K&M Technology Group

Copyright 2020

ERA 4.0 User Manual

K&M Technology
July 2020

Eric Cogburn
Brandon M. Foster

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K&M Technology Group
Copyright 2020

Legal Disclaimer
As K&M Technology are unlikely to be aware of all the factors affecting the decisions being made, it is for
Customer to decide how best to use the information provided by K&M Technology software and personnel.
No warranty shall be given concerning recommendations, output, or other data provided by K&M
Technology software or personnel. Any decisions subsequently made by Customer, based in whole or in part
upon the information provided by K&M Technology, shall remain Customer's sole responsibility.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 DOCUMENT VERSIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 BACKGROUND......................................................................................................................................................... 9
2 OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 INSTALLATION...................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 LICENSING .............................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.1 MACHINE LICENSING ...................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2 NETWORK LICENSING ..................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 PROJECT DESKTOP............................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4 FILE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 15
2.5 UNITS........................................................................................................................................................................ 17
2.6 AUTOMATIC UPDATES ....................................................................................................................................... 17
2.7 SUMMARY GRID ................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.8 NAVIGATION.......................................................................................................................................................... 21
2.9 PLOT MANIPULATION......................................................................................................................................... 22
3 INPUTS ............................................................................................................................... 24
3.1 RIG BUILDER.......................................................................................................................................................... 25
3.1.1 RIG TYPES ............................................................................................................................................................ 25
3.1.2 GENERAL RIG LIMITS ...................................................................................................................................... 26
3.1.3 PUMPS ................................................................................................................................................................... 27
3.1.4 TOP DRIVE ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
1.1.1 SUBSEA EQUIPMENT........................................................................................................................................ 28
3.2 EARTH BUILDER ................................................................................................................................................... 29
3.2.1 WORKFLOW SETTINGS SIDEBAR................................................................................................................. 30
3.2.1.1 EARTH BUILDER OPTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 30
3.2.2 TEMPERATURE .................................................................................................................................................. 33
3.2.3 GEOLOGY............................................................................................................................................................. 34
3.2.4 LOGS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34
3.2.5 ROCK PROPERTIES............................................................................................................................................ 35
3.2.5.1 MEM MODE ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
3.2.5.2 MEM LOG MODE ............................................................................................................................................. 36
3.2.5.3 EMW MODE ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
3.2.6 DECIMATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
3.3 PATH BUILDER ...................................................................................................................................................... 47
3.3.1 PLAN INPUT......................................................................................................................................................... 47
3.3.1.1 PROFILE BUILDER .......................................................................................................................................... 49
3.3.2 SURVEY LIBRARY ............................................................................................................................................. 51
3.3.3 TORTUOSITY....................................................................................................................................................... 51
3.3.4 PROXIMITY.......................................................................................................................................................... 52
3.4 WELLBORE BUILDER .......................................................................................................................................... 54
3.4.1 EDITING ................................................................................................................................................................ 55
3.4.2 LINERS AND TIEBACKS ................................................................................................................................... 56
3.4.3 RISERS................................................................................................................................................................... 57
3.5 ERD PLOT ................................................................................................................................................................ 58
3.6 INFO .......................................................................................................................................................................... 59
3.7 SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................................................ 60
3.8 STRING BUILDER .................................................................................................................................................. 62

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3.8.1 OP MODE .............................................................................................................................................................. 62

3.8.2 BUILDER MODE ................................................................................................................................................. 63
3.8.3 STRING COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................................... 65
3.8.3.1 BIT ....................................................................................................................................................................... 65
3.8.3.2 DOWNHOLE MOTORS ................................................................................................................................... 66
3.8.3.3 RWD .................................................................................................................................................................... 66
3.8.3.4 RSS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 67
3.8.3.5 MWD/LWD ........................................................................................................................................................ 68
3.8.3.6 DRILL COLLARS ............................................................................................................................................. 69
3.8.3.7 HWDP ................................................................................................................................................................. 69
3.8.3.8 DRILL PIPE ........................................................................................................................................................ 70
3.8.3.9 CASING .............................................................................................................................................................. 74
3.8.3.10 COILED TUBING............................................................................................................................................ 75
3.8.3.11 WIRELINE ....................................................................................................................................................... 76
3.8.3.12 TRACTORS ...................................................................................................................................................... 76
3.8.3.13 ACCESSORIES ................................................................................................................................................ 77
3.8.3.14 DEVICE PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................................................ 79
4 PLANNING MODE CONTROLS.......................................................................................... 81
4.1 OPTIONS AND FEATURES .................................................................................................................................. 81
4.1.1 GENERAL OPTIONS (ALL SUBOPS) .............................................................................................................. 81
4.1.1.1 RIG OPTIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 82
4.1.1.2 PLOT OPTIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 82
4.1.1.3 ADVANCED FF ................................................................................................................................................. 83
4.1.1.4 FLUID ................................................................................................................................................................. 84
4.1.2 DRILLING OPTIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 87
4.1.2.1 PREDICTIVE ROP ............................................................................................................................................ 87
4.1.2.2 TEMPERATURE PROFILE ............................................................................................................................. 87
4.1.3 TRIPPING OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 88
4.1.3.1 TEMPERATURE PROFILE ............................................................................................................................. 88
4.1.4 CASING INSTALLATION OPTIONS ............................................................................................................... 89
4.1.4.1 FLUID PROFILE................................................................................................................................................ 89
4.1.5 CEMENTING OPTIONS...................................................................................................................................... 90
4.1.5.1 FLUIDS SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................ 90
4.2 SWITCHING BETWEEN CALCULATION MODES ......................................................................................... 91
4.3 CUSTOM MODE ..................................................................................................................................................... 92
4.4 STANDARD MODE ................................................................................................................................................ 93
4.5 HINDCAST MODE.................................................................................................................................................. 94
4.5.1 FILL POINTS (TRIPPING SUBOPS) ................................................................................................................. 95
4.5.2 DECIMATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 96
4.5.3 FILTERING ........................................................................................................................................................... 96
4.5.4 REORDER COLUMNS ........................................................................................................................................ 98
5 PLANNING MODE OUTPUT ............................................................................................... 99
5.1 TYPES OF PLOTS ................................................................................................................................................... 99
5.1.1 DRILLER’S VIEW (D) ......................................................................................................................................... 99
5.1.2 SNAPSHOT VIEW (S) ....................................................................................................................................... 101
5.1.3 GAUGE VIEW (G) ............................................................................................................................................. 103
5.2 CUSTOM MODE PLOTS ..................................................................................................................................... 105
5.2.1 DRILLING: DRILLER’S VIEW PLOTS .......................................................................................................... 105
5.2.1.1 HOOK LOAD ................................................................................................................................................... 105
5.2.1.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 106
5.2.1.3 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 107
5.2.1.4 SPP ..................................................................................................................................................................... 108
5.2.1.5 ROP.................................................................................................................................................................... 109
5.2.1.6 TOB ................................................................................................................................................................... 110
5.2.1.7 MAX WOB ....................................................................................................................................................... 111
5.2.1.8 TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................................................. 112
5.2.2 DRILLING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS.......................................................................................................... 113
5.2.2.1 TENSION .......................................................................................................................................................... 113
5.2.2.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 114
5.2.2.3 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 115

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5.2.2.4 FRICTION PRESSURE ................................................................................................................................... 116

5.2.2.5 TOTAL PRESSURE ........................................................................................................................................ 117
5.2.2.6 ANNULAR VELOCITY (AV) ........................................................................................................................ 118
5.2.2.7 TWIST ............................................................................................................................................................... 119
5.2.2.8 SIDE FORCE .................................................................................................................................................... 120
5.2.2.9 STANDOFF ...................................................................................................................................................... 121
5.2.2.10 VME  ............................................................................................................................................................. 122
5.2.2.11 BENDING  ................................................................................................................................................... 123
5.2.2.12 TEMPERATURE ........................................................................................................................................... 124
5.2.2.13 FLOW REGIME ............................................................................................................................................. 125
5.2.2.14 RHEOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................... 126
5.2.2.15 ECD TORNADO ............................................................................................................................................ 127
5.2.3 TRIPPING: DRILLERS VIEW PLOTS ............................................................................................................ 128
5.2.3.1 HOOK LOAD ................................................................................................................................................... 128
5.2.3.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 129
5.2.3.3 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 130
5.2.3.4 SPP ..................................................................................................................................................................... 132
5.2.3.5 EFFECTIVE VOLUME ................................................................................................................................... 133
5.2.3.6 CLEANUP TIME ............................................................................................................................................. 134
5.2.3.7 RELATIVE STRETCH .................................................................................................................................... 135
5.2.3.8 ABSOLUTE STRETCH .................................................................................................................................. 136
5.2.3.9 TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................................................. 137
5.2.4 TRIPPING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS........................................................................................................... 138
5.2.4.1 TENSION .......................................................................................................................................................... 138
5.2.4.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 139
5.2.4.3 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 140
5.2.4.4 FRICTION PRESSURE ................................................................................................................................... 141
5.2.4.5 TOTAL PRESSURE ........................................................................................................................................ 142
5.2.4.6 TWIST ............................................................................................................................................................... 143
5.2.4.7 SIDE FORCE .................................................................................................................................................... 144
5.2.4.8 ABSOLUTE STANDOFF ............................................................................................................................... 145
5.2.4.9 RELATIVE STANDOFF (CASING ONLY) ................................................................................................. 146
5.2.4.10 VME  ............................................................................................................................................................. 147
5.2.4.11 BENDING  ................................................................................................................................................... 148
5.2.4.12 ABSOLUTE STRETCH ................................................................................................................................ 149
5.2.4.13 COLLAPSE (CASING ONLY)..................................................................................................................... 150
5.2.4.14 TEMPERATURE ........................................................................................................................................... 151
5.2.4.15 FLOW REGIME ............................................................................................................................................. 152
5.2.4.16 RHEOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................... 153
5.2.4.17 SURGE OR SWAB ECD TORNADO ......................................................................................................... 154
5.2.5 CEMENTING: DRILLERS VIEW PLOTS ...................................................................................................... 155
5.2.5.1 HOOK LOAD ................................................................................................................................................... 155
5.2.5.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 156
5.2.5.3 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 157
5.2.5.4 SPP ..................................................................................................................................................................... 158
5.2.5.5 TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................................................. 159
5.2.6 CEMENTING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS ..................................................................................................... 160
5.2.6.1 TENSION .......................................................................................................................................................... 160
5.2.6.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 161
5.2.6.3 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 162
5.2.6.4 FRICTION PRESSURE ................................................................................................................................... 163
5.2.6.5 TOTAL PRESSURE ........................................................................................................................................ 164
5.2.6.6 SIDE FORCE .................................................................................................................................................... 165
5.2.6.7 ABSOLUTE STANDOFF ............................................................................................................................... 166
5.2.6.8 RELATIVE STANDOFF ................................................................................................................................. 167
5.2.6.9 VME  ............................................................................................................................................................... 168
5.2.6.10 BENDING  ................................................................................................................................................... 169
5.2.6.11 TEMPERATURE ........................................................................................................................................... 170
5.2.6.12 FLOW REGIME ............................................................................................................................................. 171
5.2.6.13 RHEOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................... 172
5.2.7 PACKER SETTING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS........................................................................................... 173
5.2.7.1 TENSION .......................................................................................................................................................... 173

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5.2.7.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 174

5.2.7.3 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 175
5.2.7.4 SIDE FORCE .................................................................................................................................................... 176
5.2.7.5 BENDING  ..................................................................................................................................................... 177
5.2.7.6 VME  ............................................................................................................................................................... 178
5.2.7.7 TWIST ............................................................................................................................................................... 179
5.2.7.8 STRETCH ......................................................................................................................................................... 180
6 EXECUTION MODE CONTROLS ..................................................................................... 181
6.1 GETTING STARTED ............................................................................................................................................ 181
6.1.1 OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................................... 181
6.1.2 ENABLING EXECUTION MODE ................................................................................................................... 181
6.2 SUMMARY GRID CONTROLS .......................................................................................................................... 181
6.2.1 OP MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 182
6.2.2 OP EXECUTE ..................................................................................................................................................... 183
6.3 DATA ENTRY ....................................................................................................................................................... 184
6.3.1 DEPTH/VOLUME BASED DATA ................................................................................................................... 184
6.3.1.1 TRIP IN DATA ................................................................................................................................................. 184
6.3.1.2 DRILLING DATA ........................................................................................................................................... 186
6.3.1.3 TRIP OUT DATA............................................................................................................................................. 187
6.3.1.4 CASING TRIP IN DATA ................................................................................................................................ 188
6.3.1.5 CASING CEMENTING DATA ...................................................................................................................... 189
6.3.2 TIME BASED DATA ......................................................................................................................................... 190
6.3.2.1 TIME DATA ENTRY PROCESS ................................................................................................................... 191
6.4 HINDCAST/LOOK AHEAD (HC/LA) PLOTS .................................................................................................. 194
6.4.1 TRIP IN HC/LA PLOTS ..................................................................................................................................... 194
6.4.1.1 TRIPPING CIRCULATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 195
6.4.2 DRILL SUBOP HC/LA PLOTS ......................................................................................................................... 199
6.4.2.1 OFF BOTTOM HINDCAST/LOOK AHEAD (HC/LA) ............................................................................... 199
6.4.2.2 ON BOTTOM HINDCAST/LOOK AHEAD (HC/LA) ................................................................................ 200
6.4.2.3 SWEEPS ............................................................................................................................................................ 200
6.4.3 TRIP OUT HC/LA PLOTS ................................................................................................................................. 203
6.4.3.1 TRIPPING CIRCULATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 203
6.4.4 CASING TRIP IN HC/LA PLOTS .................................................................................................................... 207
6.4.5 CASING CEMENTING HC/LA PLOTS .......................................................................................................... 208
7 EXECUTION MODE OUTPUT ........................................................................................... 210
7.1 TYPES OF PLOTS ................................................................................................................................................. 210
7.1.1 DRILLER’S VIEW (D) ....................................................................................................................................... 210
7.1.2 SNAPSHOT VIEW (S) ....................................................................................................................................... 212
7.1.3 GAUGE VIEW (G) ............................................................................................................................................. 214
7.2 PLOTS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 215
7.2.1 DRILLING: DRILLER’S VIEW PLOTS .......................................................................................................... 215
7.2.1.1 OFF BOTTOM HOOK LOAD ........................................................................................................................ 215
7.2.1.2 OFF BOTTOM TORQUE................................................................................................................................ 216
7.2.1.3 OFF BOTTOM FRICTION FACTOR ............................................................................................................ 217
7.2.1.4 OFF BOTTOM RELATIVE STRETCH......................................................................................................... 218
7.2.1.5 OFF BOTTOM ABSOLUTE STRETCH ....................................................................................................... 219
7.2.1.6 OFF BOTTOM TWIST .................................................................................................................................... 220
7.2.1.7 TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................................................. 221
7.2.1.8 SPP FLOWRATE ............................................................................................................................................. 222
7.2.1.9 SPP RHEOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................. 223
7.2.1.10 ECD FLOWRATE.......................................................................................................................................... 224
7.2.1.11 ECD RHEOLOGY ......................................................................................................................................... 225
7.2.1.12 ECD ROP ........................................................................................................................................................ 226
7.2.1.13 WOB ................................................................................................................................................................ 227
7.2.1.14 ROTARY SPEED ........................................................................................................................................... 228
7.2.1.15 ROP ................................................................................................................................................................. 229
7.2.1.16 MSE ................................................................................................................................................................. 230
7.2.1.17 DOC ................................................................................................................................................................. 231
7.2.1.18 TORQUE FF ................................................................................................................................................... 232
7.2.1.19 TOB ................................................................................................................................................................. 233

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7.2.1.20 MINIMUM CLEANUP VOLUME............................................................................................................... 234

7.2.1.21 MINIMUM CLEANUP TIME ...................................................................................................................... 235
7.2.2 DRILLING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS.......................................................................................................... 236
7.2.2.1 TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................................................. 236
7.2.2.2 FLOW REGIME ............................................................................................................................................... 237
7.2.2.3 RHEOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................................... 238
7.2.2.4 FRICTION PRESSURE FLOWRATE ........................................................................................................... 239
7.2.2.5 ECD FLOWRATE ............................................................................................................................................ 240
7.2.2.6 ECD RHEOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 241
7.2.2.7 ECD ROP .......................................................................................................................................................... 242
7.2.2.8 TENSION WOB ............................................................................................................................................... 243
7.2.2.9 TORQUE FF ..................................................................................................................................................... 244
7.2.2.10 SIDE FORCE WOB ....................................................................................................................................... 245
7.2.2.11 BENDING STRESS WOB ............................................................................................................................ 246
7.2.2.12 VME STRESS WOB ...................................................................................................................................... 247
7.2.2.13 STANDOFF WOB ......................................................................................................................................... 248
7.2.2.14 ANNULAR VELOCITY FLOWRATE........................................................................................................ 249
7.2.2.15 ECD TORNADO ............................................................................................................................................ 250
7.2.3 TRIPPING: DRILLERS VIEW PLOTS ............................................................................................................ 251
7.2.3.1 REAMING HOOKLOAD FF .......................................................................................................................... 251
7.2.3.2 REAMING TORQUE FF ................................................................................................................................. 252
7.2.3.3 REAMING SPP FLOWRATE......................................................................................................................... 253
7.2.3.4 SWAB (OR SURGE) ECD TRIP SPEED ...................................................................................................... 254
7.2.3.5 SWAB (OR SURGE) ECD FLOWRATE ...................................................................................................... 255
7.2.3.6 OFF BOTTOM TORQUE FF .......................................................................................................................... 256
7.2.3.7 FRICTION FACTOR ....................................................................................................................................... 257
7.2.3.8 TRIPPING RELATIVE STRETCH FF .......................................................................................................... 258
7.2.3.9 TRIPPING ABSOLUTE STRETCH FF ......................................................................................................... 259
7.2.3.10 REAMING TWIST ........................................................................................................................................ 260
7.2.3.11 MINIMUM CLEANUP VOLUME............................................................................................................... 261
7.2.3.12 TEMPERATURE FLOW RATE................................................................................................................... 262
7.2.3.13 REAMING SPP RHEOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 263
7.2.4 TRIPPING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS........................................................................................................... 264
7.2.4.1 TRIPPING TENSION FF ................................................................................................................................ 264
7.2.4.2 TRIPPING ABSOLUTE STRETCH FF ......................................................................................................... 265
7.2.4.3 TRIPPING SIDE FORCE FF........................................................................................................................... 266
7.2.4.4 TRIPPING BENDING STRESS FF ................................................................................................................ 267
7.2.4.5 TRIPPING STANDOFF FF ............................................................................................................................. 268
7.2.4.6 SWAB ECD TRIP SPEED .............................................................................................................................. 269
7.2.4.7 REAMING ECD RHEOLOGY ....................................................................................................................... 270
7.2.4.8 REAMING ECD FLOWRATE ....................................................................................................................... 271
7.2.4.9 REAMING FRICTION PRESSURE FLOW RATE...................................................................................... 272
7.2.4.10 REAMING TOTAL PRESSURE FLOW RATE ......................................................................................... 273
7.2.4.11 REAMING TORQUE FF............................................................................................................................... 274
7.2.4.12 REAMING TWIST FF ................................................................................................................................... 275
7.2.4.13 TRIPPING VME STRESS FF ....................................................................................................................... 276
7.2.4.14 TEMPERATURE FLOW RATE................................................................................................................... 277
7.2.4.15 FLOW REGIME FLOW RATE .................................................................................................................... 278
7.2.4.16 RHEOLOGY ................................................................................................................................................... 279
7.2.4.17 SWAB (OR SURGE) ECD TORNADO ...................................................................................................... 280
7.2.5 TRIPPING: GAUGE VIEW PLOTS.................................................................................................................. 281
7.2.5.1 SWAB (OR SURGE) ECD TRIP SPEED ...................................................................................................... 281
7.2.6 CEMENTING: DRILLERS VIEW PLOTS ...................................................................................................... 282
7.2.6.1 ECD FLOW RATE........................................................................................................................................... 282
7.2.6.2 SPP FLOW RATE ............................................................................................................................................ 283
7.2.6.3 TORQUE FF ..................................................................................................................................................... 284
7.2.6.4 TRIPPING HOOK LOAD FF.......................................................................................................................... 285
7.2.7 CEMENTING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS ..................................................................................................... 286
7.2.7.1 TEMPERATURE FLOW RATE ..................................................................................................................... 286
7.2.7.2 FLOW REGIME FLOW RATE ...................................................................................................................... 287
7.2.7.3 RHEOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................................... 288
7.2.8 PACKER SETTING: SNAPSHOT VIEW PLOTS........................................................................................... 289

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7.2.8.1 TENSION .......................................................................................................................................................... 289

7.2.8.2 TORQUE ........................................................................................................................................................... 290
7.2.8.3 SIDE FORCE .................................................................................................................................................... 291
7.2.8.4 BENDING  ..................................................................................................................................................... 292
7.2.8.5 VME  ............................................................................................................................................................... 293
7.2.8.6 ECD ................................................................................................................................................................... 294
7.2.8.7 TWIST ............................................................................................................................................................... 295
7.2.8.8 FIGURE 7-86: ABSOLUTE STRETCH......................................................................................................... 296
8 INDEX ............................................................................................................................... 297
9 TECHNICAL REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 301
9.1 TORQUE, DRAG, AND BUCKLING ................................................................................................................. 301
9.2 HYDRAULICS ....................................................................................................................................................... 301
9.3 MSE AND DRILLING PERFORMANCE ........................................................................................................... 301
9.4 WELLBORE STABILITY ..................................................................................................................................... 301
9.5 ERD CASE HISTORIES........................................................................................................................................ 303
 K&M PAPERS........................................................................................................................................................ 303

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Foreword
In 1988 Katherine and Mike (the K and M) Mims embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure in southern
California when they founded K&M Enterprise. K&M filled a niche in the early days of Extended Reach
Drilling (ERD) technology by providing unique tools that helped operators overcome challenges in several
of the industry’s first shallow ERD wells. A few short years later K&M relocated to Australia where several
operators were pushing the limits of what the industry had achieved in directional drilling and ER technology.
K&M found themselves in a position to provide technical advice based on what had been learned in
California. Dissatisfied with commercially available T&D software, Mike enlisted the help of a local
developer Graphics and Technical Systems (GTS) to develop the first torque and drag software that could
calculate loads for multiple friction factors simultaneously. This cutting-edge software, dubbed TAD, became
the foundation for K&M technical services and spawned a long history of purpose-built engineering software.

Along with GTS, Mike worked closely with a brilliant young Esso Drilling Engineer by the name of Tony
Krepp. Tony’s technical savvy and ability to question conventions within Esso (and the industry) led to a
close friendship between Mike and Tony. With Tony’s input, many of K&M’s early philosophies and
techniques began to take shape. In 1997 Mike and Kate decided to return to their native continent and set up
shop in the US, largely to service clients that were requesting K&M’s expertise. Tony soon followed, leaving
the land “down under” and moving to The Woodlands, Texas where he began working directly for K&M.
For the next 14 years K&M grew by leaps and bounds, becoming known as the industry’s preeminent experts
on ER drilling engineering, thanks to Tony’s leadership. Investment in software development was a
cornerstone of the company, with TAD growing as much as the company with respect to its capability and
function. In 2008 the company was sold to Schlumberger when Mike and Kate elected to pursue interests
outside the oilfield. Schlumberger elected to retain the core team of engineers and allow K&M to operate as
an independent consulting arm as they had previously functioned.

In 2011, corporate discussions led to the realization that TAD was a powerful tool, but it was designed and
built with 1980’s computing technology in mind. Furthermore, many advances in K&M’s understanding of
downhole physics had outpaced TAD’s ability to cope with the intense computational requirements that new
understanding brought with it. K&M management made the decision to completely rewrite and overhaul
TAD using modern methods, leveraging the expertise of software development firm Capsher Technologies,
based in College Station, TX. The new software became known as Extended Reach Architect (ERA) amongst
the engineers and developers. Much excitement began to stir within the halls of K&M, as engineers began to
see the potential offered by a “clean slate” approach. Sadly, the men that started it all never had a chance to
see the phenomenal advancements that arose from the seeds they had planted 20 years earlier. After a valiant
battle with cancer Tony Krepp passed away in June of 2013. Less than two years later Mike Mims tragically
died during a helicopter accident in January 2015. These two pillars of the industry are missed every day.

Mike and Tony always believed that technical excellence and refusal to accept the status quo were the surest
means to having a lasting impact on the industry. It is our hope that users of K&M’s software will be able to
see those principals shine through in the design of ERA. It is K&M’s sincerest wish that the industry embraces
the immense positive impact that a capable engineer equipped with the right tools can have on the well
construction process.

We hope that you find this manual useful and insightful. We would be happy to address any questions,
complaints, criticisms, or requests at kmtsupport@kmtechnology.com.

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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
This manual is intended as a reference for new and advanced users of K&M’s Extended Reach Architect
(ERA) software.

This version of the manual covers updated functionality inherent to ERA 4, which represents a significant
change in the way hydraulics calculations are handled. Unlike previous versions, ERA 4 incorporates the
following technical changes;
• Circulating temperature model for all operations
• Fluid density and rheology corrections for downhole temperature and pressure
• Enhanced frictional pressure loss computation, including upgraded rotational corrections
• Hydraulic lift corrections

1.2 Document Versions

Comments Version Date Author(s)

Initial release v1.0 3/29/2016 Brandon Foster
Thermal model, updated hydraulics, Execution mode v2.0 5/15/2017 Brandon Foster
Time Data, MEM Log, Proximity, general editing v2.1 12/19/2018 Eric Cogburn
Tripping Circulations, Sweeps, seals v2.2 12/26/2019 Eric Cogburn
Installation Details v2.3 7/20/2020 Eric Cogburn

Table 1-1: ERA User Manual version history.

1.3 Background

In 2012 K&M embarked upon an aggressive software development project to replace our legacy TAD
software. Key objectives for the project were to dramatically improve utility, accuracy, and speed. This now
commercial software platform dubbed ERA (Extended Reach Architect) creates a dynamic and user-friendly
environment that allow engineers to gain a better understanding of the loads, stresses and pressures
encountered during the well construction process.

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2 OVERVIEW
2.1 Installation
Installation of ERA can be initiated by obtaining a link to download the installer from K&M Technology
Group. Email KMTSupport@kmtechnology.com for a link to the installation files.

Schlumberger employees can access ERA installation files and supporting media at the internal intranet
SharePoint site https://slb001.sharepoint.com/sites/era/default.aspx

Minimum hardware requirements for ERA are as follows:

Required Recommended

OS Windows XP Windows 7/10

AMD - Athlon AMD - Phenom

CPU
Intel - Pentium 4 Intel - i5

RAM 4GB 8GB

~5 GB
Hard Disk Software requires <100 MB 50 GB
Project files require >1 GB
Resolution 1280 x 1024 1280 x 1024
Table 2-1: Required and recommended hardware for ERA4.

Once the MSI file has been downloaded and launched, a shortcut will appear on the user’s desktop, which
will launch the application.

Figure 2-1: ERA shortcut icon.

The default location of the ERA system files is C:\Program Files (x86)\K&M Technology\ERA. The default
location for ERA project files is My Documents\KM Technology\ERA\data-4.x.xxx, where the suffix
numerals indicate the current version(s) archived.

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2.2 Licensing
ERA is designed to accommodate two different types of licenses: Machine Licenses in which the license is
tied to a single, unique computer, and Network Licenses which allow multiple users in an organization to
access the software from any computer or workstation on that network. Clients may choose to purchase one
or more of either type of license.

2.2.1 Machine Licensing

Machine licensing uses unique identifiers from the machine that is to be licensed. These unique identifiers
are securely transmitted to K&M’s licensing server when a user first launches ERA. When the licensing
screen appears (Figure 2-2), simply select the “Machine” license type and click “Send License Request”.
K&M will be notified of the license request and within 24 hours the license will be approved, assuming
proper contract arrangements are in place.

Figure 2-2: Licensing dialog, Machine License option.

Each machine license is only valid for a single machine. Multiple users can be set up to use a single
machine, but multiple licenses are required if multiple machines are used.

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2.2.2 Network Licensing

Network Licenses can be shared amongst an unlimited number of users who are employees of the same
company. The advantage of Network Licenses is that a company can obtain greater utilization of a license
by “sharing” amongst multiple users, much in the same way a library is an effective way to share books
amongst multiple readers. Bear in mind that at the library only one person can have a “book” checked out
at a given time. The ERA Network License is set up with a fixed number of users who can access the
software simultaneously.

In order to prevent unauthorized access to licenses for a Company, the license server requires an
authentication token which can only be generated by users joined to the Company network. In order to be
able to validate these tokens, the license server needs to be initially set up with a security key generated by
staff at the Company. When ERA starts up, it asks the Company network for a token for the license server.
It sends this token alongside the automated request for a license. As only the Company network can
generate authentic tokens, unauthorized users will be unable to check out licenses from the Company’s
pool.

With a Network License, each individual user’s ERA project files are stored locally on the computer on
which they were created. As users will generally be working on their own individual computer, their project
files will be stored on their computer’s hard drive and will not be accessible to anyone else on the network.

Acquiring a License
When starting up ERA when Network Licensing is in use, a license will automatically be acquired if a
license is available. If all available licenses are currently held by other users, a list of the names and contact
details of those users will be provided (Figure 2-3). It is up to the various users sharing licenses to settle
disputes regarding usage priorities.

.
Figure 2-3: Licensing dialog, Network License option, showing a list of users currently holding available
licenses.

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Returning a License to the Server

When a user has finished their ERA session, the network license will automatically be returned to the
server so that others may use it. In instances where a user wishes to retain the license (for example, periods
when the user is off-network such as while traveling or at a rig site with poor/intermittent connectivity),
the user must click on the “licensing” menu on the project desktop, which will then pull up a new licensing
dialog (Figure 2-4). The user must uncheck the “Return License to Server”.

Note: When a user does not return the license to the server, the license will remain with the user’s machine
for 45 days if the machine is not connected to the internet. After 45 days the license will expire and will
become available on the license server. If the user connects to the internet before the end of the 45-day
window, the 45-day period will be refreshed automatically.

Figure 2-4: License details dialog. Note the “return license to server” checkbox. This option must remain
unchecked prior to closing ERA if the user wishes to hold onto a license while off-network (for up to 45
days).

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2.3 Project Desktop

The Project Desktop (Figure 2-5) serves as the “Home Screen” for navigating through ERA. An overview
of the Project Desktop and the key functions are listed below.

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6
1

3 4

Figure 2-5: Project Desktop.

1. File Cabinet allows access to all project files stored within ERA. Simply click on the file
cabinet to pull up a list of all projects currently available. By right-clicking on any project, the
file can be edited, copied, deleted, or exported for use on another computer. Click “add” at the
bottom of the file cabinet list to start a new project file.
2. Waste Basket retains all deleted well designs, notes, and arrows and allows the user to restore
them by right-clicking on the basket. The basket can also be permanently emptied from time to
time to reduce file size if several well designs have been deleted from the desktop, but not
permanently removed.
3. Desktop Tools – These are the primary tools for creating and arranging well design scenarios
on the project desktop.
o Create a New Well Design – Click, drag, and drop will create a new, blank well design
scenario on the project desktop.

o Create a New Note – Click, drag, and drop will create a new, blank note on the project
desktop. Note text can be edited by right-clicking on the note.

o Create a New Arrow - Click, drag, and drop will create a new arrow on the project
desktop. The arrow can be resized/directed after it is placed on the desktop.
4. Desktop Overview – This area is a view portal of the entire project desktop, with the currently
viewed area highlighted by the red border. By clicking and dragging, the view portal can be
panned.
5. Export File – This tool will export the entire project to the user’s desktop, for easy sharing via
email, server, or external drive.

