Considerations for Thermal Well Design

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Disciplines: Completions | Drilling

Course Description

Tubular structures in thermal applications are subject to unique design challenges that cannot be addressed with conventional methods. In conventional design, the structure “fails” when thermally induced loads yield the pipe, but thermal wells often must operate under such conditions and industry experience demonstrates that wells can do so reliably. Designing a structure that remains stable requires knowledge of strain-based design: the distinction between strength and stiffness, the effects of variability in strength and stiffness, load path dependencies, post-yield material behavior, and strain localization. Collateral considerations for resistance to environmental effects, geomechanical loads and production management can also challenge intuition developed in conventional well design. In this course, participants will learn to “think strain, not stress” for well structure design and gain exposure to other aspects of thermal well design.

Learning Objectives:

This course provides an introduction to subsurface well design for thermally stimulated wells, including discussion of why design approaches for thermal wells must differ from conventional approaches. The concept of strain-based design will be explored, focusing first on the design needs for a successful thermal well design and second on raising awareness of other situations where casing loads can exceed yield (e.g. wells passing through unstable geology or producing from compacting reservoirs).

Topics:

• Mechanical properties for thermal OCTG
• Casing and Liner design considerations
• Connections for thermal stimulation
• Considerations for environmental exposure
• Production management topics pertinent to liner design

All topics will include discussion of real-world examples to augment discussion. Participants will leave with an increased understanding of design fundamentals for thermal wells and be able to evaluate the suitability of and required inputs for a design basis for casing in thermal applications.

Learning Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Course Length

Half-day or 1-day options are available for this course.

Why Attend

To gain a basic understanding of the unique design challenges present in thermal well application, the design differences from HPHT, conventional, and other unconventional applications and inform what further training should be considered to develop competencies in thermal well design.

Who Attends

This course is for anyone that would like to expand their knowledge and skill-set in thermal well design. This may include:

• Executives or management looking to better understand the technical challenges faced by front-line thermal well design staff.
• Current thermal well designers that wish to improve or refine the design bases they are currently using; and
• Those with training or experience in conventional design that are new to thermal well design and integrity, either recent graduates or those coming into thermal projects from other applications.

Special Requirements

None; however, knowledge of conventional casing design practices and basic understanding of the thermal well environment would benefit the participant.

CEUs

0.4 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for the half-day course. 0.8 CEUs are awarded for the 1-day course.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. Cancellations made after the 14-day window will not be refunded. Refunds will not be given due to no show situations.

Training sessions attached to SPE conferences and workshops follow the cancellation policies stated on the event information page. Please check that page for specific cancellation information.

SPE reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule courses at will. Notification of changes will be made as quickly as possible; please keep this in mind when arranging travel, as SPE is not responsible for any fees charged for cancelling or changing travel arrangements.

We reserve the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.

Instructor