Claim of Priority

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Application Serial Number 07/486,312 filed on February 28, 1990 and U.S. Application Serial Number 07/401,086 filed on August 31, 1989. The teachings of these prior filed applications are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to well drilling methods and apparatus to control well drilling methods. More specifically, the invention provides a method which reduces the risk of stuck tubulars during the drilling and completion of extended reach wells.

Bac.Qg3.Ound of the Invention

Many subsurface natural resources, such as oil bearing formations, can no longer be exploited by drilling wells having vertical boreholes from the surface. Extended reach wells, such as wells drilled from platforms or "islands" and having long non-verti¬ cal or inclined portions, are now common. The inclined portion is typically located below an initial (top) nearly vertical portion. The deviated portion may have an inclined angle from the vertical that may approach 90 degrees (i.e., nearly horizontal). The result is a well bottom laterally offset from the top by a signifi¬ cant distance.

Current technology can produce boreholes at almost any incline angle, but current drilling (including

completion) methods have experienced problems in long, highly deviated well bores. For example, running casing into some highly deviated holes can result in significantly increased drag forces (i.e., a high drag borehole) . This can result in a stuck casing pipe string before reaching the desired setting depth of the casing. If sufficient additional force (up or down) cannot be applied to free the stuck casing, the result may be the effective loss of the well. Even if a stuck string is avoided or freed, the forces needed to over¬ come high drag may cause serious damage to the pipe.

In order to avoid unwanted drilling problems, indicators of these problems are predicted and/or monitored. For example, the lifting force (i.e., supported or indicator weight) required to support the weight of a casing string is not equal to the actual weight of the casing string in part because of drag forces in the borehole which (if large enough) can cause a stuck casing. The excess of actual weight compared to indicator weight (force required to support the casing) during running into a wellbore is an indi¬ cator of drag and the potential for a stuck casing. Other widely used drag related indicators include drilling speed and torque applied during rotary drill¬ ing. Other problems, some of which may be accentuated by highly deviated wells, include lost circulation, structural failure of the drill string, misdirection, cement failure, vapor/low density material segregation and pockets, and hole cleaning. Still other indicators for these and other problems during drilling include: mud return rate, density and temperature; mud pump pressure; well surveys; applied torque; cutting speed;

string weight; and quantity of cuttings recovered.

Options to mitigate the risk of these problems are available, if indicated to be required. For example, high drag mitigation methods can either 1) add downward force or 2) reduce the coefficient of friction, e.g., by lubrication or conditioning of the borehole.

However, these mitigation options are generally costly and of limited effectiveness. For example, only a limited added downward force can be exerted on the pipe string. Excessive downward force beyond safe limits tends to buckle the string, adding still further drag forces (if laterally supported in a highly deviat¬ ed well bore) or causing structural failure (if later¬ ally unsupported) . In addition, drilling with large added downward forces may be impractical or rig/tubular pick up weight limits may be exceeded.

Similar limits affect current coefficient of friction reducing (i.e., lubricating, hole condition¬ ing, or drag reducing) methods. As longer lubricated pipe strings are run into an extended reach well, even a lubricated string will eventually generate unaccept¬ able drag forces because friction is only reduced, not eliminated. The geometry and borehole wall (i.e. , interface surface) conditions of some holes may also create increased resistance (high drag) conditions even with lubricated strings in shorter inclined vertical hole portions.

Many drilling variables and other factors which may significantly affect the drilling process can change drastically during the drilling or running of tubulars (i.e., casing running or tripping) and related

operations. For example, drag forces at any instant of time may be calculated from actual torque and supported weight data indicators, but both can change quickly. These indicators are dependent upon many drilling (including formation) variables or other factors. Although some variables are relatively constant and known (such as pipe section stiffness) , others (such as friction factor) can change quickly and are uncertain. These uncertain and changeable variables and factors also include borehole cross-sectional geometry, drill string ledge contacts, key seat effects, cutting bed properties, differential pressure effects, slant angle, contact surface, hydrodynamic viscous drag, bit ball¬ ing, mud solids content and dog leg severity condi¬ tions.