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6. Group Selection – After clicking this tool, groups of well designs, notes, and/or arrows can be
moved, copied, or deleted.
7. Menus
a. Properties – The Properties menu allows changes to be made to the project file data
directory, page size, and primary/secondary units to be displayed.
b. Info – The info menu contains notes explaining the changes to the 10 most recent ERA
version updates. This menu also allows the user to update to the latest version as they
become available.
c. Licensing – Contains information regarding the status of the user’s license and allows
the license to be returned to the license server (or retained) for Network Licensing
users.
8. Well Design Icons – Represent various well designs in the file. Double click to open.

2.4 File Management

As discussed earlier, project files are managed via the “File Cabinet” on the project desktop. The mouse
scroll wheel allows scrolling up/down through the list of projects. The filter field allows full or partial names
to be entered to reduce the number of projects displayed.

To export a project file, simply right-click on the project to be exported and select “Export to File”, or use
the “Export” icon on the project desktop. If the file is emailed or transferred to another machine/user, the
project will automatically be uploaded and saved to the user’s machine by simply double-clicking the project
file. Once uploaded, the exported project file can be deleted. Users may also export or delete batches of
several projects by clicking the check boxes that appear to the left of each project name and then choosing
the desired option (export or delete).

The default file nomenclature of all ERA files includes YY-MM-DD as a prefix for chronological ordering,
as well as a version (4.x.xxx) suffix to determine forward/backward compatibility.

ERA does not currently support saving to a data directory on a network drive. Doing so will result in a
noticeable performance lag. While ERA does not currently support saving to a data directory on a network
drive, users can still export projects to a network drive and import them back into ERA.

Users can change the ERA data directory on their machine to the local app data directory. Before doing so
K&M suggest making a backup copy of the current ERA data directory. To change the location of the ERA
data directory, follow these steps:

1. Open ERA and click on the properties button to open the Properties dialog.

Figure 2-6: Properties menu on the project Desktop.

2. Click on the Data Directory "Change" button to browse to a new directory path.

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Figure 2-7: Data directory path and within the Properties menu.

3. Type %LocalAppData% into the address bar and hit enter to navigate to your local app data directory

Figure 2-8: Windows Explorer path bar, using the LocalAppData search routine.

Figure 2-9: Windows Explorer path bar revealing the location of the local data directory.

4. Once this path is selected as the data directory, a prompt will appear notifying the user that ERA is about
to change the data directory. Click yes. ERA will restart and it will now be possible to view projects in the
updated data directory path.

Figure 2-10: ERA data directory patch change alert.

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2.5 Units

The units that are displayed for input and output data and plots can be adjusted under the Properties menu
(Figure 2-11) on the project desktop, or anywhere in the system where units are displayed. Simply click on
the unit name and a dropdown list of available unit options will appear. All load values and inputs which use
the unit in question will automatically be converted when the unit type is changed. Clicking a box in the
“Secondary Units” column will display a secondary axis on all plot using the given unit.

Figure 2-11: Units selector within the Properties dialog.

2.6 Automatic Updates

A useful feature of ERA is automated push notifications alerting users when new versions become available.
When a new version is released, a yellow alert triangle will appear both alongside the “Info” menu (Figure
2-12) on the project desktop and on the “Settings” gear icon from within the well design. By clicking on the
“Info” menu, a dialog (Figure 2-13) will appear with notes on previous releases. By clicking “View Update”,
a dialog containing details of the latest version will appear and present the user the opportunity to launch the
update. Some users may require administrative privileges to install the update.

Figure 2-12: Alert triangle next to the Info menu on the project desktop.

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Figure 2-13: Info dialog box, indicating that an update is available.

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2.7 Summary Grid

After double-clicking on any Well Design Icon, that file is opened and the user is presented with a wellbore
sketch and a view of the Summary Grid
The summary grid (Figure 2-14) is intended to present a graphical overview of the well and a quick summary
of how closely key loads are to their respective limits during each phase of well construction. The values
populated in the summary grid are driven directly from the input parameters for each Subop. The details of
which parameters are used is presented below in the following tables. It is important to note that two
numerical values are present in each load box. The first value represents the “base case” load to be seen
during the operation, while the second value represents the “worst case” load that will be experienced during
the operation. The color-coding logic is as follows;
• Green: Both the “base case” and “worst case” load is within all limits
• Yellow: Only the “worst case” load exceeds a limit
• Red: Both the “base case” and the “worst case” load exceed a limit.
Limits that are considered for each of the key loads are as follows;
• Slackoff – Block weight / negative weight
• Pickup – Yield strength (using VME criteria), rig hoisting limit, tool joint/connection tension limit
• Torque – Yield strength (using VME criteria), tool joint makeup torque, top drive capability
• ECD – Fracture gradient / minimum horizontal stress
• SPP – Pump liner rating, rig pressure system rating

Figure 2-14: Summary grid screen.

Tip: By right-clicking on any Section or Op, the mud properties can be adjusted for all associated Subops,
saving time and preventing errors. By right-clicking on any Op, the name of the operation can be edited,
which will also be reflected on the associated plot headers.

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The drivers behind each load box is summarized below. All parameters are set to the Subop’s base case
values unless otherwise noted in the following tables (Table 2-2 to Table 2-5).

Table 2-2: Drilling

Parameter Slackoff Pickup Torque ECD SPP
FF n/a Sensitivity
WOB Sensitivity n/a
TOB n/a
ROP n/a
RPM n/a
BAF n/a
Flowrate n/a Sensitive Sensitive
MPD n/a
Mud Weight n/a
Rheology n/a
Comment Lowest value n/a Highest value Highest value Highest value

Table 2-3: Tripping

Parameter Slackoff Pickup Torque ECD SPP
FF Sensitivity Sensitive Sensitivity n/a
WOB n/a
Run Speed 100 ft/min 100 ft/min 0 ft/min Sensitivity n/a
RPM 0 rpm 0 rpm 60 rpm n/a
Flowrate 0 gpm n/a
MPD n/a
Mud Weight n/a
Rheology n/a
Comment Lowest value Highest value Highest value Highest value n/a

Table 2-4: Casing Installation

Parameter Slackoff Pickup Torque ECD SPP
FF Sensitivity Sensitivity Sensitivity
WOB
Run Speed 100 ft/min 100 ft/min 0 ft/min Sensitivity
RPM 0 rpm 0 rpm 60 rpm
Flowrate 0 gpm Sensitivity
MPD
Mud Weight
Rheology
Comment Lowest value Highest value Highest value Highest value Highest value

Table 2-5: Cementing

Parameter Slackoff Pickup Torque ECD SPP
Mud FF
Cement FF Sensitivity Sensitivity Sensitivity
WOB
Run Speed 100 ft/min 100 ft/min 0 ft/min
RPM 0 rpm 0 rpm 60 rpm
Flowrate Sensitivity Sensitivity
MPD
Mud Weight
Rheology
Comment Lowest value Highest value Highest value Highest value Highest value

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2.8 Navigation

Several options exist for navigating through the various outputs within ERA. From the Summary Grid
(Figure 2-15), a user can double click on any load box and immediately be transported to the primary output
for that Subop (1). Alternatively, the user can click on the scroll arrows immediately above the wellbore
sketch (2). Another option involves selecting the “Operations” dropdown menu for direct navigation to any
particular Subop (3).

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3

Figure 2-15: Summary Grid navigation options.

After navigating to a particular Subop Calculation Screen (Figure 2-16), the user can move through the
various output graphs via the scroll arrows (4), or by clicking on the dotted outline representing each plot in
the application (5). The number of plots displayed at the Subop level can be adjusted using the 1-4 buttons
(6). Under the Plot Options menu (7), the user can adjust the order of the plots to allow groupings of key
plots based on the type of problem that is being analyzed.

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5
7

Figure 2-16: Various navigations options available on the Subop Calculation Screen.

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2.9 Plot Manipulation

By double-clicking on any plot in the application, the Plot Dialog (Figure 2-17) will appear. This dialog
allows manipulation of the curves, legend, axis, and notes displayed on the graph. This dialog also allows the
plot to be copied to the clipboard for pasting into other applications such as Word or PowerPoint.

Figure 2-17: Key areas of the Plot Dialog.

1. Plot Title/Subtitle – Plots titles are automatically labeled, based on ERA’s internal logic.
Automated text is denoted by green text throughout the program. Users can manually edit any green
text and apply wording of their choosing.
2. Primary/Auxiliary Graph Control – The “Manage Data” tab allows selection of
secondary/tertiary graphs to display on the plot. When selected, the secondary graphs will appear
alongside the primary graph and icons will appear that allow control of the secondary graphs.
3. Axis options and Scaling - Axis labels and scales can be altered here.
4. Annotations - Notes that are automatically displayed on the plots noting key assumptions can be
selected here. Click the “custom” box to unlock the free text space and allow user-defined notes.
5. Copy to Word – These icons indicate the 4 ways (portrait and landscape, full and half page) in
which plots can be copied to clipboard for pasting into Word. The aspect ratio and size of the plot
will be set specifically to fit typical margins and spacing for MS Word, based on the page size that
was specified in the “Units” menu.
6. Reset – This button will return the viewed plot to factory settings.
Tip: By right-clicking on the plot, all data used to construct the curves can be copied to the clipboard to be
pasted in Excel for further manipulation.

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Figure 2-18: Close-up view of the plot zoom/pan controls.

When viewing a particular plot, hovering the mouse over the right-hand corner of the plot (Figure 2-18) will
reveal 3 plot manipulation tools. From left to right, the 3 tools perform the following functions:
1. Zoom – Click, drag, and release to draw a zoom box on the plot. Scales will automatically be
adjusted according to the zoom region.
2. Pan – Click and hold to pan in any direction of the zoomed view area.
3. Return – Click to return the plot to original auto scale settings.

Tip: When the cursor is placed over any curve on the plot the value and depth at the data point are displayed.

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3 INPUTS
Along the left-hand side of the Summary Grid screen (Figure 3-1) are five large tabs and three small tabs
that provide access to control key calculation inputs and control calculation settings. A typical well design
workflow begins with manipulating these inputs to specific conditions. Reasonable assumptions are made by
default if the user chose a pre-defined template when creating a new well design scenario.

Figure 3-1: Input tabs, accessible from the Summary Grid screen.

The key input categories are as follows;

1. Rig Builder
2. Earth Builder
3. Path Builder
4. Wellbore Builder
5. ERD Plot
6. Information
7. Settings

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3.1 Rig Builder

The Rig Builder tab contains all key controls to specify the surface equipment that will be used.

Figure 3-2: Rig Builder input screen.

3.1.1 Rig Types

ERA categorizes rigs into 4 main types, based on certain operational aspects.
1. Land – Basic rig package, no provision for water depth or subsea equipment.
2. Platform – Allows input of the mudline depth (relative to RKB), and the rotary table elevation
(relative to MSL). All casing strings land at surface (dry tree configuration).
3. TLP/Spar - Allows input of the mudline depth (relative to RKB), and the rotary table elevation
(relative to MSL). All casing strings land at the mudline, with 1 or more drilling/production risers
specified throughout well construction. Assumes a dry tree configuration. Riser boost is not
possible. Base Case landing string can be specified.
4. Subsea - Allows input of the mudline depth (relative to RKB), and the rotary table elevation (relative
to MSL). All casing strings land at the mudline, with the drilling riser specified by each hole section.
Assumes a subsea tree configuration. Riser boost is possible. Riserless drilling is possible. Base
Case landing string can be specified.

Figure 3-3: Graphics denoting the 4 different rig types available in ERA. From left to right, Land, Platform,
TLP/Spar, Subsea.

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3.1.2 General Rig Limits

The general rig limitations can be edited under the “Rig” heading.

Figure 3-4: Close-up of general rig limitation inputs.

Block Weight - Apparent weight of the blocks can be entered if the user has observed differences in the
block weight on the weight indicator. Note: it is not necessary to have block weight values defined when
planning a well. If block weight is designated as zero, all drag plots will be “Tension” plots rather than
“Hook load” plots.

Stand Length – The average stand length can be entered but has no impact on any calculations. This input
simply facilitates faster data entry when manually inputting measured data that has been collected at the end
of each stand drilled.

Hoist Limit / Capacity – The hoist limit represents the manufacturer’s rating of the lesser of the drawworks,
derrick, or blocks. The capacity % represents the maximum amount of the rated capacity that shall be utilized.
For example, a 1000 kips (500 ton) rated hoisting limit would have a useable limit of 900 kips if a capacity
of 90% is specified.

System Pressure Limit / Capacity – Similar to the hoisting limit, this input specifies the high pressure
system rating of the rig, and the de-rated working limit.

Background Torque – Similar to block weight, often times the top drive torque gauge reports a non-zero
torque load when rotating the driveshaft without the drill string. This input essentially shifts (increases)
predicted torque loads by whatever value is input in the Background Torque box. Note: It is not necessary
to have background torque values defined when planning a well.

RKB / Mudline – For offshore wells, the rotary kelly bushing (RKB, aka rig floor elevation) and mud line
can be input, which will impact drawings and impose certain limitations on the wellbore geometry. RKB is
defined as the distance from the rig floor to mean sea level (MSL). Mud Line is defined as the distance from
RKB to the Mud Line. (i.e. Water depth = Mud Line – RKB).

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3.1.3 Pumps

Primary rig pumps can be edited by first clicking on the pump and then the “edit” button. ERA’s library of
various pumps is displayed, along with the manufacturer’s ratings. The pump details can be edited, and in
the case of a custom pump that is not contained within the library, these changes can be added to the library
via the “add library” button. Make sure to adjust the model description before adding to the library to avoid
confusion.

Figure 3-5: Pump library and specification dialog.

Tip: Pumps in blue are ERA “library” pumps. Pumps in black are pumps that have been added to the library
by the user. User-customized entries can be deleted from the library by right-clicking and selecting “delete”

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3.1.4 Top Drive

The rig’s top drive can be edited by clicking on the “change” button. ERA’s library of various top drives are
displayed, along with the manufacturer’s ratings. The details can be edited, and in the case of a custom unit
that is not contained within the library, these changes can be added to the library via the “add library” button.
Make sure to adjust the model description before adding to the library to avoid confusion.

Figure 3-6: Top Drive library and specification dialog.

1.1.1 Subsea Equipment

For subsea and TLP/Spar rig types, two additional pieces of equipment can be defined in the Rig Builder.

Risers – A description and the OD/ID dimensions can be defined, which will later appear as an option in the
“Wellbore Builder”. Subsea wells will typically be outfitted with a single marine riser, while TLP/Spar rig
types often utilize more than one riser configuration (i.e. large OD, low pressure drilling riser later replaced
with a smaller OD high pressure drilling (or production) riser.

Landing strings – Since casing strings land at the mudline and not surface for Subsea and TLP/Spar rig types,
the casing must be installed with a landing string, which is often a heavy-wall tubular not used for drilling.
To facilitate quick data entry later, the “base case” landing string can be defined in the rig builder. The length
(or even the mere presence) of this particular tubular can be edited later in the String Builder.

Figure 3-7: Subsea equipment library and specification dialog.

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3.2 Earth Builder

The Earth Builder (Figure 3-8) is a repository for all things related to characterization of the sub-surface.
None of the inputs are mandatory. However, a much better understanding of well design limitations as well
as an explanation for why certain events occurred on previously drilled wells can be gained by populating as
much of the Earth Builder as possible.

Figure 3-8: Earth Builder dialog, Geology input tab.

1. Workflow Settings Sidebar – This collapsible sidebar allows the user to pick the MEM mode to
be used as well as some options for the chosen workflow.
a. Earth builder options include Dip & Strike and Donor Logs.
2. Input Tabs – A variety of different information can be populated in each of the following
categories;
a. Temperature
b. Geology
c. Logs
d. Rock Properties
3. Depth Reference Line – Throughout the program a horizontal “Depth Reference” line can be
moved to facilitate specific output or act as a “placeholder” when moving between different screens
or plots. The reference line depth can be manually entered in the box at the top of the screen, or by
click/hold and dragging the line up or down.
4. Input Area – The data for each tab is input in the lower region of the window.
5. Expand/Shrink Input Table – An easy to miss feature, the button will expand the input
table to full screen, hiding the plots. A similar button is used to return to the original view.

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3.2.1 Workflow Settings Sidebar

The settings chosen in the sidebar affect the information displayed in each of the input tabs (with exception
to the Temperature tab). Up to three different Mechanical Earth Model (MEM) modes are available,
depending on your licensing agreement. The Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) mode is available for all users
while the MEM and MEM Log modes are only available to users who chose the optional Geomechanics
module as part of their licensing agreement.

3.2.1.1 Earth Builder Options

The sidebar contains two options which affect the information displayed in each of the input tabs (with
exception to the Temperature tab): “Dip & Strike” and “Donor Logs”

Dip & Strike

The dip and strike option allows the user to specify formation dip and orientation (strike) and will adjust
formation intersections, logs and rock properties based on the defined dip & strike. Currently ERA makes
the simplifying assumption that all formations are dipped and oriented equally.

Strike is defined in degrees clockwise from north (i.e. 0° = North, 90° = East, etc.) while dip is oriented 90°
from strike and is defined in degrees below horizontal (i.e. positive dip values mean the formation is downdip
and vice versa).

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Figure 3-9: Strike is defined in degrees clockwise from north while dip is defined in degrees below
horizontal. Positive dip values indicate a “downdip” formation.

Enabling dip and strike creates the need to introduce some specialized nomenclature to differentiate between
TVD values:

TVDwh – Indicates TVD depth directly below the wellhead (at zero vertical section).

TVDpath – Indicates TVD along the path.

Tip: The “View Along Strike Direction” option in the “Geology” tab orients the geology plot to Strike
direction plus 90°. This allows you to see formation dip as a direct projection.

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Donor Logs

The donor logs option allows the user to take log data and formation tops from an offset well and “stretch
and squish” them to fit the current well in ERA. The process ties the log curves to the offset well’s formation
tops and then adjusts (“stretches and squishes”) the log data to fit the specified formation tops of the current
well.

Figure 3-10: The donor logs option “stretches and squishes” offset log data based on the shift in formation
tops between the donor well and the subject well.

When the “Donor Logs” box is checked a “Donor Data” button appears to allow the users to input donor well
data including geology and logs as well as view the results of the translation.

The Donor geology tab takes the donor well’s path, the donor well’s dip and strike (if enabled) and the donor
well’s formation tops (input in either MD or TVD path) and translates the specified formation tops into TVD
values directly below the wellhead (TVDwh) in preparation to make the translation of the logs to the subject
well.

The Donor logs tab simply requires the donor logs from the offset well that are to be translated, specified in
either MD or TVDpath.

The results of the log translation can be viewed in the “Results” tab (see Figure 3-10).

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3.2.2 Temperature

The Temperature input tab allows the geothermal temperature profile to be defined. The temperature tab also
allows the user to define the relationship between mud inlet temperature and flowline temperature.

The geothermal temperature can be defined in one of 4 ways;

• Gradient – Is a simple linear TVD relationship. Users can adjust the mean ambient surface
temperature (70oF by default) and the sub-surface gradient (1.5oF by default). Global geothermal
gradients vary from ~1.0o/100’ to >3o/100’.
• Offshore – Is a more complex model that accounts for the gradual cooling of ocean temperature
with depth before reaching an asymptotic value of ~40°F. At the seafloor the model uses a simple
linear TVD-based relationship. Users can adjust the mean ambient surface temperature, the
asymptote temperature/depth (default of 4000’, based on Gulf of Mexico data) and the gradient
below the sea floor.
• Permafrost – The Permafrost model allows users to define the depth of the Base Permafrost (the
point at which temperature exceeds 32°F) and the gradient below the Base Permafrost. The mean
ambient temp can also be defined. This option is most often used in Alaska, and as such, the default
values are close approximations of appropriate values for the North Slope
• Profile – Offers the user full flexibility to input a complex geothermal profile that is not easily
mimicked by one of the other 3 options.
The Mud Inlet Temperature can be defined in one of 3 ways;
• Heat Retention – Calculates the inlet temperature based on the amount of heat (difference between
flowline temperature and ambient temperature) retained between the flowline and the suction pit.
The amount of heat retained will depend heavily on the rig layout, surface pit volume, and other
factors. Typical values range between 70-90%. This is the most commonly used option and uses a
default value of 85%.
• Fixed – Uses a fixed value for inlet temperature.
• Inlet-FL – Uses a fixed offset between the flowline temperature and the inlet temperature. Positive
values indicate that the mud heats up between the flowline and inlet (typical of deep water operations
where flowline temperatures tend to be quite cold). Negative values indicate that the mud cools
down between the flowline and the inlet temp.
Note: Mud Inlet Temperature settings can also be changed at the subop level by clicking on the gear icon
next to “Surface Conditions” in the “Fluid” dialog.

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3.2.3 Geology

The Geology input tab allows key formations and markers to be entered either on either a TVD or MD basis.
Please note, that if formation tops are entered in MD, those depths become invalid if the well path is altered
later. Therefore, when performing well design iterations where the trajectory is manipulated, it is
recommended to enter formation tops on a TVD basis. To insert the log data into ERA, simply cut and paste
the data from Excel (or equivalent). The TVD/MD radio buttons on the Geology input tab are used to define
the input basis for the formation – after data has been entered, toggling between TVD and MD does NOT
change the entered depths.

When dip and strike is enabled a “Path for Formation Tops” table is shown to allow the user to specify the
path on which the formation tops are specified. Since formation tops are typically specified in either MD or
TVD encountered while drilling, the path input is required to make the translation from MD or TVDpath
back to TVDwh. This allows ERA to translate the formation tops to new paths if needed since the TVDwh
values are not path dependent. A lot of times the Path for Formation tops will be the same path specified in
the Path builder; the “Copy Plan” button will copy the subject well path so it can be used to specify formation
tops.

3.2.4 Logs

The Logs input tab allows measured log data including Gamma Ray (GR), Resistivity, Bulk Density (RHOB),
Sonic (ΔT Compression, ΔT Shear), Neutron Porosity (NPHI) and Caliper data to be entered on either a TVD
or MD basis. Since logs are typically reported on an MD basis, this format is the most common. Very often
log data is measured at high frequency (0.5 ft increments or less), which can lead to a very “noisy” log
response. The Decimation feature (Section 3.2.6) can be used to clean up noisy logs, making them more
presentable and easier to understand.

Tip: The caliper data can be plotted alongside calculated “pseudo-caliper” logs that are generated by the
geomechanical model in ERA and actual operational parameters. This comparison is a useful tool to
validate/calibrate the geomechanical model.

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3.2.5 Rock Properties

The Rock Properties tab accommodates three different input modes for defining the wellbore pressure
constraints, depending on which option is selected in the Workflow settings sidebar (Section 3.2.1).

MEM Mode - MEM Mode is a geomechanical model built into ERA and allows for calculation of wellbore
pressure limits for any wellpath when certain rock properties are known.

MEM Log Mode - MEM Log mode is a workflow that allows generation of a MEM directly from log data.

EMW Mode - EMW Mode allows pre-defined wellbore pressure limits (PP, FG, etc.) to be input directly.

3.2.5.1 MEM Mode

Note: This section of ERA is only available if the optional geomechanics module was included in the
software rental agreement.

The Mechanical Earth Model (MEM) input mode (Figure 3-11) enables the user to calculate a wellbore
stability model. By defining several key rock properties and earth stresses on a TVD basis, ERA will calculate
the minimum borehole pressure / mud weight required to either a.) Result in shear failure on the sides of the
hole (aka, “collapse”) and b.) Initiate tensile failure of the borehole wall (aka, “frac” or “breakdown”) for
any well trajectory. By running a geomechanics calculation routine, ERA is also able to calculate the extent
of the damage imposed to the wellbore when inadequate/excessive mud weight (or EMW in the case of
surge/swab/ECD loads).

Figure 3-11: Rock Properties input tab, Mechanical Earth Model (MEM) input mode.

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The key input parameters and a description of what each parameter means (and where it can be
obtained/calculated) is discussed below.

Inputs
V –Vertical stress, aka “overburden”. In the absence of that, a gradient of 1 psi/ft (19.2 ppg EMW) is a
reasonable starting point. Don’t forget to account for the fact that the water column in offshore wells has a
gradient of 0.447 psi/ft (8.6 ppg EMW).

h – Minimum horizontal stress.

H – Maximum horizontal stress.

PP – Pore pressure. The importance of obtaining an accurate assessment of the pore pressure cannot be
overlooked, as it directly influences the collapse and breakdown pressures.

UCS – Unconfined Compressive Strength. This value can be measured directly from laboratory core testing
or inferred from sonic log correlation.

PR – Poisson's Ratio. The ERA default value for Poisson’s Ratio is 0.25.

Fang – Friction Angle.

H Azi – Maximum horizontal stress direction. The input is in degrees from 0 to 359.

Note: All of the previously mentioned inputs are available from corporate and 3 rd party geomechanical
analysis. Drilling Engineers only need ask their internal or contact geoscientists for this information through
the overburden. It may be necessary to run additional logs (sonic, image, or oriented caliper for example) in
order to calculate these parameters, but the data is not required on every well in an area / field.

3.2.5.2 MEM Log Mode

MEM Log mode allows the user to build a MEM from log data, avoiding the need to outsource MEM
generation to 3rd parties. This gives the drilling engineer the ability to find a safe mud weight window using
common log data (such as quad combo). Creation of the MEM from logs occurs in two general parts:
preparing the log data and modifying the rock properties.

Part 1: Preparing the Log Data

The data contained in the “Logs” tab is used as inputs for MEM Log mode. The following data are required
for MEM generation:
• Gamma Ray
• Bulk Density (RHOB)
• Compressional and Shear Sonic Travel times (ΔT Compression, ΔT Shear)

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Figure 3-12: Data in the “Log” tab is used for MEM generation in MEM Log mode.

Once the required log data is input, the next step is to QC it to minimize erroneous data; this is done in the
“QC” tab. Clicking the “Apply Log Data Filter Rules” will filter the data based on a preset (but customizable)
list of criteria. The standard ruleset can be viewed and changed by clicking the “Advanced” button next to
the check box. The standard rule set is based on typical ranges for each log channel.

Figure 3-13: Log Data can be QC’d by clicking the “Apply Log Data Filter Rules” check box. The filtering
rules can be viewed and/or customized by clicking the “Advanced” button.

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The final step to prepare the log data for MEM generation is to define some basic lithology using the
“Lithology” tab. Defining the lithology allows ERA to use different equations when calculating the
Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of the formations. The primary Lithology definition tool is the
Shale Baseline. This baseline uses Gamma Ray to determine which formations are to be considered shale,
which are sand, and which are some mix. ERA assumes that formations with GR values greater than the shale
baseline are shale, formations with GR values from the baseline to 10 API below the baseline are a sand/shale
mix and values >10 API below the shale baseline are sand. The shale baseline can be set by typing in a value
in the “Shale Baseline” input box or by clicking and dragging the shale baseline on the GR plot.

Adjust the shale baseline

Figure 3-14: The shale baseline can be adjusted numerically or graphically.

In addition to defining which formations are sand, shale or a mix, ERA needs to know which formations, if
any, are salts or carbonates. These can be defined by clicking the respective button and entering top and base
TVDs or graphically by clicking to define the top and base.

Note: Carbonates and salts are defined on a TVD basis, so if they are defined graphically in MD, the depth
values in the table (which are in TVD) may not match the depth values being plotted.

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Part 2: Modifying the Rock Properties

The next steps of the MEM Log process occur within the numbered tabs in the lower region of the “Rock
Properties” tab. This four-step process will define the overburden, the pore pressure, the horizontal stress and
show the results along with some calculation options.

Figure 3-15: The four tabs in “Rock Properties” are traversed in sequential order in the MEM Log process.

The first tab, labeled “1. Overburden” displays the calculated overburden, a result of integrating the bulk
density measurements, and usually requires no input. The “Advanced” button can be used to define
coefficients and exponents used in the autogradient equations, which define the overburden from surface
down to the shallowest bulk density data.

Pore pressure is defined in the second tab. There are three methods by which pore pressure can be defined
and are selectable in the drop-down menu:

The Uniform gradient method simply assumes one hydrostatic gradient from surface to TD. This assumed
gradient can be adjusted in the “Advanced” window.

The Sonic Correlation method uses Eaton’s method to estimate pore pressure. The user defines an acoustic
velocity trendline with two control points on the plot to define the normal compaction trend. Pore pressure is
then computed using the deviations from the normal compaction trendline. The user can adjust the Eaton
exponent if required to bring the predicted pore pressure in line with some known values if needed.

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Figure 3-16: The acoustic velocity trendline is used to estimate pore pressure with Eaton’s Method. The red
control points are used to adjust the trendline.

The final method of defining pore pressure is the manual method. This method allows the user to define pore
pressure in two ways: by entering a table of TVD and PP values or by graphically clicking on the equivalent
mud weight plot to define a set of TVD and PP values. These manual methods are handy if you have a set of
pore pressure measurements from logging tools.

Manually defined pore pressure

values

Figure 3-17: Pore pressure can be defined manually in the table or graphically.

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Depletion zones can be defined on a TVD basis within the “Advanced” window.

The next step after defining pore pressure is defining horizontal stress. Like the pore pressure definition,
ERA gives three methods in which to define minimum horizontal stress (σh), which can be selected from the
dropdown menu:

The first option, " σh from σv”, uses Matthews and Kelly’s relationship to calculate σh from the overburden
stress using a default stress ratio of 1.50, which can be altered in the “Advanced” window.

The second option uses the overburden gradient, Poisson’s ratio and a calibration factor (found in the
“Advanced” window) to calculate σh. The calibration factor can be adjusted based on known leakoff or DFIT
data to provide a proper fit between the calculated σh curve and known values.

The third method for defining σh is the manual method. Like pore pressure, minimum horizontal stress can
be defined manually by entering the TVD and σh values directly in the table or by clicking to define points
on the equivalent mud weight plot.

Another input in the “Horizontal Stress” tab is σH Azi, which can be used to define the stress orientation for
the entire dataset. Alternatively, σH Azi can be input with variance along depth within the main table.

The final tab shows the results of the MEM Log process in terms of a final MEM. The calculation options
can be used to calibrate the MEM and the graphical outputs are useful for visualizing the results of the MEM,
especially when hydraulic loads such as ECD, surge and swab are overlaid upon the MEM. The calculation
options and graphical outputs are discussed below.

Calculation Options

Failure Criteria – Essentially, the geomechanical model calculates the maximum hoop stress on the borehole
wall and compares that stress to shear strength of the rock. If the hoop stress exceeds strength, failure has
occurred. Over the years, several different mathematical models for calculating shear failure have been
developed. ERA is loaded with 4 of the most popular failure criteria used in the industry, with Mohr Coulomb
being the most widely used and probably the best starting point unless geoscientists have determined
otherwise. To modify the failure criteria, use the drop down menu to choose between Mohr Coulomb
(default), Mogi Coulomb, Modified Lade and Drucker Prager.

Risk Factor – The onset of shear failure does not necessary result in catastrophic destruction of the borehole.
Very often a small degree of shear failure of the borehole can be tolerated, and perhaps even go unnoticed
over the course of well construction. The industry has developed two different methods of categorizing the
severity of borehole damage, each with their own benefits and weaknesses.
Breakout Width –Several publications site ≤30° of breakout width as “manageable” and >60°
breakout width as “unmanageable”. ERA use 0°, 30°, and 60° breakout with for low, medium, and
high risk classifications, respectively.
Depth of Damage – An alternative method to evaluate risk is to consider the distance into the
formation from the borehole wall that shear failure occurs. As a default, ERA uses 0%, 5%, and
10% of the borehole radius as cutoff points for low, medium, and high risk classifications,
respectively.
Tensile Strength – Most rocks have very little tensile strength, which is a key factor when calculating the
breakdown pressure (aka, “fracture gradient”). As an upper limit, the tensile strength is rarely >10% of the
UCS. ERA uses 10% of UCS as a conservative default.

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Stability Factor – The stability factor is essentially a calibration factor that is used to increase or decrease
the UCS by the specified percentage. This input value should not be adjusted unless the user is calibrating
the model to known failure events, ideally quantified by caliper or image log.

