Program Overview

Course Overview

The course TPG4242, Drilling Engineering 3, is a second-degree level course offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). It is taught in English and is worth 7.5 credits.

Course Content

This course presents innovative techniques for hydraulic optimizations, new cementing techniques, geothermal drilling, and methods for planning and operations. It covers new innovations and methods for drilling wells that cannot be drilled conventionally, such as MPD (managed pressure drilling), CML (control mud level), and DGD (dual gradient drilling) systems. Well control methods for kick handling, torque and drag calculations related to drilling and completion of long-reach wells, and drilling automation and digitalization using high-tech tools for performing real-time downhole communication are also discussed. The course includes a research task for each student, which must be presented in a scientific paper format.

Learning Outcome

The course aims to help students understand the drilling process and how to increase accuracy and reduce well costs using new innovations, methods, and techniques. By the end of the semester, students will have gained knowledge in areas such as advanced wellbore hydraulics, drilling fluid and cementing, MPD and CML, well control methods, and drilling automation and digitalization. They will also have developed skills in using digital tools, designing drilling programs, and identifying unwanted inflow.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course consists of lectures and compulsory exercises, including the use of programming tools such as MS Excel and Python. A compulsory research project with presentation is also part of the course.

Evaluation

The course evaluation is undertaken using a reference group. Students must approve 80% of the exercises before the exam, and their research presentation must also be approved before the exam. The final exam counts for 100% of the grade.

Required Previous Knowledge

The course requires previous knowledge equivalent to course TPG4215 or equivalent.

Course Materials

The course materials include:

• Applied Drilling Engineering, AT Bourgoyne Jr, KK Millheim, ME Chenevert and FS Young Jr. SPE Textbook Series Vol. 2, ISBN: 978-0
• Digitalization: Python Application for Drilling & Geoscience Engineer, Behzad Elahifar, Erfan hosseini, ISBN-13:
• Compendium
• Relevant textbooks will be announced at semester start
• Supplementary material will be given to students for each topic in the course

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with courses TPG4205 and TPG4220. If students take overlapping courses, they will receive a credit reduction in the course where they have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

The course falls under the subject areas of Petroleum Engineering - Drilling Engineering and Technological subjects.

Examination

The examination arrangement is a school exam, and the grade is given in letter grades. The ordinary examination is held in the spring, and the re-sit examination is held in the summer. The examination aids are limited, and the exam system is Inspera Assessment. The place and room for the school exam will be announced no later than 3 days before the exam.