning Phase Flow Chart

10.2.2 Execution Phase

This phase is where the PERFORM engineer will probably have the most
important part in the process for a successful operation. This phase will
involve collection and analysis of the real-time data (surface and downhole
measurements), implementation of the drilling practices and/or techniques
agreed during the planning phase, communication of any excessive drag,
erratic torque or abnormal trend to the rest of the personnel involved (Co-man,
directional driller, drilling engineer), and constant update of the torque and drag
model as drilling advances.

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The following basic steps and topics should be taken into considerations during
this phase:

1. PERFORM/DEC/DCS responsibilities: The duties or tasks of the PERFORM

engineer during this phase will be directed toward the rig site. These tasks
are described in Section 10.7 .
2. Update models: The model established during the planning or pre-drill phase
must be updated as the well is being drilled. For example, the friction factor
must be calibrated depending on the actual value in pickup and slack off
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weights and torque; everytime the mud weight changes, as the well is drilled
and the actual surveys are obtained, for each trip in or out of the hole, for
each run, and when a change in the BHA has been done.
3. Daily Report structure and inputs: The daily report delivered to the client at
the rig site should project any issue or abnormal trend in the torque and drag
values, the possible cause of this abnormal trend or problem, and possible
recommendations to mitigate or reduce their consequence. Refer to the
charts and reports described in Section 10.5 .
4. RiskTRAK and DrillMAP inputs: The RiskTRAK and DrillMAP must be
updated for any event or issue that occurs while drilling and/or tripping in
the hole, for continuous improvement processes, and as a reference for
upcoming wells. Problems such as tight spot, abnormal torque values, twist
off, wellbore stability issues that lead to increased torque and drag, possible
high doglegs sections, tortuous path, friction factors changes, and other
related issues are discussed in Section 5 .
5. Deliverables: The deliverables for the client during this phase are the daily
reports and any other report that helps to communicate any issue or problem
related to torque and drag.
6. Flow chart process: Figure 10-4 shows a flowchart for the execution phase to
complete the analysis, monitor, and manage torque and drag.

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Figure 10-4: Execution Phase Flow Chart

10.2.3 Evaluation Phase

This phase includes the evaluation of the drilling parameter and/or performance
process after the well has been drilled. The drilling data will be analyzed and
compared to offsets and/or benchmarks to demonstrate the effect of drilling
techniques, action, tools, and others to mitigate torque and drag, for drilling and

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economic performance. Also, the drilling application and practice is evaluated.

Drilling performance, lessons learned, and recommendations are presented and
agreed with the clients for subsequent wells.

The main concerns during this phase are to evaluate and set the action to be
taken in future wells, with regard to torque and drag reduction or mitigation, to
compare performance with offsets, and for cost-effective solutions. The basics
steps during this phase are:

1. PERFORM/DEC/DCS Responsibilities: The tasks for the PERFORM

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engineer and others in this phase is to gather all lessons learned, EOWR
input data, drilling and downhole data, to evaluate the performance of the
well with regard to torque and drag, gather recommendations made during
the drilling phase, and to complete the EOWR.
2. Evaluation of Events: Document any event related to torque and drag during
the drilling phase and follow-up with possible causes, future prevention
action, lessons learned, and mitigation actions. Besides the documentation
of these events in the daily report while drilling, these will also be presented
at the final EOWR.
3. Final Model: The final model for each trip or run made while drilling must
be included in the EOWR. All calibrations and updates of the model done
at any time when any drilling factor or parameter changes will be delivered
at the EOWR. Compare the initial model estimation with the actual value
of torque and drag. This can help for future wells as a way to improve the
estimation/actual ratio.
4. Lessons Learned: The lessons learned from any issue or problem while
drilling are one of the best tools for a continuous improvement process.
Documenting these lessons must be done continuously during the drilling
phase. Then, all the lessons learned will be discussed and delivered to the
client in the EOWR.
5. EOWR Inputs: Complete the EOWR, collecting data on all the issues and
problems related to torque and drag faced in the drilling phase. This can be
combined with the final PERFORM EOWR that will be delivered to the client.
6. RiskTRAK and DrillMAP Inputs: If issues that occurred while drilling was
updated to RiskTRAK, this task is easily completed by the end of this phase.
The final deliverable is the DrillMAP with all the torque and drag issues and
any other related drilling problems.
7. Deliverables: For this phase, this would be the EOWR, comprised of the
torque and drag report, daily report, plots, and possibly others. See Section
10.11 .

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Figure 10-5: Evaluation Phase Flow Chart
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Note
After this three-phase process is completed, the PERFORM engineer and client
should have the tools for an improved torque and drag analysis for upcoming
wells, which is the basic objective of the continuous improvement process.

10.3 What is Torque and Drag Analysis?

Torque and drag analysis is the calculation of mechanical forces during drilling
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to determine frictional losses in the torque to rotate, and the force to raise or
lower the BHA/drillstring (drag) that can be used to simulate and analyze drilling
conditions. Use this analysis to optimize directional wells and determine their
drillability.

Torque and drag analysis (as done from DrillSAFE, in the Drilling Office
application) predicts the torque that is required to turn the drillstring at all
positions along a planned well profile. This is inside the casing to the TD of
the section. The analysis also predicts the weight of the drillstring and the
force required to pull the drillstring out of hole. The pre-planning analysis is not
exact, as the friction factor between the drillstring and the casing and openhole
is estimated (formation, mud type, and condition can greatly affect the friction
factor). A real-time friction factor can be calculated to help validate the torque
and drag models.

10.4 Uses and Application of Torque and Drag

The applications of this analysis that can be done for torque and drag are
reviewed next. This includes:

• Optimizing the trajectory and BHA/drillstring/bit design

• Defining rig equipment requirements
• Determining circumstances for sticking events
• Simulating drilling and completion (casing) runs
• Identification of possible problem areas
• Helping to establish mud program needs and evaluating effectiveness of
hole cleaning actions.

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10.5 What is Used for Torque and Drag Analysis?