Outputs

h – Minimum horizontal stress. While this value is an important input for calculating other limits, h also
represents a crucial limit in and of itself.

Breakdown – Due to hoop stress concentration around the wellbore, very often a significantly higher
pressure must be applied to initiate a fracture in un-fractured rock than is required to reopen that fracture.
Note that Breakdown is quite dependent on borehole inclination/direction.

Pore Pressure – Similar to h, pore pressure is both an input and an output. Note that pore pressure is not
dependent on borehole inclination/direction.

Low/Med/High Risk Collapse – The commonly used “collapse” nomenclature is a bit misleading. A better
term would be “shear failure”, since this is what is happening on the sides of the wellbore when borehole
pressure is insufficient. Note that collapse is quite dependent on borehole inclination/direction.

Figure 3-18: Illustration of the range of potential borehole conditions possible when wellbore pressure is
maintained within the safe mud weight window (green zone) or extends into the regions of shear or tensile
failure (yellow and red zones).

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Graphical Output

Depth Plot
The primary means of viewing MEM output, the depth plot shows all limits relative to MD or TVD for a
specific trajectory, but no indication of the sensitivity that the limits have to that trajectory.

Figure 3-19: Geomechanical limits displayed along a well’s MD or TVD.

Rose Plot
One of the most popular ways to view Collapse or Breakdown output, the rose plot indicates the mud weight
required to cause failure for any inclination or azimuth. Inclination is indicated by the radial distance moving
away from the center of the plot (center = 0°, edge = 90° inclination). Direction is represented around the
circumference, with the top of the plot representing north. Note, the rose plot is only able to convey failure
sensitivity for a single TVD. By adjusting the depth reference, other zones can be analyzed.

Figure 3-20: Rose plot depicting the onset of shear failure (aka, “collapse”) for a layer of rock penetrated at
various borehole inclinations and directions.

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EMW vs. Inclination Plot

Like the rose plot, this plot conveys sensitivity to inclination only (at the trajectory’s current azimuth) for a
given TVD. The advantage of this plot is that all output parameters can be plotted. The red vertical line
represents the well trajectory inclination at the depth that is being viewed.

Figure 3-21: EMW vs. Inclination plot showing the geomechanical limits and their sensitivity to borehole
inclination for a specific layer of rock and a fixed borehole direction (azimuth).

EMW vs. Azimuth Plot

Like the inclination plot, except for directional (azimuthal) sensitivity.

Figure 3-22: EMW vs. Azimuth plot showing the geomechanical limits and their sensitivity to borehole
direction for a specific layer of rock and a fixed borehole inclination.

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3.2.5.3 EMW Mode

The Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) input mode allows the user to input min/max Pore Pressure, min/max
Fracture Gradient, and three levels of Collapse Gradient, based on various risk levels (low/medium/high).
The user may also input the Confined Compressive Strength (CCS) of the rock, which is used strictly for
ROP prediction purposes (and MSE interpretation in the Hindcast mode). This input mode is most effective
if the user only has output from a geomechanical model, or a rough understanding of wellbore pressure limits.
It is important to note that if the data is input in MD, the inputs are only valid for a specific well path. For
this reason, K&M generally recommend inputting rock property limits on a TVD basis unless the geologic
structure is highly dipping, faulted, or otherwise “complex”.

Tip: If importing log data from different sources, you may copy and paste each set of data separately then
click “Sort” to sort the data by depth. Each row may not have all channels.

3.2.6 Decimation

For many Earth Builder inputs, geoscientists may provide data at very high frequency (0.5 ft or denser). Such
high frequency measurement can appear noisy when viewed at the scale drillers are normally interested in.
Furthermore, thousands of data points can significantly slow calculation speed.

For this reason, several of the inputs feature a Decimation option, which allows the user to thin the raw data
down to manageable (but meaningful) output. ERA offers three decimation options;
1. None – Decimation is turned off and all raw data points will be used/plotted
2. Average – The arithmetic average of all data points across the specified interval will be
plotted/used
3. Px – A normal probabilistic distribution (aka, Gaussian or “bell curve”) will be constructed
from the data points across the specified interval. The xx% input box controls the probability
value that will be used as the output data point. In the example below a P95 setting would yield
a value of 50.5.
The convention in ERA is to use large numbers (i.e. 95%) as the most conservative case and
low numbers (i.e. 5%) as the aggressive/optimistic case for whatever type of load is being
considered. For example, a P95 for pore pressure would represent a value where 95% of all the
data in an interval falls below. A P95 for fracture gradient would represent a value where 95%
of all the data in an interval falls above.

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Probability Distribution
7.5% 125%

7.0%

6.5%

6.0% Probability Density 100%

Cumulative Probability
5.5%

5.0%

Cumulative Probability
4.5% 75%
Probability Density

4.0%

3.5%

3.0% 50%

2.5%

2.0%

1.5% 25%

1.0%

0.5%

0.0% 0%
43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54
Data

Figure 3-23: Example of a probability density and cumulative probability curve for a hypothetical set of
data. The vertical dotted line indicates the data value that would represent a P x of 95%.

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3.3 Path Builder

The Path Builder (Figure 3-24) contains planned, actual, and offset well trajectory information, as well as
graphical output of the trajectory in 2D and 3D formats.

Navigation between the Unwrapped Reach, Plan View, Vertical Section and 3D plots can be executed via
the four rectangles in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Figure 3-24: Path builder main screen.

3.3.1 Plan Input

A planned trajectory can be input under the “Plan” tab (Figure 3-25). Measured Depth, Inclination, and
Azimuth can be entered via keystrokes, or by simply copy/pasting from Excel/Word/PDF. Spaces or gaps in
data are ignored by ERA and can be removed by using the “Sort” feature. By default, ERA will interpolate a
planned trajectory on 100’ stations, which is viewable from the “Output” tab.

If the Profile builder is enabled as part of your licensing agreement, inputs for Wellhead Location will be
visible above the survey table. These coordinates are required if the user wishes for ERA to detect proximity
with other paths. These coordinates can be input in local coordinates (relative to other wells on the platform
or pad for instance) or in map coordinates (like UTM).

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Figure 3-25: Planned (or actual) survey station input table.

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3.3.1.1 Profile Builder

The profile builder allows the user to build well paths from scratch to intersect potentially multiple targets
and can detect rough proximity to other specified paths. This option is only available to those users whose
licensing agreement specifies it.

Note: The Proximity feature simply detects proximity to other wells based on center-to-center distance and
some user specified cylindrical radius around the paths. It does not account for survey uncertainty and is not
meant to replace Anti-collision checks and routines. All paths generated in ERA should be checked for Anti-
collision through your directional drilling provider.

Building a profile begins by clicking the “Create” radio button in the path builder and then clicking the “Open
Builder” button, which displays the profile builder window.

Figure 3-26: The profile builder allows the user to create a wellpath from scratch.

The “Parent Well Path” region allows the user to pick a parent wellpath and tie-in depth for those cases where
the well path will begin from another path (like when sidetracking for example). The user simply needs to
pick the parent well path and enter the tie-in depth (in MD) where the new plan is to start. ERA will populate
the path builder table with the appropriate tie-in coordinates.

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Figure 3-27: The tie in point from the Parent well path becomes the starting point for the path to be built.

The “Targets” table allows the user to specify target coordinates. These targets can be chosen when building
the profile to populate the coordinates in the path builder table.

Once a tie-in point and targets are specified (if applicable) then the building of the path can begin by clicking
the “+” button next to the path table. The “+” button pops up a window that allows the users to choose several
options and profiles for path generation. The type of profile is specified followed by the required input in
parentheses. For example, the choice “Build (DLS, MD, Inc)” will create a build profile starting from the
coordinates of the last specified row and will require inputs of Dogleg severity (DLS), Measured Depth (MD)
and Inclination (Inc). Required inputs are displayed as yellow boxes in the Path builder table.

Required inputs

Figure 3-28: The yellow boxes represent the required inputs for the chosen profile.

In cases where the specified parameters will not satisfy the conditions based on the inputs, ERA will suggest
values that are satisfactory. The cell of the unsatisfactory parameter will be highlighted red and contain a
dropdown option where a satisfactory value can be chosen.

Figure 3-29: ERA will suggest values for parameters that are required to connect different rows.

Once a satisfactory path has been built, it can be copied into the main Path builder table to be used for
calculations and analyses by clicking the “Copy to Plan Trajectory” button.

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3.3.2 Survey Library

A database of planned and offset wells can be added to the user’s personal library. Once the trajectory is
loaded into the “plan” section and casing points have been edited in the wellbore builder, the path and casing
points can be added to the library via the “Add to Library” button in the input section.

Once paths are added to the library, they can also be used to overwrite an existing plan, or simply overlaid
on the trajectory plots for comparison.

Figure 3-30: Survey library selection table.

3.3.3 Tortuosity

K&M’s tortuosity algorithm introduces semi-random doglegs on an idealized planned path to better reflect
the actual doglegs that result from the directional drilling process. The tortuosity intensity factor (Tortuosity
Column in Figure 3-31) represents the peak severity of variation from plan. For example, if a well path
features a planned 3°/100’ dogleg and a 2°/100’ intensity factor is used, the synthesized well path will
occasionally feature 1° and 5°/100’ doglegs.

Artificial Tortuosity can be added to a planned trajectory under the “Tortuosity” tab. Tortuosity intensity can
be defined across multiple intervals. For example, the build section drilled with a steerable motor may exhibit
more severe tortuosity than a tangent interval drilled with a rotary steerable system. Whenever possible, users
should hindcast as-drilled wells to develop tortuosity factors that are reflective of their area and equipment.

Figure 3-31: Artificial Tortuosity input dialog.

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3.3.4 Proximity

Note: The Proximity feature simply detects proximity to other wells based on center-to-center distance and
some user specified cylindrical radius around the paths. It does not account for survey uncertainty and is not
meant to replace Anti-collision checks and routines. All paths generated in ERA should be checked for Anti-
collision through your directional drilling provider.

ERA can calculate proximity between well paths on a center-to-center basis or on a cylinder-to-cylinder
basis, which assumes a simple cylinder centered about the well path with a user defined radius. The proximity
feature is meant to only provide a “quick and dirty” analysis and is not meant to replace true Anti-collision
analyses.

To enable proximity detection, click “Detect Proximity” for at least one path in the library. This will compare
the path(s) in the library to the subject well path (in the “Trajectory” survey table). If the wells come closer
to each other than the bounds of the assumed cylinder then a notification will be displayed on the Proximity
tab, where the proximity can be examined in more detail.

The Proximity window allows the user to see a summary table that displays the depth of closest proximity
for each well path chosen for proximity detection as compared to the subject well path. If the cylinder-to-
cylinder distance is less than or equal to zero, then the row will be shaded red. Each row can be selected to
show a full scan of proximity by depth (the table to the far right of the window) as well as a plot showing
center-to-center distance by MD.

Figure 3-32: A view of the Proximity window.

1. Proximity Summary Table– This table shows the measured depth, center-to-center distance and
cylinder-to-cylinder distance at the closest approach for each path enabled for proximity detection
against the subject well path. The row will be shaded red if cylinder-to-cylinder distance is ≤ 0.

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2. Path Cylinder Radius – This value defines the radius of the imaginary centered about the well
paths. The default value is 30 ft.
3. Library Snapshot – This table offers a view of path available in the path library and allows the
user to toggle which paths are to be used for proximity detection.
4. Distance Plot – Shows center-to-center distance between the subject well path and the path of the
row selected in the “Summary” table (1).
5. Proximity Table – This tables displays MD, center-to-center distance and cylinder-to-cylinder
distance between the subject well path and the path of the row selected in the Summary table (1).
Rows are shaded red if cylinder-to-cylinder distance is ≤ 0.

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3.4 Wellbore Builder

The Wellbore Builder (Figure 3-33) allows the user to edit the wellbore architecture, including casing and
hole sizes/depths/specifications. Tapered strings, liners, and tie backs can all be created and edited from
within the Wellbore Builder.
3
6
1 2

4 5

Figure 3-33: Wellbore Builder dialog.

1. Add Section – This button will create a new hole section and casing string 1000’ deeper than
the last casing string. If the user intended to add a hole section in between two shallower
intervals, simply edit the hole size/depth and the casing size/depth of the newly created section
accordingly. ERA will automatically sort entries by depth.
2. Add Tubing – This button will add tubing to the well.
3. Taper Hole – This button will split the hole section of the selected row in half, allowing the
user to adjust the size of either the upper or lower portion of the hole. The hole can be tapered
in multiple sections if so desired.
4. Taper String – Essentially identical to the “Taper Hole” button, except the casing/liner is split
allowing changes to the OD/weight/grade/connection of the upper and lower portions of the
string. The string can be tapered in multiple sections if so desired.
5. Add Tieback – If a liner has been defined in the wellbore builder the user will have the option
to add a tieback to the well construction process. Click on the liner item and the “Add Tieback”
button will appear.
6. Advanced – This button will pull up a dialog displaying performance details of the selected
tubular.
7. Green Text - Green text is used throughout ERA to reflect auto-populated values. In the
example of the Wellbore Builder, the Section and Casing names that are used in other locations
(i.e. plot headers). Users have the ability to overwrite green text with their own
definition/terminology. If at any time the user wishes to return to the auto-populated green text,
simply delete all manually entered characters and the green text will reappear.
Tip: By right-clicking on the well sketch the image can be copied to the clipboard so that it may be pasted
into other applications.

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3.4.1 Editing

To modify the default wellbore, click on the cells that require changes and enter new values. To change
casing specifications, click on the appropriate row in the “Casing OD” column, which will pull up a library
of tubulars in the lower portion of the screen.

The library can be filtered by OD, weight, grade, connection, and manufacturer. When the appropriate tubular
is found, select the tubular of choice by clicking on the appropriate entry in the list. If the library does not
contain the correct specification, a custom entry can be created by first clicking on the “Advanced” button in
the upper right-hand corner. Doing so will pull up a detailed tubular dialog, shown below.

Figure 3-34: Tubular Details dialog, accessible via the Advanced button on from within the Wellbore
Builder.

Simply adjust the editable parameters accordingly. If the user wishes to add the new tubular specifications to
the library, simply click “Add to Library” before closing the dialog via the “Ok” button.

Tip: The collapse rating is calculated by ERA using equations published in API 5C3. Non-API grades, such
as “High Collapse” casing are not required to conform to API performance calculation methodology and are
often rated by the manufacturer much higher than API equations suggest. Users can edit the green text when
appropriate to reflect the rating of these non-API grades.

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3.4.2 Liners and Tiebacks

Any casing string can be defined as either a Casing or a Liner. By definition, a Casing string is a continuous
string from the bottom setting depth up to a.) Surface (in the case of Land/Platform rigs) or b.) Mudline (in
the case of TLP/Spar and Subsea rigs).

A Liner extends from the bottom setting depth to some point in the wellbore that is deeper than surface and/or
the mudline. The casing type can be selected from the “type” column in the Wellbore Builder table.

A Tieback may be created for any Liner that is defined in the Wellbore Builder. After clicking on the Liner
in question, an “Add Tieback” button will appear. After adding the Tieback to the wellbore, the user must
click on the “Type” cell in order to reveal the chronology selector (Figure 3-35).

Unlike casing and liners, Tiebacks may be installed before or after subsequent operations. For example, a
tieback for an intermediate drilling liner might be installed immediately after the liner, or after the subsequent
hole section is drilled and/or completed. It is important to correctly specify when exactly the tieback is
installed in such circumstances. The chronological order that the tieback is installed can be adjusted in the
“Install After Operation:” dropdown list.

Figure 3-35: Wellbore Builder dialog after specifying that a liner contains a tieback.

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3.4.3 Risers

TLP/Spar and Subsea rig types enable the use/definition of a riser. When either of these rig types is selected,
the riser name and OD/ID must be defined in the Rig Builder, as previously discussed. Before calculations
can proceed for TLP/Spar rig types, the riser must be selected in the Wellbore Builder (Figure 3-36). For
Subsea rig types, the software will assume that the all intervals are drilled riserless until a riser is specified
for the surface section.

It is important to point out that in riserless mode, the annular hydrostatic pressure will reflect seawater density
from MSL to the seabed and the specified mud density below the seabed. Any cuttings load generated in
drilling mode will only impose a hydrostatic load from the seabed to the bit, as all returns will fall out of the
fluid column above the seabed. Likewise, user may notice that helical buckling and lockup occur at very low
levels of compression for any pipe that is in compression above the sea bed in riserless mode, since the hole
diameter is essentially infinite.

Figure 3-36: Wellbore Builder Dialog for a Subsea well. Once the user specifies that a particular hole section
is drilled/cased with a riser installed, all subsequent sections will also contain a riser. When a riser is not
selected (aka “None” is selected from the Riser Name dropdown list), the interval is treated as though it is
drilled/cased “riserless”, with all the T&D, buckling, and hydraulics implications that go along with the
riserless mode of operation.

Tip: If a hole size is defined that is larger than the ID of the previous casing run, ERA will prompt the user
to include a RWD in the string design.

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3.5 ERD Plot

The ERD envelope tab allows the user to manipulate the ERD industry database (Figure 3-37). Point,
shading, and well trajectory curves can be added, removed, and edited via the three tabs labeled “wells”,
“Regions”, and “Curves”. Database entries are updated by K&M as new wells are added by clients.

In addition to plotting all wells in the ERD database, users may choose to display only “Offshore” or
“Deepwater” (>3,000’ water depth) wells by selecting one of the radio-button options in the upper left-hand
corner of the dialog screen.

Figure 3-37: ERD plot dialog.

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3.6 Info

The info dialog offers the opportunity for the user to enter in basic information that will be used on the plot
headers as a reminder of geographic details about the subject well. The user’s name (or initials) can also be
entered, which will be included on the plot footers.

For auto-generated reports, users may wish to include their company (or client’s) logo. Logo files (in .jpg,
.png, .bmp, or .gif format) can be uploaded by clicking the “Import” button.

Figure 3-38: Info Dialog displaying plot header and logo information.

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3.7 Settings

The settings dialog allow the user to manipulate plotting, calculation, and design factor options.

Figure 3-39: Settings Dialog.

• Gauge and Drillers View Increments – Three controls are available;
o Depth Based Points – Controls how many depth increments are used to construct curves
on depth-based plots. For example, every curve on a 5000’ deep well plot would utilize a
data point every 100’ if a setting of 50 pts/plot is used. Larger values increase calculation
time but improve plot resolution. Smaller values decrease calculation time but degrades
plot resolution.
o Volume Based Points – Similar concept as for Depth Based Points, but for volume plots.
o Calculation interval – Determines how small of segments the drill string is broken into
when performing rudimentary mechanical and hydraulic snapshot calculations. Smaller
values improve calculation accuracy at the cost of speed. Larger values improve calculation
speed at the cost of accuracy. In general, there is no advantage to reduce the calculation
interval any finer than the survey frequency (hence, the 100’ default value).
• Calculation Options – Eight basic options can be manipulated;
o Hydraulic Lift – Converts annular pressure into a force that either increases or decreases
string tension, depending on the direction of fluid motion. This effect is negligible in many
circumstances, but becomes important in very long wells, narrow annuli, or when casing
flotation is utilized. This correction is turned on by default.

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o Metallurgical Temperature Correction – The properties of most materials (including steel)

change with temperature. ERA can adjust the key metallurgical properties (yield strength,
ultimate strength, and young’s modulus in particular) according to the temperature of the
pipe for various operations. This correction is on by default but will likely go un-noticed
during most analysis unless the well is very hot and/or Aluminum tubulars are used.
o Thermal Elongation – Applies a correction to elongation based on the temperature profile
of the well.
o Rose Plot Interval – Allows adjustment of the resolution used to construct the rose plots.
Only visible if the Geomechanics module is active.
• Indicators – The red dashed depth reference line can be turned on/off, and the depth manually
entered. The ability to turn on/off the geologic formation tops is also available.
• Design Factors – Design factors for eleven key loads can be adjusted here, according to
company/client policy.
• Restore Factory Settings –All plots and settings will return to ERA’s standard default values.

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3.8 String Builder

While the drill string / casing that is run into a well is a fundamental input, akin to the trajectory and hole
geometry, the String Builder is not located on the main screen with the other inputs. The reason for this is
that each Subop contains unique string details, which are operable from the calculation output screens. String
Builder controls can be found on the Subop Calculation screen under the well/string sketch.

3.8.1 Op Mode

From the sup-op calculation screen, the string builder can be toggled between two modes, dubbed “Op” (short
for “Operation”) and “Builder” (Figure 3-40). The Op mode is intended to give the user the ability to move
the position of the string in the wellbore up or down by clicking and dragging the string on the wellbore
sketch. The bit depth can also be manipulated by manually entering the depth in the “String Depth” input box
(Figure 3-41). This feature is particularly useful when analyzing Snapshot Plots, since the loading of the
string can change significantly depending on the depth of the string.

Figure 3-40: Op/Builder toggle on the Subop calculation screen.

Figure 3-41: String Depth / Gauge Depth input controls on the Subop calculation screen.

Tip: When manipulating the string depth when viewing Snapshot plots, it tends to be quite useful to Lock
Axes prior to manipulating the string depth so that the scales of the plots that are viewed do not change.
Doing so helps maintain perspective of how significantly the loads change for different string depths. The
Lock Axes checkbox can be found on the top right-hand side of the wellbore sketch on the Subop calculation
screen (Figure 3-42).

Figure 3-42: The Lock Axes feature can be found next to the well sketch on the Subop Calculation screen.

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3.8.2 Builder Mode

Toggling from Op to “Builder” mode (Figure 3-43) will activate two important features. First, the well
trajectory plot is replaced with a list of available strings that can be cycled through to quickly evaluate the
T&D and hydraulics implications of different strings. This feature is referred to as the “String Rolodex”.

Figure 3-43: The string rolodex replaces the well path schematic when the “Builder” toggle is selected.
Strings in the Rolodex can be cycled by clicking the up and down arrows on the right-hand side of the
Rolodex.

Strings can be edited, added, or removed from the rolodex by clicking on the “Advanced” button. Doing so
will display the “String Builder” dialog (Figure 3-44) where components can be edited, added, removed from
the string.

Figure 3-44: Drill string sketch in the String Builder dialog

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The string builder affords the user a great deal of flexibility in terms of components and accessories that can
be included in a string. The main screen opens on the “Op Properties” tab (Figure 3-45).

2
6

Figure 3-45: String Builder dialog, Op Properties tab.

1. Surge/Swab Options – Tripping a drill string in the hole with closed floats will displace more fluid and
create larger friction pressure than a string that is tripped with open floats (aka, “autofill” in the case of
casing/liner runs). While tripping in with open floats is a powerful option, it is not without risk, especially
in highly deviated wells. Hence, the default setting is “closed”.
Likewise, pulling a string out of the hole “wet” will result in more significant swab pressure than a string
that is tripped “dry. K&M recommend always assuming the string is wet.
2. Swivel – A torque and drag management tool often used on long ERD wells is a downhole swivel /
clutch mechanism. This device decouples string rotation below the tool so that a running string can be
rotated without rotating a long liner or section of screens. Input the distance from the bit (or shoe) to the
swivel.
3. Temperature Sensor – On many plots the calculated “Downhole Temp” is calculated. For comparison
between calculated and measured values, ERA needs to know the location of the temperature sensor
(typically located in the MWD or PWD tool). By default, ERA assumes that the sensor is located 50’
above the bit and that the temperature measurement is reading the annulus temperature.
4. Bypass – On occasion it is necessary to install a bypass sub above the BHA to divert a portion of the
flow into the annulus to avoid exceeding flowrate limitations of the downhole tools but allow elevated
annular velocity for hole cleaning. By defining the distance from the bit that the device is located and
the Total Flow Area (TFA) or the nozzle size/count, ERA will calculate the flow split through the bit vs.
the bypass tool. If using a Bypass tool, the “Enable” checkbox must be checked.
5. Zoom to BHA – For convenience when working on detailed BHA design the user can check this box to
automatically zoom the viewing panel to the top of the BHA (defined as the top of the HWDP).
Unchecking this box will return the zoom to “full view”.
6. Flow Restrictors – This input allows a basic “lump sum” BHA pressure drop value to be defined in case
the user does not want to take the time to define every component in the BHA, or in case the particular
tool to be used has not yet been decided. The total BHA pressure drop can be defined as a fixed value
(i.e. 800 psi), or as an effective TFA. By defining the BHA as a TFA, the pressure drop will change as
the flowrate and/or mud weight are adjusted.

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Important: Note that a “Fixed” pressure drop of 600-800psi (depending on hole/BHA size) is assumed
by default. The “Fixed” input should be zero if the user has defined each component (MWD, LWD,
motor, RSS, etc.) in the BHA. In general, if the full BHA has not been defined, then EITHER a fixed
pressure drop or an effective TFA should be entered – not both.
Tip: To zoom in on BHA components in the string builder, left click on the bar to the left of the string
builder and drag the bar down. This will “zoom” in on the lower part of the string and enable detailed
BHA components to be added.

3.8.3 String Components

A wide variety of components can be added to the drill string, each with their own operational limits and
performance properties. Each type of string component that can be specified in ERA will be discussed here.

Tip: To add a string component, highlight the component, left click and drag it on to the string. To delete
the component, right click on the component description and click “delete”.

3.8.3.1 Bit

Details of the drill bit can be found by clicking on the bit itself on the string schematic. Doing so will display
the Bit Dialog (Figure 3-46). Details of the bit (other than the diameter) are not populated for default strings.
However, if the user wishes to enter details such as blade count, blade width, body area, or maximum depth
of cut (DOC), this information can be entered.

Figure 3-46: Bit Dialog. Details of the nozzles and bit geometry/flow area can be edited here.

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As a default setting a bit fixed pressure loss of 600 psi is assumed as a starting point for basic hydraulics
calculations. Most users will want to replace this value with a description of the nozzles (count and diameter).
When nozzles are defined and entered, the fixed pressure loss should be adjusted to 0 psi.

Tip: If a TFA is defined, Fixed Pressure Loss should be set to 0 psi to avoid “double dipping” on the bit
pressure loss.

3.8.3.2 Downhole Motors

A Positive Displacement Motor (PDM) can be added to the string via the “Downhole Motor” tab (Figure
3-47). The PDM can be placed anywhere in the string, but is typically placed immediately above the bit. Each
motor in the existing library is classified by Manufacturer, Stator Type, OD, Lobe Count, and Stage Length.
The PDM converts hydraulic energy (pressure and flowrate) into mechanical energy (rotary speed and
torque). The performance characteristics for all motors in the library include key variables that characterize
the motor’s ability to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. The key inputs governing motor
performance are;
• Torque Slope (TQ/P) – Defines the amount torque that develops vs. differential pressure, which is
a linear relationship.
• Displacement – Defines the speed of the rotor under “no load” (i.e. the bit is off bottom and the
driveshaft is not loaded with reactive torque) for any flowrate.
• Decay Parameters A-D – These constants are used in a complex equation to characterize the motor
speed decay that occurs as load (differential pressure) is applied. These values are not published by
the manufacturer but can be calculated by K&M if a performance curve is provided.
• Max Power – Is the maximum output that the manufacturer recommends the motor be operated at.
• Max Flow – Is the maximum flowrate through the power section recommended by the manufacturer.

Figure 3-47: PDM tool library and operational specifications.

3.8.3.3 RWD

Any wellbore geometry that features an open hole that is larger than the smallest ID of the previous casing
string will require use of a Reaming While Drilling (RWD) tool. An alert message will appear on the
Wellbore Builder notifying the user that an RWD tool must be added to the string.

RWD tools can be added to a string via the RWD tab (Figure 3-48). An RWD can be added to any string
that does not already include a PDM. It is assumed that whenever a PDM is included in the string that oriented

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(aka, “slide”) drilling will occur, which is incompatible with RWD technology when the reamer is engaged
and the cutter blocks are extended. Each RWD tool in the library features geometrical characterization,
including the integral stabilizer geometry inherent to the tool.

Some RWD tools have the capability to lock-down the reamer arms (either through a ball-drop, hydraulics
manipulation, or RFID chip). Note that the pressure drop across the reamer may be slightly different when
the arms are expanded and when they are locked closed. ERA always assumes the pressure loss with reamer
arms open is present.

Figure 3-48: RWD tool library and operational specifications.

3.8.3.4 RSS

Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS) are available to be added to the string via the RSS tab (Figure 3-49). While
the RSS tool does not have a significant impact on calculations under most circumstances, the tool’s weight,
dimensions, and hydraulic pressure drop are accounted for in the tool specifications. Pressure drop associated
with each tool can be defined as a Total Flow Area (TFA). The TFA of each tool can alternatively be defined
as a “P constant”, which some manufacturers publish instead of the TFA. The P constant and TFA are
essentially the same thing, just represented in different ways.

Figure 3-49: RSS tool library and operational specifications.

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3.8.3.5 MWD/LWD

Measurement While Drilling and Logging While Drilling (MWD and LWD) tools are available to be added
to the string via the MWD/LWD tab (Figure 3-50). Each tool’s weight, dimensions, and hydraulic pressure
drop are accounted for in the tool specifications. As with RSS tools, the pressure drop associated with each
tool can be defined as Fixed, TFA, or a combination of the two. Furthermore, operational limitations of each
tool are also provided, which will be used in subsequent versions of ERA to alert users when operational
parameters and loads exceed tool limitations.

Figure 3-50: MWD/LWD tool library and operational specifications.

It is important to point out that many of the MWD tools in the library feature different settings (High/Low
flowrate, turbine or pulser arrangement, etc.), which can be edited from the Tool Details dialog (Figure 3-51)
after dropping the tool onto the string builder. Make sure the particular settings that are used are consistent
with what is being run in the field, as the settings can significantly impact pressure drop and tool limits.

Figure 3-51: MWD/LWD tool details. Note Collar/Turbine/Gap settings, which impact tool pressure drop
and operational limits.

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3.8.3.6 Drill Collars

Various API Drill Collars are available to be added to the string via the Drill Collar tab (Figure 3-52).
Dimensions and weights of API drill collars in the ERA library represent standard (aka, “slick”) collars. If
“spiral” or “flex” collars are used, K&M advise contacting the vendor of such collars and using the
manufacturer’s specifications in lieu of the standard API specifications.

Figure 3-52: Drill Collar library and operational specifications.

3.8.3.7 HWDP

Various manufacturers’ Heavy Weight Drill Pipe (HWDP) offerings are available to be added to the string
via the HWDP tab (Figure 3-53).

Figure 3-53: HWDP library and operational specifications.

There is not an API standard to define what HWDP must look like. Each manufacturer has a variety of designs
of HWDP, with different shapes and profiles of mid-joint upsets. Each manufacturer may offer a variety of
material grades as well, although 55 ksi MYS material is the most common.

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3.8.3.8 Drill Pipe

Various manufacturer’s proprietary and API standard Drill Pipe are available to be added to the string via the
Drill Pipe tab (Figure 3-54).

Figure 3-54: Drill Pipe library and operational specifications.

Details of the tubular can be edited by clicking on the “Item Properties” tab (Figure 3-55) once the tubular
is added to the string. If any changes are made to the item properties, the changes can be saved by adding the
component to the user’s personal library via the “Add to Library” button.

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Figure 3-55: Drill Pipe library and operational specifications.