Basic predictive analysis methods are used to plan a drilling program which is acceptable, i.e., likely to be successful. Expected drilling variable data are used in a model to predict a single likely value of each indicator of an unwanted condition. If some of the predicted values (during drilling) of an indicator (such as indicator weight) fall outside an acceptable or "normal" threshold, corrective or mitigation meas¬ ures are planned and/or implemented. If mitigation measure is planned/ implemented, a second prediction of the single likely value of each indicator using miti¬ gated drilling variable values may be made to verify that the predicted value of each indicator is now acceptable.

Basic monitoring type techniques obtain drilling indicator (as well as some drilling variable) data during drilling (and completion) operations and compare

these actual or real time monitored values to expected or threshold values. If a threshold value is exceeded or actual data is outside a "normal" range, the opera¬ tor is warned of the danger so that other drilling method (mitigation measures) can be employed. One can also combine prediction and monitoring methods on an incremental basis, e.g., a different method for each zone or formation of interest.

A statistical approach, as described in United States Patent No. 4,791,998, is also known. It first requires grouping of drilling data (i.e., indicator data and other factors) from a first set of similar wells that displayed an unwanted condition, e.g., a stuck pipe string. A second set of drilling data from another statistically significant group of similar wells that did not display the unwanted condition is also required. The method statistically analyzes drilling variables for a new well of interest with respect to these two prior data sets and predicts which group the well of interest is expected to fall into. If an unwanted condition is expected, mitigation meas¬ ures are implemented to change the drilling variables towards values approaching the second set.

These methods have led to three types of drilling approaches, all three of which may result in excessive cost because of the inability to economically handle the inherent uncertain and variable factors such as downhole conditions. The first type, or excessively conservative approach, employs unnecessary mitigation measures to avoid problems which probably would not have occurred (i.e., the conservative threshold values for indicators signal potential problems along with

false alarms and mitigation measures are frequently employed) . Unless a significant risk of a problem occurring exists, employing a mitigation measure is not cost effective.

Unnecessary delay/failure to employ an effective or correct mitigation measure when needed is the some¬ time catastrophic result of an excessively risky second approach which ignores a significant chance of the unwanted condition (i.e., the threshold indicator value signals problems only after high risk of the problem exists, but with few false alarms and mitigation meas¬ ures are infrequently employed) . If a significant risk of a problem occurring exists, mitigation measures may be needed immediately, not after the problem surfaces. The most cost effective mitigation measure at an early step of the drilling plan may not be effective later.

The last of the three, or a statistical risk analysis approach balances the cost and risk of the two aforementioned approaches, but requires costly sets of well failure and well success data to supply a statis¬ tical model. However, even this sophisticated probabi¬ listic technique has not been able to reliably avoid the risks of failure or unnecessary mitigation measures in all cases even when sufficient data is available. Sufficient statistical data may also not be available for exploration wells.

A simplified analysis method is needed to allow the drilling of extended reach wells, without unneces¬ sarily implementing costly problem mitigation measures or accepting unnecessary risk. The method should also not require extensive data.

S nary of the Invention

The present invention provides an interactive modeling, planning, and indicator monitoring technique for drilling a well of interest that avoids unnecessary data gathering, needless mitigation procedures, and imprudent risks. Instead of statistical data set analysis or a single point prediction of each indicator (and basing drilling decisions on this single point prediction or a "normal" range around it) , the well drilling variables are displaced or shifted within a physically feasible range to generate a plurality of predicted indicator values, each having a corresponding probability. If the predicted probability of any one value exceeding a threshold value is unacceptable, the drilling plan is modified. Critical variables are quickly identified by deleting those which do not significantly affect the indicator even after shifting. These can be safely ignored in future modeling, planning and monitoring. The early selection of economic mitigation measures which are directed to the critical variables is also accomplished, rather than a delayed or shotgun approach to selecting mitigation measures. The present inven¬ tion is expected to be especially useful for severe or off-design drilling conditions, and in highly inclined boreholes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a sample subsurface well path;

Figure 2 shows the simple two dimensional forces on pipe string element in an inclined section of the

well path shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a graph of slack off weights calculat¬ ed from perturbed friction factors for a portion of the well path shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a graph of pick up weights calcu¬ lated from perturbed friction factors when using heavi¬ er drill pipe up hole in the well path shown in Figure l;

Figure 5 shows a graph of feasibly possible slack off weights when running casing in a portion of the well path shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 6 is a block diagram of a process and an apparatus to accomplish the process steps.