There are several software models in the oil industry for torque and drag analysis.
Schlumberger D&M uses its own software, Drilling Office, which includes the
DrillSAFE application for performing torque and drag analysis. Key points for
successful analysis using this application are described, such as the outputs and
inputs of it. For a complete guideline on how to use the software, refer to the
Drilling Office manual.
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10.5.1 Drilling Office DrillSAFE Review

10.5.1.1 Inputs
Term Definition
BHA Drillpipe and any other drillstring element such as size, weight,
connections, OD (Outer Diameter), and ID (Inner Diameter) should
be checked for accuracy. This data can be located in inspections
record at the rig side, from the driller, or DD. If not available, run
DrillSAFE to recalculate the weight of the drillstring until matched
with the rotating weight measured from the rig floor gauge.

Figure 10-6: DrillSAFE Inputs

Well Geometric Well geometric should be checked and corresponded with the
planned or actual well geometric. If any element in the BHA
presents an OD larger than any element ID in the well geometry
(casing, liner), DrillSAFE will display an error message.

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Survey The well plan should be used during the pre-plan phase. Once
drilling, the actual survey should be updated and used for more
accurate results and for tortuosity accounting.
Mud Weight The engineer should rerun DrillSAFE for more realistic outputs
whenever mud weight changes, since buoyancy affects changes
with it and therefore, the analysis will change.
Downhole Weight on Bit This is dependent on the kind of analysis being performed
(operation mode).
Downhole Torque on Bit This is dependent on the kind of analysis being performed
(operation mode).
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Block Weight It is important for this value to be accurate, to calculate tripping

loads and friction factors calibration. The engineer should get the
block weight from the driller.
Multi-friction Factors Section 5.3.1 shows a recompilation of the most common
values for friction factors used in openhole, casing, and different
operations (sliding or rotating).
Bit Depth If a complete analysis is being done, it will have the start and end
measured depth of the section of the well. It is also important to
establish the step of advance in which the engineer wants to do the
analysis. A common stepping value is 100-ft. Since connections
are normally done every 90-ft, this helps to depth match real-time
data and theoretical data.
Operation Mode Operation mode will determine the type of analysis performed in
torque and drag. There are various types of torque and drag
analyses that can be run on a BHA, based on the particular mode
of operation that is selected:

• Single point torque and drag

• Multiple point torque and drag (with single friction factors)
• Multiple point torque and drag (with multiple friction factors).

Figure 10-7 is a summary of the type of analyses that can be performed within
DrillSAFE, along with the parameter involved in each of them with regard to
torque and drag.

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Figure 10-7: Types of Torque and Drag Analysis in DrillSAFE

10.5.1.2 Outputs
The outputs from DrillSAFE will depend on the analysis that is being performed.
Basically, they will be:

• Effective axial load chart

• Sideforces chart
• Stresses chart
• Torque losses chart
• Report.

These charts are shown next with a basic explanation of the variables and what
they represent. More details and full interpretations are provided in Section
10.12 , from several offset data.

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10.5.1.3 Effective Axial Load Chart

Figure 10-8 represents the total axial forces acting in the drillstring in the well.
The Y-axis represents load, the X-axis represents the well depth (measured),
the red line is the load at which the drillstring is submitted to. If this line is in the
top part of the chart, it is tension. If it is in the bottom part of the chart, it is in
compression. From here, the engineer can easily identify the Neutral point.
The light blue line represents the sinusoidal buckling load limit and the dark
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green line represents the helical buckling load limit. Noticed that the Y-X axis,
color, format, and number of channels (variables) of this chart can be changed in
DrillSAFE at any time. For example, the Y and X axis can be switched so the
chart is presented in “Vertical format”.

Figure 10-8: Effective Axial Load Chart Basics

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10.5.1.4 Side Forces

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Figure 10-9: Side Forces Chart Basics

Figure 10-9 represents the side forces acting in the drillstring along the well. The
Y-axis is the load measured in 1,000 lbf/30 ft or 1,000 kgf/10 m. The X-axis
represents the depth of the well (measured). The red line is the magnitude of the
side force acting in the drillstring. The yellow line is the inclination. When it is on
the top part, it is the building angle, when on the bottom part it is the dropping
angle, and if flat it is the tangent. The blue line is the azimuth, be interpreted
similarly — if on top it indicates a turn to the right in the well trajectory, if on the
bottom it indicates a turn to the left.

10.5.1.5 Stresses Chart

Figure 10-10 shows the PERFORM/drilling engineer a graphic method for
interpretating the stresses under which the drillstring is along the wellbore.

The red line represents the yield limit of the drillstring. The yellow line will be 80%
of the yield limit, and the blue line 60% of it. This is done as a safety precaution,
and these default values are set in Drilling Office.

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The light blue line is tensional stress, the green line is the torsional stresses, and
the brown line is the bending stresses. All these stresses will compose the Von
Mises stress, which is the pink line. See Section 10.8 .
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Figure 10-10: Stresses Chart Basics

10.5.1.6 Torque Losses Chart

The torque losses chart is similar to the ones shown above for axial forces. Side
force and stresses can be obtained from DrillSAFE, where the torque losses and
the surface torque along the wellbore can be seen. Torque loss is the frictional
torque generated by contact between the drillstring and the borehole. Surface
torque is the applied torque at the top of the drillstring and is the sum of the bit
torque, frictional string torque, mechanical torques, and dynamic torques.

10.5.1.7 Report
The report output of DrillSAFE is a tabular representation of all the these charts.
Each type of analysis will have a different type of report, which will change
according to the variables presented on it.

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10.5.2 Excel Spreadsheet for Torque and Drag

Interpretation and Analysis
Besides the outputs of DrillSAFE, the PERFORM engineer uses an Excel®
spreadsheet, created by Chris Lenamond. A full description of this chart and
how to use it can be found in InTouch, ID 3265534. A metric version of the same
chart can be found in InTouch, ID 3508202. Figure 10-11 is an example of the
chart output of this spreadsheet for interpretation of torque and drag data.
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Basically, the Y-axis represents the depth (measured) of the well and the X-axis
is the hookload. Once an analysis has been done in Drilling Office (DrillSAFE),
the output from the report for tripping in, tripping out, and rotating hookload with
different friction factors in casing and openhole are plotted in this chart, as well
as P/U (pick up weight), S/O (slack off weight) and rotating weight (Rot). These
values are measured at the rig side from rig floor gauges. Some variations of
this chart may include gamma ray (GR), inclination (INC), mud weight changes,
running speed when tripping or casing, and casing depths. Other charts are
created for the torque off bottom.