1. Class – Three basic class designations exist for drill pipe; New, Premium, and Class 2. Each of these
designations reflect different assumptions about how much of the original (i.e. nominal) wall thickness
still exists after the drill pipe has been in service. By API definition the Remaining Body Wall thickness
(RBW), expressed as a percentage of “New” dimensions is 100%, 80%, and 70% for New, Premium,
and Class 2, respectively. A fourth option, referred to as RBW%, allows the user to specify the minimum
remaining wall thickness for the pipe in use, usually based on inspection criteria.
2. RBW% - If the RBW% option is selected in the Class designation, this field allows the user to enter a
custom value for RBW%.
3. Pipe OD – Is the nominal outside diameter of the pipe, which does not take into account wear or
manufacturing tolerances.
4. Pipe ID – Is the nominal inside diameter of the tube.
5. Slip Area ID – Specially designed landing strings for deep water or deep TVD wells may have a reduced
ID in the slip area (as compared to the tube) to increase slip-crush resistance. Most drill pipe has the
same ID across the slip area as the main tube.
6. Nominal Weight – This field reflects the nominal air weight of the pipe, typically without tool joints
taken into account. The value is highly misleading, as it is typically used only as an identifier of pipe
wall thickness and has no impact on any calculations.
7. Adjusted Weight – This field reflects the air weight of the drill pipe assembly with tool joints taken into
account. This value is very important, as it has a direct impact on all torque, drag, and buckling
calculations.

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8. Nominal/Adjusted WT – These fields reflect the original (i.e. Nominal) wall thickens of the pipe when
new and the de-rated wall thickness (i.e. Adjusted) reflecting the Class/RBW designation. All tube
performance properties are calculated using the Adjusted dimensions.
9. Buckling Cal – This field allows calibration of the buckling threshold when reliable field data is
available. By default, all drill pipe is set at 80%.
10. Tool Jt. % – Defines the tool joint upset length as a percentage of the overall joint length, which is used
to correct internal and annular friction pressure calculations. This value typically ranges between 5%
and 15%, depending upon the tong spacing ordered and whether the overall assembly is Range II (31’)
or Range III (45’).
11. Joint Length – Typically this field will either be 31’ (9.4m) or 45’ (13.7m), reflecting whether Range
II or Range III is used.
12. Material – Most drill pipe is constructed from steel. However, Aluminum and Titanium alloys are
becoming more popular for extreme applications. As such, the material properties must be taken into
account. By selecting various materials from the drop-down list, these key properties are automatically
adjusted accordingly.
13. Grade – For each material type various grades exist, reflecting different metallurgy and heat treatment.
Most grade naming nomenclature reflects the Minimum Yield Strength (MYS), which is used for tubular
performance calculations. For example, S135 (an API drill pipe grade) reflects a MYS of 135,000 psi.
14. MYS – The MYS (Minimum Yield Strength) field is linked to the Grade and applies to the tube only.
For custom or user-added grades, this field can be edited accordingly to reflect the MYS of the custom
grade. For API connections, the tool joint MYS can be edited by clicking the “TJ Performance” button.
15. US – The US (Ultimate Strength) field is linked to the grade and applies to the tube only. For custom or
user-added grades, this field can be edited accordingly to reflect the US of the custom grade. The US is
not used as a tubular limit but is used to calculate the fatigue endurance limit for cyclical loading.
16. Connection – This field contains a dropdown list of all API connections that then drives connection
performance properties (based on connection MYS and TJ OD/ID). For non-API connections this field
is simply a text identifier and does not drive calculated performance since each manufacturer uses
proprietary dimensions and equations to calculate tool joint performance.
17. Roughness – This field is a characterization of the tube’s ID surface. Typical values range from 0.6-1.0
and are typically empirically derived by fitting calculated pump pressure to measured values. The default
is 1.0.
18. Connection Performance – Indicates the tension/compression and torsional limits of the connection.
These values are calculated for API and can be modified for non-API connections.
19. Tube Performance – Indicates the tension, torsion, burst, and collapse rating of the tube based on API
equations.
20. Slip Geometry – For slip crush calculations the user must define the geometry of the slips being used.
Standard lengths and bowl angles are provided in the drop-down list. Longer slips and steeper bowl
angles will increase slip crush resistance. The coefficient of friction () indicates the degree of
lubrication between the slips and the bowl. A default value of 0.08 is used, to retain a degree of
conservatism. Higher values for  increase the slip crush limit by reducing the amount of axial load
transferred transversely.
Tip: The final component in the string (typically drill pipe) will automatically assume that it is run to surface
regardless of the length that has been defined in the string builder.
Clicking on the “TJ Performance” button in the lower left-hand corner will convert the screen from “Pipe
Properties” to the “Tool Joint Performance Envelope” (Figure 3-56). Note: the TJ Performance button is
only visible when API tool joints are selected.

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T3 T4
P1

T1

T2

Figure 3-56: Drill Pipe tool joint performance envelope screen.

The performance envelope defines several operational limitations of both the drill pipe tool joint and tube.
Updating the tube or tool joint dimensions will automatically recompute the operational envelope.
Limitations calculated by ERA are as follows;
• Pin Tensile Yield (P1)
• Box Torsional Yield (T1)
• Pin Torsional Yield (T2)
• Max torque to prevent pin tensile stress (T3)
• Max torque to prevent shoulder separation (T4)
• API Recommended MUT (dashed grey vertical line)
• Actual MUT (dashed red vertical line)
• Tube slip crush limit (dashed horizontal green line)
• Tube combined torque/tension limit (blue curve – dashed curve includes Design Factor)

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3.8.3.9 Casing

Various manufacturer’s proprietary and API standard Casing and Tubing are available to be added to the
string via the Casing tab (Figure 3-57). The Casing tab is seldom used in the String Builder since casing and
liner tubulars have already been defined in the Wellbore Builder. The Casing library is available in the String
Builder primarily to accommodate Casing While Drilling (CWD) activities. For CWD operations, the drill
string may be composed entirely or partially (in the case of liner drilling) of casing.

Figure 3-57: Casing library and operational specifications.

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3.8.3.10 Coiled Tubing

A variety of common coiled tubing sizes, wall thicknesses, and grades are available to be added to the string
via the Coiled Tubing tab (Figure 3-58).

Figure 3-58: Coiled Tubing library and operational specifications.

There are a couple features of coiled tubing that users should be aware of;
• If any coiled tubing is included in the string, coil must be used continuously until the uppermost
portion of the string (extending to surface). In other words, drill pipe or other tubulars may not be
added above a coiled tubing section.
• Any tubular components, BHA tools, etc. may be added below coiled tubing.
• Ultimate Tensile Strength of the coiled tubing is calculated, but not used anywhere in the software.
• Once coiled tubing is added to the string, a Reel Length input will appear near the surfaced on the
well sketch of the String Builder (Figure 3-59). Users should ensure that the total reel length is
specified in order to ensure that hydraulics calculations are correct.

Figure 3-59: String Builder well sketch after coiled tubing is added. Regardless of the well depth, the total
Reel Length must be input in order to ensure that hydraulics calculations properly take into account the total
length of the coiled tubing.

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3.8.3.11 Wireline
A variety of common electrical wirelines are available to be added to the string via the Wireline tab (Figure
3-60).

Figure 3-60: Wireline library and operational specifications.

3.8.3.12 Tractors

A variety of downhole tractors used to assist in the deployment of Wireline or Coiled Tubing is available via
the Tractor tab (Figure 3-61).

Figure 3-61: Tractor library and operational specifications.

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3.8.3.13 Accessories

A variety of drill string / casing accessories are available to be added to the string via the Accessories tab
(Figure 3-62). To add an accessory to your string / casing, select the accessory by left clicking on the
description, drag and drop the accessory on the string.

Figure 3-62: Accessories library and operational specifications.

In general, “Accessories” are devises that are added to the outside of the string for one of three purposes:
1. Casing/drill pipe wear prevention and/or;
2. Friction reduction and/or;
3. Standoff
A library of common devices is provided. The devices are categorized by their intended purpose and the
mechanical impact that they have. A key designation for each device is whether it is “Fixed to Pipe” (rotates
with the pipe that it is attached to) or is “non -rotating” (acts as a bearing). The designation has a dramatic
implication on torque & drag behavior while rotating. The various types of devices available are as follows;
• Stabilizers – These devices are intended to be used with drill strings (as opposed to casing). The library
includes typical dimensions for both integral blade type and sleeve type stabilizers (Figure 3-63). The
blade count, body diameter, blade length, and blade width are used to calculate Junk Slot Area (JSA)
and the annular friction pressure that is generated by these tools. Stabilizers are rotating by default and
do not have any torque or drag reducing properties.

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Figure 3-63: Photos of Integral Blade (left) and Sleeve type (right) stabilizers.
• Centralizers – These devices are intended to be used on Casing/Tubing (as opposed to drill pipe). ERA
accommodates three types of centralizers; Bow Spring, Semi Rigid, and Rigid. Only certain Rigid
centralizers can be configured as “rotating” (Fixed to Pipe) devices. All other centralizers should be
considered non-rotating. None of the centralizers are assumed to increase drag, although bow-spring
type centralizers will almost certainly increase drag in cased hole and/or open hole.
• Bow-Spring Centralizers and Under-Reamed Holes: There are limited options for centralizers that
can provide adequate stand-off in an under-reamed hole (as the centralizer will have to fit through the
narrower ID of the previous casing string). Bow-Spring centralizers are one option for centralization of
a tubular in an under-reamed hole. In general, ERA will indicate an error if a string is fitted with
centralizers that have an OD that is greater than any ID already existing in the wellbore. Users have the
ability to over-ride this errror in ERA by clicking on the “Bow Spring” checkbox on the Accessories tab.
This will allow running of a centralizer that is larger than the previous casing string. However ERA does
not calculate the restoring force on bow spring centralizers and, in a high angle hole, there is no guarantee
that the centralizer blades will not be compressed due to the weight of the pipe to which they are attached.
• NRDPP – Non-Rotating Drill Pipe Protectors. The primary function of NRDPPs is casing wear
prevention and torque reduction. Certain versions of these devices have also proven to reduce axial
friction under certain circumstances.
• Non-Rotating Sub – Similar to NRDPP’s, non-rotating subs are primarily used for casing wear
prevention and/or torque reduction. Placement of these devices is typically limited to 1 device per stand
(1 per 3 joints of Range II drill pipe). Installing the devices more frequently than 1 per 3 joints typically
results in significant logistical inconvenience since stands become too long for the Derrick Man or
automated pipe racking system. Efficiency of these tools is about 1/3 of NRDPPs.
• Axial Roller – Technically a “centralizer”, these devices are intended for use with casing. Although
most centralizers are used primarily to provide standoff, Axial Rollers are often used only for drag
reduction. Roller centralizers typically only exhibit drag reduction in cased hole, although there are some
circumstances where open-hole drag reduction can be observed. Axial drag reduction is typically 40-
60% lower across the interval installed than without any rollers installed. Weatherford LoDRAG
centralizers are perhaps the most common example of this type of device.
• Bidirectional Roller – Very similar to Axial Rollers, these devices also feature roller bearings aligned
with the circumference of the pipe and recessed into the centralizer body. The recessed longitudinal
rollers serve to reduce torque by allowing the casing/liner to rotate on the bearing rather than the ID
surface of the centralizer. In K&M experience the torsional friction reduction afforded by the
longitudinal bearings is effective in both cased hole and open hole environments (unlike the axial,
transverse oriented bearing, which tend to only be effective in cased hole). Weatherford’s LoTORQ
centralizers (Figure 3-64) are perhaps the most common example of this type of device.

Figure 3-64: Weatherford’s LoTORQ bidirectional roller centralizers.

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3.8.3.14 Device Performance

Once an accessory is added, performance can be edited from the Item Properties tab (Figure 3-65).

Figure 3-65: Accessory Item Properties dialog.

1. Position and Spacing – These fields determine the location frequency that devices are placed on
the string, based on the distance that the first device (in an interval of evenly spaced devices) is
located relative to the bit. The section length defines the distance between the first device and the
last device in a series. Spacing frequency can be defined as either the total number of devices or the
number of devices installed per joint.
2. Properties – These fields define the general geometry, side force limitation, torque response, and
flow area.
3. Characteristics – These fields are used to define the regions that the devices are effective (and
likewise, ineffective) from a drag reduction or drag increase standpoint. The most common
configuration tends to be defining the regions of cased hole and open hole, which is the default
setting. However, users can create multiple intervals, inside open hole, cased hole, or any
combination of the two to define the drag response of a particular device. Use the “Add Effect”
button on create a new region of effect.
Tip: Changing this data should only be done if supported by calibrated field data. Changing these
fields should be left to only the advanced user.
4. Drag Effects – Applicable for each region that has been specified in the “Characteristics” input,
Drag response of the devices can be defined in one of 4 ways;
• % Reduction – Reduces the friction factor defined in the Subop (whether it be fixed or a
friction factor sensitivity) by a fixed percentage.
• Offset – Shifts the friction factor specified in the Subop (increase or decrease, depending
on ± sign) by a fixed amount.
• Fixed FF – Overrides the friction factor specified in the Subop, using the specified value
instead.

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• Fixed Drag – Honors the friction factor specified in the Subop, applies an additional
amount of drag (per centralizer). If a negative value is entered into the box drag will be
reduced by that amount (per centralizer)
It is important to address an area of potential confusion, as it relates to device performance (friction reduction)
as well as standoff. ERA assumes that when friction reduction devices are installed across an interval, the
friction reduction that has been specified is correct. This is a somewhat dangerous assumption, particularly
with sparsely placed (less than one device per joint) tools. This limitation is due to the fact that ERA does
not yet perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on small sections (foot or inch scale) of the pipe to determine
the precise position of the string and the side force applied to each of those sections.

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4 PLANNING MODE CONTROLS

This section is devoted to discussing parametric inputs as well as specialized features and options.

4.1 Options and Features

4.1.1 General Options (all Subops)

Three optional features can be managed from any Subop screen (Figure 4-1).

2
1

Figure 4-1: Drilling Subop calculation screen. General options identified by the red markers are available
on all Subop calculation screens.

The optional features are as follows;

1. Rig Options
2. Plot Options
3. Advanced FF
4. Fluid
The first two of these features simply control presentation/display of various limits or output. The last two
features impact the calculations.

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4.1.1.1 Rig Options

The Rig Options dialog (Figure 4-2) allows the user to control which limit lines are displayed on SPP and
torque plots. Pump liner options allows the user to visualize pressure and flow rate limitations for different
sized liners on the stand pipe pressure plot. Torque limit allows the user to visualize the torque limit at
different RPM when viewing torque plots.

Another feature of the Rig Options dialog is the ability to make minor adjustments to the block weight. The
Block Weight Adjustment table allows users to increase or decrease the block weight values specified in the
Rig Builder to account for such operations.

Figure 4-2: Rig Options dialog displaying Pump and Top Drive limit selections and the block weight
adjustment table.

4.1.1.2 Plot Options

The Plot Options dialog box (Figure 4-3) allow users to adjust the order that Drillers View, Snapshot View,
and Gauge View plots are displayed. Users simply click on the plot of interest and use the up/down buttons
to rearrange the order of the plots. Plot order preferences will only be applied to the specific Subop that is
being viewed.

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Figure 4-3: Plot Options dialog displaying the order that plots will appear.

4.1.1.3 Advanced FF

ERA allows users to specify different Base Case FF’s for each of the three directions that the string can be
moved (up, down, and around). Most planning analysis will use the same Base Case value for all 3 FF’s, but
in cases where it has been observed that certain FF’s behave significantly different than others, the user can
specify the “most likely” value for the calculations to center around.

ERA uses an “average” FF across the entire wellbore for drilling simulations. The Drilling Subop Advanced
FF dialog reflects this (Figure 4-4).

Figure 4-4: Drilling Subop Advanced FF dialog.

Figure 4-5: Drill String Tripping Subop Advanced FF dialog.

During a casing/liner/screen installation operation it is commonly observed that a different FF is observed in

the CH interval than in the OH interval. By default ERA distinguishes different FFs for the CH region and
applies sensitivity analysis to the OH region only for Casing Tripping/Cementing Subops (Figure 4-6).

Figure 4-6: Casing (Tripping and Cementing) Subop Advanced FF dialog.

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4.1.1.4 Fluid

The Fluid dialog (Figure 4-7) allows the user to characterize the fluid composition and HTHP rheological
parameters via the two corresponding tabs at the top of the screen. The dialog also includes calibration factors
for the temperature and hydraulics models.

3 4

5
6

Figure 4-7: Fluid dialog (Fluid tab).

1. Library Filter – Allows the user to search ERA’s library of various mud systems, many of which
also include HTHP matrices (click on the HTHP tab to verify).
2. Surface Conditions – Allows the user to specify the density and rheology of the drilling fluid under
atmospheric pressure and test temperature (usually ±5°F of flowline temperature).
o Density: Mud density is typically reported at-or-near flowline conditions. As a default
ERA assumes a surface temperature of 75°F for density measurements. This value should
be adjusted according to the typical flowline temperature observed for each hole section.
o Rheology: API guidelines specify that rheology should be reported at 120°F/50°C. For
non-Newtonian fluids the three Herschel Bulkley (aka, Yield Power Law) parameters n, k,
and y are computed (indicated by green text) based on the six Fann readings. If users
manually enter values for n, k, and y the six Fann readings will be computed (and revert
to green text). For Newtonian fluids (i.e. diesel, brine, water, etc.), the dynamic viscosity
() is displayed instead of the three Herschel Bulkley parameters. Fann readings are
automatically computed based on m for Newtonian fluids based on .
3. Density vs. Temp Plot - The impact of temperature on surface mud density is displayed for
reference. Altering fluid composition will impact the temperature-density relationship.

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4. Rheogram – Displays the actual rheometer values compared to the calculated behavior based on a
best-fit regression analysis of the Herschel-Bulkley model.
5. Composition – Fluids are defined as a mixture of water/brine, oil, and solids. Drop-down list of
common brines, base oils, and solids are provided. ERA will compute the brine, oil, and solids
fraction based on the specified oil-water ratio (OWR), which is set at 80:20 by default.
6. Calibration Factors – The temperature model and hydraulics model may require some tuning to
mimic observed behavior. The Heat Transfer Factor characterizes how easily heat passes from the
annulus to the pipe and wellbore wall. Typical values range from 1-30, with the default of 6 being
the most common. Measured downhole and flowline temperature can be used to determine this
value. The Pipe Rheology% and Annular Rheology % inputs allow the user to scale up/down the
surface rheology to account for possible rheometer reading errors or unavailability of HTHP
rheometer readings.

Clicking the “HTHP” tab in the upper left-hand corner will display the HTHP Rheology Test input dialog
(Figure 4-8).

Figure 4-8: Fluid dialog (HTHP tab).

By default, HTHP behavior is enabled since Fann 30/35 (i.e. surface condition test) are not sufficient for
modeling complex wells. However, in some instances users may wish to disable ERA’s HTHP rheology
model.
If a fluid containing HTHP parameters has been selected from ERA’s library, a table of rheology readings at
various temperatures and pressure will be shown in green text with the “Link HTHP to Library” box checked.

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If users wish to override ERA’s HTHP matrix, simply uncheck the box and enter custom values in the test
matrix. Users may wish to first “Clear” the original library to avoid mis-matching rheometer tests.
Two plots are provided to help users understand downhole behavior of the fluid as predicted by the HTHP
rheometer tests.
• Rheology Cube – This 3D plot displays “surfaces” for each of the 6 Fann readings at a range of
temperatures and pressures. Actual HTHP rheometer readings are displayed as squares as a QA/QC
measure to ensure validity of the test matrix. Users can double-click on this plot to pull up a “Report
Plot” dialog, which allows control of the curves displayed as well as the axis limits. Users can also
get a feel for where the pipe or annulus temperature/pressure conditions fall on the cube by toggling
the Matrix/Pipe/Annulus radio button. When the user adjusts the “depth reference” line, the position
of the red dot on the matrix will change, corresponding with the temperature/pressure/rheology at
the point in the well. The red square on the 600-rpm surface represents the
temperature/pressure/rheology value either inside the pipe or annulus (depending on which radio
button is selected) at the current Depth Reference (horizontal red line on the calculation screen). To
rotate the Rheology Cube users must right-click and hold on somewhere on the cube and then move
the mouse accordingly to alter the orientation of the cube.
• Operational Envelope – This plot displays the test matrix points compared to the circulating and
static temperature/pressure in the well at the section TD. This plot serves as another useful QA/QC
to ensure that the test matrix covers the entire range of the operational envelope. Using a test matrix
that does not extend beyond the operational envelope can result in erroneous results due to
inappropriate extrapolation. An alert message will appear (in the lower right-hand corner of the main
screen) warning users of this condition. Users are encouraged to request a more complete fluid test
matrix from their drilling fluid service provider in this case. The red “dot” on the operational
envelope represents the temperature and pressure either inside the pipe or annulus (depending on
which radio button is selected) at the current Depth Reference (horizontal red line on the calculation
screen).

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4.1.2 Drilling Options

4.1.2.1 Predictive ROP

Within the Drilling Subop, the user has the ability to toggle the predictive ROP model on and off on the main
calculation screen under Calculation Options (Figure 4-9). When Predictive ROP is turned on, the ROP will
be calculated based on the input WOB, bit rotary speed (a function of surface rotary speed and
flowrate/differential pressure if a downhole motor is used), BAF, and rock Confined Compressive Strength
(CCS). A Mechanical Efficiency factor (Eff) is also available to fine-tune the model, and should be based on
calibration of offset/analogous well data. In K&M’s experience, an efficiency factor of 0.35 is typically a
good starting point. It is worth pointing out that if Predictive ROP is enabled and a downhole motor is used,
differential pressure will be calculated based on WOB, BAF, and CCS. For this reason, users may observe
that SPP is sensitive to WOB, which is a reflection of the calculated P. Confined Compressive Strength
must be included in the Earth Builder if the Predictive ROP option is selected, otherwise an error message
will appear.

Figure 4-9: Drilling Subop calculation Options dialog displaying the predictive ROP controls.

4.1.2.2 Temperature Profile

Within the Drilling Subop, the user has the ability to toggle the temperature profile in the well between
“Static” (i.e. Geothermal temperature) and “Circulating”. Fluid density and rheology corrections will be
impacted by which option is selected. For most drilling operations Users should choose the “Circulating”
option, which simulates the temperature profile inside the drill pipe and the annulus under steady-state
circulating conditions. The Circulating option is selected by default for Drilling Subops.

Figure 4-10: Drilling Subop calculation Options dialog displaying the temperature profile controls.

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4.1.3 Tripping Options

4.1.3.1 Temperature Profile

Within the Tripping Subop, the user has the ability to toggle the temperature profile in the well between
“Static” (i.e. Geothermal temperature), “Circulating”, and “Drill @ TD”. Fluid density and rheology
corrections will be impacted by which option is selected. Each of the three options are explained in more
detail below;
• Static – Applies the Static (aka, Geothermal) gradient to the fluid inside the pipe and the annulus.
This option should typically be used for modeling Surge / Tripping In.
• Circulating – Applies the steady-state circulating temperature profile to the fluid inside the pipe
and the annulus. This option should be used when modeling reaming and/or backreaming operations
• Drill @ TD – Applies the temperature profile that was present in the well when the bit was drilling
at TD of the section. This option should be used for modeling Swab / Tripping Out.

Figure 4-11: Drilling Subop calculation Options dialog displaying the temperature profile controls.

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4.1.4 Casing Installation Options

4.1.4.1 Fluid Profile

Fluid Profile is generally used when casing (or liner) is floated to overcome drag . Within the Casing/Tripping
Subop users will find the Fluid Profile button on the Subop calculation screen (Figure 4-12). Note, this option
is also available on the Drill/Trip Subop calculation screen, but it is seldom used when simulating the tripping
loads for a drill string because the pipe is normally kept (mostly) full.

Figure 4-12: Fluid Profile option on the Casing/Trip Subop calculation screen.

Opening the dialog (Figure 4-13) allows users to specify different fluid densities inside and outside of the
pipe. Three pre-defined scenarios exist; Standard (fluid density is identical inside/outside the pipe, Mud Over
Air (the lower half of the string is empty and the upper half is filled with mud) and Empty (the entire string
is empty). Lengths of each fluid column can be edited and adjusted in the fluids tables.

The “Seal” checkbox controls whether hydrostatic pressure is transferred between fluids. Check the box when
running floatation collars to properly model casing collapse potential in the evacuated portion of pipe. Note
that if the “Seal” box is unchecked, ERA will still honor the fluids placement dictated in the Fluid Profile
table (i.e. it will not assume fluids will “swap” in cases where a denser fluid overlies a less dense fluid, like
air).

Note that the annular fluid profile can be adjusted to take into account the presence of a heavy pill/mud cap
or an air column present in a lost returns situation.

Figure 4-13: Fluid Profile dialog.

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4.1.5 Cementing Options

4.1.5.1 Fluids Schedule

The Fluids Schedule dialog (Figure 4-14) is editable from the Cementing Subop. Key inputs include the
volume, density, and rheology of all fluids to be pumped during the cement job. These fluids can be edited
or added from the fluids library using the Add and Edit buttons.

Length of the shoe track and overall shoe track TFA (to take into account pressure drop through the float
equipment) can also be adjusted from this screen.

By adjusting the Target Top of Cement (TOC) and the volumes of the various cementing fluids, the amount
of remaining (or excess) fluid to be pumped in order to reach the designed TOC is provided in the “Cement
Volume Remaining” box.

Note that in ERA, cementing fluid volumes are calculated assuming an in-gauge hole (of the diameter
specified in the Wellbore Builder). If a large cement volume with a high % excess is entered into ERA an
error message will appear indicating that there is too much cement volume. Although, at time, large excess
volumes may be required – in ERA the nominal volume should be entered in most cases. Cement volumes
are used in the calculation of ECDs which can be accurately calculated with only the nominal cement volume
entered.

Figure 4-14: Fluid Schedule dialog in the Casing/Cementing Subop.

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4.2 Switching Between Calculation Modes

ERA allows three different ways to interact with the output of the various models. These three modes can be
selected via the dropdown menu adjacent to the string sketch within the Subop screen (Figure 4-15).

Figure 4-15: Calculation Mode drop down menu adjacent to the string sketch on the Subop screen.

A brief description of each of the three modes is as follows;

• Custom Mode – Provides the user the opportunity to test sensitivity of all output to any one of the
parametric inputs.
• Standard Mode –Provides plots with sensitivities pre-determined, based on the most common
analysis combinations.
• Hindcast Mode – Allows users to enter measured torque, drag, hydraulics, and mud property data
and overlay the actual data on top of theoretical curves for comparison/calibration.

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4.3 Custom Mode

Custom Mode (Figure 4-16) provides the user the opportunity to test sensitivity of all outputs to any one of
the parametric inputs. By selecting the available radio buttons, the user can quickly switch between various
sensitivity calculations and visualize the impact of the changes. The “Base Case” value for each parameter is
provided in the input boxes and can be adjusted as needed. Whichever sensitivity option is selected enables
the Inc. (aka, Increment) input to be adjusted. The Increment value determines the size of the steps (increase
and decrease) from the base case value for the sensitivity analysis. For example, if the Base Case flowrate
value were specified as 800 gpm and the increment was specified as 50 gpm, the calculations would be
executed at 700, 750, 800, 850, and 900 gpm.

Figure 4-16: Custom Mode Subop calculation control screen.

• FF - Friction Factor
• WOB – (Downhole) Weight On Bit
• TOB – (Downhole) Torque On Bit
• ROP – Rate of Penetration
• RPM – (Surface) Revolutions Per Minute (i.e. rotary speed of the string)
• BAF – Bit Aggressivity Factor
• Flowrate – Surface Flow Rate
• MPD – Managed Pressure Drilling (i.e. backpressure held at surface)
• Mud Weight – Density of the mud at surface conditions
• Rheology – Fann rheology readings at surface conditions

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4.4 Standard Mode

Standard Mode (Figure 4-17) provides plots with pre-determined sensitivities based on the most common
types of analysis that engineers are interested in. Unlike Custom Mode, the user has access to all Increment
values simultaneously. When the user clicks on a particular plot, the parameter values used to drive the
calculation are displayed in the input boxes. The Base Case and Increment values that are used to drive
sensitivity analysis of a particular plot are highlighted in bold blue text.

Figure 4-17: Standard Mode Subop calculation control screen.

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4.5 Hindcast Mode

Hindcast Mode allows users to enter measured torque, drag, hydraulics, and mud property data and overlays
the actual data on top of theoretical curves for comparison/calibration. The Hindcast controls (Figure 4-18)
allow the user to specify the Friction Factor (FF) range, BAF, Rheology calibration, and Mechanical
Efficiency (Eff).

Figure 4-18: Hindcast Mode Subop calculation control screen.

Clicking on the Enter Data button will pull up the data entry dialog (Figure 4-19). Users have the ability to
enter off-bottom (i.e. gathered at connections) torque and drag measurements, on bottom drilling parameters,
and periodic mud data (density/rheology readings). Hindcast Mode uses this information to feed the various
calculations, normalizing for the changes to input parameters. Note that for Drilling on-bottom scenarios, a
hindcasting analysis requires all three data sets (off-bottom, on-bottom, and mud data) to be populated.

Figure 4-19: Hindcast Mode Data entry screen for the Drilling Subop.

Tip: As in other sections, data in the hindcast section can be either manually entered or cut and paste from
Excel (or equivalent).

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4.5.1 Fill Points (Tripping Subops)

During a trip in the hole with a float in the drill string or casing, it is not uncommon for the pipe to be run a
pre-determined distance empty, and then filled with mud before continuing in the hole. Running in the hole
with partially empty pipe produces a buoyancy effect that alters the string tension as compared to a full drill
string / casing. In the Trip Subop, the user has the ability to specify the depths that the string is filled while
tripping in the hole, using the Fill Points table (Figure 4-20). This feature will take buoyancy effects into
account, producing theoretical curves that mimic actual behavior (see example, Figure 4-21). It is important
to point out that the “Fill on the Fly Below Depth” column allows the user to specify whether the string is
partly filled between “fully filled” fillup depths. For example, if there is 10 bbls of capacity in the pipe
between fill points and the driller adds 5 bbls of mud to the string while running in, the “Fill on the Fly”
column should read 50%. An input value of 0% indicates that the string is run empty between fillup depths.

Figure 4-20: Fill Points input dialog (Tripping Subop).

Figure 4-21: Example of a trip-in hindcast plot where the Fill Points feature has been used.

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4.5.2 Decimation

Very often measurements are made in the field (either downhole or at surface) at a relatively high frequency
(every 0.5 to 1.0 foot is considered “high” frequency). The decimation feature in ERA is a data sampling
tool. If field measurements are made at a high frequency (i.e. 1-foot interval) a large data set is generated
and this can slow the processing time in ERA. Often this level of detail is not required for an analysis. The
decimation feature allows the calculations to performed at a lower frequency

The Decimation feature in Hindcast Mode is accessible from the “Output” tab along the top of the Off Bottom
and On Bottom input tables (Figure 4-22). By default, the Decimate feature is turned on and the interval
length is set to 10’. Across each sequential 10’ interval, the measured data is averaged. On all plots the
average value is displayed instead of the raw values. By turning Decimate “off”, all raw data will be displayed
on plots.

Figure 4-22: Output tab of the On Bottom data calculated for a drilling operation. Note that Decimation
controls are available at the right-hand side of the table.

4.5.3 Filtering

Data that is recorded in the field often includes erroneous data points. The Filtering tool in ERA allows data
points to be ignored according to filters set by the user. By right-clicking on any column within the On
Bottom or Off Bottom data tables (Figure 4-23), filters can be set to remove entire rows of data that meet
the specified criteria. Multiple filters can be applied to columns (and/or combinations of columns). Filters
can be removed by selecting the “None” option and clicking “Ok”. Filtering is a very powerful tool to remove
erroneous or irrelevant data.

Figure 4-23: Filters dialog box, as it appears after right-clicking on the SWOB column within On Bottom
Data.

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Filters can also be applied graphically by navigating to the “Filter” tab in the plot options (accessed by double-
clicking on a plot). Click “Add Filter” then click and drag on the plot area to create a line about which to
filter data. Once a line is defined, click in the dotted blue region on either the right or left side of the line to
specify which side of the line to remove data. Multiple filters can be created graphically.

Figure 4-24: Filters can be created graphically in the “Filter” tab in the plot properties.