In these figures, it is to be understood that like reference numerals refer to like elements or features.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Drilling an extended reach well increases drag forces on tubulars within the borehole. The drag forces create a risk of tubulars becoming stuck in the wellbore. The invention provides a risk analysis method to evaluate and mitigate excessive drag and other risks, especially for extended reach wells.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a proposed subsurface well path of an extended reach well.

As an example, the initial section 2 of the borehole below ground surface 3 is planned to have an axis nearly vertical for a measured and actual (vertical) depth of 243.8 meters (800 feet). The second or build section 4 changes the direction of the well. The incline angle θ (see Figure 2) builds at a rate of

approximately 3.5 degrees per 30.48 meters (100 feet) until a measured depth (distance from the ground sur¬ face as measured within the borehole) of 950.7 meters (3119 feet) is reached. A third or incline section 5 extends from a measured depth (i.e., length) of 950.7 meters (3119 feet) to the borehole bottom. The dis¬ tance to the borehole bottom from the surface as meas¬ ured within the borehole, or total measured depth ("TMD" as shown in Figure 1) is planned to be 4032.2 meters (13229 feet) . The actual total vertical depth ( ^»» TVD") and lateral displacement ("LD") is planned to be 1210 meters (3970 feet) and 3467.4 meters (11376 feet) , respectively. The initial drilling plan is to drill and case the borehole to "TMD" with several different nominal diameter pipe strings. Other drill¬ ing variables in this example are listed in the follow¬ ing Table 1.

TABLE 1 - EXAMPLE OF T-RTT.T.TWC VARIABLE VATTTR ^g VQR PROPOSED WBIiL

* Incline angle of the deviated portion = 81.17 de¬ grees.

* Drill string and bit: 31.1 cm (12 1/4 inch) nominal initial diameter followed by an 21.6 cm (8 1/2 inch) nominal diameter.

* Casing: 50.8 cm (20 inch) nominal diameter to 235.2 meters (775 feet), 34.0 cm (13 3/8 inch) nominal diameter to a measured depth of 1829 meters (6000 feet), 24.4 cm (9 5/8 inch) nominal diameter to 2956.6 meters (9700 feet) and 17.8 cm (7 inch) nomi¬ nal diameter from to 4032.2 meters (13229 feet).

* Expected feasible range of open hole friction fac¬ tors: 44.5 cm (17 1/2 inch) nominal string and bit in 44.5 cm (17 1/2 inch) hole = 0.30 to 0.80; 34.0 cm (13 3/8 inch) nominal casing in 44.5 cm (17 1/2 inch) hole = 0.40 - 0.70; 31.1 cm (12 1/4 inch) nominal drill string and bit in 31.1 cm (12 1/4 inch) hole = 0.25 - 0.70; 24.4 cm (9 5/8 inch) nominal casing in 31.1 cm (12 1/4 inch) hole = 0.35 - 0.60; 21.6 cm (8 1/2 inch) nominal drill string and bit in 21.6 cm (8 1/2 inch) hole = 0.35 - 0.85; and 17.8 cm (7 inch) nominal casing in 21.6 cm (8 1/2 inch) hole = 0.30 - 0.80.

* Measured inside casing friction factors: 31.1 cm (12 1/4 inch) nominal drill string and bit in 34.0 cm (13 3/8 inch) nominal casing = 0.2; 24.4 cm (9 5/8 inch) nominal casing in 34.0 cm (13 3/8 inch) nominal casing = 0.33; 21.6 cm (8 1/2 inch) nominal drill string and bit in 24.4 cm (9 5/8 inch) nominal casing = 0.31; and

17.8 cm (7 inch) nominal casing in 24.4 cm (9 5/8 inch) nominal casing = 0.35.