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Figure 10-11: Torque and Drag Excel Chart

Note
The trend seen in the chart does not represent any special event or problem and
is shown purely for the illustration of the chart itself.

Importance uses of these charts for real-time and post analysis of torque and
drag are:

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• Improves real-time adjustments to drilling practices, drilling hook loads, and

torques versus theoretical calculations
• Graphical torque charts are useful to evaluate the effects of torque reduction
methods or devices used, lubricants, or changes in mud properties
• The graphical technique allows accurate determination of friction factors,
casing running loads, and point of no return
• Integration of APWD (Annular Pressure While Drilling) and logging while
drilling measurements improves the interpretation of root causes of hole
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cleaning problems in high-angle wells

• Graphical presentation of hookload and torque data improves communication
of hole issues
• They provide a simple, visual method of checking the accuracy of the
torque and drag model and a qualitative check of the driller and PERFORM
engineer’s ability to monitor hole conditions using rig floor gauges.

10.6 Data (Collection and Quality)

Collection and quality of the data (real-time data, offset data, or evaluated)
will play an important role in the analysis of torque and drag deliveries, as in
everything else. There are some key points that the PERFORM engineer should
consider about the data, as explained next.

10.6.1 Surface Measurements

• Surface gauges must be calibrated so accurate data is displayed and
recorded. Inaccurate data can result in incorrect conclusions being drawn
and bad decisions being made, so this is very important.
• When at the rig site, it is better to get data direct from the gauges rather
than a monitor display, as the information displayed on the monitors need
frequent recalibration.
• Weight on bit is best recorded directly from the Martin-Decker® weight
indicator, usually positioned close to the draw works brake. The
Martin-Decker is relatively accurate, as it needs to be reset by the driller
at each connection due to the addition of drill pipe to the drill string.
Consequently, the gauge is recalibrated a minimum of once per connection
and often more frequently when drilling is not straight-forward. An example is
while sliding with a motor, troublesome formations, etc.

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• Slack off, pick up and rotating weights, and off bottom torques are key
measurements that the PERFORM engineer must be aware of. As already
mentioned, the weight is best recorded from the Martin-Decker indicator
due to its relative accuracy. Some things the engineer should know when
recording these values are:

– Record pick up/slack off either when pumps are off or on. Check with the
Co-man (Company man), as this procedure may add extra time to the
drilling process. However the bast measurement will be while pumps are
off, which can be done at the moment of connection, which can save time.
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– Always try to compare your own measurement with someone else (driller
and directional driller), as the estimation and values from a gauge may
need calibration.
– The hookload values from the IDEAL machine can be added to the Excel
spreadsheet. This is advisable, once again, for quality checks.
– Constant calibration of the hookload/depth sensor is a “must”, although it
sounds repetitive. The LWD/MWD engineer should take care of it, as the
PERFORM engineer should kindly make certain it is done.
– Discuss with the Co-man, directional driller, and driller the technique for
taking pick up, slack off, and rotating weight, as it can affect the quality of
the measurements.

• Standpipe pressure is best recorded directly from the pressure gauge, which
is generally found somewhere on the rig floor. This gauge measures the
pressure directly from the mud being pumped down the drillstring, so it is
relatively accurate. While motor drilling, this gauge can be used to accurately
measure on and off bottom pressures to indicate the relative torque
generated by the motor (i.e., the condition of the motor can be evaluated).

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• Surface measurements that must be recorded are:

– WOB (Weight on bit)

– Torque developed by rotary table or top drive
– RPM (Rotary speed)
– Standpipe pressure
– Pump strokes per minute
– GPM (Pump flow rate)
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– DWOB and DTOR, if available

– Stick and slip (for vibration management)
– Mud Logs (as it can support the downhole measurement for the
identification of possible trouble zones or formations)
– ECD and ESD (Equivalent Static Density); refer to InTouch to see the
application and representation for ECD/ESD
– Formation related measurements; these are Gamma ray, resistivity,
porosity, sonic, density. As shown in the , Gamma ray can be added
to the chart.

10.6.2 Mud Logger Logs

Mud logs are compiled by mud loggers that collect cutting samples at regular
intervals and record lithology characteristics against hole depth. Lithology
characteristics allow conclusions to be drawn on how the formation will affect the
bit cutting structure, and perhaps the downhole and surface torque behavior.

Drilling parameter details are often recorded on the mud log. This is useful for
post well analysis to evaluate parameter selection through different formation
types and to compare in real-time with D&M and rig variables, so the PERFORM
engineer can be sure about the calibrations/accuracy of sensors.

10.6.3 Drilling Cuttings Analysis

• Drilled cuttings returned to surface indicate the formations drilled.
• Note that cuttings take time to reach surface. The time to reach surface (lag
time) can be calculated from the circulation time, which is calculated from
flow rate, hole size, casing depth, size, etc. From Drilling Office Hydraulics

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applications, the PERFORM engineer can obtain the lag time or bottom/up
time. (Compare these values with the obtained values from the mud logger,
as a safe practice.)
• Drilled cuttings analysis, combined with log response (i.e., gamma and
resistivity), is a good method for identification of formation tops.
• Cuttings size and shape can indicate drilling efficiency. for example, long
ribbons or large chips are efficient, while rock flour is very inefficient. This
information is valuable for drill bit cutting structure selection.
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Data collection is only one key part of the process for an optimum and successful
analysis of torque and drag. The next challenge is to analyze the data and
attempt to evaluate managing or process performance. There are many ways
in which this can be done and each approach has limitations. For example,
comparison with offset well data and comparable operations is a popular
approach. However, no two wellbores are identical, in terms of the number of
parameters that can have an impact on torque and drag. It is advised to put
effort into data collection procedures, be scientific, and be consistent. Once the
analysis has been completed, share the results with other engineers.