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4.5.4 Reorder Columns

Users have the ability to re-arrange the order that columns appear in the various input tables. By right-clicking
on any column in the header row, an option will appear to “Reorder Columns” (Figure 4-25).

Figure 4-25: Option menu that appears after right-clicking on the header row.

After selecting the “Reorder Columns” option, a dialog appears (Figure 4-26) that allows users to move
various columns up or down the list of priority. This feature can be particularly helpful when copy/pasting
large portions of data from a spreadsheet that contains a data arrangement different than the default setting
in ERA.

Figure 4-26: Reorder Columns dialog.

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5 PLANNING MODE OUTPUT

5.1 Types of Plots

Within ERA there are three different types of plots that can be generated. From the Subop calculation screen
(Figure 5-1), the following types of plots can be viewed;
1. Driller’s View (D) – Displays loads as the Driller would see them, which generally means surface
gauges) as the bit moves progressively deeper in the well. Other commonly used terminology for
this sort of plot is “tripping view” or “multi-point analysis”.
2. Snapshot View (S) – Displays loads across the entire string and/or wellbore when the bit is at a
fixed location. These sorts of plot are also sometimes referred to as “single point analysis”.
3. Gauge View (G) – Displays the load felt at a specific depth in the well or at a particular location in
the string as the bit moves progressively deeper into the well.

Figure 5-1: Plot-type selector visible on the Subop calculation screen. Each of the various types of plots are
arranged according to their respective types (Driller’s, Snapshot, and Gauge).

5.1.1 Driller’s View (D)

Driller’s View plots display the loads seen at surface over the course of an operation. These types of plots
are useful for identifying at what depth the worst-case load occurs, since often times the worst case load is
not at TD (see example, Figure 5-2). A limitation of Driller’s View is that they are not able to determine
which component in the string (or area in the wellbore) is overloaded.

Common uses of the Driller’s View plots include;

• Determining if a string can be tripped to bottom and/or pulled out for various FF’s
• Determining if a string can be rotated at any depth for various FF’s
• Predicting the pump pressure required to circulate at any depth for various flowrate
• Evaluating ECD felt at the bit while drilling / circulating
• Evaluating surge and swab effects felt at the bit while tripping in/out
• Determining the maximum WOB that can be applied without buckling the string at any depth

Driller’s View plots are also very useful tools as “roadmaps”. If the Driller’s View plot is properly set up
and calibrated. Users can add actual data points on the plot as drilling progresses and track loads (such as
hookloads, ECD, pressures) in real time in comparison to the ERA modeled values.

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Figure 5-2: Driller’s View of surface hook load while tripping casing in/out of the hole. Notice that the
minimum slackoff weight (blue curves) occurs at ~16,000’ MD, well before reaching TD. Driller’s View
plots can be quite useful in this regard, as they allow the user to identify at what depth the “worst case”
loading occurs.

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5.1.2 Snapshot View (S)

Snapshot View plots display the load applied to the entire string/wellbore when the bit is at a specific location
during an operation. Snapshot plots are useful for identifying which components in the string are approaching
various limits (see example, Figure 5-3).

Common uses of the Snapshot View plots include;

• Determining which portion(s) of the string are buckled
• Determining if a particular component or section of pipe is approaching tension limitations
• Evaluating what the pressure drop is across various component of the drill string / annulus
• Evaluating ECD felt throughout the entire wellbore when the bit is at a specific depth
• Evaluating surge and swab effects felt throughout the hole
• Determining the side forces applied to each tool joint
• Determining the minimum standoff between tool joints / centralizers
• Evaluating the total stress in any portion of the string
• Evaluating the cyclical stress (aka, bending stress) level in any portion of the string
• Determining the total amount of stretch or twist in the string
• Evaluating the minimum and maximum annular velocity

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Figure 5-3: Snapshot View of string tension tripping in (blue curves) and out (red curves) of the hole. Limits
are shaded at either extreme (buckling limits on the left, tension limits on the right). Users often use this plot
to determine which component(s) (if any) are overloaded while tripping in/out of the hole, which then allows
them to replace/reposition weak components.

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5.1.3 Gauge View (G)

Gauge View plots display the load applied at a specific location in the wellbore as the bit moves in or out of
the hole. Gauge view plots are useful for identifying the loading of a weak zone or area during an operation
(see example, Figure 5-4). In the future Gauge View plots will be expanded to handle “String View”,
meaning that the gauge location will be fixed to particular component in the string rather than a specific depth
in the wellbore.

Common uses of the Gauge View plots include;

• Determining the surge or swab load felt at a weak zone while tripping or drilling
• Evaluating the how side forces change at a particular point in the well as the bit moves deeper in the
section

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Figure 5-4: Gauge’s View of surge and swab pressure felt at a specific location (5000’ MD, or the previous
casing shoe in this case).

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5.2 Custom Mode Plots

5.2.1 Drilling: Driller’s View Plots
5.2.1.1 Hook Load

Figure 5-5: The Tension (aka Hook Load) driller’s view plot represents what the weight indicator will
display at surface as the bit moves progressively deeper through the open hole while on bottom drilling. In
this example a sensitivity analysis to WOB is shown, which is the most common sensitivity to evaluate. Users
should be on the lookout for string tension falling below the block weight or buckling threshold. The buckling
limit can be displayed by editing the “limits” tab in the plot details screen.

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5.2.1.2 Torque

Figure 5-6: The Torque driller’s view plot represents what the top drive torque gauge will display at surface
as the bit moves progressively deeper through the open hole while on bottom drilling. In this example a
sensitivity analysis to friction factor is shown, which is one of the more common sensitivity analysis users
should be concerned with. Sensitivity to WOB may also be of interest. Users should be on the lookout for
torque exceeding the top drive, makeup torque (MUT), or tube’s combined load stress limit.

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5.2.1.3 ECD

Figure 5-7: The ECD driller’s view plot represents the ECD that the bit feels at various bit depths while on
bottom drilling. In this example a sensitivity analysis to ROP is shown, which is one of the more common
sensitivity analysis users should be concerned with. Sensitivity to Flowrate and Rheology should also be
investigated, as different pipe/hole geometries will result in different parameters being more or less
important. Users should be on the lookout for ECD exceeding the fracture gradient and/or ESD falling below
pore pressure or collapse pressure (if this information is available). It is also important to point out that
temperature and pressure effects cause the fluid to have variable density downhole. The ESD curve represents
the cumulative effects of compression and thermal expansion of the fluid at various bit depths.

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5.2.1.4 SPP

Figure 5-8: The SPP driller’s view plot represents the pressure that the pumps feel at various bit depths while
on bottom drilling. In this example a sensitivity analysis to Flowrate is shown, the most common analysis.
Users should be on the lookout for pump pressure exceeding limitations of the rig surface equipment or pump
liners. In this example, both 6” (blue dashed curve/shading) and 6½” (green dashed curve/shading) diameter
liners are being evaluated. The liner limits reflect the pump’s flowrate and pressure capacity for the given
liner size. Diagonal limit lines reflect the pressure that the pump would be feel at maximum flowrate (stroke-
rate limited) for any depth. Once the pressure reaches the liner pressure rating, the limit curve becomes
vertical, as is observed with the 6 ½” liner limit at ~18400’. From this point onward, maximum flowrate is
pressure-limited, indicating that any effort to reduce pressure losses will increase flowrate potential. Many
pressure loss reduction options exist, including include larger drill pipe, thinner mud, and larger bit/BHA
TFA.

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5.2.1.5 ROP

Figure 5-9: The ROP driller’s view plot represents the calculated ROP using rock strength (if input in the
Earth Builder), WOB, RPM, Flowrate, and BAF if the “Predictive ROP” feature is turned on. Most users find
it useful to test ROP sensitivity to WOB, RPM, and Flowrate (if using a PDM) to determine which parameters
are most influential. It is critical that the prediction model be calibrated using an offset well. The two factors
that are most important to calibrate from offset analysis is the BAF and Mechanical Efficiency (Eff). If
Predictive ROP is turned off, then only the input ROP will be displayed.

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5.2.1.6 TOB

Figure 5-10: The TOB driller’s view plot represents the calculated torque on bit using rock strength (if input
in the Earth Builder), WOB, and BAF if the “Predictive ROP” feature is turned on. Most users find it useful
to test sensitivity to WOB. It is critical that the prediction model be calibrated using an offset well. The two
factors that are most important to calibrate from offset analysis is the BAF and Mechanical Efficiency (Eff).
If Predictive ROP is turned off, then only the input TOB will be displayed.

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5.2.1.7 Max WOB

Figure 5-11: The Max WOB driller’s view plot displays the maximum actual WOB (not to be confused with
perceived/surface WOB) that can be applied before some portion of the drill string reaches a limit. At present,
the sinusoidal and helical buckling limits are the only limit values that are tested. However, in the future the
fatigue endurance limit and all tool limitations will be displayed. The user-specified WOB is indicated for
reference. A WOB sensitivity is displayed in this example.

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5.2.1.8 Temperature

Figure 5-12: The Temperature driller’s view plot displays the circulating temperature at the flowline and
downhole (based on the temperature sensor location) as the section is drilled from the previous casing shoe
to TD of the section. A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed in this example.

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5.2.2 Drilling: Snapshot View Plots

5.2.2.1 Tension

Figure 5-13: The Tension snapshot plot represents the effective tension in the string from the bit to surface
while drilling. In this example a sensitivity analysis to friction factor while slide drilling (zero RPM) with
20 kips actual WOB is shown. Another common configuration for this plot is the evaluation of rotary drilling
with sensitivity to WOB. Users should be on the lookout for string tension falling into the helical buckling
region. In this example the 0.30 FF scenario (the purple curve) is helically buckled so severely that the string
is experiencing fully developed “lockup”, indicated by the curve veering off-scale into the extreme negative
tension (i.e. compression).

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5.2.2.2 Torque

Figure 5-14: The Torque snapshot plot represents the torque felt by each component in the string when the
bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling. In this example sensitivity to friction factor is shown. Sensitivity
to WOB, TOB, and BAF are also common uses of this plot. Users should be on the lookout for torque
exceeding the top drive, makeup torque (MUT), or tube’s combined load stress limit.

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5.2.2.3 ECD

Figure 5-15: The ECD snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire wellbore when
the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling. This plot is important to consider since certain circumstances
such as tapered strings and/or tapered wellbores can create situations where ECD can be higher shallow in
the well than at the bit. It is also important to point out that temperature and pressure effects cause the fluid
to have variable density downhole. The ESD curve represents the cumulative effects of compression and
thermal expansion of the fluid, as opposed to the localized density at any particular depth. In the example
shown here sensitivity to ROP is used.

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5.2.2.4 Friction Pressure

Figure 5-16: The Friction Pressure snapshot plot represents the pressure generated from friction while
circulating through the drill string, bit, and annulus when the bit is at a fixed depth while drilling. The curves
on the left-hand side of the plot represent friction generated in the annulus. The gap between the curves on
the left and the curves on the right represents the pressure drop across the bit and any near-bit flow restrictors.
The curves on the right represent the pressure loss through the drill pipe, BHA, and any downhole tools. The
shaded vertical lines represent the pressure limit of the pump liners that have been selected in the Rig Options
feature.

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5.2.2.5 Total Pressure

Figure 5-17: The Total Pressure snapshot is similar to the friction pressure snapshot with the exception that
hydrostatic pressure is included so that total pressure inside the annulus and drill string is displayed.

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5.2.2.6 Annular Velocity (AV)

Figure 5-18: The Annular Velocity (AV) snapshot plot indicates the average velocity of the fluid in the
annulus when the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling. Limits for minimum and “ideal” hole cleaning
are indicated by the dashed red and green vertical lines, which are linked to the hole inclination (minimum
and ideal criteria changes above/below 30o inclination). The minimum AV to prevent barite sag is also
indicated by the dashed brown line. The example shown here is a sensitivity analysis to flowrate, which is
the most common application of this analysis.

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5.2.2.7 Twist

Figure 5-19: The Twist snapshot plot shows the cumulative angular strain (aka, “twist”) in the drill string as
a result of torque when the bit is located at a fixed depth while rotary drilling. In this example sensitivity to
friction factor is used. The value of the curve at surface represents the total number of revolutions that must
be put into the drill string beyond a neutral (i.e. torque-free) state in order to initiate movement at the bottom
of the string/bit. For example, for the 0.25 FF case approximately 20 revolutions are required at surface in
order to initiate rotation downhole. This plot can be very useful for manipulating downhole tools (mechanical
liner hangers, packers, etc.) or optimizing the setup of “rocking” systems used to enhance slide-drilling
performance.

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5.2.2.8 Side Force

Figure 5-20: The Side Force snapshot plot indicates the side force applied to each tool joint (which is
dependent on pipe joint length) when the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling. In this example
sensitivity to WOB is used. The grey shaded area represents the industry-accepted guideline of 2000 lbs. per
tool joint as a threshold value to reduce the risk of excessive casing and tool-joint wear. Users should strive
to manage side forces below the 2000 lbs. threshold value, especially if an extended number of revolutions
are expected across a particular interval (i.e. if the combination of high RPM and low ROP is expected).
Alternatively, non-rotating devices should be placed across intervals where side forces exceed the threshold
value to mitigate excessive wear.

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5.2.2.9 Standoff

Figure 5-21: The Absolute Standoff snapshot plot indicates the minimum distance from the tube to the
wellbore between contact points (tool joints, connections, or centralizers) while drilling. The dashed black
line represents the tube standoff immediately adjacent to the contact point. A sensitivity to WOB is shown
here. Users should be on the lookout for the tube contacting the wellbore (i.e. zero standoff), which will
rapidly accelerate tube wear.

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5.2.2.10 VME 

Figure 5-22: The Von Mises Equivalent (VME) Stress snapshot plot indicates the total stress in the pipe
when the bit is located at a fixed location while drilling. The VME equation sums all sources of stress (axial,
torsional, bending, radial, and hoop) and is used to compare total stress to the yield strength of the material,
which is represented by the grey shaded area in the plot above, labeled “Pipe MYS (Minimum Yield Stress)
Limit”. The dark shaded area represents the material MYS and the lighter shaded area represents the MYS
divided by the Design Factor. Users should be on the lookout for total VME stress approaching/exceeding
the MYS limit.

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5.2.2.11 Bending 

Figure 5-23: The Bending Stress snapshot plot indicates the bending stress in the pipe when the bit is located
at a fixed location while drilling. Bending stress can be the result of curvature in the well path or due to the
helical shape of the pipe when severely buckled. In the example above a WOB sensitivity is used to evaluate
bending stress in the pipe for a smooth, planned well path. Notice that the only location experiencing bending
stress is the build section from 3000’ to 4000’ MD. Bending stress decreases as WOB is applied because
Bending Stress Magnification (BSM) is taken into account (SPE 22547). Users should be on the lookout for
bending stress approaching/exceeding the fatigue endurance limit of the material (grey shaded area).
Operating for an extended period of time with bending stress in excess of the fatigue endurance limit can
result in a fatigue failure/washout/twist off in the string. Note: the bending stress limit displayed is adjusted
based on the material selected and the mean (axial) stress but does not take into account impurities present
in the pipe.

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5.2.2.12 Temperature

Figure 5-24: The Temperature snapshot view plot displays the circulating temperature inside the drill pipe
(solid curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves). A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed in this deep-water
example.

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5.2.2.13 Flow Regime

Figure 5-25: The Flow Regime snapshot view plot displays the Reynolds number in the drill pipe (solid
curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves). Threshold values indicating the onset of transitional flow and
fully-turbulent flow in the annulus are also shown in red. A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed in this example.

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5.2.2.14 Rheology

Figure 5-26: The Rheology snapshot view plot displays the rheology of the fluid inside the drill pipe (solid
curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves). In this deep-water example we have a complex temperature
profile and have enabled HTHP fluid characterization, which results in non-linear rheological behavior.

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5.2.2.15 ECD Tornado

Figure 5-27: The ECD Tornado snapshot plot illustrates the potential drilling ECD changes by varying
individual operating parameters. The parameters are automatically ranked from most-influential on the top
of the plot to the least influential at the bottom of the plot.

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5.2.3 Tripping: Drillers View Plots

5.2.3.1 Hook load

Figure 5-28: The Tension (aka Hook Load if block weight is entered) driller’s view plot represents what the
weight indicator will display at surface as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while
tripping. In this example a sensitivity analysis to friction factor is shown, which is the most common
sensitivity to evaluate. Users should be on the lookout for slackoff (blue curves) falling below the block
weight or pickup (red curves) exceeding the tube tension limit. Both slackoff and pickup curves can be
adjusted to demonstrate pure axial motion (zero rotary speed) or combined axial/rotational motion (aka,
“reaming”) by ensuring that Run Speed and RPM are both set to >0. If the Hydraulic Lift option is turned on
in the Settings menu, users will also note that string tension becomes sensitive to run speed and rheology due
to surge/swab effects.

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5.2.3.2 Torque

Figure 5-29: The Torque driller’s view plot represents what the top drive torque gauge will display at surface
as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while tripping. In this example a sensitivity
analysis to friction factor is shown, which is one of the more common sensitivity analysis users should be
concerned with. Users should be on the lookout for torque exceeding the top drive, makeup torque (MUT),
or tube’s combined load stress limit. This plot can be somewhat confusing when reaming (combined axial
and rotational motion) is modeled, as in this example. Essentially there are 3 different groups of torque
curves, each representing different combinations of motion (reaming up, reaming down, and stationary
rotation). To reduce confusion users are encouraged to remove curves that are not of interest by accessing
the Curves tab in the Plot Details dialog.

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5.2.3.3 ECD

Figure 5-30: The ECD driller’s view plot represents the surge/swab ECD that the bit feels at various bit
depths while tripping. In this example a sensitivity analysis to trip speed is shown, which is one of the more
common sensitivity analysis users should be concerned with. Users should be on the lookout for surge ECD
(i.e. slackoff – blue curves) exceeding the fracture gradient and/or swab ECD (i.e. pickup – red curves) falling
below pore pressure or collapse pressure (if this information is available). In the example above flowrate is
set to zero. To simulate pumping or reaming in/out of the well, the user must adjust flowrate and rotary speed
accordingly. If the Mechanical Earth Model (MEM) has been configured in the Earth Builder, the user has
the ability to display a synthetic caliper and/or pseudo-image that is driven off of the calculated swab load
that is imposed on the borehole.

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Figure 5-31: In order to display the Pseudo Caliper and/or Synthetic Image log, first click on Manage Data
from within the Plot Details dialog, and then check the graphs to be displayed alongside the ECD graph.

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5.2.3.4 SPP

Figure 5-32: The SPP driller’s view plot represents the pressure that the pumps feel at various bit depths
while circulating off bottom. In this example a sensitivity analysis to Flowrate is shown, the most common
analysis. Users should be on the lookout for pump pressure exceeding limitations of the rig surface
equipment or pump liners. In this example 6” diameter liners are being evaluated. The liner limits reflect the
pump’s flowrate and pressure capacity for the given liner size. Diagonal limit lines reflect the pressure that
the pump would be feel at maximum flowrate (stroke-rate limited) for any depth.

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5.2.3.5 Effective Volume

Figure 5-33: The Effective Volume driller’s view plot represents the minimum number of Bottoms Up (BU)
that must be circulated prior to tripping at any bit depth in order to ensure that the wellbore is sufficiently
clean so as to avoid difficulty tripping. The algorithm is based heavily on inclination and the MD/TVD ratio
of the well path. Certain factors that influence hole cleaning are not taken into account in the model, including
cuttings size, cuttings dispersion (in WBM), and wellbore instability. The model assumes that appropriate
high-angle hole cleaning parameters are being used, in line with K&M guidelines (150-200 ft/min annular
velocity, >120 rpm rotary speed “big hole”, and low shear rate viscosity 0.8-1.2xhole size). If actual hole
cleaning parameters fall outside the prescribed range, cleanup calculations will be inaccurate.

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5.2.3.6 Cleanup Time

Figure 5-34: Similar to the Effective Volume plot, the Cleanup Time driller’s view plot represents the
minimum time in hours necessary to achieve the prescribed number of Bottoms Up needed to clean the hole
prior to tripping. In this example, sensitivity to flowrate is used. The same limitations that exist for the
Effective Volume calculation also exist for the Cleanup Time calculation.

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5.2.3.7 Relative Stretch

Figure 5-35: The Relative Stretch driller’s view plot represents the amount of motion observed at surface
before the end of the string will begin to move at various bit depths. Due to tension changes in the string
associated with friction, the length of the string changes depending on the direction of motion. Although the
driller is not able to observe the total length change, the relative change in length can be observed. Two
families of curves exist; the relative length change observed when moving from a slack off condition to a
pickup condition (blue curves) and the relative length change observed when moving from a neutral condition
(i.e. rotating off bottom / ROB) to a pickup condition (red curves). This plot is useful for manipulating
downhole tools, such as gravel pack tools, liner hangers, packers, etc. The plot can also be used to determine
if it is possible to move the bit after making a connection. If the space between the top of the top drive and
the crown block is less than the relative stretch, the bit cannot be moved by simply picking up the string after
a connection.

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5.2.3.8 Absolute Stretch

Figure 5-36: Like the Relative Stretch plot, the Absolute Stretch driller’s view plot represents the total
change in length of the drill string compared to the length of the pipe tally. Depending on the well conditions,
absolute stretch for the slackoff operation can either be positive or negative. Absolute stretch for the pickup
condition will always be positive.

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5.2.3.9 Temperature

Figure 5-37: The Temperature driller’s view plot displays the static geothermal temperature profile unless a
flowrate value >0 is used, indicating that the string is being washed in/out of the hole. The circulating
temperature at the flowline and downhole (based on the temperature sensor location) is displayed if flowrate
is >0. A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed in this example.

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5.2.4 Tripping: Snapshot View Plots

5.2.4.1 Tension

Figure 5-38: The Tension snapshot plot represents the effective tension in the string from the bit to surface
while tripping in or out of the hole. In this example a sensitivity analysis to friction factor is shown. Users
should be on the lookout for string tension falling into the helical buckling region. In this example the 0.30
FF scenario (the left-hand blue curve) is slightly helically buckled near surface, but not so severely that fully
developed lockup has occurred. Another condition users should be concerned with is the pickup tension (red
curves) approaching the string tension limit (shaded grey area). When tension exceeds the tension limit,
yielding of the material and potential permanent damage to the pipe may occur.

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5.2.4.2 Torque

Figure 5-39: The Torque snapshot plot represents the torque felt by each component in the string when the
bit is located at a fixed depth while rotating off bottom (green curves), reaming out/backreaming (red curves),
or reaming in the hole (blue curves). In this example sensitivity to friction factor is shown. Sensitivity to trip
speed and RPM are also common uses of this plot. Users should be on the lookout for torque exceeding the
top drive, makeup torque (MUT), or tube’s combined load stress limit.

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5.2.4.3 ECD

Figure 5-40: The ECD snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire wellbore when
the bit is located at a fixed depth while tripping in/out of the hole. This plot is important to consider since
certain circumstances such as tapered strings and/or tapered wellbores can create situations where surge/swab
ECD can be more severe shallow in the well than at the bit. In the example shown here sensitivity to trip
speed is used.

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5.2.4.4 Friction Pressure

Figure 5-41: The Friction Pressure snapshot plot represents the pressure generated from friction while
circulating through the drill string, bit, and annulus when the bit is at a fixed depth while tripping in/out of
the hole. The curves on the left-hand side of the plot represent friction generated in the annulus. The gap
between the curves on the left and the curves on the right represents the pressure drop across the bit and any
near-bit flow restrictors. The curves on the right represent the pressure loss through the drill pipe, BHA, and
any downhole tools. The shaded vertical lines represent the pressure limit of the pump liners that have been
selected in the Rig Options feature. In this example an exceptionally high trip speed has been used in order
to highlight separation between the three different directions of motion.

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5.2.4.5 Total Pressure

Figure 5-42: The Total Pressure snapshot is similar to the friction pressure snapshot with the exception that
hydrostatic pressure is included so that total pressure inside the annulus and drill string is displayed.

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5.2.4.6 Twist

Figure 5-43: The Twist snapshot plot shows the cumulative angular strain (aka, “twist”) in the drill string as
a result of torque when the bit is located at a fixed depth while reaming in/out of the hole. In this example
sensitivity to friction factor is used. The value of the curve at surface represents the total number of
revolutions that must be put into the drill string beyond a neutral (i.e. torque-free) state in order to initiate
movement at the bottom of the string/bit. This plot can be very useful for manipulating downhole tools
(mechanical liner hangers, packers, etc.).

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5.2.4.7 Side Force

Figure 5-44: The Side Force snapshot plot indicates the side force applied to each tool joint (which is
dependent on pipe joint length) when the bit is located at a fixed depth while tripping in/out of the hole. In
this example sensitivity to FF is used. The grey shaded area represents the industry-accepted guideline of
2000 lbs. per tool joint as a threshold value to reduce the risk of excessive casing and tool-joint wear. Users
should strive to manage rotating side forces below the 2000 lbs. threshold value, especially if an extended
number of revolutions are expected across a particular interval (i.e. if the combination of high RPM and low
trip speed is expected). Alternatively, non-rotating devices should be placed across intervals where side
forces exceed the threshold value in order to mitigate excessive wear.

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5.2.4.8 Absolute Standoff

Figure 5-45: The Absolute Standoff snapshot plot indicates the minimum distance from the tube to the
wellbore between contact points (tool joints, connections, or centralizers) while tripping. The dashed black
line represents the tube standoff immediately adjacent to the contact point. A sensitivity to FF is shown here.
Users should be on the lookout for the tube contacting the wellbore (i.e. zero standoff), which will rapidly
accelerate tube wear if the string is being rotated, or expose the string to elevated risk of differential sticking
if the contact occurs across permeable formations.

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5.2.4.9 Relative Standoff (Casing Only)

Figure 5-46: The Relative Standoff snapshot plot indicates the minimum relative distance from the tube to
the wellbore wall in-between contact points (tool joints, connections, or centralizers) while tripping in/out of
the well. The dashed black line represents the tube standoff immediately adjacent to the contact point. A
sensitivity to FF is shown here. This plot is most often used to optimize centralizer size and placement
frequency in order to achieve the desired standoff target to minimizing channeling during cement placement.
Traditionally engineers have targeted relative standoff of 70-80%, and even >90% for critical cement jobs.

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5.2.4.10 VME 

Figure 5-47: The Von Mises Equivalent (VME) Stress snapshot plot indicates the total stress in the pipe
when the bit is located at a fixed location while tripping or reaming in/out of the hole. The VME equation
sums all sources of stress (axial, torsional, bending, radial, and hoop) and is used to compare total stress to
the yield strength of the material, which is represented by the grey shaded area in the plot above, labeled
“Pipe MYS (Minimum Yield Stress) Limit”. The dark shaded area represents the material MYS and the
lighter shaded area represents the MYS divided by the Design Factor. Users should be on the lookout for
total VME stress approaching/exceeding the MYS limit. Note that in Tripping Mode, the VME Plot has been
simplified to show only the curves\ at the base case friction factor. Users can choose to display other friction
factor curves by double-clicking on the plot and selecting the “Curves” tab.

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5.2.4.11 Bending 

Figure 5-48: The Bending Stress snapshot plot indicates the bending stress in the pipe when the bit is located
at a fixed location while tripping or reaming in/out of the hole. Bending stress can be the result of curvature
in the well path or due to the helical shape of the pipe when severely buckled. In the example above a FF
sensitivity is used. Notice that the only location experiencing bending stress is the build section from 3000’
to 4000’ MD. Bending stress increases as additional tension is applied across the curve while picking up.
This is because Bending Stress Magnification (BSM) is taken into account (SPE 22547) when calculating
bending stress. Users should be on the lookout for bending stress approaching/exceeding the fatigue
endurance limit of the material (grey shaded area) when the string is being rotated (non-rotating operations
do not present an issue). Operating for an extended period of time with bending stress in excess of the fatigue
endurance limit can result in a fatigue failure/washout/twist off in the string.

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5.2.4.12 Absolute Stretch

Figure 5-49: The Absolute Stretch snapshot plot indicates the total elongation in the string relative to the
tallied length when the bit is at a fixed location while tripping in/out of the hole.

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5.2.4.13 Collapse (Casing Only)

Figure 5-50: The Casing Collapse snapshot plot indicates the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic (i.e. hydrostatic
plus friction from surge effects) collapse load on the pipe while tripping in the hole. This analysis is typically
only used when evaluating the risk of collapse while using the buoyancy assist (aka, “flotation”) method to
install casing. Collapse loads are then compared to the collapse limit (grey shaded area) of the pipe, which is
de-rated for tension and bending stress.

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5.2.4.14 Temperature

Figure 5-51: The Temperature snapshot view plot displays the circulating temperature inside the drill pipe
(solid curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves). A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed in this deep-water
example. If flowrate is set to 0, internal and external temperature/pressure is identical, which will result in
the two curves overlaying each other.

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5.2.4.15 Flow Regime

Figure 5-52: The Flow Regime snapshot view plot displays the Reynolds number in the drill pipe (solid
curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves). Threshold values indicating the onset of transitional flow and
fully-turbulent flow in the annulus are also shown in red. A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed in this example.
If flowrate is set to 0, internal and external temperature/pressure is identical, which will result in the two
curves overlaying each other.

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5.2.4.16 Rheology

Figure 5-53: The Rheology snapshot view plot displays the rheology of the fluid inside the drill pipe (solid
curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves). In this deep-water example we have a complex temperature
profile and have enabled HTHP fluid characterization, which results in non-linear rheological behavior. If
flowrate is set to 0, internal and external temperature/pressure is identical, which will result in the two curves
overlaying each other.

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5.2.4.17 Surge or Swab ECD Tornado

Figure 5-54: The Surge/Swab ECD Tornado snapshot plot illustrates the potential surge (for casing runs) or
swab (for drill strings) tripping ECD changes by varying individual operating parameters. The parameters
are automatically ranked from most-influential on the top of the plot to the least influential at the bottom of
the plot

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5.2.5 Cementing: Drillers View Plots

5.2.5.1 Hook load

Figure 5-55: The Tension (aka Hook Load if Block Weight is specified in the Rig Builder) driller’s view
plot represents what the weight indicator will display at surface as the cement job is pumped, beginning with
the spacer and ending with the top plug landing on the float collar. In this example a sensitivity analysis to
cement FF is shown, which is the most common sensitivity to evaluate. This example has also specified that
run speed is >0, which means that the string is being reciprocated during cement placement. A run speed of
zero will result in only a single curve being plotted, representing the change in neutral tension due to fluid
density/buoyancy changes. Users should be on the lookout for string tension falling below the block weight
on the down stroke or exceeding tension limits on the upstroke.

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5.2.5.2 Torque

Figure 5-56: The Torque driller’s view plot represents what the top drive torque gauge will display at surface
as the cement job is pumped, beginning with the spacer and ending with the top plug landing on the float
collar. In this example a sensitivity analysis to cement FF is shown, which is the most common sensitivity to
evaluate. This example has also specified that run speed is >0, which means that the string is being
reciprocated during cement placement. A run speed of zero will result in only the ROB curves being plotted.
Users should be on the lookout for torque approaching/exceeding the string or top drive limits.

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5.2.5.3 ECD

Figure 5-57: The ECD driller’s view plot represents the ECD that the bottom of the casing/liner feels as the
cement job is pumped, beginning with the spacer and ending with the top plug landing on the float collar. In
this example a sensitivity analysis to displacement rate is shown, which is one of the more common sensitivity
analysis users should be concerned with. Sensitivity to Rheology should also be investigated, as different
pipe/hole geometries will result in different parameters being more or less important. Users should be on the
lookout for ECD exceeding the fracture gradient and/or ESD falling below pore pressure or collapse pressure.

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5.2.5.4 SPP

Figure 5-58: The SPP driller’s view plot represents pump pressure as the cement job is pumped, beginning
with the spacer and ending with the top plug landing on the float collar. In this example a sensitivity analysis
to displacement rate is shown, which is the most common analysis. Users should be on the lookout for pump
pressure exceeding limitations of the rig or cement unit.