Figure 2 shows the simple two dimensional forces on pipe string element 6 in the inclined borehole section 5 (see Figure 1) at an incline angle θ to the vertical direction 7. Drag can become a severe problem during drilling and running casing into an extended reach well, especially if a well portion exceeds a critical drag angle. The critical drag angle defines an angle at which a pipe element or single pipe section will no longer slide down the hole by gravity, i.e., it must be forced or pushed down the hole to overcome drag forces. When a portion of the well path exceeds the critical angle over a long distance, enough drag will be generated to overcome the available weight of the non-critical angle path portions. When this happens, the pipe string (i.e., all pipe elements or sections) will no longer slide in the hole.

The buoyed weight of the pipe element 6 acts in the vertically down direction 7. The components of this weight are shown as a normal force 8 (i.e., per¬ pendicular to the walls of the inclined section 5) and axial or transverse force 9. The axial force 9 tends to slide the element down the inclined borehole portion 5. However, the normal force component 8 of the weight also results in a drag force 10, which is a function of the normal (to the pipe direction) force and a working friction factor. As the incline angle θ increases towards 90 °, the normal force component 8 increases and the axial force component 9 decreases. For a

certain friction factor and incline angle, i.e., the critical incline angle, the friction factor times the normal force (i.e., drag force 10) is equal to the axial force 9. For a friction factor of 0.2, the critical angle is 78.7 degrees. Similarly, for a friction factor of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5, the critical incline angles are 73.3, 68.2, and 63.4 degrees respec¬ tively.

Figure 3 shows an example of using the preferred embodiment method to calculate predicted decrease in supported or indicator weight during slack-off periods of the planned non-rotary running or tripping of a nominal 17 1/2 inch hole portion of the well path (shown in Figure 1) . The indicator weight is generally the weight of the drill rig supported drill string and drilling equipment (e.g., block weight plus assembled tubular section weights) less any upward forces, such as buoyant and drag forces on the tubulars within the borehole. The block weight (i.e., the initial support¬ ed weight without tubulars) can also be the desired minimum weight for control of the supported weight drilling apparatus.

The borehole portion extends to a "measured depth" of 6000 feet. Since the working "friction factor" is uncertain but feasibly ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 as shown in Table 1, a series of supported weight (i.e., condi¬ tion indicator) predictions are plotted as shown in Figure 3. Since nearly all the feasible friction factors result in lack of sliding (i.e., incline angle is above the critical incline angle θ) , even if lower friction factor mitigation measures are implemented and

lower friction factors are likely, operation will require added loads to force the drill string down the highly deviated borehole. The indicator loads required for nearly every shifted value within the feasible friction factor range show a high likelihood of stuck pipe string and other problems if the initial drilling plan is implemented, indicating added load is needed.

A low cost mitigation option of using a heavier weight drill string (in the up-hole portion 2 as shown in Figure 1) to add load is interactively selected. A drilling plan with this mitigation option is now mod¬ eled and analyzed similar to the initial drilling plan. This second model and shifted analysis can determine if an acceptable likelihood of success is achieved or whether additional mitigation measures are needed.

Figure 4 shows a graphical presentation of a second analysis of indicator weights during pick up operations after modification (added weight) of the drilling plan. A heavier drill pipe up hole (e.g., thicker wall drill pipe in at least the vertical por¬ tion of the borehole) in the near vertical well path portion (shown in Figure 1) is now planned to assist running but the added weight may adversely affect pick up operations. The expected friction factor is again incrementally shifted for the analysis.

Because of the pipe working limit, a drilling rig can pull a maximum of 1,556,800 N (350,000 pounds) on the supported pipe. The (now added weight) drilling plan to drill an extended reach borehole in the shape similar to Figure 1 is analyzed to verify that the increased weight will not exceed the pipe working limit of the casing in the drill rig. Figure 4 shows the

pre-calculated forces needed during pick-up operations to remove the heavier drill string at various depths with assumed friction factors.

The graph of shifted friction factors in Figure 4 shows that safe or threshold drilling rig/pipe limita¬ tions (lifting capability threshold) is exceeded at bottom pick up if the friction factor exceeds 0.7. Although not probable, a friction factor of 0.7 or 0.8 is expected not more than 20 percent of the time, and probably no more than 10 percent of the time.

The estimated likelihood is not trivial. In addition to the direct cost effects of the high lifting loads and drill rig/pipe limitation problems, the loads are also related to the likelihood of other problems or unwanted conditions (e.g., stuck drill string, other¬ wise damaged drill string, and delay/inability to change drilling rigs) . Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the high friction factors in excess of 0.7 result in being unable to safely pick up the now heavi¬ er drill string at or near bottom unless a larger capacity rig/pipe having a higher pipe working limit is used.