Note
It is easy to miss small details, so increasing awareness to others helps with
future decision-making.

10.7 Real-Time or Wellsite Tasks

The PERFORM engineer, aside from tasks described in the job description and
necessary for a successful job, will perform the following tasks related to torque
and drag analysis:

• Establish client approved drilling practices (correct procedure to obtain Pick

up, Slack off, and Rotating Weights, etc.).
• Constantly identify and broadcast any drilling events of offset wells (DrillMAP
obtained from engineers in town) related to torque and drag.
• Ensure that everyone in the team understands the role and responsibilities
of the PERFORM engineer. It is advisable to have the PERFORM job
description and discuss it with the Co-man and others.
• Determine a model for torque and drag with the BHA, well geometry, and
well profile to identify possible problems with side forces, buckling, transfer
weight, rig site limitations, etc.

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• Determine the friction factors at the casing shoe after drilling the shoe and
circulating the wellbore. It should be calculated each time before the bit is
pulled inside the shoe, before and after any circulating that takes place.
• Determine the friction factors in openhole, comparing with the ones gotten
as the drill advances.
• The PERFORM engineer should generate drag charts showing Hook Load
vs. Depth and Torque vs. Depth for trip in, trip out, Rotary drilling, Sliding
drilling, Minimum Weight to Buckle, and Minimum Weight for Maximum
Allowable Pipe Yield. The drillstring should be checked for buckling.
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• Plot average friction factors vs. depth using the Excel spreadsheet described
in Section 10.5.2 .
• Recollect pick up, slack off, rotating weight, and torque during pump off
and/or pumps on.
• Recollect (in combination with the ones above) RPM, Pumps pressure, and
GPM on depth/time bases. This is usually done every connection, so the
operation progresses smoothly.
• Utilize DEC/OSC resources for technical support.
• Ensure that all drilling practices (mutually accorded with the co-man and/or
drilling engineer) are executed.
• Monitor cuttings vs. time from the shakers to identify hole cleaning problems
that can cause abnormal torque and drag behavior.
• Monitor ECD/ESD trends for any hole cleaning problems.
• Enter all torque and drag events and others events into RiskTRAK. (Even
though not normally done, this practice can improve awareness about the
well situation.)
• Maintain communication with the mud logger, LWD/MWD, shaker hands, and
directional driller, as their observations may help to identify and/or solve any
abnormal behavior in the trend of torque and drag.
• Keep constant communication with the co-man as drilling progresses, and
ensure that any single issue is promptly attended.

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Note
Some of these tasks are extended after the drilling phase is done and others
are done during the planning phase.

10.8 Drillstring Design Analysis and Guidelines

The mechanical integrity of the drillpipe is one reason that torque and drag
analysis is done. The PERFORM engineer must make sure the load/stress
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acting in the pipe due to torsion, tension/compression, and bending stress are
not compromising its mechanical integrity. The mechanism related to torque and
drag and how a drillstring may fail were reviewed in Section 6.9 . Here, the main
point that the PERFORM engineer should take in consideration when performing
a torque and drag analysis from the drillstring point of view is listed. It is
recommended that knowledge in this matter be extended, as it is very important.

• The Von Mises stress of the drillstring obtained from DrillSAFE output
should be less than the Yield stress of the drillstring. Doing so will prevent
the drillstring from getting any elastic stretch in any of its components. API
recommends that the maximum stress at which the drillstring is submitted
should stay below 90% of its yield strength. DrillSAFE will show limits of 60%,
80% and 100% of the yield strength for determining analysis of the drillstring.
• Minimum Yield Strength: The minimum yield strength for the drillpipe would
be as its degree shows it, as in Table 1.

Table 10-1: Drillpipe Grades

Drillpipe Grade (as per API Ultimate tensile strength

standard) Yield Strength (psi) UTS (psi)
D55 55,000 75,000
E75 75,000 100,000
X95 95,000 105,000
G105 105,000 115,000
S135 135,000 135,000
V150 150,000 160,000

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• Von Mises stress is defined as shown in Equation 10-1.

Equation 10-1: Von Mises Stress

Where:
VMS = Von Mises Stress, in psi
σTorsonal = stress due to torsion, in psi
σAxial = stress due to tension or compression, in psi
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σBending = stress due to bending, in psi.

• Tool joint connections are not related to the drillpipe body grade, as they are
made of different materials
• Drillpipe body will most likely be the tensile failure limit
• Drillpipe tool joint is most likely to be the torsional failure limit. (API sets the
tool joint torsional strength at 80% of the tube torsional strength)
• Drilling and reaming torque should be kept below 80% of the MUT (Make Up
Torque) to prevent downhole makeup and tool joint failure
• It is important to use combined loading while analyzing the drillpipe behavior
for a determined well design (i.e., worse case scenario of tensile, torsional,
bending, and combination of all of them)
• Side forces should not exceed the value on 2,000 lbf/30 ft. This value is
normally used as a limit for side forces in any elements of the drillstring. If for
any reason the side force calculated from drilling office DrillSAFE exceeds
this value, consider the following possibilities:

– Possibility of reducing total string weight to reduce tensile profile

– Drillstring inspection program drillpipe
– Back-reaming operations will greatly increase these side force and
tensile profile loads and should be minimized. Casing wear depends on
back-reaming time, abrasiveness of the mud, side forces, and the type
of tool joint hard banding.
– Selection of casing grades and weights to resist wear due drilling and
tripping loads
– Monitoring of casing wear while drilling
– Use a protector for the casing as a way to mitigate the wear.

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10.9 Casing
While running casing, the PERFORM engineer must monitor the friction factor
to guarantee a successful job or to detect any abnormal trend. Problems while
running casing include wear, and getting a cement job and setting the casing
at the planned depth. The PERFORM engineer should keep in mind several
things about casing wear:
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• Casing wear can be a serious problem. It is caused by the drillstring wearing

a hole from inside the casing to the cement that holds the casing in place. If
this occurs, the formation behind the casing is no longer isolated and can
cause catastrophic problems.
• Casing wear is generally due to long periods of rotary drilling where the force
of the drillstring against the casing is high.
• Repairing worn casing is a time-consuming and expensive process.