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5.2.5.5 Temperature

Figure 5-59: The Temperature driller’s view plot represents the flowline and bottom hole temperature as the
cement job is pumped, beginning with the spacer and ending with the top plug landing on the float collar. In
this example a sensitivity analysis to displacement rate is shown, which is the most common analysis.

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5.2.6 Cementing: Snapshot View Plots

5.2.6.1 Tension

Figure 5-60: The Tension snapshot plot represents the effective tension in the string from the bit to surface
at a particular point during the placement of the cement. In this example a sensitivity analysis to friction
factor when the cement is in place. Users should be on the lookout for string tension falling into the helical
buckling region on the down stroke or exceeding tube or connection limits on the up stroke. It is particularly
helpful to “drag” the leading edge of the cement up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel for how loads
change during cement placement. Adjustment of the position of the slurry can be achieved by left-clicking
on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.2 Torque

Figure 5-61: The Torque snapshot plot represents the torque felt by each component in the string at a
particular point during the placement of the cement. In this example sensitivity to friction factor is shown at
the end of the cement job. Users should be on the lookout for torque exceeding the top drive, makeup torque
(MUT), or tube’s combined load stress limit. It is particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge of the cement
up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel for how loads change during cement placement. Adjustment of
the position of the slurry can be achieved by left-clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.3 ECD

Figure 5-62: The ECD snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire wellbore at a
particular point during the cement job. In the example shown here sensitivity to displacement rate is used. It
is particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge of the cement up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel
for how loads change during cement placement. Adjustment of the position of the slurry can be achieved by
left-clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.4 Friction Pressure

Figure 5-63: The Friction Pressure snapshot plot represents the pressure generated from friction while
circulating through the drill string and annulus when the string is at a fixed depth at a particular point of the
cement job. The curves on the left-hand side of the plot represent friction generated in the annulus. The gap
between the curves on the left and the curves on the right represents the pressure drop across restrictions in
the shoe track (i.e. float collar). The curves on the right represent the pressure loss through the string. It is
particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge of the cement up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel for
how loads change during cement placement. Adjustment of the position of the slurry can be achieved by left-
clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.5 Total Pressure

Figure 5-64: The Total Pressure snapshot is similar to the friction pressure snapshot with the exception that
hydrostatic pressure is included so that total pressure inside the annulus and string is displayed.

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5.2.6.6 Side Force

Figure 5-65: The Side Force snapshot plot indicates the side force applied to each tool joint (which is
dependent on pipe joint length) when the bit is located at a fixed at a particular point during cement placement.
In this example sensitivity to cement FF is used. The grey shaded area represents the industry-accepted
guideline of 2000 lbs. per tool joint as a threshold value to reduce the risk of excessive casing and tool-joint
wear. Users should strive to manage side forces below the 2000 lbs. threshold value, especially if an extended
number of revolutions are expected during the cement job. Alternatively, non-rotating devices should be
placed across intervals where side forces exceed the threshold value in order to mitigate excessive wear. It is
particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge of the cement up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel for
how loads change during cement placement. Adjustment of the position of the slurry can be achieved by left-
clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.7 Absolute Standoff

Figure 5-66: The Absolute Standoff snapshot plot indicates the minimum distance from the tube to the
wellbore between contact points (tool joints, connections, or centralizers) at a particular point during the
cement job. The dashed black line represents the tube standoff immediately adjacent to the contact point. A
sensitivity to cement FF is shown here. Users should be on the lookout for the tube contacting the wellbore.
It is particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge of the cement up/down the annulus/drill string to get a
feel for how loads change during cement placement. Adjustment of the position of the slurry can be achieved
by left-clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.8 Relative Standoff

Figure 5-67: The Relative Standoff snapshot plot indicates the relative distance from the tube to the wellbore
between contact points (tool joints, connections, or centralizers) at a particular point during the cement job.
The dashed black line represents the tube standoff immediately adjacent to the contact point. Standoff of
100% indicates that the pipe is centered in the wellbore. A sensitivity to cement FF is shown here. Users
should be on the lookout for standoff falling below ~70% during the cement job, which increases the risk of
poor mud removal and cement channeling. It is particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge of the cement
up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel for how loads change during cement placement. Adjustment of
the position of the slurry can be achieved by left-clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.9 VME 

Figure 5-68: The Von Mises Equivalent (VME) Stress snapshot plot indicates the total stress in the pipe
when the bit is located at a fixed location at a particular point during the cement job. The VME equation
sums all sources of stress (axial, torsional, bending, radial, and hoop) and is used to compare total stress to
the yield strength of the material, which is represented by the grey shaded area in the plot above, labeled
“Pipe MYS (Minimum Yield Stress) Limit”. The dark shaded area represents the material MYS and the
lighter shaded area represents the MYS divided by the Design Factor. Users should be on the lookout for
total VME stress approaching/exceeding the MYS limit. It is particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge
of the cement up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel for how loads change during cement placement.
Adjustment of the position of the slurry can be achieved by left-clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.10 Bending 

Figure 5-69: The Bending Stress snapshot plot indicates the bending stress in the pipe when the bit is located
at a fixed location at a particular point during the cement job. Bending stress can be the result of curvature in
the well path or due to the helical shape of the pipe when severely buckled. Users should be on the lookout
for bending stress approaching/exceeding the fatigue endurance limit of the material (grey shaded area).
Operating for an extended period of time with bending stress in excess of the fatigue endurance limit can
result in a fatigue failure/washout/twist off in the string. It is particularly helpful to “drag” the leading edge
of the cement up/down the annulus/drill string to get a feel for how loads change during cement placement.
Adjustment of the position of the slurry can be achieved by left-clicking on the fluids on the string schematic.

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5.2.6.11 Temperature

Figure 5-70: The Temperature snapshot view plot displays the circulating temperature inside the casing/liner
(solid curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves) during the cement job. A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed
in this example.

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5.2.6.12 Flow Regime

Figure 5-71: The Flow Regime snapshot view plot displays the Reynolds number inside the casing/liner
(solid curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves) during the cement job. Threshold values indicating the onset
of transitional flow and fully-turbulent flow in the annulus are also shown in red. A Flowrate sensitivity is
displayed in this example.

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5.2.6.13 Rheology

Figure 5-72: The Rheology snapshot view plot displays the rheology of the fluid inside the casing/liner (solid
curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves) during the cement job. In this deep-water example we have a
complex temperature profile and have enabled HTHP fluid characterization, which results in non-linear
rheological behavior.

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5.2.7 Packer Setting: Snapshot View Plots

5.2.7.1 Tension

Figure 5-73: The Tension snapshot plot represents the effective tension in the string from the bit to surface
during the packer setting operation. In this example a sensitivity analysis to WOB (which is really weight
on the packer). Another common configuration for this plot is sensitivity to FF. Users should be on the
lookout for string tension falling into the helical buckling region. In this example the 60 kips WOB scenario
(the purple curve) is helically buckled, which will significantly impact torque, side forces, bending stress,
etc.

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5.2.7.2 Torque

Figure 5-74: The Torque snapshot plot represents the torque felt by each component in the string during the
packer setting operation, assuming the string is being rotated. In this example sensitivity to WOB is shown.
Sensitivity to FF is also a common use of this plot. Users should be on the lookout for torque exceeding the
top drive, makeup torque (MUT), or tube’s combined load stress limit. In this example torque is markedly
higher for the 60 kips WOB case because the lower portion of the string is helically buckled.

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5.2.7.3 ECD

Figure 5-75: The ECD snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire wellbore during
the packer setting operation if the string is being circulated. This plot is seldom used for packer setting
operations.

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5.2.7.4 Side Force

Figure 5-76: The Side Force snapshot plot indicates the side force applied to each tool joint (which is
dependent on pipe joint length) during the packer setting operation. In this example sensitivity to WOB is
used. The grey shaded area represents the industry-accepted guideline of 2000 lbs. per tool joint as a threshold
value to reduce the risk of excessive casing and tool-joint wear. Users should strive to manage side forces
below the 2000 lbs. threshold value, especially if an extended number of revolutions are expected across a
particular interval. Alternatively, non-rotating devices should be placed across intervals where side forces
exceed the threshold value in order to mitigate excessive wear. In this scenario side forces are quite high at
the bottom of the string for the 60 kips WOB case as a result of helical buckling.

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5.2.7.5 Bending 

Figure 5-77: The Bending Stress snapshot plot indicates the bending stress in the pipe during the packer
setting. Bending stress can be the result of curvature in the well path or due to the helical shape of the pipe
when severely buckled. In the example above a WOB sensitivity is used to evaluate bending stress in the
pipe for a smooth, planned well path. Notice that near the bottom of the string bending stress is quite high
for the 60 kips WOB case, which is the result of helically buckled pipe.

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5.2.7.6 VME 

Figure 5-78: The Von Mises Equivalent (VME) Stress snapshot plot indicates the total stress in the pipe
during the packer setting operation. The VME equation sums all sources of stress (axial, torsional, bending,
radial, and hoop) and is used to compare total stress to the yield strength of the material, which is represented
by the grey shaded area in the plot above, labeled “Pipe MYS (Minimum Yield Stress) Limit”. The dark
shaded area represents the material MYS and the lighter shaded area represents the MYS divided by the
Design Factor. Users should be on the lookout for total VME stress approaching/exceeding the MYS limit.

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5.2.7.7 Twist

Figure 5-79: The Twist snapshot plot shows the cumulative angular strain (aka, “twist”) in the drill string as
a result of torque during the packer setting process (assuming the string is being rotated). In this example
sensitivity to WOB is used. The value of the curve at surface represents the total number of revolutions that
must be put into the drill string beyond a neutral (i.e. torque-free) state to initiate movement at the bottom of
the string/bit. For example, for 20-50 kips WOB, approximately 14 revolutions are required at surface to
initiate rotation downhole. The 60 kips WOB case is inconsistent with the other scenarios because
significantly higher torque is applied to the string as a result of helical buckling of the running string near the
top of the packer.

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5.2.7.8 Stretch

Figure 5-80: The Absolute Stretch snapshot plot indicates the elongation/contraction in the string relative to
the tallied length during the packer setting operation. A sensitivity analysis to WOB is shown here.

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6 EXECUTION MODE CONTROLS

This section is devoted to discussing parametric inputs as well as specialized features and options in
Execution Mode. It has been assumed that users are already familiar with Planning Mode controls, plots, and
input. This section is devoted to discussing the features that are unique to Execution Mode. Please review
Sections 2, 3, and 4 of this manual for further details regarding common calculation controls and plot
manipulation.

6.1 Getting Started

6.1.1 Overview
Execution mode was originally developed to support K&M’s onsite “Hole Condition Monitoring” service.
Many K&M ERD Advisors use ERA daily to monitor clients’ wells and provide technical advice based on
the output of ERA’s T&D and hydraulics models. Execution mode can also be used by commercial users for
monitoring their own wells or hindcasting previously drilled wells. The primary feature of Execution mode
is that it allows input of measured data for comparison to modeled values, which can aid in identifying
problems before they happen while constructing a well. ERA also forecasts key loads to the planned TD of
an operation.

6.1.2 Enabling Execution Mode

Assuming that a well design has already been generated and resides on the project Desktop, users must first
create an Execution Mode version of the well design. Simply right-click on any well design on the project
Desktop, which will pull up a list of options. Select “Execute” (Figure 6-1).

Figure 6-1: Project Desktop before and after generating an “Execution” well design.

6.2 Summary Grid Controls

When users open an Execution Well Design for the first time, they may notice a very similar look and feel
as compared to a Planning Well Design. Initially, an Execution Well Design will perform all the same
functions as a Planning Well Design. However, there are two controls available on the Summary Grid that
are only available in Execution mode;
1. Op Management
2. Op Execute

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6.2.1 Op Management
The lowermost quarter of the Summary Grid screen contains the “Op Management” table. After clicking on
any particular Hole Section, the Op Management table will appear (Figure 6-2). Users can edit the table
using the control buttons to the left. The intent of Op Management is to allow multiple bit/BHA runs in a
single hole section. The start/end depth columns allow the user to define the start and end depths of each run.
By default, the start of one run begins at the same depth that the previous run ends.

Figure 6-2: Summary Grid screen showing the Op Management table at the bottom.

Figure 6-3: Op Management table after editing the “End Depth” of Run 1 and clicking “Add Drill Op”. The
system automatically sets a “Start Depth” for Run 2 at the end of Run 1 and sets the End Depth for Run 2 at
the end of the hole section specified in the Wellbore Builder.

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6.2.2 Op Execute
When the user is ready to enter field data, they must first right-click on an Op and select “Execute” (Figure
6-4). Doing so will result in a different look to the summary grid. Each Op that is executed will contain three
subops; Trip In, Drill, and Trip Out (Figure 6-5). Actual field data can be input within each of these Subops.

Figure 6-4: Right-Click menu selection to execute an Operation.

Figure 6-5: Summary Grid after the 12¼” hole Op has been executed.

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6.3 Data Entry

In executed mode ERA allows users the ability to input measured data from the rig so that the actual
measurements can be compared to the model. This allows the user to determine actual friction factors,
compare measured SPP and ECD to the model, calculate surge/swab loads and much more. ERA allows users
the ability to enter measured data in two ways: depth/volume-based entry and time-based entry.
Depth/volume-based data entry allows the user to enter data at discrete bit depths (or cumulative volume for
cementing). This method of entry is often used when data is collected manually on the rig by the driller at
every stand (or similar increment) while tripping or drilling. The time-based data entry mode uses data
exported from an electronic drilling recorder such as Totco™ or Pason™ to populate the data table on a time
basis; this method of entry is helpful when hindcasting wells or intervals already drilled, or when manual
data collection is not being performed at the rig site. The user can input data in either mode, or both modes
and ERA will combine the entries accordingly. This can be handy in situations where the bulk of data is
imported on a time basis, but data such as flowline/suction/downhole temperatures are gathered manually
every few stands while drilling. The user can manually input the temperature data in the “Depth” tab and
they will be combined with the time data on a depth basis.

6.3.1 Depth/Volume Based Data

Depth based data can be entered in the data page of each respective subop by clicking the “Depth” tab above
the data table (Figure 6-6).

Figure 6-6: Depth based data is entered in the “Depth” tab of the Data Page.

Data entry for each subop varies somewhat, so details for each subop follow.

6.3.1.1 Trip In Data

The data page (Figure 6-7) allows users to manually enter or cut/paste measured operational parameters
during a trip in the hole. Data input is divided into three regions:
Slackoff - The primary data entry table. Compulsory inputs are Depth and Hookload. If Trip speed is entered
ERA will also calculate surge load during the trip in, as well as correct for hydraulic lift effects. If the string
is being washed/reamed into the hole, then flowrate and surface RPM also must be entered. Torque, SPP,

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and ECD are not required entries, but these values (if measured) will be plotted alongside theoretical values
for comparison. If Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) techniques are being used, Static MPD (pressure
applied at connections while in slips) and Dynamic MPD (pressure applied while running in) can be entered.
Fill Points – Defines the depths at which the string is filled up. By default, ERA assumes the string is kept
full while tripping in (i.e. filling on the fly). However, if the string is filled at intervals (every 2000’ or so),
simply enter the depths that the string is filled and enter 0% for “Fill on the Fly Below Depth”, indicating
that mud is not pumped into the string between points.
Mud – Defines the density and rheology of the fluid in the hole during the trip in.

Figure 6-7: Depth Based Trip In Data Page screen.

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6.3.1.2 Drilling Data

The Data Page (Figure 6-8) allows users to manually enter or cut/paste measured operational parameters
while drilling.

Figure 6-8: Drilling Subop Data Page

Data input is divided into three regions;

Off Bottom Data - This table is where pickup/slackoff data that is recorded at connections can be entered.
If stands are reamed (as opposed to moved up/down with the rotary OFF), the trip speed and RPM used can
be entered by unchecking the “simplify” box. Users may also wish to enter Equivalent Static Density (ESD)
data that is recorded during connections if a PWD tool is used.
Tip: It is important to note that if users are attempting to use ERA’s “Downhole MSE” capabilities, good-
quality slackoff and off bottom torque data are a prerequisite, as these recorded values are used to back-
calculate the axial and torsional friction factors in the well (information that is necessary to calculate
weight/torque losses along the string).
On Bottom Data – This table is where drilling parameters that are recorded while the bit is physically on
bottom drilling are recorded. Many parameters can be recorded, but only certain parameters are necessary
for certain types of calculations. The core calculations of interest and the necessary parameters are as follows;
• Hydraulics
o Flowrate
o Surface RPM
o ROP
o Differential Pressure (if using a PDM)
o Mud Properties
• Inferred Downhole MSE (in addition to Hydraulics inputs)
o Surface WOB
o Surface Torque
• Measured Downhole MSE

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o Downhole WOB
o Downhole Torque
• Thermal Model Calibration
o Downhole Temperature (from M/LWD tool)
o Flowline Temperature
o Suction Temperature (optional)
Mud – Defines the density and rheology of the fluid at various stages as the section is drilled. By unchecking
the “Simplify” box, users can also enter a variety of other mud properties (that do not directly impact any
calculations).
Tip: To ensure accurate hydraulics and ESD calculations it is important that the sample temperature is
included whenever mud density values are input. The density of both OBM and WBM are sensitive to
temperature – failure to account for “reference conditions” can cause noticeable errors in hydraulics
predictions.

6.3.1.3 Trip Out Data

The data page (Figure 6-9) allows users to manually enter or cut/paste measured operational parameters
during a trip in the hole. Data input is divided into two regions;
Pickup - The primary data entry table. Compulsory inputs are Depth and Hookload. If Trip speed is entered
ERA will also calculate swab load during the trip out, as well as correct for hydraulic lift effects. If the string
is being backreamed out of the hole, then flowrate and surface RPM also must be entered. Torque, SPP, and
ECD are not required entries, but these values (if measured) will be plotted alongside theoretical values for
comparison. If Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) techniques are being used, Static MPD (pressure applied
at connections while in slips) and Dynamic MPD (pressure applied while running in) can be entered.
Mud – Defines the density and rheology of the fluid in the hole during the trip out.

Figure 6-9: Trip Out Data Page.

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6.3.1.4 Casing Trip In Data

The data page (Figure 6-10) allows users to manually enter or cut/paste measured operational parameters
during a trip in the hole. Data input is divided into three regions;
Slackoff - The primary data entry table. Compulsory inputs are Depth and Hookload. If Trip speed is entered
ERA will also calculate surge load during the trip in, as well as correct for hydraulic lift effects. If the string
is being washed and/or reamed into the hole, then flowrate and surface RPM also must be entered. Torque,
SPP, and ECD are not required entries, but these values (if measured) will be plotted alongside theoretical
values for comparison. If Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) techniques are being used, Static MPD (pressure
applied at connections while in slips) and Dynamic MPD (pressure applied while running in) can be entered.
Fill Points – Defines the depths at which the string is filled up. By default, ERA assumes the string is kept
full while tripping in (i.e. filling on the fly). However, if the string is filled at intervals, simply enter the
depths that the string is filled and enter 0% for “Fill on the Fly Below Depth”, indicating that mud is not
pumped into the string between points.
Mud – Defines the density and rheology of the fluid in the hole during the trip in.

Figure 6-10: Casing Trip In Data Page.

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6.3.1.5 Casing Cementing Data

The data page for Cementing (Figure 6-11) allows users to manually enter or cut/paste measured operational
parameters during cement placement. Unlike other Subops, the Cementing Subop requires users to input
measured parameters based on the cumulative volume pumped during the job. As a minimum the flowrate
must be specified for each data entry, but users are also able to enter measured pump pressure, torque/RPM
(if rotating the string), and trip speed (if reciprocating the string).

Figure 6-11: Casing Cementing Data Page.

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6.3.2 Time Based Data

Time based data allows the user to import time-based data files from an electronic drilling recorder such as
Totco™ or Pason™ to automatically populate the measured data fields in subops of executed well designs.
The time-based data entry method is ideal for hindcasting whole wells or intervals that were drilled without
manual data collection. ERA can parse large sets of drilling recorder data to automatically capture relevant
torque, drag and hydraulic data needed for analyzation.

Time based data resides in the program at the project level, which means time data entered for a project can
be used for any executed well design in that project. Since time-based data files can be large, having them
reside at the project level instead of at the well design level allows the user to copy well designs without
repeated copying of the potentially large datasets.

To enter time-based data, click on the “Time Data” icon on the project desktop or click on the “Time data”
tab on the “Overview” screen within a well design.

Figure 6-12: Time based data can be accessed via the project desktop or within the well design.

The “Time Data” window (Figure 6-13) is where the user can import sets of time data, segregate the data
according to operation, filter the data to capture the relevant points and assign those relevant data to their
respective subop so they can affect the plots.

Figure 6-13: The time data window.

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1. Dataset Selection Dropdown – This dropdown allows the user to select separate datasets. The
addition or deletion of datasets can be achieved by using the “+” and “-“ buttons, respectively.
2. Data Button – This button opens the data table for the dataset specified in the Dataset
dropdown selector. Once in the data table, the user can copy/paste data from excel (or similar),
import data from .las or .csv files, export data and clean up data.
3. Subop Region – This table lists data segregated to subops. Clicking the “+” button adds an
entry to the table, which is used to specify a particular subop (Trip in, Drilling, Trip out).
4. Radio Buttons & Time Reference Box - These radio buttons switch the plot view between
“Segregation” mode and “Rig State Filters” mode. “Segregation” mode shows how the data is
segregated between subops while the “Rig State Filters” mode shows how the data has been
filtered into useful “Bins” such as Pickup and Slackoff data. Clicking the “Time Reference”
box (or right clicking on the plot) will enable a blue vertical line spanning all the plots
containing text callouts specifying data for each channel at that particular time. The line can be
disabled by unchecking the “Time Reference” box.
5. Plot Region – Plots showing the time data reside here. The plots can be switched to show how
the data is segregated by subop or by “Rig State Bin” by clicking the radio buttons discussed in
(4). Double click on a plot to see plot options, turn plots on/off and modify scales.
6. Copy to Clipboard – This button copies the set of plots so that the image can be pasted in other
applications like MS Word.

6.3.2.1 Time Data Entry Process

The time data entry process consists of three general steps:

1. Creating the dataset and importing data
2. Segregating the data by Subop
3. Checking and modifying Rig State Filters

Step 1 – Creating the dataset and importing data: Open the time data window from inside a well design
by clicking the “Time Data” tab as shown in Figure 6-12. By default, ERA creates a dataset called “Default
Dataset”. New datasets can be added by clicking the “+” button and datasets can be deleted by clicking the
“-“ button. Choose the desired dataset from the dropdown and click the “Data” button (Figure 6-14, Label 1
below) to open the data management window. From the data management window, the desired time data can
be either be pasted directly into the table or the Import feature can be used easily parse .las and .csv files. In
this mode ERA will attempt to read the column titles and relate those to channels in ERA. Move the desired
channels from the “Available Data” table to the “Selected Data” table by using the selection arrows (label 3
below). Check that the channels are mapped correctly with the appropriate units and click “Ok” to import.

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Figure 6-14: The time data importing process.

Step 2 – Segregating the Data by Subop: Once the data has been imported it needs to be segregated by
subop to direct ERA how to apply filters to extract the desired data points. Start this process by clicking the
“+” button in the “Subop” region to add a subop. Choose the type of subop (Trip In, Drilling or Trip Out)
from the dropdown box in the “Subop” column. When a subop is defined, a blue region is shaded in the plot
area; this region represents the data range for the chosen subop. Drag the vertical line on the left side of the
shaded blue region to define the beginning of the subop and drag the right side of the blue area to define the
end of the chosen subop. With the region defined, select the executed subop that corresponds to the data
(Figure 6-15). Continue this process sequentially for all desired subops.

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Figure 6-15: Drag the boundaries of the blue highlighted region to define the subop data range.

Tip: Region selection is best done sequentially by dragging the blue region from the right side of the plot to
the desired end point. The start point of the subop can be adjusted by dragging the left side of the blue shaded
region.

Step 3 – Checking and modifying Rig State Filters

After defining the data range(s) for all applicable subops, the next step is to check the filtering rules to ensure
the data points are being correctly extracted from the dataset; this is done with “Rig State Filters”. Click the
radio button next to “Rig State Filters” to enter this mode.

ERA uses three methods to filter data: Thresholds, Binning Rules and Manual. The threshold method allows
users to set channel values to zero if they are less than the specified values. This is useful for channels that
may log some nonzero value even when the equipment is turned off. This is sometimes seen in flowrate data
where the pumps show strokes although they are off, or in torque or RPM channels that show values greater
than zero when the top drive is stopped.

Binning is a method of filtering data that moves data into “Bins”; these Bins tell ERA where to send the data
within subops. This is the method by which ERA extracts pickup, slackoff and rotating data from the dataset
so that they can be overlaid on the subop plots. The binning rules are a sequential set of conditions that work
to separate the data into the appropriate bins (i.e. the rules are applied in order, from top to bottom). All data
begins as unclassified, or in the “Undefined” Bin, and is moved according to the binning rules into target
bins. The target bins direct the data to the appropriate place in the subop data page. ERA is stocked with a
default set of binning rules so ideally the user will not have to make major modifications, but ERA allows
the user the freedom to make custom rules and rule sets based on his/her data.

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Figure 6-16: The binning process categorizes data into “Bins” based on filtering rules. All data is categorized
as “undefined” by default.

Manual filtering allows the user to manually assign data to a specified bin based on the time range. Choose
a target bin and subop then click a starting point and endpoint on the plot to move all data in that time range
to the specified bin.

Once the filtering rules have been checked and modified if needed, the time data should be available to view
in the subop Hindcast/Look Ahead Plots.

6.4 Hindcast/Look Ahead (HC/LA) Plots

6.4.1 Trip in HC/LA Plots

Output of the Trip In Subop can be viewed and manipulated in the “Hindcast/Lookahead” (HC/LA) screen
(Figure 6-17). The intent of all HC/LA plots is to display recorded parameters such as Hookload, Torque,
etc. alongside predicted value, normalized for operating conditions (such as trip speed or flowrate for
example). The other feature of the HC/LA plots is that they display a forecast of the predicted values all the
way to TD of the operation, even if the operation is only partly completed. In Figure 6-17 the string is being
tripped in to ~12800’ but has only progressed to ~10,000’.

The forecast portion of the plots (i.e. below the bit depth displayed on the schematic) utilized the “Base Case”
parameters that are defined in the “Hindcast/Lookahead” controls on the bottom portion of the screen. Each
plot (discussed in more detail in Section 7) displays different types of sensitivity analysis. Depending on the
type of plot being viewed, the “Increment” (Inc) value will dictate the step size of the two sensitivity curves
higher and lower than the base case value.

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Figure 6-17: Trip In Hindcast/Lookahead (HC/LA) screen.

6.4.1.1 Tripping Circulations

Executed trip in subops allow for modeling of mid-trip circulation points. This modeling may be desirable
when staging out fluids left in the hole from the previous trip out to ensure ECD limits are not exceeded.
Adding a circulation point will switch the plots to volume-based results that show the effects of pumping
this fluid schedule around. Fluids left in place after the circulation point will be displayed in the Fluid
profile window and will affect the overall trip in results.

To add a circulation point, click the “Add Circulation” button near the top of the well drawing (No.1 in
Figure 6-7). When a circulation point is initially added, a new page will appear showing the volume-based
results for that circulation. By default, no circulation fluid is defined, so an “Error” message appears on the
plots. Enter a circulation fluid schedule via the “Fluid Schedule” button and dialog (Figure 6-18).

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Figure 6-18. Adding a tripping circulation point redirects to show volume-based results for that circulation.
No tripping fluid is defined by default, so an error message appears. Click “Fluid Schedule” to define the
circulation fluids.

At least one fluid (in addition to the displacement fluid) should be defined in the fluid schedule. Some
common circulation examples follow:

• For displacing out a slug or pill left in the hole:

1. Choose any mud from the library then click “Scenario Mud” to change its properties to that in
the mud tanks. Click “Scenario Mud” for the displacement fluid as well.
2. Enter some small volume (like 1 bbl) for this mud.
3. Click the “Displace to Surface” button. This will run the volume calculations until the 1 bbl of
mud defined in Step 1 is out of the hole.

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Figure 6-19. A typical Fluid Schedule setup for circulating out a slug or pill left in the hole.

• For spotting a pill in the hole:

1. Choose the pill mud from the library and enter its volume in the first row.
2. Choose the displacement fluid if different than the scenario mud.
3. Enter the proper displacement volume or click “Displace to bit” to model pumping the pill to
just out of the drill string.

Figure 6-20. A typical Fluid Schedule setup for spotting a pill in the hole.

Once the fluid schedule is defined, the results can be viewed in the HC/LA window (Figure 6-21). Clicking
the icon or the “Back to Trip In” button will bring you back to the primary tripping HC/LA page and
show tripping results including the effects of fluids left in the hole after the tripping circulation. Any fluids

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left in the hole at the conclusion of the circulation point will be reflected in the fluid profile for the
remaining trip (Figure 6-22).

Each circulation point carries its own unique set of data and results. Individual circulation point details can
be accessed by clicking the icon on the wellbore drawing. Right clicking on the icon gives the
option to delete a circulation point. Circulation depths can be modified by clicking on the gear icon above
the parameters table (no. 1 in Figure 6-21)

Figure 6-21. Volume-based results of a tripping circulation point.

Figure 6-22. Any fluids left in the hole at the conclusion of the tripping circulation will be reflected in the
fluid profile.

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6.4.2 Drill Subop HC/LA Plots

6.4.2.1 Off Bottom Hindcast/Look Ahead (HC/LA)

The Off-Bottom HC/LA button will display the measured off bottom data overlaid on the theoretical models
of Torque and Drag (Figure 6-23). Users can manipulate the key parameters that dictate the forecast portion
of the output via the control panel on the lowermost portion of the screen.

Figure 6-23: Drilling Off Bottom HC/LA screen.

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6.4.2.2 On Bottom Hindcast/Look Ahead (HC/LA)

The On-Bottom HC/LA button will display the measured on-bottom (i.e. drilling) data overlaid on the
theoretical T&D and hydraulics models (Figure 6-24). Users can manipulate the key parameters that dictate
the forecast portion of the output via the control panel on the lowermost portion of the screen.

Figure 6-24: Drilling On Bottom HC/LA screen.

6.4.2.3 Sweeps

ERA allows for modeling of pumping sweeps while on bottom drilling. To add a sweep, click the “Add
Sweep” button near the top of the well drawing (Number 1 on Figure 6-24). When a circulation point is
initially added, a new page will appear showing the volume-based results for that circulation. By default, no
circulation fluid is defined, so an “Error” message appears on the plots. Enter a circulation fluid schedule
via the “Fluid Schedule” button and dialog (Figure 6-18).

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Figure 6-25. Adding a sweep redirects to show volume-based results for that sweep. No sweep fluid is
defined by default, so an error message appears. Click “Fluid Schedule” to define the sweep fluid(s).

At least one sweep fluid must be defined. By default, ERA assumes all specified sweep fluids will be
circulated until out of the hole, so only define the fluid for the sweep itself and not displacement fluid (Figure
6-26).

Figure 6-26. Only the sweep fluid should be defined in the Sweep Fluid Schedule.

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After defining the fluid schedule, the volume-based results can be viewed on the HC/LA page (Figure 6-27).
Clicking the icon or the “Back to Drilling” button will return to the main drilling HC/LA page. Since
ERA assumes the sweep is fully circulated out of the hole, the effects of the sweep(s) are not seen on the
main drilling HC/LA plots, but each sweep is annotated on the quick view plots for reference.

Each sweep carries its own unique set of data and results. Individual sweep details can be accessed by clicking
the icon on the wellbore drawing. Right clicking on the icon gives the option to delete a sweep.
Sweep depths can be modified by clicking on the gear icon above the parameters table (no. 1 in Figure 6-27)

Figure 6-27. Volume-based results for pumping a sweep around.

