make up

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: "Make Up" in Drilling & Well Completion

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Which of these is NOT an example of "make up" in the sense of assembling and joining parts?

a) Connecting sections of drill pipe.

2. "Making up" a threaded connection usually involves:

a) Using a wrench to tighten the parts.

3. What is an example of "make up" in the sense of mixing and preparing a substance?

a) Connecting a drill bit to the drill string.

4. "Making up" for lost drilling time could involve:

a) Replacing a faulty drill bit.

5. What is the opposite of "make up" in the context of drilling and well completion?

a) "Breakout"

Exercise: "Make Up" Scenario

Scenario: A drilling crew is preparing to run a new string of casing into the wellbore. The casing is delivered in 30-foot sections, and the crew needs to connect these sections together to form a complete casing string.

Task: Describe the steps involved in "making up" the casing string. Be sure to include the tools and equipment that would be used, and any safety precautions that need to be considered.

Techniques

Make Up in Drilling & Well Completion: A Detailed Examination

This document expands on the multifaceted term "make up" within the context of drilling and well completion, breaking down the concept into key areas.

Chapter 1: Techniques of Make Up

The term "make up," in drilling and well completion, encompasses a variety of techniques centered around assembly, connection, and preparation. These techniques often require specialized tools and expertise to ensure safety and efficiency.

1.1 Mechanical Joining: This involves physically connecting components, primarily using threaded connections. This requires careful alignment to prevent cross-threading and ensure a secure, leak-proof seal. Torque management is critical to avoid damage to the threads or over-tightening. Techniques include the use of make-up tongs (manual or power operated), torque wrenches, and hydraulic power units for larger components like casing. Lubricants are often employed to facilitate connection and reduce friction.

1.2 Hydraulic Make Up: In some instances, hydraulic pressure is utilized for making up connections, particularly in challenging downhole environments. This method is employed for components like packers or specialized tools where precise control and pressure are needed for a secure connection.

1.3 Chemical Mixing: "Make up" also refers to the precise mixing of various substances, such as drilling muds and cement slurries. This requires precise measurements and consistent mixing to ensure the desired properties are achieved. Specialized equipment, like mud tanks and cement mixers, is used to achieve homogenous mixtures, which are crucial for successful well operations. The techniques used in mixing depend on the specific substance (e.g., high-shear mixing for cement, low-shear mixing for some mud components). Strict adherence to specified weight and volume ratios is paramount.

1.4 Compensatory Techniques: When addressing lost time or deficiencies, "make up" implies implementing strategies to overcome setbacks. This could involve adjusting drilling parameters, employing advanced drilling techniques, or adding extra casing or other components to compensate for weaknesses. These techniques are often situation-specific and require careful assessment to ensure that corrective actions are both effective and safe.

Chapter 2: Models and Procedures for Make Up

Several models and procedures guide the make-up process, ensuring safety and efficiency. These models often incorporate industry best practices and standards, ensuring consistent and reliable results.

2.1 Torque and Make-Up Procedures: Detailed procedures define the torque values and make-up sequences for different components, ensuring that connections are made safely and effectively. These procedures often incorporate safety measures such as the use of torque wrenches and monitoring equipment to prevent over-tightening or damage to components.

2.2 Mud and Cement Mixing Models: Mathematical models are employed to predict the optimal composition and properties of drilling muds and cement slurries. These models use variables like density, viscosity, and fluid loss to achieve the desired performance characteristics.

2.3 Risk Assessment Models: Before any make-up operation, risk assessment models help identify potential hazards and develop mitigation plans. This ensures that appropriate safety precautions are implemented to prevent accidents and ensure personnel safety.

Chapter 3: Software and Technology in Make Up

Modern technology plays a vital role in optimizing and improving make-up procedures.

3.1 Torque Management Software: Software programs monitor torque values during make-up operations, providing real-time feedback and alerts to prevent over-tightening or other issues.

3.2 Mud and Cement Modeling Software: Software packages simulate the behavior of drilling muds and cement slurries, aiding in the design of optimal mixtures.

3.3 Data Acquisition and Analysis Systems: These systems collect and analyze data from various sensors during make-up procedures, providing valuable information for improving efficiency and safety.

Chapter 4: Best Practices for Make Up

Adhering to best practices is crucial for the success and safety of make-up operations.

4.1 Proper Tool Selection: Choosing the right tools for the job is essential. This includes selecting the appropriate tongs, wrenches, and other equipment based on the size and type of components being connected.

4.2 Rigorous Inspection: Components should be thoroughly inspected before make-up to identify any defects or damage.

4.3 Adherence to Procedures: Following established procedures and guidelines precisely is paramount to prevent errors and ensure a successful outcome.

4.4 Training and Certification: Personnel involved in make-up operations should be properly trained and certified to handle the equipment and follow safety protocols.

4.5 Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing procedures and incorporating lessons learned from previous operations is essential for continuous improvement in safety and efficiency.

Chapter 5: Case Studies in Make Up

Analyzing past events provides valuable insights.

5.1 Case Study 1: Successful Make-Up of a Deepwater Casing String: Details of a complex casing string make-up operation, highlighting the challenges overcome and the successful application of advanced technology and techniques.

5.2 Case Study 2: Failure Analysis of a Drill Pipe Connection: Reviewing a case where a drill pipe connection failed, analyzing the cause of failure, and drawing lessons for future operations.

5.3 Case Study 3: Optimization of Mud Mixing Procedures: A case study documenting how improved mud mixing procedures led to significant cost savings and improved drilling efficiency.

This structured approach provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of "make up" in drilling and well completion. Each chapter expands on specific aspects, providing both theoretical and practical knowledge to further understanding of this critical term.