There are essentially three options when faced with these less than likely, but not insignificant probability analysis results. The first option is to drill and accept the 10 to 20 percent risk without any changes or specific monitoring plans during the drill¬ ing. For example, if the risk is small enough and multiple wells are planned, a larger capacity rig with higher working limit pipe is readily available, and/or shallow wells are also needed, this take the risk option may be acceptable.

A second option is to drill and specifically monitor (pick-up) indicator weight. Actual monitored weight is compared at various depths to friction factor curves shown in Figure 4 and the closest curve is determined. If the monitored (actual) indicator weight values are close to a curve show a friction factor of 0.7 or greater, the drilling plan would be modified during drilling, such as decreasing the incline angle. The second approach reduces the risk, the reduction related to how effectively and early the monitored indicator can show impending risk of the unwanted condition and how effective mitigation measures are when implemented after drilling has started.

If not willing to accept even a reduced risk, the third option is to modify the planned drilling process before drilling to still further reduce the risk. For example, a lubricant drilling mud or a flotation de¬ vice, as shown in copending U.S. Patent Application S/N 07/401,086 filed on August 31, 1989 herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, can be used to reduce or even eliminate drag on the tubular components in the deviated portion of the borehole.

In this example, option three was chosen. That is, the unlikely, but significant probability of major problems even if indicator weight is monitored (esti¬ mated as no more than 10 percent in this example) combined with the large cost impacts if this unlikely friction factor occurred was deemed unacceptable, and a further modified drilling plan was required.

Use of hole conditioning and lubrication methods as further mitigation measures were chosen. These further planned mitigation measures significantly

reduce the likelihood of a friction factor exceeding 0.7. The shifting analysis process was again repeated with planned heavier weight string in a lubricated/conditioned borehole. This reduced the predicted probability of a 0.7 friction factor to an acceptable level, especially if indicator weights were monitored during drilling (i.e., option 2). If the actual (monitored) indicator weights approach or exceed the predicted pick up or slack-off values calculated for a friction factor of 0.7 early in the actual drill¬ ing operation, additional conditioning and/or lubrica¬ tion mitigation measures can be now be taken quickly to further reduce the friction factor or otherwise reduce the likelihood of problems.

Figure 5 shows a graph of predicted and feasibly possible decrease in indicator (in this case, during slack off operations) weights from the initial block weight during the doubly mitigated (heavy weight and lubricated/conditioned hole drilling) plan for running the 34.0 cm (13 3/8 inch) nominal casing in a portion of the well path. The most likely or predicted average slack off supported (indicator) weight as a function of depth and the average expected friction factor of 0.45 is shown as a dotted curve. The expected or "normal" friction factor now lies within a narrow range of 0.4 to 0.5, shown hatched in Figure 5, now only having a small likelihood of being near or above 0.5. After calculations, a small, but now acceptable likelihood of problems (if monitored during drilling) near the bottom exists for friction factor values near 0.5. Monitoring and comparing operating indicator weight to the pre¬ dicted range of feasible curves is expected to be able

to detect potential problems early, allowing cost effec¬ tive further mitigation measures to be implemented early if the operating friction factor approaches 0.5. In addition, actual friction factor (calculated from data taken during drilling) of the 44.5 cm (17 1/2 inch) borehole drilling may also be used to modify likelihoods and expected values of other friction factors, allowing additional time to implement neces¬ sary mitigation measures. Similar graphs of indicators under various feasible friction factor conditions can be made for each casing and drilling operation. For the planned drilling, other mitigation measures can also be implemented before the adverse results of another unlikely drilling variable or indicator* show an unacceptable risk.

Another possible mitigation measure, especially applicable to extended reach wells, is to increase the buoyancy forces on the tubulars in the deviated well portions, as shown in copending U.S. Application Serial Number 07/401,086 filed August 31, 1989 herein incorpo¬ rated by reference in its entirety. If this mitigation measure is selected, another shifted analysis is recom¬ mended.