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6.4.3 Trip Out HC/LA Plots

Output of the Trip Out Subop can be viewed and manipulated in the “Hindcast/Lookahead” (HC/LA) screen
(Figure 6-28). The intent of all HC/LA plots is to display recorded parameters such as Hookload, Torque,
etc. alongside predicted value, normalized for operating conditions (such as trip speed or flowrate for
example). The other feature of the HC/LA plots is that they display a forecast of the predicted values to the
end of the operation (to surface in the case of tripping out), even if the operation is only partly completed. In
Figure 6-28 the string is being backreamed out but has only progressed to ~17,000’. Lookahead (aka,
Forecast) curves are displayed from 17,000’ back to surface.

The forecast portion of the plots (i.e. above the bit depth displayed on the schematic) utilize the “Base Case”
parameters that are defined in the “Hindcast/Lookahead” controls on the bottom portion of the screen. Each
plot (discussed in more detail in Section 7) displays different types of sensitivity analysis. Depending on the
type of plot being viewed, the “Increment” (Inc) value will dictate the step size of the two sensitivity curves
higher and lower than the base case value.

Figure 6-28: Trip Out HC/LA screen.

6.4.3.1 Tripping Circulations

Executed trip out subops allow for modeling of mid-trip circulation points. This modeling may be desirable
when spotting pills or circulating sweeps mid-trip. Adding a circulation point will switch the plots to
volume-based results that show the effects of pumping this fluid schedule. Fluids left in place after the
circulation point will be displayed in the Fluid profile window and will affect the overall trip out results.

To add a circulation point, click the “Add Circulation” button near the top of the well drawing (No.1 in
Figure 6-7). When a circulation point is initially added, a new page will appear showing the volume-based
results for that circulation. By default, no circulation fluid is defined, so an “Error” message appears on the
plots. Enter a circulation fluid schedule via the “Fluid Schedule” button and dialog (Figure 6-29).

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Figure 6-29. Adding a tripping circulation point redirects to show volume-based results for that circulation.
No tripping fluid is defined by default, so an error message appears. Click “Fluid Schedule” to define the
circulation fluids.

At least one fluid (in addition to the displacement fluid) should be defined in the fluid schedule. Some
common circulation examples follow:

• For circulating out a slug or pill left in the hole:

1. Choose any mud from the library then click “Scenario Mud” to change its properties to that in
the mud tanks. Click “Scenario Mud” for the displacement fluid as well.
2. Enter some small volume (like 1 bbl) for this mud.
3. Click the “Displace to Surface” button. This will run the volume calculations until the 1 bbl of
mud defined in Step 1 is out of the hole.

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Figure 6-30. A typical Fluid Schedule setup for circulating out a slug or pill left in the hole.

• For spotting a pill in the hole:

1. Choose the pill mud from the library and enter its volume in the first row.
2. Choose the displacement fluid if different than the scenario mud.
3. Enter the proper displacement volume or click “Displace to bit” to model pumping the pill to
just out of the drill string.

Figure 6-31. A typical Fluid Schedule setup for spotting a pill in the hole.

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Once the fluid schedule is defined, the results can be viewed in the HC/LA window (Figure 6-32). Clicking
the icon or the “Back to Trip Out” button will bring you back to the primary tripping HC/LA page
and show tripping results including the effects of fluids left in the hole after the tripping circulation. Any
fluids left in the hole at the conclusion of the circulation point will be reflected in the fluid profile for the
remaining trip (Figure 6-32).

Each circulation point carries its own unique set of data and results. Individual circulation point details can
be accessed by clicking the icon on the wellbore drawing. Right clicking on the icon gives the
option to delete a circulation point. Circulation depths can be modified by clicking on the gear icon above
the parameters table (no. 1 in Figure 6-32).

Figure 6-32. Volume-based results of a tripping circulation point.

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Figure 6-33. Any fluids left in the hole at the conclusion of the tripping circulation will be reflected in the
fluid profile.

6.4.4 Casing Trip In HC/LA Plots

Output of the Casing Trip In Subop can be viewed and manipulated in the “Hindcast/Lookahead” (HC/LA)
screen (Figure 6-34). The intent of all HC/LA plots is to display recorded parameters such as Hookload,
Torque, etc. alongside predicted value, normalized for operating conditions (such as trip speed or flowrate).
The other feature of the HC/LA plots is that they display a forecast of the predicted values all the way to TD
of the operation, even if the operation is only partly completed. In Figure 6-14 the string is being tripped in
to ~16000’ but has only progressed to ~10,000’.

The forecast portion of the plots (i.e. below the bit depth displayed on the schematic) utilized the “Base Case”
parameters that are defined in the “Hindcast/Lookahead” controls on the bottom portion of the screen. Each
plot (discussed in more detail in Section 7) displays different types of sensitivity analysis. Depending on the
type of plot being viewed, the “Increment” (Inc) value will dictate the step size of the two sensitivity curves
higher and lower than the base case value.

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Figure 6-34: Casing Trip In HC/LA Screen.

6.4.5 Casing Cementing HC/LA Plots

Output of the Casing Cementing Subop can be viewed and manipulated in the “Hindcast/Lookahead”
(HC/LA) screen (Figure 6-35). The intent of all HC/LA plots is to display recorded parameters such as Pump
Pressure, Hookload, Torque, etc. alongside predicted value, normalized for operating conditions (such as trip
speed or flowrate). The other feature of the HC/LA plots is that they display a forecast of the predicted values
all the way to the end of the job, even if the displacement is only partly completed. In Figure 6-16 the total
cement job calls requires ~4500 bbls pumped, but only 2500 bbls have been pumped thus far.

The forecast portion of the plots (i.e. beyond the current displacement on the schematic) utilized the “Base
Case” parameters that are defined in the “Hindcast/Lookahead” controls on the bottom portion of the screen.
Each plot (discussed in more detail in Section 7) displays different types of sensitivity analysis. Depending
on the type of plot being viewed, the “Increment” (Inc) value will dictate the step size of the two sensitivity
curves higher and lower than the base case value.

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Figure 6-35: Casing Cementing HC/LA Screen.

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7 EXECUTION MODE OUTPUT

7.1 Types of Plots

Within Execution Mode in ERA there are three different types of plots that can be generated. From the Subop
calculation screen (Figure 7-1), the following types of plots can be viewed;
1. Driller’s View (D) – Displays loads as the Driller would see them, which generally means surface
gauges) as the bit moves progressively deeper in the well. Other commonly used terminology for
this sort of plot is “tripping view” or “multi-point analysis”. Once Drilling Subops are executed,
both “Off Bottom” and “On Bottom” plots can be viewed.
2. Snapshot View (S) – Displays loads across the entire string and/or wellbore when the bit is at a
fixed location. These sorts of plot are also sometimes referred to as “single point analysis”. Once
Drilling Subops are executed, both “Off Bottom” and “On Bottom” plots can be viewed.
3. Gauge View (G) – Displays the load felt at a specific depth in the well or at a particular location in
the string as the bit moves progressively deeper into the well. Note that the Gauge View is only
available for un-executed Subops.

Figure 7-1: Plot-type selector visible on the Subop calculation screen. Each of the various types of plots are
arranged according to their respective types (Driller’s, Snapshot, and Gauge).

7.1.1 Driller’s View (D)

Driller’s View plots display the loads seen at surface over the course of an operation (Figure 7-2). These
types of plots are useful for identifying at what depth the worst-case load occurs, since often times the worst
case load is not at TD. Since measured data is overlaid on top of the theoretical load predictions, users can
quickly identify whether the model has been properly calibrated and what (if any) abnormal behavior is
present that may need to be taken into account.

A limitation of Driller’s View is that they are not able to determine which component in the string (or area
in the wellbore) is overloaded. The Snapshot View (7.1.2) is intended to give users the ability to analyze
loads across the entire string at any specific bit depth.

Common uses of the Driller’s View plots include;

• Determining whether friction factors are remaining constant or changing as the well is being drilled,
which can be an early indicator of hole cleaning and/or wellbore instability problems
• Determining if a string can be tripped to bottom and/or pulled out for various FF’s
• Determining if a string can be rotated at any depth for various FF’s
• Predicting the pump pressure required to circulate at any depth for various flowrate
• Evaluating ECD felt at the bit while drilling / circulating
• Evaluating surge and swab effects felt at the bit while tripping in/out
• Determining the maximum WOB that can be applied without buckling the string at any depth

Driller’s View plots are also very useful tools as “roadmaps”. If the Driller’s View plot is properly set up
and calibrated. Users can add actual data points on the plot as drilling progresses and track loads (such as
hookloads, ECD, pressures) in real time in comparison to the ERA modeled values.

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Figure 7-2: Driller’s View of surface hook load while tripping the drill string in/out of the hole. Notice that
the measured pickup and slackoff values deviate from the theoretical trends at ~6,000’ and ~8,800’, which
often indicates insufficient hole cleaning. Notice the lookahead modeled curves are offset beginning at
10,000’. A trip occurred at 10,000’ and a change was made to the drill string/BHA configuration, changing
the lookahead model to reflect the new string.

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7.1.2 Snapshot View (S)

Snapshot View plots display the load applied to the entire string/wellbore when the bit is at a specific location
during an operation. Snapshot plots are useful for identifying which components in the string are approaching
various limits (see example, Figure 7-3).

Common uses of the Snapshot View plots include;

• Determining which portion(s) of the string are buckled
• Determining if a particular component or section of pipe is approaching tension limitations
• Evaluating what the pressure drop is across various component of the drill string / annulus
• Evaluating ECD felt throughout the entire wellbore when the bit is at a specific depth
• Evaluating surge and swab effects felt throughout the hole
• Determining the side forces applied to each tool joint
• Determining the minimum standoff between tool joints / centralizers
• Evaluating the total stress in any portion of the string
• Evaluating the cyclical stress (aka, bending stress) level in any portion of the string
• Determining the total amount of stretch or twist in the string
• Evaluating the minimum and maximum annular velocity

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Figure 7-3: Snapshot View of string tension tripping in (blue curves) and out (red curves) of the hole. Limits
are shaded at either extreme (buckling limits on the left, tension and slip crush limits on the right). Users
often use this plot to determine which component(s) (if any) are overloaded while tripping in/out of the hole,
which then allows them to replace/reposition weak components. The thick, dark SO, PU, and ROB curves
represent the loads throughout the string at friction factors that were measured at a specific bit depth (8,884’
in this case).

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7.1.3 Gauge View (G)

Gauge View plots display the load applied at a specific location in the wellbore as the bit moves in or out of
the hole. Gauge view plots are useful for identifying the loading of a weak zone or area during an operation
(see example, Figure 7-4). In the future Gauge View plots will be expanded to handle “String View”,
meaning that the gauge location will be fixed to particular component in the string rather than a specific depth
in the wellbore.

Common uses of the Gauge View plots include;

• Determining the surge or swab load felt at a weak zone while tripping or drilling
• Evaluating the how side forces change at a particular point in the well as the bit moves deeper in the
section

Figure 7-4: Gauge’s View of swab pressure felt at a specific location (16,562’ MD, or TD in this case). The
string was backreamed from TD to 8,000’. The string will then be tripped on elevators from 8,000’ to surface.

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7.2 Plots

7.2.1 Drilling: Driller’s View Plots

7.2.1.1 Off Bottom Hook Load

Figure 7-5: The Tension (aka Hook Load) driller’s view plot represents what the weight indicator will
display at surface as the bit moves progressively deeper through the open hole while moving the string
up/down off bottom (at connections). In this example a sensitivity analysis to FF is shown. Users should be
on the lookout for string tension falling below the block weight or buckling threshold. The buckling limit can
be displayed by editing the “limits” tab in the plot details screen. Notice that the measured pickup and slackoff
values deviate from the theoretical trends at ~6,000’ and ~8,800’, which often indicates insufficient hole
cleaning.

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7.2.1.2 Off Bottom Torque

Figure 7-6: The Torque driller’s view plot represents what the top drive torque gauge will display at surface
as the bit moves progressively deeper through the open hole while rotating the string off bottom (at
connections). In this example a sensitivity analysis to friction factor is shown. Users should be on the lookout
for torque exceeding the top drive, makeup torque (MUT), or tube’s combined load stress limit.

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7.2.1.3 Off Bottom Friction Factor

Figure 7-7: The Friction Factor driller’s view plot represents the back-calculated pickup (PU), slackoff (SO),
and Torque (TQ) friction factors from observed hookload and torque measurements. The base-case friction
factors used for the look ahead calculations are also show, represented by the vertical dashed lines.

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7.2.1.4 Off Bottom Relative Stretch

Figure 7-8: The Relative Stretch driller’s view plot represents the change in length of the drill string as the
pipe is moved from stationary rotating state (ROB) to being picked up (red curves) at various bit depths.
Likewise, the relative change in length as the string is moved from a slackoff condition to a pickup condition
(blue curves). These relative length changes can be observed by the driller at surface.

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7.2.1.5 Off Bottom Absolute Stretch

Figure 7-9: The Absolute Stretch driller’s view plot represents the total change in length of the drill string
due to tension/compression compared to the tallied length of the pipe (i.e. theoretical depth).

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7.2.1.6 Off Bottom Twist

Figure 7-10: The Twist driller’s view plot represents the total number of revolutions required at surface in
order to initiate rotation at the bit for any particular bit depth. This calculation assumes that the string starts
in a neutral state and does not contain any “trapped” torque.

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7.2.1.7 Temperature

Figure 7-11: The Temperature driller’s view plot displays the circulating temperature at the flowline and
downhole (based on the temperature sensor location) as the section is drilled. Actual measurements (the
Hindcast region) are represented by the filled circles and theoretical loads are represented by solid curves.
Note that the “measured” and “actual” suction temperatures are turned off by default but can be displayed by
turning them on within the “curves” menu.

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7.2.1.8 SPP Flowrate

Figure 7-12: The SPP Flowrate driller’s view plot represents the pressure that the pumps feel at any bit depth
at various flowrates while on bottom drilling. In the Hindcast region users should be on the lookout for
divergence between theoretical and actual SPP. In the Lookahead region users should be on the lookout for
pump pressure exceeding limitations of the rig surface equipment or pump liners.

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7.2.1.9 SPP Rheology

Figure 7-13: The SPP Rheology driller’s view plot represents the pressure that the pumps feel at any bit
depth for various degrees of rheology fluctuation (thicker and thinner) while on bottom drilling. In the
Hindcast region users should be on the lookout for divergence between theoretical and actual SPP. In the
Lookahead region users should be on the lookout for pump pressure exceeding limitations of the rig surface
equipment or pump liners.

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7.2.1.10 ECD Flowrate

Figure 7-14: The ECD Flowrate driller’s view plot represents the Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) bit feels
at any bit depth at various flowrates while on bottom drilling. In the Hindcast region users should be on the
lookout for divergence between theoretical and actual ECD. In the Lookahead region users should be on the
lookout for ESD and/or ECD exceeding the earth’s geomechanical limits (pore, collapse, or fracture
gradients).

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7.2.1.11 ECD Rheology

Figure 7-15: The ECD Rheology driller’s view plot represents the Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) bit feels
at any bit depth for various degrees of rheology fluctuation while on bottom drilling. In the Hindcast region
users should be on the lookout for divergence between theoretical and actual ECD. In the Lookahead region
users should be on the lookout for ESD and/or ECD exceeding the earth’s geomechanical limits (pore,
collapse, or fracture gradients).

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7.2.1.12 ECD ROP

Figure 7-16: The ECD ROP driller’s view plot represents the Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) bit feels at
any bit depth at various rates of penetration while on bottom drilling. In the Hindcast region users should be
on the lookout for divergence between theoretical and actual ECD. In the Lookahead region users should be
on the lookout for ESD and/or ECD exceeding the earth’s geomechanical limits (pore, collapse, or fracture
gradients).

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7.2.1.13 WOB

Figure 7-17: The WOB driller’s view plot displays the measured surface WOB and measured downhole
WOB (if available as part of the LWD package). Theoretical WOB as calculated by the T&D engine is also
displayed (blue curve). The maximum surface WOB that can be applied prior to the onset of some portion of
the drill string experiencing helical buckling is also displayed (red shaded area).

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7.2.1.14 Rotary Speed

Figure 7-18: The Rotary Speed driller’s view plot represents measured surface (i.e. top drive) rotary speed
as well as the measured downhole rotary speed (if available as part of the LWD package). The theoretical
downhole RPM is also displayed, as calculated from the motor performance curve, flowrate, and differential
pressure if a motor is being used in the BHA.

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7.2.1.15 ROP

Figure 7-19: The ROP driller’s view plot represents the measured ROP in the Hindcast region and the
theoretical ROP (using the Predictive ROP model) in the Hindcast and Lookahead region if CCS/UCS has
been entered in the earth builder. The ROP model must be calibrated by adjusting the mechanical efficiency
(Eff) and Bit Aggressivity Factor (BAF) to produce reliable results.

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7.2.1.16 MSE

Figure 7-20: The MSE driller’s view plot displays the calculated MSE at the bit by back-calculating the
WOB, torque on bit (TOB), and RPM at the bit using the T&D and hydraulics engine. MSE at the bit can
also be calculated using the motor performance curve / differential pressure if a downhole motor is used.
Furthermore, MSE at the bit can will be displayed if downhole WOB / TOB measurements are available.
Surface MSE is also calculated, but not displayed by default.

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7.2.1.17 DOC

Figure 7-21: The Depth of Cut (DOC) driller’s view plot displays the back-calculated depth of cut using the
measured ROP and bit RPM in the Hindcast region. The bit’s DOC limit is also displayed (vertical dashed
line).

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7.2.1.18 Torque FF

Figure 7-22: The Drilling Torque driller’s view plot represents the calculated torque surface torque while on
bottom drilling compared to the measured surface torque while drilling in the Hindcast region. The predicted
surface torque while drilling is projected in the Lookahead region.

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7.2.1.19 TOB

Figure 7-23: The Torque on Bit (TOB) driller’s view plot represents the calculated torque on bit using rock
strength (if input in the Earth Builder), WOB, and BAF if the “Predictive ROP” feature is turned on. Likewise,
the back-calculated bit torque using the torque and drag engine (“tnd”) and/or motor differential pressure
(∆P) are also shown.

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7.2.1.20 Minimum Cleanup Volume

Figure 7-24: The Minimum Cleanup Volume plot represents the minimum number of annular volumes
(“bottom’s up”) that must be circulated to clean the well sufficiently in order to avoid problems tripping. The
calculation assumes that adequate flowrate, rotary speed, and low-end mud rheology are being used and that
the hole is relatively in-gauge.

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7.2.1.21 Minimum Cleanup Time

Figure 7-25: The Minimum Cleanup Time plot represents the minimum number of hours of continuous
circulation required to clean the well prior to tripping for various flowrates.

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7.2.2 Drilling: Snapshot View Plots

7.2.2.1 Temperature

Figure 7-26: The Temperature snapshot plot indicates the geothermal / static temperature (yellow curve),
simulated temperature in the drill string (solid teal curve) and annulus (dashed teal curve), as well as the
measured downhole and flowline temperatures (brown and blue dots, respectively) at a specific bit depth.

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7.2.2.2 Flow Regime

Figure 7-27: The Flow Regime snapshot view plot displays the Reynolds number in the drill pipe (solid
curve) and in the annulus (dashed curves) for the flowrate used at a particular bit depth. Threshold values
indicating the onset of transitional flow and fully-turbulent flow in the annulus are also shown in red.

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7.2.2.3 Rheology

Figure 7-28: The Rheology snapshot view plot displays the rheology of the fluid inside the drill pipe (solid
curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves). In this example we have a complex temperature profile and have
enabled HTHP fluid characterization, which results in non-linear rheological behavior.

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7.2.2.4 Friction Pressure Flowrate

Figure 7-29: The Friction Pressure snapshot plot represents the pressure generated from friction while
circulating through the drill string, bit, and annulus when the bit is at a fixed depth while drilling. The dashed
curves on represent friction generated in the annulus. The gap between the curves on the left and the curves
on the right represents the pressure drop across the bit and any near-bit flow restrictors. The solid curves
represent the pressure loss through the drill pipe, BHA, and any downhole tools. The shaded vertical lines
represent the pressure limit of the pump liners that have been selected in the Rig Options feature.

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7.2.2.5 ECD Flowrate

Figure 7-30: The ECD Flowrate snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire
wellbore when the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling, and shows ECD sensitivity to flowrate.
Temperature and pressure effects cause the fluid to have variable density and viscosity downhole. The ESD
curve represents the cumulative effects of compression and thermal expansion of the fluid, as opposed to the
localized density at any particular depth.

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7.2.2.6 ECD Rheology

Figure 7-31: The ECD Rheology snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire
wellbore when the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling, and shows ECD sensitivity to mud rheology
fluctuations. Temperature and pressure effects cause the fluid to have variable density and viscosity
downhole. The ESD curve represents the cumulative effects of compression and thermal expansion of the
fluid, as opposed to the localized density at any particular depth.

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7.2.2.7 ECD ROP

Figure 7-32: The ECD ROP snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire wellbore
when the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling, and shows ECD sensitivity to ROP. Temperature and
pressure effects cause the fluid to have variable density and viscosity downhole. The ESD curve represents
the cumulative effects of compression and thermal expansion of the fluid, as opposed to the localized density
at any particular depth.

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7.2.2.8 Tension WOB

Figure 7-33: The Tension WOB snapshot plot represents the effective tension in the string from the bit to
surface while drilling, with sensitivity to WOB.

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7.2.2.9 Torque FF

Figure 7-34: The Torque FF snapshot plot represents the torque felt by each component in the string when
the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling with sensitivity to friction factor. Users should be on the
lookout for torque exceeding the top drive, makeup torque (MUT), or tube’s combined load stress limit.

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7.2.2.10 Side force WOB

Figure 7-35: The Side Force WOB snapshot plot indicates the side force applied to each tool joint (which is
dependent on pipe joint length) when the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling, with sensitivity to
WOB. Users should strive to manage side forces below the 2000 lbs. threshold value inside cased hole,
especially if an extended number of revolutions are expected across a particular interval (i.e. if the
combination of high RPM and low ROP is expected). Alternatively, non-rotating devices should be placed
across intervals where side forces exceed the threshold value in order to mitigate excessive wear.

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7.2.2.11 Bending Stress WOB

Figure 7-36: The Bending Stress WOB snapshot plot indicates the bending stress in the pipe when the bit is
located at a fixed location while drilling, with sensitivity to WOB. Bending stress can be the result of
curvature in the well path or due to the helical shape of the pipe when severely buckled. Users should be on
the lookout for bending stress approaching/exceeding the fatigue endurance limit of the material black
vertical curves. Operating for an extended period of time with bending stress in excess of the fatigue
endurance limit can result in a fatigue failure/washout/twist off in the string.

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7.2.2.12 VME Stress WOB

Figure 7-37: The Von Mises Equivalent (VME) Stress snapshot plot indicates the total stress in the pipe
when the bit is located at a fixed location while drilling, with sensitivity to WOB. The VME equation sums
all sources of stress (axial, torsional, bending, radial, and hoop) and is used to compare total stress to the
yield strength of the material, which is represented by the grey shaded area in the plot above, labeled “Pipe
MYS (Minimum Yield Stress) Limit”. The dark shaded area represents the material MYS and the lighter
shaded area represents the MYS divided by the Design Factor. Users should be on the lookout for total VME
stress approaching/exceeding the MYS limit.

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7.2.2.13 Standoff WOB

Figure 7-38: The Absolute Standoff WOB snapshot plot indicates the minimum distance from the tube to
the wellbore between contact points (tool joints, connections, or centralizers) while drilling, with sensitivity
to WOB. The black line represents the tube standoff at the contact point. Users should be on the lookout for
the tube contacting the wellbore (i.e. zero standoff), which will rapidly accelerate tube wear.

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7.2.2.14 Annular Velocity Flowrate

Figure 7-39: The Annular Velocity (AV)Flowrate snapshot plot indicates the average velocity of the fluid
in the annulus when the bit is located at a fixed depth while drilling, with sensitivity to flowrate. Limits for
minimum and “ideal” hole cleaning are indicated by the dashed red and green vertical lines, which are linked
to the hole inclination (minimum and ideal criteria change above/below 30o inclination). The minimum AV
to prevent barite sag is also indicated by the dashed brown line.

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7.2.2.15 ECD Tornado

Figure 7-40: The ECD Tornado snapshot plot illustrates the potential drilling ECD changes by varying
individual operating parameters. The parameters are automatically ranked from most-influential on the top
of the plot to the least influential at the bottom of the plot.

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7.2.3 Tripping: Drillers View Plots

7.2.3.1 Reaming Hookload FF

Figure 7-41: The Hook Load FF plot represents what the weight indicator will display at surface as the bit
is positioned at various depths throughout the well while tripping (or reaming). In this example the string has
been backreamed to 8,000’ and it is planned to begin backreaming at a faster pulling speed from 8,000’ to
surface. The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of what will happen,
whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD overlays what has already happened on top of the model
(which is incorporates actual parameters at each data point). The predicted curves indicate sensitivity to
friction factor.

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7.2.3.2 Reaming Torque FF

Figure 7-42: The Reaming Torque FF plot represents what the top drive torque gauge will display at surface
as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while reaming. In this example the string has
been backreamed to 8,000’ and it is planned to begin backreaming at a faster pulling speed from 8,000’ to
surface. The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of what will happen,
whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD overlays what has already happened on top of the model
(which is incorporates actual parameters at each data point). The predicted curves indicate sensitivity to
friction factor.

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7.2.3.3 Reaming SPP Flowrate

Figure 7-43: The Reaming SPP Flowrate plot represents what the pump pressure gauge will display at
surface as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while pumping/reaming. In this example
the string has been backreamed to 8,000’ and it is planned to begin backreaming at a faster pulling speed
from 8,000’ to surface. The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of what
will happen, whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD overlays what has already happened on top
of the model (which is incorporates actual parameters at each data point). From 8,000’ to surface the predicted
curves indicate sensitivity to flowrate.

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7.2.3.4 Swab (or Surge) ECD Trip Speed

Figure 7-44: The Swab (or Surge) ECD Trip Speed plot represents what the PWD sensor will display at
surface as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while pumping/reaming. In this example
the string has been backreamed to 8,000’ and it is planned to begin backreaming at a faster pulling speed
from 8,000’ to surface. The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of what
will happen, whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD overlays what has already happened on top
of the model (which is incorporates actual parameters at each data point). From 8,000’ to surface the predicted
curves indicate sensitivity to trip speed.

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7.2.3.5 Swab (or Surge) ECD Flowrate

Figure 7-45: The Swab (or Surge) ECD Trip Speed plot represents what the PWD sensor will display at
surface as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while pumping/reaming. In this example
the string has been backreamed to 8,000’ and it is planned to begin backreaming at a faster pulling speed
from 8,000’ to surface. The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of what
will happen, whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD overlays what has already happened on top
of the model (which is incorporates actual parameters at each data point). From 8,000’ to surface the predicted
curves indicate sensitivity to flowrate.

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7.2.3.6 Off Bottom Torque FF

Figure 7-46: The Off Bottom Torque FF plot represents what the top drive torque gauge will display at
surface as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while rotating the string without moving
axially (up or down). The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of what
will happen, whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD overlays what has already happened on top
of the model. The predicted curves indicate sensitivity to friction factor.

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7.2.3.7 Friction Factor

Figure 7-47: The Friction Factor plot represents the back-calculated friction factor from any data (pickup,
slackoff, or torque) that has been recorded during the tripping operation. Likewise, the “Base Case” friction
factor used for Hindcast/lookahead predictions is highlighted by the vertical dashed lines.

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7.2.3.8 Tripping Relative Stretch FF

Figure 7-48: The Relative Stretch driller’s view plot represents the amount of motion observed at surface
before the end of the string will begin to move at various bit depths. The curves are calculated by subtracting
the length of the string while rotating without moving the string axially from the length of the string while
picking up (or slacking off in the case of tripping in).

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7.2.3.9 Tripping Absolute Stretch FF

Figure 7-49: The Absolute Stretch driller’s view plot represents the total change in length of the drill string
compared to the tallied length of the pipe for a particular operation.

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7.2.3.10 Reaming Twist

Figure 7-50: The Reaming Twist driller’s view plot shows the cumulative angular strain (aka, “twist”) in the
drill string as a result of torque when the bit is located at various depths while reaming in/out of the hole. The
value of the curve represents the total number of revolutions that must be applied to the drill string at surface
in order to initiate movement at the bottom of the string/bit.

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7.2.3.11 Minimum Cleanup Volume

Figure 7-51: The Minimum Cleanup Volume driller’s view plot represents the minimum number of Bottoms
Up (BU) that must be circulated prior to tripping at any bit depth in order to ensure that the wellbore is
sufficiently clean so as to avoid difficulty tripping. The algorithm is based heavily on inclination and the
MD/TVD ratio of the well path. Certain factors that influence hole cleaning are not taken into account in the
model, including cuttings size, cuttings dispersion (in WBM), and wellbore instability. The model assumes
that appropriate high-angle hole cleaning parameters are being used, in line with K&M guidelines (150-200
ft/min annular velocity, >120 rpm rotary speed “big hole”, and low shear rate viscosity 0.8-1.2xhole size). If
actual hole cleaning parameters fall outside the prescribed range, cleanup calculations will be inaccurate.

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7.2.3.12 Temperature Flow Rate

Figure 7-52: The Temperature Flowrate driller’s view plot displays the static geothermal temperature profile
unless a flowrate value >0 is used, indicating that the string is being washed in/out of the hole. The circulating
temperature at the flowline and downhole (based on the temperature sensor location) is displayed if flowrate
is >0. A Flowrate sensitivity is displayed (as in this example) if the “Circulating” temperature profile is
selected – however, the default setting for tripping operations is the “Drill @TD” temperature profile, which
will display a single curve, which represents the temperature profile that existed when the bit was drilling at
TD.

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7.2.3.13 Reaming SPP Rheology

Figure 7-53: The Reaming SPP Rheology plot represents what the pump pressure gauge will display at
surface as the bit is positioned at various depths throughout the well while pumping/reaming. In this example
the string has been backreamed to 8,000’ and it is planned to begin backreaming at a faster pulling speed
from 8,000’ to surface. The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of what
will happen, whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD overlays what has already happened on top
of the model (which is incorporates actual parameters at each data point). From 8,000’ to surface the predicted
curves indicate sensitivity to mud rheology changes (thicker or thinner).