10.10 Proposal Tasks for PERFORM Engineer While

Running Casing
1. Monitor and update casing vs. casing friction factors.
2. In openhole, plot the actual hookload data monitoring casing vs. openhole.
Be aware of any tight spot found or trouble with the formation.
3. Monitor running speeds. Consult with the co-man and drilling engineer to
adjust it, as needed.
4. Note the mud returns volumes while Running in Hole (RIH) with casing.
5. Relate any anomalies in the Risk Analysis document (DrillMAP or RiskTRAK
database for the well being drilled).
6. While tripping in/out or running casing, continue monitoring. The LWD/MWD
engineer should run acquisition so the hookload can be plotted against the
measurements taken manually, for quality and comparison.
7. Compare P/U from trip out with monitored hookload (P/U, S/O, and rotating
weights) while drilling. Note the depth intervals for each event that occurs
and analyze the causes. Inform the driller and the co-man of these events.

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8. Analyze friction factor plots against well bore instability events while drilling.
Make note of any large sand intervals or possible ledges and inform the
driller and co-man of these events.
9. Keep in mind tortuosity analysis, continuous inclination, and direction
analysis for micro-doglegs.
10. Revision of centralization program.: A definitive spreadsheet or software is
not available for taking into account the extra force that running a centralizer
adds to the loads, in order to calculate friction factors. Section 10.12 includes
several examples done in the Gulf Coast that have provided acceptable
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results for this.

10.11 Client Deliverables

Different locations may have some disagreement, though efforts are being
made to standardizes the deliveries of Schlumberger D&M at a worldwide scale.
Still, some differences are based on client needs. Deliveries for the client from
a PERFORM service (torque and drag analysis) should have the following
components:

• Chart as shown in Section 10.5.2 showing theoretical and actual frictions

factors
• Drilling Office output charts showing stresses, side forces, and loads
(buckling) for each section of the well as it is planned or drilled
• Resume of the drillpipe, drilling loads, and tripping loads as per Figure 10-12,
Figure 10-13, and Figure 10-14, showing properties and torque and drag
summaries for each section of the well
• Report output from torque and drag (DrillSAFE)
• ECD/ESD plots, which is a common and helpful spreadsheet for showing
hole cleaning issues and supporting any torque and drag analysis
• The End of Well Report (EOWR) gathers all the information — drilling
data, downhole data (when needed), run summary, lessons learned,
recommendations, DrillMAP output from RiskTRAK, torque and drag plot as
described in this guidelines, and the events summary.

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Figure 10-12: Drillpipe Summary per Section

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Figure 10-13: Drilling Loads Summary

Figure 10-14: Tripping Loads Summary

10.12 Analysis of Torque and Drag Charts

This document has discussed and illustrated the basic physics, causes, effects,
managing/mitigation measurements, and other important topics related to torque
and drag and how this phenomenon affects the drilling industry. In this section,
some examples of data obtained in different fields and location will be discussed

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and illustrated, as a basic tool for the PERFORM/drilling engineer when doing
an analysis for torque and drag or facing a problem related to this in the rig
side or post drilling operations.

In the charts and interpretation given next, different situations and problems
are illustrated. Side forces, axial load, stresses, hole cleaning, casing run,
weight distribution, friction factors, torque, buckling, and others may aid in the
interpretation and understanding of the charts and graph. This is easily confusing
— only repeated analysis and practice can give confidence and knowledge for
improving the final output and benefits from this charts.
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Note
Data displayed in the charts and graphics in this section have been modified to
omit client names or other confidential information.

Term Definition
Example 1: Figure 10-15 is data taken from a vertical well, section 14 1/2-in
WBM. The theoretical trend of tripping in, tripping out, and rotating
are in a continuous line. The actual values of pickup, slack off, and
rotating weight are dashed lines. This chart shows a very good
correlation between actual and modeled values. This would be
an ideal situation (what every engineer would want) and also
what a good drilling practice and awareness of drilling operation
will help to get.

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Figure 10-15: Theoretical and Actual Trends for Hookloads

Example 2: Figure 10-16 is the 17 1/2-in section of a deviated well, inclination
~52 dega (tangent section), synthetic-based mud (SBM), weight
11.0 lbf/galUS. The TD of the well was 14,600-ft. From about
10,800-ft, the friction factor trend established about 0.15 until
~12,000-ft were changed to 0.20. This was due to the increase
in the ROP and decrease in the hole cleaning practices. This
behavior is maintained until approximately 13,500-ft, where the
trend of friction factor changed back to 0.15 as it was stopped and
circulated before continuous drilling. An overpull of 25,000 lbf was
detected at the depth of 14,100-ft, which correspond to a sand
package found in the well. At this point, the pipe was worked out,
though the sand had no major problems and the trend in the friction
factor went back to the initial value. This is a good example of hole
cleaning and how formation changes affect the trend in friction
factors. The abnormal trend observed for the friction factor above
10,500-ft and from the beginning of the section could be attributed
to the building being made, as the BHA was more in contact with
the wellbore and the drag increased due to that.

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Figure 10-16: Hole Cleaning Effect in Friction Factors

Example 3: Figure 10-17, (same well as above) even when a little busy
or overloaded with data, shows the following situation. After
the TD (14,600-ft Measured Depth) was reached, the well was
supposedly circulated clean and a trip-out of the hole was attended
(purple curve is the value for the pickup weight during this trip).
The initial values of pickup showed a trend around 0.25 friction
factor. The drag increased at 14,400-ft, which corresponds to
the sand package found while drilling. The pipe got through
without problems after it was worked. The tripping out continued
with erratic behavior in the pickup weight, but did not exceed
500,000 lbf (pulling limit). It was decided to trip back in at the
depth of ~12,100-ft (slack-off curve in purple) and to pull out again
after increasing the mud weight and circulating for awhile. The
second trip out (green line) had good trend until 12,100-ft, again
where high drag was experienced. After this, back reaming (not
recommended) was made until the shoe.

