Prime Mapping Service: Provides real pipe data for optimal drilling performance

Drilling operations can be complex, forcing operators to face challenges such as moving concrete, setting the packer correctly or wearing the lining. To solve these problems, they therefore need access to comprehensive pipe data which enables them to identify problems before they arise.

Until now, operators have relied on nominal data, which is generic information about a specific type of pipe. At the same time, hand gauges can measure the length and inside diameter (ID) of pipes, but are unable to do a complete mapping of the pipe along its entire length. Therefore, existing solutions do not offer the accuracy and completeness that operators really need.

Binh Nguyen, Project Manager at Vallourec, explains how Vallourec’s Prime Mapping service exactly addresses customer needs by collecting real pipe data on site to simplify and improve operators’ drilling operations.

Prioritize accuracy and safety while saving time and money

Drilling and completion are not exact sciences. But with services like Prime Mapping from Vallourec, oil and gas operators have the ability to get the exact real-time data from pipes, which will allow them to drill faster and more reliably. ” Our goal is to provide operators with the most accurate measurements possible for their casings and pipes » explains Binh.
Operations can start either in the storage area or on the customer’s platform, or on a site in Vallourec, where a VAM technician^® Field Service takes measurements on all pipes to be installed. Using an automatic device called the In-pipe Rover, it takes around three minutes to do a 360° mapping of the total length of each pipe. The rovers use laser or ultrasound technology to map each tube and transmit the measurements without a wired connection to the technician’s computer, which will read the data.

” Our technicians can carry out interventions on our products or on those of other suppliers “Binh says. ” If required, we can also service the rig directly. »
Once all pipe and casing data is obtained, the engineer proposes optimization of the column before proceeding with pipe shipment and installation. The seals are selected according to their optimal function and arranged according to their order of passage. These Prime Mapping optimizations save you time and money without compromising security and accuracy.

Citation

Our goal is to provide operators with the most accurate measurements possible for their casings and pipes

Binh Nguyen Project manager at Vallourec

What kind of data and why is it important?

There are three main types of data Prime Mapping collects:

The actual volume of the pipe hole

Traditionally, before starting to drill, an operator establishes the schedule for each tube, with information about its origin, specifications and dimensions. However, in most cases, these measurements are inaccurate, leading to miscalculations in cementing operations, so operators may experience improper cement movement and cement residue in the wellhole.

With Prime Mapping, operators get the precise volume of the pipe by measuring its exact length and internal diameter. So instead of relying on nominal data, they know exactly how much each joint needs to be drilled before it’s installed. Prime Mapping also provides concrete and sludge engineers with the exact column capacity and volume of displacement slurry they will need to pump.

” This is the added value of Prime Mapping Binh says. ” Accuracy is the promise we make to our customers “.

Selection of the most suitable tube for the packer

Packers are installed inside the well to isolate different zones that require different pressures or contain liquids that cannot be mixed. Installing a packer in a well can therefore be a real challenge. Operators therefore need the packer to install smoothly, attach and seal without cracks or leaks.

Thanks to the 360° profile of the internal diameter of the tube along its entire length, VAM^® Field service can help operators identify which tubes are inside the packer ports and have the least runout. These pipes are then selected as pipes for packaging, thus allowing operators to avoid any problems with leakage and withdrawal from the well (POOH).

” With Prime Mapping we have eliminated the problem of leaks that can occur when a packer is incorrectly positioned in the tube » explains Binh. ” The min/max/avg check of the internal diameter and ovality of the tubes guarantees their correct adaptation to the packer. »

The thickest tubes designed to limit wear on the casing

As drilling progresses down a well, it is almost never vertical. The drill string may lean to one side to compensate for the deflection, thus creating friction and thus casing wear on the affected side. At certain critical depths, the operator needs thicker pipes with more casing wear margin to ensure safe and efficient drilling. Vallourec’s Prime Mapping technology can measure hundreds of joints and select the thickest and best runout joints for these important parts of the operation.

Maximize customer benefits

” All of these factors can lead to a reduction in non-productive time (NPT) on site » explains Binh. ” TPN is always a problem in good working order. With the accurate data provided by Prime Mapping, the chances of errors that can cause delays are reduced. Plus, fewer delays mean cost savings and lower CO2 emissions associated with machines running on site. »

Vallourec puts its Prime Mapping solution at the service of its customers, all over the world. International Oil Companies (IOCs) from Brazil to the North Sea are seeing the value in this service. ” The North Sea has always been a difficult area Binh says. ” But we were able to help an international oil company that was having difficulty positioning its packer on a 7-inch liner due to tight well space. Thanks to Prime Mapping, we used 360° mapping of the internal diameter of 10″ cases along their entire length to help them select the most suitable packer seals. In this specific case, this solution proved to be decisive. Our innovation was made possible by the strong relationships we have with our customers, who rely on us to provide them with solutions tailored to their needs. »

Prime Mapping has proven to be one of those reliable solutions because it is easy to use and very accessible for customers. Used in conjunction with Smartengo Running Expert, Prime Mapping allows you to accurately prepare drilling schedules and supports customers in building their well’s digital twin.