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7.2.4 Tripping: Snapshot View Plots

7.2.4.1 Tripping Tension FF

Figure 7-54: The Tension FF snapshot plot represents the effective tension in the string from the bit to surface
while tripping in or out of the hole. The black curve represents the calculated tension in the string for the
measured data point at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.2 Tripping Absolute Stretch FF

Figure 7-55: The Absolute Stretch FF snapshot plot indicates the total elongation in the string relative to the
tallied length when the bit is at a fixed location while tripping in/out of the hole. The black curve represents
the calculated stretch in the string for the measured data point at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded
curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.3 Tripping Side Force FF

Figure 7-56: The Side Force FF snapshot plot indicates the side force applied to each tool joint (which is
dependent on pipe joint length) when the bit is located at a fixed depth while tripping in/out of the hole with
sensitivity to friction factor. The black curve represents the calculated side forces along the string for the
measured data point at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.4 Tripping Bending Stress FF

Figure 7-57: The Bending Stress snapshot plot indicates the bending stress in the pipe when the bit is located
at a fixed location while tripping or reaming in/out of the hole with sensitivity to friction factor. The black
curve represents the calculated bending stress in the string for the measured data point at a particular bit depth
and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.5 Tripping Standoff FF

Figure 7-58: The Standoff FF snapshot plot indicates the minimum distance from the tube to the wellbore
between contact points (tool joints, connections, or centralizers) while tripping with sensitivity to friction
factor. The black curve represents the calculated standoff along the string for the measured data point at a
particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.6 Swab ECD Trip Speed

Figure 7-59: The Swab ECD Trip Speed snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire
wellbore when the bit is located at a fixed depth while tripping in/out of the hole with sensitivity to trip speed.
The black curve represents the calculated ECD along the hole for the measured data point at a particular bit
depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.7 Reaming ECD Rheology

Figure 7-60: The Reaming ECD Rheology snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the
entire wellbore when the bit is located at a fixed depth while reaming in/out of the hole with sensitivity to
mud rheology. The black curve represents the calculated ECD along the string for the measured data point at
a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.8 Reaming ECD Flowrate

Figure 7-61: The Reaming ECD Flowrate snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the
entire wellbore when the bit is located at a fixed depth while reaming in/out of the hole with sensitivity to
flowrate. The black curve represents the calculated ECD along the string for the measured data point at a
particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.9 Reaming Friction Pressure Flow Rate

Figure 7-62: The Reaming Friction Pressure Flow Rate snapshot plot represents the pressure generated from
friction while circulating through the drill string (solid line), bit, and annulus (dashed line) when the bit is at
a fixed depth while reaming in/out of the hole with sensitivity to flow rate. The black curve represents the
friction pressure in the string (solid line) and in the annulus (dashed line) for the measured data point at a
particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.10 Reaming Total Pressure Flow Rate

Figure 7-63: The Reaming Total Pressure Flow Rate snapshot is like the friction pressure snapshot with the
exception that hydrostatic pressure is included so that total pressure inside the annulus and drill string is
displayed. The black curve represents the total pressure in the string (solid line) and in the annulus (dashed
line) for the measured data point at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity
range.

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7.2.4.11 Reaming Torque FF

Figure 7-64: The Reaming Torque FF snapshot plot represents the torque felt by each component in the
string when the bit is located at a fixed depth while reaming in/out of hole with sensitivity to friction factor.
The black curve represents the calculated torque in the string for the measured data point at a particular bit
depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.12 Reaming Twist FF

Figure 7-65: The Reaming Twist FF snapshot plot shows the cumulative angular strain (aka, “twist”) in the
drill string as a result of torque when the bit is located at a fixed depth while reaming in/out of the hole with
sensitivity to friction factor. The black curve represents the calculated angular strain in the string for the
measured data point at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.13 Tripping VME Stress FF

Figure 7-66: The Von Mises Equivalent (VME) Stress FF snapshot plot indicates the total stress in the pipe
when the bit is located at a fixed location while tripping or reaming in/out of the hole with sensitivity to
friction factor. The black curve represents the calculated VME stress in the string for the measured data point
at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.14 Temperature Flow Rate

Figure 7-67: The Temperature Flowrate snapshot view plot displays the circulating temperature inside the
drill pipe (solid curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves) with sensitivity to flow rate. The black curve
represents the calculated temperature in the string (solid line) and annulus (dashed line) for the measured
data point at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.15 Flow Regime Flow Rate

Figure 7-68: The Flow Regime Flow Rate snapshot view plot displays the Reynolds number in the drill pipe
(solid curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves) with sensitivity to flow rate. Threshold values indicating
the onset of transitional flow and fully-turbulent flow in the annulus are also shown in red. The black curves
represent the calculated Reynolds number in the string (solid line) and the annulus (dashed line) for the
measured data point at a particular bit depth and the faint shaded curves represent the sensitivity range.

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7.2.4.16 Rheology

Figure 7-69: The Rheology snapshot view plot displays the rheology of the fluid inside the drill pipe (solid
curves) and in the annulus (dashed curves).

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7.2.4.17 Swab (or Surge) ECD Tornado

Figure 7-70: The ECD Tornado snapshot plot illustrates the potential surge or swab ECD changes by varying
individual operating parameters. The parameters are automatically ranked from most-influential on the top
of the plot to the least influential at the bottom of the plot.

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7.2.5 Tripping: Gauge View Plots

7.2.5.1 Swab (or Surge) ECD Trip Speed

Figure 7-71: The Swab (or Surge) ECD Trip Speed gauge view plot represents what a particular location in
the well (in this case 16,562’ MD) has felt and/or will feel as the bit is tripped at various depths. In this
example the string has been backreamed to 8,000’ and it is planned to begin backreaming at a faster pulling
speed from 8,000’ to surface. The “Lookahead” portion of the plot (from 8,000’ to surface) is a projection of
what will happen, whereas the “Hindcast” portion from 8000’ to TD indicates what has already happened,
based on the model (incorporating actual parameters at each data point). From 8,000’ to surface the predicted
curves indicate sensitivity to trip speed.

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7.2.6 Cementing: Drillers View Plots

7.2.6.1 ECD Flow Rate

Figure 7-72: The ECD Flow Rate drillers view plot indicates the calculated ECD using the actual
displacement parameters in the Hindcast region (black curve) and a sensitivity to flowrate in the Lookahead
region. Although there is rarely measured ECD during a cement job, ERA attempts to back calculate the
actual ECD using the measured SPP and the SPP model (represented by the brown circles). Any discrepancy
between measured SPP and theoretical SPP will be used to increase or decrease the “measured” ECD relative
to the modeled ECD accordingly.

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7.2.6.2 SPP Flow Rate

Figure 7-73: The ECD SPP drillers view plot indicates the calculated SPP using the actual displacement
parameters in the Hindcast region (black curve) and a sensitivity to flowrate in the Lookahead region.
Measured SPP is displayed on top of the calculated ECD in the Hindcast region. ERA attempts to back
calculate the actual ECD using the measured SPP and the SPP model. Any discrepancy between measured
SPP and theoretical SPP will be used to increase or decrease the “measured” ECD relative to the modeled
ECD accordingly.

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7.2.6.3 Torque FF

Figure 7-74: The Torque FF drillers view plot indicates the calculated surface torque using the actual
displacement parameters with sensitivity to cement friction factor once cement enters the annulus. Measured
torque is displayed on top of the calculated torque in the Hindcast region. Note that this plot is only applicable
for cement jobs where the casing/liner is rotated during the job.

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7.2.6.4 Tripping Hook Load FF

Figure 7-75: The Hookload FF drillers view plot indicates the calculated surface hookload using the actual
displacement parameters with sensitivity to cement friction factor once cement enters the annulus. Measured
pickup and slackoff weight is displayed on top of the calculated hookload in the Hindcast region. Note that
this plot is only applicable for cement jobs where the casing/liner is reciprocated during the job.

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7.2.7 Cementing: Snapshot View Plots

7.2.7.1 Temperature Flow Rate

Figure 7-76: The Temperature Flowrate snapshot view plot indicates the calculated temperature inside the
pipe and in the annulus (dashed curves) during the cement job. In order to visualize temperature changes
during the job users must drag the cement slurry up/down the wellbore schematic to the left of the plots.

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7.2.7.2 Flow Regime Flow Rate

Figure 7-77: The Flow Regime Flowrate snapshot view plot indicates the calculated Reynolds number inside
the pipe and in the annulus (dashed curves) during the cement job. In order to visualize the flow regime
changes during the job users must drag the cement slurry up/down the wellbore schematic to the left of the
plots.

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7.2.7.3 Rheology

Figure 7-78: The Rheology snapshot view plot indicates the calculated fluid rheology inside the pipe and in
the annulus (dashed curves) during the cement job. In order to visualize the rheology changes during the job
users must drag the cement slurry up/down the wellbore schematic to the left of the plots.

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7.2.8 Packer Setting: Snapshot View Plots

7.2.8.1 Tension

Figure 7-79: The Tension snapshot plot represents the effective tension in the string from the bit to surface
during the packer setting operation with sensitivity to WOB.

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7.2.8.2 Torque

Figure 7-80: The Torque snapshot plot represents the torque felt by each component in the string during the
packer setting operation with sensitivity to WOB.

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7.2.8.3 Side Force

Figure 7-81: The Side Force snapshot plot indicates the side force applied to each tool joint (which is
dependent on pipe joint length) during the packer setting operation with sensitivity to WOB.

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7.2.8.4 Bending 

Figure 7-82: The Bending Stress snapshot plot indicates the bending stress in the pipe during the packer
setting with sensitivity to WOB.

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7.2.8.5 VME 

Figure 7-83: The Von Mises Equivalent (VME) Stress snapshot plot indicates the total stress in the pipe
during the packer setting operation with sensitivity to WOB.

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7.2.8.6 ECD

Figure 7-84: The ECD snapshot plot represents the ECD and ESD felt throughout the entire wellbore during
the packer setting operation if the string is being circulated. This plot is seldom used for packer setting
operations.

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7.2.8.7 Twist

Figure 7-85: The Twist snapshot plot shows the cumulative angular strain (aka, “twist”) in the drill string as
a result of torque during the packer setting process (assuming the string is being rotated) with sensitivity to
WOB.

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7.2.8.8 Figure 7-86: Absolute Stretch

Figure 7-87: The Absolute Stretch snapshot plot indicates the elongation/contraction in the string relative
to the tallied length during the packer setting operation with sensitivity to WOB.

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8 INDEX
% reduction....................................................... 79 buckling 57, 71, 72, 100, 103, 106, 112, 114, 139,
3D plot .............................................................. 47 161, 174, 177, 180, 211, 214, 216
absolute stretch ............... 137, 150, 181, 266, 297 buckling cal ......................................................72
accessories .................................................. 64, 77 buckling threshold ............................ 72, 106, 216
add effect .......................................................... 79 builder...............................................................62
add to library ........................................ 51, 55, 70 bypass ...............................................................64
adjusted weight ................................................. 71 calculation interval ...........................................60
administrative privileges................................... 17 calculation options .......................... 41, 60, 87, 88
advanced FF ..................................................... 83 calculation settings ...........................................24
aluminum.......................................................... 72 calibration .........................................................95
annular fluid profile .......................................... 89 caliper ....................................................... 29, 132
annular velocity ...................................... 119, 250 capacity % ........................................................26
API ................................................................... 55 casing ... 25, 28, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 62, 64, 66,
API connections................................................ 72 74, 77, 78, 83, 89, 96, 101, 105, 121, 145, 151,
API standard casing .......................................... 74 158, 166, 177, 212
arrow................................................................. 14 casing and hole sizes/depths/specifications ......54
assumptions .......................................... 22, 24, 71 casing and tool-joint wear ... 121, 145, 166, 177,
authentication token.......................................... 12 246
autofill .............................................................. 64 casing collapse ...............................................151
auto-generated reports ...................................... 59 casing library...................................................74
automated text .................................................. 22 casing while drilling .........................................74
automatic updates ............................................. 17 casing/drill pipe wear........................................77
axial rollers ....................................................... 78 CCS............................................................. 45, 87
axis labels and scales ........................................ 22 cementing ............. 20, 83, 91, 156, 161, 283, 287
background torque ............................................ 26 centralizers ....... 78, 102, 122, 146, 147, 167, 168,
BAF ................ 20, 87, 93, 95, 110, 111, 115, 234 213, 249, 269
base case ................................. 19, 20, 28, 93, 148 characteristics ...................................................79
bending stress 102, 124, 149, 151, 170, 174, 178, class ..................................................................71
213, 247, 268, 293 cleanup time....................................................135
bending stress magnification ....... 124, 149, 302 coiled tubing .....................................................75
BHA .... 64, 65, 75, 109, 117, 142, 223, 224, 225, collapse35, 36, 42, 43, 55, 72, 108, 131, 151, 158
226, 227, 240 collapse gradient ...............................................45
BHA pressure drop ........................................... 64 combined load stress limit ... 107, 115, 130, 140,
bidirectional rollers........................................... 78 162, 175, 217, 245
bit... 42, 57, 62, 64, 65, 66, 79, 87, 100, 102, 104, confined compressive strength............ 45, 87, 302
106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 114, 115, 116, 117, connection performance....................................72
119, 120, 121, 123, 124, 129, 130, 131, 133, connections 72, 95, 122, 146, 147, 167, 168, 249,
134, 136, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 148, 269
149, 150, 161, 166, 169, 170, 174, 180, 211, copy to word ....................................................22
213, 215, 216, 217, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, cursor ................................................................23
234, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, custom mode................................. 92, 93, 94, 106
248, 250, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 259, data directory .............................................. 15, 16
261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 270, 271, decay parameters (motors) ................................66
272, 273, 275, 276, 277, 282, 290 decimation ............................................ 34, 45, 97
bit depth ............................................ 62, 134, 262 default file nomenclature ..................................15
block weight 19, 26, 82, 106, 129, 156, 216, 252, depth based points ............................................60
253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 264, 282 depth of damage................................................41
block weight adjustment ................................... 82 depth reference line ..........................................29
bow-spring centralizers..................................... 78 design factor .....................................................60
breakdown ............................................ 35, 36, 41 design factors ....................................................61
breakout width .................................................. 41 desktop overview ..............................................14
buckled .. 102, 114, 124, 139, 149, 170, 174, 175, desktop tools .....................................................14
178, 213, 247, 291 device performance...........................................79
different fluid densities .....................................89

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differential pressure .................................... 66, 87 geomechanical model ..................... 34, 35, 41, 45
DOC ................................................................. 65 grade .................................................................72
doglegs.............................................................. 51 graph control...................................................22
drag reduction ............................................. 78, 79 green text .............................................. 22, 54, 55
drill collars........................................................ 69 group selection..................................................15
drill pipe ....................................... 70, 71, 78, 304 heavy weight drill pipe .....................................69
driller’s view........................................... 100, 211 hindcast mode ....................................... 92, 95, 97
drillers view ................ 60, 82, 129, 156, 252, 283 hoist limit ..........................................................26
Drucker Prager.................................................. 41 hole cleaning ..................... 64, 119, 134, 250, 262
dry tree.............................................................. 25 home screen ......................................................14
earth builder.......... 24, 29, 45, 110, 111, 131, 234 hoop stress .................................................. 41, 42
ECD ... 19, 20, 100, 102, 108, 116, 131, 132, 141, hovering the mouse...........................................23
158, 163, 176, 211, 213, 225, 226, 227, 241, HWDP ..............................................................69
242, 243, 270, 271, 272, 295 hydraulic lift ............................................. 60, 129
Eff ..................................................................... 87 inadequate/excessive mud weight.....................35
effective volume ............................. 134, 135, 262 indicators ..........................................................61
EMW mode ...................................................... 35 info dialog.........................................................59
EMW vs. azimuth plot...................................... 44 info menu ..........................................................15
EMW vs. inclination plot.................................. 44 information .......................................................24
enter data .......................................................... 95 inputs ................................................................24
enter measured data .......................................... 92 Install After Operation ......................................56
ERA project files ........................................ 10, 12 installation ........................................................10
ERD envelope................................................... 58 interpolate .........................................................47
ERD industry database ..................................... 58 item properties ..................................................70
ERD plot..................................................... 24, 58 joint length ........................................................72
Excel ............................................... 22, 33, 47, 95 junk slot area.....................................................77
expand/shrink input table.................................. 29 key loads ...........................................................19
export .......................................................... 14, 15 land ............................................................. 25, 56
failure criteria ................................................... 41 landing string .............................................. 25, 28
Fang .................................................................. 36 large data set .....................................................97
FF .. 20, 83, 93, 95, 100, 114, 120, 139, 145, 146, library ...............................................................28
147, 149, 156, 157, 166, 167, 168, 174, 175, license ......................................................... 11, 12
211 licensing............................................................11
FG ..................................................................... 35 limit lines .......................................... 82, 109, 133
file cabinet ........................................................ 14 limits .................................................................19
file management ............................................... 15 liner........................................................... 56, 304
fill on the fly below depth................................. 96 load box ............................................................21
fill points........................................................... 96 LocalAppData...................................................16
filtering ............................................................. 97 lock axes ...........................................................62
fixed drag.......................................................... 80 logging while drilling .......................................68
fixed FF ............................................................ 79 logs ............................................................. 34, 36
floated casing .................................................... 89 low/med/high risk collapse ...............................42
flotation .............................................. 60, 89, 151 LWD .................................................................68
flow restrictors .................................................. 64 machine licenses ...............................................11
flowrate...................... 20, 93, 108, 109, 110, 133 makeup torque . 19, 107, 115, 130, 140, 162, 175,
fluid profile................................................. 89, 90 217, 245
fluids schedule (cementing) .............................. 91 manage data ......................................................22
formation tops............................................. 33, 61 markers ....................................................... 33, 81
formations................................................. 33, 146 material .............................................................72
fracture gradient.......................................... 19, 45 max WOB .............................................. 112, 228
friction angle..................................................... 36 Maximum horizontal stress...............................36
friction pressure .............. 117, 142, 164, 240, 273 maximum horizontal stress direction ................36
friction reduction .............................................. 77 measured depth, inclination, and azimuth.........47
gamma ray input tab ......................................... 34 measurement while drilling ..............................68
gauge view........................ 82, 100, 104, 211, 215 mechanical efficiency factor .............................87
geology ....................................................... 29, 33 MEM mode.......................................................35

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menus ............................................................... 15 PP................................................................ 35, 36

minimum hardware requirements ..................... 10 PR .....................................................................36
minimum horizontal stress.......................... 19, 36 predictive ROP .................................................87
Minimum Yield Strength.................................. 72 pressure system rating................................. 19, 26
Modified Lade .................................................. 41 project desktop..................................................14
modify the default wellbore.............................. 55 properties ...................... 15, 16, 17, 35, 64, 70, 79
Mogi Coulomb ................................................. 41 pseudo-caliper...................................................34
Mohr Coulomb ................................................. 41 pump details......................................................27
motors ............................................................... 66 pump liner.........................................................19
MPD ........................................................... 20, 93 pumps ....... 27, 109, 133, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227
MSE.......................................................... 45, 302 Px ................................................................ 45, 46
MSL...................................................... 25, 26, 57 range II or range III ..........................................72
mud density ................................................ 57, 84 RBW%..............................................................71
mud over air ..................................................... 89 reamer ...............................................................67
mud properties .................................................. 19 reaming while drilling.......................................66
mud weight ...................................................... 20 reel length .........................................................75
mudline........................................... 25, 26, 28, 56 relative stretch......................... 136, 137, 259, 260
multiple users ............................................. 11, 12 reorder columns ................................................99
MWD ................................................................ 68 reset ..................................................................22
MYS ................................................................. 72 resistivity ........................................................302
navigating ................................................... 14, 21 restore factory settings ......................................61
negative weight................................................. 19 return.................................................................23
network licenses ............................................... 11 returning a license to the server ........................13
new well design ................................................ 14 rheology ... 20, 84, 91, 93, 95, 108, 129, 158, 302
nominal weight ................................................. 71 rig......................................................................19
nominal/adjusted WT ....................................... 72 rig builder ......................... 24, 25, 28, 57, 82, 156
non rotating drill pipe protectors ...................... 78 rig hoisting limit ...............................................19
non-rotating subs .............................................. 78 rig limits............................................................26
note 13, 14, 26, 42, 43, 65, 67, 68, 89, 91, 95, 97, rig options ........................... 81, 82, 117, 142, 240
148 rig types ............................................................25
nozzles ........................................................ 65, 66 riser ....................................................... 25, 28, 57
NRDPP ............................................................. 78 riserless ....................................................... 25, 57
offset ..................................... 47, 51, 87, 110, 111 risers ........................................................... 28, 57
op ...................................................................... 19 risk levels ..........................................................45
Op ................................................... 19, 62, 63, 64 RKB ............................................................ 25, 26
operations ......................................................... 21 roadmaps................................................. 100, 211
optional geomechanics module ........................ 35 rock properties ..................................................29
outputs ........................................................ 21, 93 ROP....... 20, 45, 87, 93, 108, 110, 111, 116, 121,
overburden ........................................................ 36 229, 230, 234, 246
pan .................................................................... 23 rose plot ...................................................... 43, 44
parameters ..... 19, 20, 34, 36, 44, 55, 68, 95, 108, rose plot interval ...............................................61
110, 134, 158, 262 rotary steerable systems ....................................67
path builder........................................... 24, 29, 47 roughness ..........................................................72
PDM ......................................................... 66, 110 RPM .... 20, 82, 93, 110, 114, 121, 129, 140, 145,
pickup ......................................................... 19, 20 246
plan view .......................................................... 47 RSS ....................................................... 65, 67, 68
platform .............................................. 25, 56, 304 run speed .........................................................20
plot headers....................................................... 19 RWD ..................................................... 57, 66, 67
plot manipulation.............................................. 22 safe mud weight window ................................42
plot manipulation tools ..................................... 23 saving to a network drive..................................15
plot options ..................................... 21, 81, 82, 83 section ......................................................... 19, 54
plot order .......................................................... 82 send license request ..........................................11
plot title/subtitle .............................................. 22 sensitivity analysis ....... 83, 93, 94, 106, 107, 108,
poisson's ratio ................................................... 36 109, 114, 119, 129, 130, 131, 133, 139, 156,
pore pressure................................. 36, 42, 45, 303 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 174, 181, 216, 217
PowerPoint ....................................................... 22 settings .......................................... 17, 24, 60, 129

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settings dialog ................................................... 60 top drive....... 19, 26, 28, 107, 115, 130, 136, 140,
shear failure ...................................................... 41 157, 162, 175, 217, 245
shear strength .................................................... 41 top of cement ....................................................91
shoe track .......................................................... 91 torque ..... 8, 19, 26, 64, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 82, 92,
side force ........ 121, 145, 166, 177, 246, 267, 292 95, 107, 111, 115, 120, 130, 140, 144, 157,
slackoff ....................................................... 19, 20 162, 174, 175, 180, 217, 233, 234, 245, 261,
snapshot plots ................................................... 62 275, 276, 291, 296
snapshot view .. 82, 100, 102, 103, 114, 139, 161, Torque 20, 82, 93, 107, 115, 130, 140, 157, 162,
174, 211, 213, 214, 237, 265, 282, 287, 290 175, 217, 218, 219, 220, 245, 275, 291, 302,
SPP 19, 20, 82, 87, 109, 133, 159, 160, 223, 224, 304
225, 226, 227 torque reduction ................................................78
stability factor ................................................... 42 tortuosity ...........................................................51
stabilizers .......................................................... 77 tortuosity intensity factor ..................................51
stand length....................................................... 26 total pressure........................... 118, 143, 165, 274
standard mode............................................. 92, 94 tractors ..............................................................76
standoff .... 77, 122, 146, 147, 167, 168, 249, 269, trajectory ........... 33, 35, 43, 44, 47, 51, 58, 62, 63
302 Tripping Circulations.............................. 196, 204
stretch ..................................................... 102, 213 tube performance ..............................................72
string builder..................................................... 28 TVD/MD toggle ...............................................29
string rolodex.................................................... 63 twist ........ 102, 120, 144, 180, 213, 261, 276, 296
subop ................................................................ 19 UCS ...................................................... 36, 41, 42
Subop... 20, 21, 62, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 87, 88, 89, ultimate tensile strength ....................................75
91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 100, 211 unconfined compressive strength......................36
subsea ............................................. 25, 28, 56, 57 unique identifiers ..............................................11
subsea equipment.............................................. 28 units ............................................................ 15, 17
subsea tree ........................................................ 25 unwrapped reach ...............................................47
sub-surface........................................................ 29 vertical stress ....................................................36
summary grid.................................................... 19 VME ......... 19, 123, 148, 169, 179, 248, 277, 294
surface equipment ............. 25, 109, 133, 223, 224 volume based points .........................................60
surge 35, 100, 102, 104, 105, 129, 131, 141, 151, wall thickness ...................................................72
211, 213, 215 waste basket ......................................................14
surge/swab options ........................................... 64 water depth .......................................................26
survey library .................................................... 51 weight indicator ........ 26, 106, 129, 156, 216, 252
swab ... 35, 64, 100, 102, 104, 105, 129, 131, 141, well design ............................................ 14, 15, 19
211, 213, 215 well design icons ..............................................15
Sweeps ............................................................ 201 well trajectory ............................................. 44, 47
swivel ............................................................... 64 wellbore architecture ........................................54
synthetic image log ....................................... 132 wellbore builder 24, 28, 54, 55, 56, 57, 66, 74, 91
taper hole .......................................................... 54 wellbore pressure limits .............................. 35, 45
taper string ........................................................ 54 wellbore sketch .................................................19
tensile failure .............................................. 35, 42 wellbore stability model ...................................35
tensile strength.................................................. 41 wireline .............................................................76
tension limit ...................................................... 19 WOB ... 20, 87, 93, 100, 106, 107, 110, 111, 112,
TFA . 64, 65, 66, 68, 91, 109, 223, 224, 225, 226, 113, 114, 115, 121, 122, 124, 174, 175, 177,
227 178, 180, 181, 211, 216, 228, 234
tieback .............................................................. 56 Word ........................................................... 22, 47
Tip . 19, 22, 23, 27, 45, 54, 55, 57, 62, 65, 66, 72, worst case ................................. 19, 100, 101, 211
79, 95 yield strength ....................................................19
titanium............................................................. 72 zoom .................................................................23
TLP/spar ......................................... 25, 28, 56, 57 zoom/pan .........................................................23
TOB ................................... 20, 93, 111, 115, 234 h................................................................ 36, 42
TOC .................................................................. 91 H.....................................................................36
tool joint ........................................................... 19 V.....................................................................36
tool jt. % ........................................................... 72

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9 TECHNICAL REFERENCES
9.1 Torque, Drag, and Buckling
• SPE 11380 “Torque and Drag in Directional Wells – Prediction and Measurement”
• SPE 13064 “Simple Frictional Analysis of Helical Buckling of Tubing”
• SPE 22547 “Bending Stress Magnification in Constant Curvature Doglegs With Impact on Drill string and
Casing”.
• SPE 23859 “Determination of True Hook load and Line Tension Under Dynamic Conditions”.
• SPE 25503 “Study of Helical Buckling of Pipe in Horizontal Wells”.
• SPE 59146 “Lateral Buckling of Pipe with Connectors in Horizontal Wells”.
• SPE 21282 “Casing Deflection and Centralizer Spacing Calculations”.
• API RP7G “Recommended Practice for Drill Stem Design and Operating Limits”

9.2 Hydraulics
• API13D “Rheology and Hydraulics of Oil-Well Fluids”. Contains all the equations for calculating pressure
drops. Latest release is the Sixth Edition, 2010.

• SPE 124190 “Effect of Eccentricity and Rotation on Annular Frictional Pressure Drop With Standoff
Devices”.

• SPE 109563 “Fluid Movement Measurements Through Eccentric Annuli: Unique Results Uncovered”

• SPE 165934 “Analytical Model to Predict the Effect of Pipe Friction on Downhole Fluid Temperatures”

• SPE 160029 “Study on the Volumetric Behavior of Base Oils, Brines, and Drilling Fluids Under Extreme
Temperatures and Pressures”

• SPE 18036 “A Model for Predicting the Density of Oil-Based Muds at High Pressures and Temperatures”

• NT40637 “Experimental Study and Modeling of Yield Power-Law Fluid Flow in Pipes and Annuli”

9.3 MSE and Drilling Performance

• International Journal of Rock Mech. Mining Science Volume 2, page 57-73 “The Concept of Specific Energy
in Rock Drilling”.
• SPE 19572 “Development of a Whirl Resistant Bit”.
• SPE 24584 “Quantifying Common Drilling Problems with Mechanical Specific Energy and Bit-Specific
Coefficient of Sliding Friction”.
• SPE 92194 “Maximizing Drill Rates with Real-Time Surveillance of Mechanical Specific Energy”.
• SPE 102210 “Comprehensive Drill-Rate Management Process to Maximize Rate of Penetration”.
• AADE-05-NTCE-61 “New Confined Compressive Strength Calculation Improves Bit Selection and Bit
Performance”
• SPE 135439 “Design Tools and Workflows to Mitigate Drilling Vibrations”.
• SPE 128575 “Understanding the Contribution of Primary Stability to Build Aggressive and Efficient PDC
Bits”.

9.4 Wellbore Stability

• International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science Volume 40, page 1049-1076 “Determination
of stress orientation and magnitude in deep wells”.
• SPE 59225 “The Use of Resistivity at Bit and Annular Pressure While Drilling in Preventing Drilling
Problems”.

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• SPE 105405 “Assuring Stability in Extended Reach Wells – Analyses, Practices, and Mitigations”
• DEA Project 119 “State of the Art in Pore Pressure Estimation”.

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9.5 ERD Case Histories

• SPE 19152 “North Sea Experience With Aluminum Drill Pipe”.
• SPE 25750 “North Sea Advances in Extended Reach Drilling”.
• SPE 26350 “Pushing the Limits for Extended Reach Drilling: New World Record From Platform Statfjord
C,Well C2”.
• SPE 27483 “Bottomhole Assembly Design and Response on Statfjord C2 Extended Reach Well”.
• SPE 27463 “Application of Innovative Extended Reach and Horizontal Drilling Technology in Oilfield
Development”.
• SPE 37618 “Pushing the ERD Envelope at Wytch Farm”
• SPE 38583 “Meeting the 10km Drilling Challenge”. More war stories from Wytch Farm
• SPE 48944 “Extended Reach Drilling at the Uttermost Part of the Earth”.
• SPE 56563 “An Integrated Solution of Extended-Reach Drilling Problems in the Niakuk Field, Alaska: Part I
Wellbore Stability Assessment”
• SPE 56564 “An Integrated Solution of Extended-Reach Drilling Problems in the Niakuk Field, Alaska: Part II
Hydraulics, Cuttings Transport and PWD”
• SPE 84447 “Casing Running Challenges for Extended-Reach Wells”.
• SPE 87187 “A Novel Approach to Liner Floatation Extends the Standard Wells Reach in a North Sea Field
Development”.
• SPE 91854 “Understanding Torque and Drag: Best Practices and Lessons Learnt from the Captain Field’s
Extended Reach Wells”.
• SPE 92783 “Extended Reach Drilling Technology Enables Economical Development of a Remote Offshore
Field in Russia”.
• SPE 98945 “World-Record ERD Well Drilled from a Floating Installation in the North Sea”.
• SPE 105730 “Lubricant Enable Completion of ERD Well”.
• SPE 105766 “How Much is Left of Your Centralizer….”.
• SPE 111647 “Complex Extended-Reach Drilling to Exploit Reservoirs in Environmentally Sensitive Area,
Offshore California”.
• SPE 140265 “Extended Reach Drilling – Offshore California. Extending Capabilities and Improving
Performance”.
• SPE 151046 “Pushing the Extended Reach Envelope at Sakhalin: An Operator’s Experience drilling a Record
Reach Well”.

 K&M Papers

• SPE 28777 “ER Drilling Advancements Dramatically Improve Performance on Bass Strait Wells”
• SPE 36989 “Further Advancements in ERD Drilling in Bass Strait
• SPE 39310 “Innovative Cutting Structure Improves Stability and Penetration Rate of PDC Bits Without
Sacrificing Durability”
• SPE 52879 “Dual Torque Concept Enhances PDC Bit Efficiency in Directional and Horizontal Drilling
Programs”
• SPE 62781 “Specialized PDC Bit Improves Efficiency of Rotary Steering Drilling Tools in Demanding
Directional Drilling Programs”
• SPE 79814 “A New Approach for Running Production Casing from Semi-Submersible Rigs on Highly
Deviated Wells”
• SPE 104478 “Backing Off a Free Drill String: Planning and Execution on a World-Class ERD Well”

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• OTC 19064 “Re-Defining the Offshore ERD Envelope: Techniques and Technologies Necessary for an
Expanding Frontier”
• SPE 119506 “How Continuous Improvement Led to the Longest Horizontal Well in the World”
• SPE 149778 “Nikaitchuq ERD: Designing for Success on the North Slope of Alaska”
• SPE 163456 “White Rose Project Drilling and Completion Performance Evolution: A Case Study”
• SPE 178812 Drilling from Onshore to Offshore Target: Planning and Systematic Execution on an Extended-
Reach Drilling Campaign

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