The likelihood of a given friction factor is dependent upon many drilling variables, as previously discussed, but individual drilling variables are not always required. If sufficient data exist, the likeli¬ hood of the indicator(s) can be judged directly in this preferred embodiment of the method. Alternative as¬ sessments/computation of the likelihood of the indica¬ tor (or drilling variable) can be based upon prior well drilling variable data in the same area, similar wells

in similar geologic formations or a calculation based on the generally assumed significant drilling variables which influence the indicator(s) . This alternative assessment can also be a combination of the statistical analysis approach of U. S. Patent No. 4,791,998 (previ¬ ously discussed) and the probabilistic shifted calcula¬ tions and interactive drilling plan modification proc¬ ess of the present invention.

One type of calculation of a drilling variable, such as a working friction factor, is a summation of drilling variable factors. Working friction factor is an empirical factor which encompasses many individual contributors. The individual contributors, such as "true friction" factor, key seat factor, ledge factor, cuttings bed factor, bit balling factor, and differen¬ tial sticking factor, are combined to calculate the total or working friction factor. Each of these drill¬ ing working friction contributors are variables that are generally uncertain, but can be bounded within a feasible range by using theoretical and/or empirical analysis and related to indicator weight.

The significant or critical drilling variables which are related to the working friction factor for a specific well configuration can be determined by shift¬ ing or otherwise perturbing each drilling variable within its physically feasible range. If the working friction factor and/or problem indicators are not significantly affected over the feasible range of the drilling variable, the variable can be fixed or ignored in later shifted friction factor and supported weight indicator calculations, monitoring, etc. The most critical variables can also be determined as the ones

having the largest effects on the working friction factor or problem indicators. Low cost mitigation measures which influence these critical variables should be considered first if an unacceptably high likelihood of an unwanted condition resulting from a high friction factor is calculated.

A block diagram of the process steps and the apparatus to accomplish an embodiment of this method are shown in Figure 6. A data acquisition module "A" is in electrical communication with transducers or other input devices. Drilling plan data, unwanted condition mitigation options, relationships between variables and indicators, initially expected values of indicators, drilling variables, the physically feasible ranges of variables and indicators (if available) , level of significance of variables and indicators, and indicator likelihood thresholds are supplied to the Module "A." The module apparatus is typically a digi¬ tizing device and microprocessor, but may also include a manual keyboard data entry device. "Normal" or initially expected values of the indicators are calcu¬ lated from the drilling plan and expected drilling variables, unless input directly. Alternatively, any feasible prediction of the indicators can be used initially. The module may also calculate initial indicators from prior average drilling variables or from default values if specific other inputs are not supplied.

An expected variable (which also may be an indica¬ tor) is selected if tally shows it was not previously chosen and communicated to Module "B" where it is to be changed or shifted based upon data supplied to Module

"A." The shift may be a plurality of shifts in incre¬ ments over (but generally within) the feasible range input to or calculated by Module "A" from supplied data. A shift towards an increased likelihood of an unwanted or unacceptable result/indicator is the pre¬ ferred direction of shifting. If the direction of shift towards an unacceptable result is not clear, shifts to both ends of the feasible range are accom¬ plished.

Module "B" apparatus may be part of the Module "A" microprocessor, or Module "B" can be a separate calcu¬ lating means. A tally of selected indicators or varia¬ bles is also maintained by Module "B" apparatus and transmitted to subsequent modules.

The incrementally shifted values from Module "B" are communicated to Module "C" where the probability of each shifted value of the selected or calculated indi¬ cator is determined. For example, the probability of an indicator weight at a given depth is dependent upon the probability of the shifted friction factor and other drilling plan variables and factors (input to Module "A") . The calculations of Module "C" use the shifted values (accomplished by Module "B") and the probability distributions of drilling variables or other factors input into Module "A" to calculate the probability of selected and shifted indicators of problems or unacceptable drilling results.

