TY - THES

T1 - Development of a Field Ready Design and Data Analysis Technique for Successful Kick-off Plugs

AU - Hofer, Emanuel

N1 - no embargo

PY - 2019

Y1 - 2019

N2 - This thesis covers the methodology of the development of a data analysis tool for designing kick-off plugs as well as laboratory-based simulations and experiments in order to validate the prediction quality. The data analysis tool can be used to design cement plugs and to simulate the consequence of specific fluid rheological parameters as well as distinctive selected parameters on the outcome of the plug job. The goal of this thesis is the implementation of a simple, field applicable and intuitive program that enables the engineer to design a kick-off plug that fulfils all requirements for a successful placement of the plug on the first attempt. The thesis describes the development of the data analysis tool starting with a detailed literature review where the most prominent industry related cement plug issues are described in more detail. Based on the assessment, a root cause analysis is implemented that reduces the common plug problems to four distinctive elements. Following the root cause analysis, the development of the design software and its individual modules are explained in detail. All four elements as well as the basic workflow and their structure are illustrated properly. In order to validate the outcome and the prediction quality of the software, laboratory-based simulations are executed. Prior to executing lab simulation runs, they were mathematically simulated using the data analysis tool. Afterwards predicted parameters and observed laboratory results are compared and rated. In addition, computed tomography images (CT scans) support the assessment and enable a direct look into the laboratory produced kick-off plugs. In a last step, a novel compressive strength enhancing material is tested. Therefore, the compressive strength behaviour of a neat Class G cement and fibre reinforced cement cubes are compared and benchmarked. Recommendations as well as results and future work steps can be found in the appropriate sections as part of the discussion and conclusion chapters at the end of this master thesis.

AB - This thesis covers the methodology of the development of a data analysis tool for designing kick-off plugs as well as laboratory-based simulations and experiments in order to validate the prediction quality. The data analysis tool can be used to design cement plugs and to simulate the consequence of specific fluid rheological parameters as well as distinctive selected parameters on the outcome of the plug job. The goal of this thesis is the implementation of a simple, field applicable and intuitive program that enables the engineer to design a kick-off plug that fulfils all requirements for a successful placement of the plug on the first attempt. The thesis describes the development of the data analysis tool starting with a detailed literature review where the most prominent industry related cement plug issues are described in more detail. Based on the assessment, a root cause analysis is implemented that reduces the common plug problems to four distinctive elements. Following the root cause analysis, the development of the design software and its individual modules are explained in detail. All four elements as well as the basic workflow and their structure are illustrated properly. In order to validate the outcome and the prediction quality of the software, laboratory-based simulations are executed. Prior to executing lab simulation runs, they were mathematically simulated using the data analysis tool. Afterwards predicted parameters and observed laboratory results are compared and rated. In addition, computed tomography images (CT scans) support the assessment and enable a direct look into the laboratory produced kick-off plugs. In a last step, a novel compressive strength enhancing material is tested. Therefore, the compressive strength behaviour of a neat Class G cement and fibre reinforced cement cubes are compared and benchmarked. Recommendations as well as results and future work steps can be found in the appropriate sections as part of the discussion and conclusion chapters at the end of this master thesis.

KW - Zementbrücke

KW - Zement

KW - Ablenkung

KW - Bohrung

KW - Datenanalyse

KW - Daten

KW - Simulation

KW - Labor

KW - Programm

KW - Zementationsarbeiten

KW - Tool

KW - Bohrplatz

KW - Druckfestigkeit

KW - CT Scan

KW - Kick-off Plugs

KW - Kick off Plug

KW - Cementing

KW - Wellbore

KW - Simulation

KW - Compressive Strength

KW - Data Tool

KW - NPT

KW - LT

KW - Plug Base

KW - Contamination

KW - Mud Removal

KW - Erodibility

KW - Cement

KW - Volume

KW - Sidetracking

KW - CT Scan

KW - Laboratory

M3 - Master's Thesis

ER -