Estimating the Catenary Parameter for Catenary Shape Using the Newton Raphson Iterative Method as a Tool for Extended Reach Well Buildup Section Design

Abstract

The catenary well profile was first used to design extended reach well buildup section in 1985, ever since then a number of wells have been constructed using this profile. It towers over the constant build (circular arc) profile in terms of advantages. Prominent of which is the reduction of torque and drag. This advantage was restrained by the catenary parameter “a”, as “a” determines the shape or trajectory of a catenary shape in any given circumstance. We proffered a solution to estimating the catenary parameter “a” using the Newton-Raphson iteration method for linear equations. This method makes it easy to calculate “a” for almost every desired catenary shape. Also after estimating the values for “a” we went ahead to calculate tensions that will produce that calculated catenary parameter “a” as the parameter is the product of tension at the end of the string and inverse of unit weight. This method of catenary parameter prediction has been used to design overhead electrical cables and predict the extent of sagging of this cables. We used it here to design the path or trajectory of an extended reach well with satisfactory success. Results from the study shows that the use of the Newton-Raphson iterative method for the estimation of catenary parameter “a” for buildup section design of extended reach wells makes it easy for engineers to plan catenary trajectories with available materials and also removes the uncertainties that are inherent in predicting the shape of the trajectory.

Keywords: Caternary, String, well, Newton-Raphson, Extended Reach well

DOI: 10.7176/JETP/11-5-04

Publication date:October 31^st 2021