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Figure 10-17: Tripping Monitoring

At a depth of 10,800-ft, the well was packing off (erratic, abnormal

behavior of green curve). It was necessary to pump a high
viscosity sweep, and circulate to pass through and finish pulling
out of the hole.
Example 4: Figure 10-19 represents a theoretical model for a deviated well,
KOP at 4,000-ft, building up to 80 dega then holding in a tangent
section and landing the well with 90 dega at about 20,500-ft,
with a horizontal section of 3,000-ft. The blue vertical line is the
weight of the block, at a depth of approximately 20,500-ft. This line
crosses over the red line, which is the total hookload tripping in for
a friction factor of 0.4. After that point, the drillstring cannot go
in further because there is not enough weight to overcome the
friction (negative weight). The drillstring, by its own weight, would
overcome the friction to be able to go in the hole. If this weight is
not enough, it will stop going in the hole. In these cases, the design
of the well profile and BHA play a very important role to mitigate
this problem. First, the well plan was modified with a shallow KOP
at 500-ft instead of the initially planned 4,000-ft. This introduced a
tangent section with less inclination (65 dega) and then landing
the well at 90 dega with the same initial depth of 20,500-ft. By
doing this, the drillstring is allowed more weight to push, as the
inclination is less and the axial component of the weight is bigger.

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Second, the BHA was loaded with a more heavyweight drillpipe,

which also gives more weight. A comparison of the initial and
modified plans is shown in Figure 10-18.
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Figure 10-18: Original and Modified Plan

Figure 10-19: Weight Distribution

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Figure 10-20 shows a final chart for the analysis of the tripping
hookloads. It can be seen that the drillstring will have enough
weight to push and overcome the friction down to TD. However,
there are other considerations that the PERFORM/drilling engineer
should attend after this modification is made to the well and BHA
design. For example, is there enough pulling force on the rig to
trip out with this BHA, and will the drill pipe resist the stresses or
loads generated?
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Figure 10-20: Weight Distribution with BHA and

Well Profile Modified
Example 5: Figure 10-21 shows a good example of how the type of BHA and
the drilling operation can affect the friction factors and the hole
cleaning. The data is from a 14 1/4-in section of a deviated well,
approximately 60 dega tangent section, TD ~19,000-ft MD. The
section drilling started with a PowerDrive 900. There was no major
concern about torque and drag, as the chart showed a smooth and
easy trend in the pickup and slacks-off weight. However, it can be
seen that the trend in friction factor changed at about 16,200-ft
Measured Depth. There was a failure in the PowerDrive after
changing it for a motor and sliding started because of directional
controls, and friction factors increased since rotating stopped.

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When at approximately 17,250-ft MD, intermittent intervals of

changes in the friction factor indicated the same intervals of sliding
and rotating.
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Figure 10-21: Effect of BHA and Formation

Example 6: Figure 10-22 is the 13 5/8-in casing run for 17 1/2-in section of
a well, TD 14,600 MD, inclination ~ 52 dega. The chart shows a
good casing run. The casing was run at 98 s/joint while in the
riser and 20-in casing, increasing to 75 s/joint by the end of the
cased hole section (data not shown in the chart). There were no
problems running through the 20-in casing shoe. Once in open
hole, the running speed was decreased to 200 s/joint. A tight spot
was encountered at 9,628-ft MD. It was gradually worked through
the spot and continued running in with some extra drag until about
10,000-ft MD, where the slack-off data began to correlate to the
0.30 FF trendline. The model was run using 0.15 FF in casing
down to 8,009-ft MD. The actual casing run followed between the
0.30 and 0.40 FF in open hole. With a 0.40 FF, there was room
to pick up the casing at bottom without exceeding the tensile
capacity of the landing string.
The 13 5/8-in casing was run to the bottom successfully without
major problems. The spike observed in the slack-off weight at
about 9,600-ft MD is because the casing is “ploughing” in the
bottom of the hole as it is going through, due to the change
in inclination or azimuth. This phenomenon is sometimes
misunderstand and confused with the friction-related drag.

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Ploughing will usually happen as the shoe moves through a build or

turn section, especially in extended reach wells. This phenomenon
varies, depending upon the distribution of the centralizer, hole
size, and dogleg severity.
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Figure 10-22: Hookloads While Running Casing

Example 7: Figure 10-23 is for the 17 1/2-in section of a well, 14,915-ft TD,
50 dega inclination. The trip out followed the 0.25 FF trendline,
and some overpull was encountered while pulling from 14,100-ft to
13,600-ft. The maximum overpull seen was 75 Klbf at 13,900-ft
and 13,600-ft, which corresponded to the two sand packages.
The drillstring was worked through each spot one time, without
major concern and the drag disappeared. This chart shows a
good comparison between the values of pick up weight gotten by
an engineer at the rig floor gauges (black dashed curve) and
the hookload from the IDEAL machine (light green), when the
acquisition was left running while tripping, the hookload sensor
was appropriately calibrated, and the depth tracking was well done.

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Figure 10-23: Comparison Between IDEAL and

Rig Floor Values
Example 8: Figure 10-24 shows the data compiled for a 9 1/2-in x 14-in
section, 18,880-ft TD, 50 dega inclination, and synthetic-based
mud. Theoretical drag trendlines were modeled before drilling out
the cement. The pick up and slack-off weights were measured
without circulation (which is more representative of the friction
factors to expect while tripping out of the hole). Initially, the pick
up weights were higher than the 0.45 trendline. This is because
the model was run with 12.5 lbf/galUS of MW throughout the
interval, and initially the mud weight was 11.5 lbf/galUS. A higher
mud weight provides more buoyancy and decreases the pick up
weights slightly. The overall trends while drilling did not indicate
hole-cleaning problems. At the end of the run, the friction factors of
the openhole was about 0.30.