Module "C" also compares the probability of the selected shifted indicator to the indicator's threshold and significance values derived from Module "A." Apparatus for comparing at Module "C" may be a separate matrix or comparator, but may also be a part of the

aforementioned microprocessor of Module "A." If the comparison shows a probability not exceeding the sig¬ nificance level calculated or input supplied by Module "A" (i.e, a trivial effect), the indicator is deleted in Module "E." If tally shows remaining un-shifted indicators, another indicator or drilling variable to be shifted is selected in Module "A" until all signifi¬ cant indicators and variables are analyzed. If an indicator is not at the end of the worst case range in Module "D," a further shift (another increment of shift) in the indicator/drilling variable is implement¬ ed in Module "B" until indicator is at the worst end of the feasible range.

If the unwanted condition indicator probability exceeds an acceptable likelihood in Module "C," a mitigation option is chosen at Module "F." Module "F" choosing may be accomplished manually (i.e., interac¬ tive mode) or a pre-planned series of drilling mitiga¬ tion measures can be planned and input into Module "A." The modified drilling plan, derived from Module "A," is supplied to Module "B," the chosen indicator tally is reset to zero, and the process is repeated until the shifted indicator probability does not exceed the threshold.

If the calculated probability of shifted indicator or variable shows significant changes to the likelihood of an unwanted condition but below the threshold value, the selected variable (or indicator) is transmitted to Module "G." If other non-shifted indicators remain, the process starting at Module "A" is repeated. Again, Modules "D," "E," "F," and "G" may be part of a general microprocessor or separate comparators/information

processing devices.

If no other indicators remain, drilling is carried out while monitoring the remaining indicators and variables. Monitored data are now supplied to Module "A" and the information processing/drill plan changing continues as previously discussed. Some of the indica¬ tors, drilling variables, and drilling plan options may be zeroed or removed from consideration during the drilling if no longer feasible or significant to the probability of an unwanted result. For example, heavi¬ er weight tubulars may not be an economic option when nearing bottom hole.

If mitigation options are not preselected, selec¬ tion of remaining mitigation options in Module "F" is analyzed similar to aforesaid risk analysis steps based upon input expected (and probabilities of) effects upon indicators or variables. Comparison of remaining significant indicator/variables to the expected effect of each option on these values is accomplished in Module "F." The mitigation options can also be select¬ ed and tested (analyzed) in order of increasing cost.

The invention allows optimum drilling plans and operations during exploration, production, logging, work-over, or shut-in activities. Unnecessary indica¬ tors or variables (e.g. , variables which even at worst case do not introduce more than an insignificant level of risk) can be safely ignored when sufficient data or analysis allow it and more cost effective drilling/monitoring can be implemented.

Although the aforementioned discussion assumes independent indicators and drilling variables, depend¬ ent variations can also be accommodated if the depend-

ent relationship is known, such as friction factor dependent upon drilling fluid composition, rotation speed, or depth variables. Inputting these relation¬ ships into Module "A" and shifting of one indicator/variable at Module "B" therefore simultane¬ ously shifts dependent indicators/ variables. Subse¬ quent determinations and comparisons take into account the effects of both the shifted independent and shifted dependent variables and indicators.

Still other alternative embodiments are possible. These include: a plurality of interconnected microproc¬ essors; incorporating a heuristic (i.e., self learning) algorithm to determine range, increments and likeliness values during repeated usage; significance and thresh¬ old values in Module "A" can be altered during drilling based on variable drilling and other input data; re¬ placing microprocessor steps with manual calculations; and locating the microprocessor downhole within a protective enclosure. The apparatus and process can also be applied to excavation, tunneling, remotely controlled underwater construction or other applica¬ tions having multiple variables/indicators and where significant uncertainty exists. For example, the risk of slides during excavation is related to wall slope geometry, compaction strength, and other variables. The method would input these relationships and initial values, shift these values within expected ranges, isolate significance and variables, compare results to threshold values, and interactively select slide miti¬ gation measures to produce a low risk and cost effec¬ tive excavation.

Methods of accomplishing drilling and completion of extended reach wells are also disclosed in paper entitled "Extended Reach Drilling From Platform Irene," by M.D. Mueller, J.M. Quintana, and M.J. Bunyak, pre¬ sented to the 22 Annual Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, May 7 - 10, 1990, the teaching of which are incorporated herein by reference.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention (method to predict and monitor supported weight in highly deviated holes) has been shown and described, and some alternative embodiments also shown and/or described, changes and modifications may be made there¬ to without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace within the invention all such changes, modifications and alternative embodiments as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.