Application of Real-Time Field Data to Optimize Drilling Hydraulics Using Neural Network Approach

Real-time drilling optimization improves drilling performance by providing early warnings in operation Mud hydraulics is a key aspect of drilling that can be optimized by access to real-time data. Different from the investigated references, reliable prediction of pump pressure provides an early warning of circulation problems, washout, lost circulation, underground blowout, and kicks. This will help the driller to make necessary corrections to mitigate potential problems. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict hydraulics was implemented through the fitting tool of matlab. Following the determination of the optimum model, the sensitivity analysis of input parameters on the created model was investigated by using forward regression method. Next, the remaining data from the selected well samples was applied for simulation to verify the quality of the developed model. The novelty is this paper is validation of computer models with actual field data collected from an operator in LA. The simulation result was promising as compared with collected field data. This model can accurately predict pump pressure versus depth in analogous formations. The result of this work shows the potential of the approach developed in this work based on NN models for predicting real-time drilling hydraulics.