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Note
It is always good practice to rerun the torque and drag model
when the mud weight changed or as the well progress (updating
with actual surveys).
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Figure 10-24: Effect of MW and Actual Survey in

Torque and Drag Model
Example 9: Figure 10-25 is a representation of the torque load in a drillstring.
The well has a building section up to 80 dega, then a tangent, and
then builds again until the horizontal section. This chart is an
output from the Excel spreadsheet described in Section 10.5.2 .
The Y-axis to the left of the chart represents the torque in Kft.lbf.
The Y-axis to the right represents the percentage of the torsional
capacity of the drillstring (torsional yield) and the inclination of the
well. The X-axis is the well depth (measured). At the top of the
chart is the disposition for the casing shoes along the well. At the
depth of ~7,000-ft MD, the torque load in the drillstring and BHA
goes above 80% of the make of torque for the drillpipe (MUT),
which can introduce a possibility of torsional failure in the drill
pipe. The torque load in the drillstring as a rule of design can not
exceed 80% of the MUT in the drill pipe. The torque is below the
torsional capacity, which at the same time is the torsional yield of
the drillstring. To avoid or mitigate this situation, the BHA can be
provided with a stronger (higher grade or bigger size) drill pipe

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(tapered BHA) above the section where the torque is higher or too
near the 80% of MUT. This is illustrated in Figure 10-26. It can
be seen how the limit of MUT gets higher as the size of the drill
pipe is changed. This provides a stronger connection with respect
to torsional resistance.
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Figure 10-25: Torque Profile

Figure 10-26: Torque Profile with Modified (tapered) BHA

Example 10: Figure 10-27 shows the distribution and magnitude of the side
forces along a determinate drillstring. The chart is in a spreadsheet
format for torque and drag analysis.

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Note
The chart output from DrillSAFE in Drilling Office can also be used
for analysis in side forces, but the format of the Excel spreadsheet
presents an easier and better way for interpretation. This is also
true for the stress and axial load charts.

In Figure 10-27, the gray curve represents the total side forces
acting in the drillstring along the wellbore. At about 4,000-ft MD
where the building section starts, the force increases from zero to
approximately 1.4 Klbf/30 ft, as the BHA or drillstring is in contact
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with the wellbore. This is not appreciated in the chart, as the blue
curve (side force due to inclination) is overlapping this curve in the
top part of the chart. The decreasing section that is observed in
the side force between 4,000-ft and 6,500-ft is due to the decrease
in axial tension along the drillstring, as the weight of the string is
decreasing (weight is an important component of the side forces).
After the drillstring is inside the tangent section (inclination curve
not changing), the side force value remains stable and the blue line
(side force due to inclination) remains constant and below zero.
This indicates that side forces are acting in the low part of the
drillstring. The red line is set as the limit for total side forces in
any element of the drillstring (2 Klbf/30 ft).

Figure 10-27: Side Forces

Example 11: Figure 10-28 and Figure 10-29 show the comparison of the
stresses acting in a determinate drillstring. The Von Mises stress
in the figure (dark blue curve) is exceeding the 60% and 80% of
the yield stress limit from about 4,000-ft, which supposes that the
drill pipe is about to suffer a permanent deformation or stretch.
Once this happens, the element or drillpipe can not go back to
its original state and can be listed as a mechanical failure in the
drillstring. Figure 10-29 shows the same BHA, but modified with
a bigger OD drill pipe right in the section where the original

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overpassed the limit for yield stress. It can be seen that this time
the total Von Mises stress does not pass the limit for 80% of the
yield stress, although the 60% is reached. This should be a better
position for the drillstring than before, regarding stress resistances.
Ensure the client is aware of the situation if for operational or other
technical reasons the drill pipe can not be changed for a bigger
OD to reduce total stress below 60% of the yield stress along the
entire well trajectory.
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Figure 10-28: Stresses Loading Profile

Figure 10-29: Stresses Loading Profile with Modified BHA

Example 12: Figure 10-30 shows a comparison between actual survey stations
and continuous inclination and azimuth. Some erratic behavior
can be observed in the continuous azimuth as the formation was
presenting some trouble for sliding intervals. The change in
inclination between survey stations is not smooth or continuous,
which represents a possible cause of excessive drag or torque
when running casing. This type of chart is also presented by the

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PERFORM/drilling engineer to the client, so the actual trajectory

and the planned trajectory can be compared in order to analysis
the torque and drag considerations. In Figure 10-31, unlike Figure
10-30, a smooth transition between survey stations is seen. It
is from another well with a different profile, but it facilitates a
successful pulling out of the hole and casing run operation.
Section 5.5 describes tortuosity and its relationship with torque and
drag. The charts in Figure 10-30 and Figure 10-31 are presented
as a way to analysis possible problems derived from poor control
in tortuosity. These charts are not from Drilling Office, but are
standard deliveries from PERFORM engineers to the client.
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Figure 10-30: Tortuosity Chart with a Trouble or

Winding Trajectory

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Figure 10-31: Tortuosity Chart with Smooth Well Trajectory

Example 13: Figure 10-32 Tripping Loads for Casing Run with Centralizers is
a plot showing the tripping loads for the 8 1/6-in casing run with
centralizer. A hookload analysis was made before running the
casing. The model was run using 0.20 friction factor in casing down
to 16,170-ft MD. The actual data did not match the theoretical data,
due to the additional drag caused by the centralizers on the liner.
The current DrillSAFE software cannot account for centralizers
in the torque and drag analysis. The additional drag for each
centralizer obtained from the client (0.704 Klbf) was manually
added or subtracted to the theoretical data output from DrillSAFE,
to attempt to model the overall drag profile.
This analysis was done with 0.20 friction factor cased/open
hole curve and is shown in light blue in Figure 10-32. From the
plot, notice that the additional drag definitely affects the overall
theoretical hookload profile and the actual casing run data
matches very well with the trend, although the magnitude is off.
It can be concluded that centralizer drag must be accounted for
when modeling casing pick up and slack-offs. This is not built into
DrillSAFE, but it has already been taken into consideration in
different wells in the Gulf coast. An example follows.
Taking the centralizers into account greatly affects the theoretical
trendlines, and has been found to better represent the actual
data. In some cases, the actual data does not fall exactly on the
theoretical trendlines. This can be attributed to difference between
the actual running speed of the casing in the wellbore and the
value used for DrillSAFE, which is one stand per minute and
cannot currently be adjusted.

