Impact Factor (2025): 6.9
DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET
Extended-Reach
Drilling (ERD) is a critical technique for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from
remote and complex reservoirs, yet it poses significant mechanical
challenges—most notably, managing torque and drag (T&D) forces in long,
deviated wellbores. These forces can reduce drilling efficiency, impede weight
transfer, and increase the risk of stuck pipe, particularly in the build-up and
horizontal sections. This study presents a detailed mechanical analysis of the
SUST-X ERD well in Sudan, integrating actual field data with advanced
simulations using WellPlan software. The modeling confirmed the well’s ERD
profile and identified critical T&D zones. Key findings include sinusoidal
and helical buckling thresholds at 98.8 kip and 104.3 kip, respectively;
pick-up and slack-off drag values of 35.2 kip and 36.2 kip; and a maximum
rotary torque of 13,236.8 ft-lbf during on-bottom drilling. The simulation also
predicted a safe overpull margin of 324.0 kip, validating WellPlan’s
reliability for pre-drill mechanical risk assessment. By combining real-world
data with simulation, this work addresses a key knowledge gap in ERD design and
execution—specifically the lack of data-driven, case-specific analysis for
quantifying mechanical limits. The findings underscore the importance of
simulation-based planning and proactive wellbore design in mitigating T&D
challenges and improving both the technical performance and economic outcomes
of ERD operations. Future research should extend this approach to dynamic
drilling effects for a more comprehensive risk management strategy.
Country : UAE, Sudan
IRJIET, Volume 9, Issue 8, August 2025 pp. 56-65