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Figure 10-32: Tripping Loads for Casing Run with Centralizers

Example 14: Figure 10-33 shows the longest 12 1/4-in section in NGC as of
February 2004. It was a well of 75 dega inclination. The trend in
the friction factors started at about 0.2 and progressively increased
as the section was being drilled and the cuttings were being
accumulated in the hole. The friction factors reached up to 0.3 at
about 20,200-ft MD, where circulating was done (5 bottom/up).
After this, the friction factors decreased again to 0.15 and started
increasing again and reached a maximum value of 0.3 at the end
of the section. The points where the pick up curve (blue line)
shows spikes or a sudden reduction is where circulation was done,
as the friction factors were getting high values.

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Figure 10-33: Friction Factors and Hole Cleaning

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11 QUESTIONAIRE Torque and Drag, PERFORM, Drilling Office

The following questions are presented to measure your understanding of the

material in this SLP. Answers to these questions are contained within this SLP.

1. Define torque and drag?

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2. What are friction factors?

3. What affects friction factors?
4. What are contact or side forces? What are their components?
5. Define mean weight and torque losses? Where do these losses occur and
why?
6. Briefly name the causes of excessive or erratic values of torque and drag?
7. How do borehole inclination and directional changes affect torque and drag?
8. What is buckling?
9. What is sinusoidal and helical buckling?
10. What is the relationship between buckling and excessive values of torque
and drag?
11. Name causes of torque and drag related to formation and borehole stability?
12. What is hole cleaning? What is the relationship with torque and drag? What
are the guidelines for it?
13. How can the wellbore profile be optimized to reduce torque and drag issues?
14. What is tortuosity?
15. Why worry about tortuosity?
16. What are the consequences of torque and drag?
17. Explain what mechanical integrity means?
18. What are the basic steps for managing torque and drag problems?
19. Name some of the drilling tools used in the drilling industry to mitigate high
values of torque and drag?
20. Name some of the technique/operations used in the drilling industry to
mitigate high values of torque and drag?

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21. Which factors can affect the process of managing torque and drag?
22. What are the phases of continuous improvement plan?
23. Name some of the facts and/or factors that should be taken into consideration
when using software models for torque and drag?
24. What are the benefits of monitoring torque and drag?
25. What affects drilling optimization, with regard to torque and drag?
26. What is torque and drag analysis and what are its advances?
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27. What are the phases for torque and drag analysis?
28. What are the operating modes in DrillSAFE?
29. What are the main inputs of DrillSAFE and its outputs?
30. Name the tasks at the well side for the PERFORM engineer, regarding
torque and drag?
31. Name the main consideration for drillstring design with regard to torque
and drag?
32. Name some common problems while running casing.
33. Which tasks should the PERFORM engineer perform during casing
operations?
34. What are the client deliveries?
35. Describe some examples of applications of torque and drag?

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A INTOUCH REFERENCES
This section includes recommendations and technical information published in
InTouchSupport to help the PERFORM engineer, drilling engineer (DE), or field
engineer (FE) understand the subject of torque and drag.

Table A-1: Recommended References

InTouch ID Title
3847469 Extended Reach Drilling Recommendations
3842983 Critical Buckling Force and Stresses for Pipe
in Deviated Wells
3830689 Drillstring Inspection – When?
3686384 Drilling, Tripping and Casing Running Analysis
– The Big Picture
3686373 Planning and Evaluating the Limits of Drilling
ERD Wells Using PowerPlan
3645555 Downhole Torque Compared to Surface Torque
3460703 Friction Factor Back Calculation
3333770 Definition of Tortuosity/AHD/ERD/DDI
3320662 Torque Feedback Systems
3284359 Excessive Torque from Poor Tortuosity Control
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3041111 Minimization of Friction Factors in ERD Wells

Note
It is good practice to search for InTouch tickets before going to a job. This will
increase the possibilities of a successful job in any of its phases (pre-drill,
execution, or evaluation).

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B BIBLIOGRAPHY bibliography, Torque, drag, Drilling Office

F. Abbassian, M. L. Payne: "Advanced Torque and Drag Considerations in

Extended-Reach Wells," IADC/SPE 35102, USA (March 1996).

O. A. Adewuya, S. V. Pham: "A Robust Torque and Drag Analysis Approach for
Well Planning and Drilling Design," IADC/SPE 39321, USA (March 1998).

M. S. Aston, P. J. Hearn, G. McGhee: "Techniques for Solving Torque and Drag

Problems in Today’s Drilling Industry," SPE 48939, USA (September 1998).

T. Burgess, M. C. Sheppard, C. Wick: "Designing Well Paths To Reduce Drag

and Torque," SPE 15463, (October 1986).

David C-K Chen, Blaine Comeaux, Tom Gaynor: "Hole Quality: Why It Matters,"
SPE 74403, Mexico (February 2002).

David C-K Chen, T. M. Gaynor, D. Stuart: "Tortuosity and Micro-Tortuosity – Why

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Little Things Mean a Lot," IADC/SPE 67818, Netherlands (March 2001).

R. L. Colvard, H. Kinzel: "Reduce Torque, Drag and Wear – Material Selection

for Centralizer Used in Highly Inclined and Horizontal Wells," IADC/SPE 47804,
Indonesia (September 1998).

G. J. Guild, I. M. Wallace, M. J. Wassenborg: "Hole Cleaning Program for

Extended Reach Wells," IADC/SPE 29381, Netherlands (March 1995).

G. W. Halsey, X. He: "Interactions between Torque and Helical Buckling in

Drilling," SPE 30521, USA (October 1995).

K & M: Drilling Design and Implementation for Extended Reach and Complex
Wells, USA, K & M (2003).

C. Lenamond: Torque and Drag Presentation, Brazil, (March 2003).

C. J. Mason, G. N. Murray, L.G. Williams: "Reinventing the Wheel – Reduction

Friction in High Angle Wells," SPE 63270, USA (October 2000).

NSA Drilling Engineer Center: Drilling Optimization Operation Guidelines, NSA,

Schlumberger (Unknown).

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Frank Reiber, Bart E. Vos: "The Benefits of Monitoring Torque & Drag in Real
Time," IADC/SPE 6278, Malaysia (September 2000).

Presentation: Application of Torque and Drag Using Drilling Office

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