Torque and Drag Mitigation in Extend Reach Wells: A Case Study of the SUST-X Well, Sudan

Abstract

Extended-Reach Drilling (ERD) is a critical technique for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from remote and complex reservoirs, yet it poses significant mechanical challenges—most notably, managing torque and drag (T&D) forces in long, deviated wellbores. These forces can reduce drilling efficiency, impede weight transfer, and increase the risk of stuck pipe, particularly in the build-up and horizontal sections. This study presents a detailed mechanical analysis of the SUST-X ERD well in Sudan, integrating actual field data with advanced simulations using WellPlan software. The modeling confirmed the well’s ERD profile and identified critical T&D zones. Key findings include sinusoidal and helical buckling thresholds at 98.8 kip and 104.3 kip, respectively; pick-up and slack-off drag values of 35.2 kip and 36.2 kip; and a maximum rotary torque of 13,236.8 ft-lbf during on-bottom drilling. The simulation also predicted a safe overpull margin of 324.0 kip, validating WellPlan’s reliability for pre-drill mechanical risk assessment. By combining real-world data with simulation, this work addresses a key knowledge gap in ERD design and execution—specifically the lack of data-driven, case-specific analysis for quantifying mechanical limits. The findings underscore the importance of simulation-based planning and proactive wellbore design in mitigating T&D challenges and improving both the technical performance and economic outcomes of ERD operations. Future research should extend this approach to dynamic drilling effects for a more comprehensive risk management strategy.

Country : UAE, Sudan

1 Omer Alfarog A. A. Ahmed2 Ahmed A. I. Elrayah

  1. TAQA Well Solution, Drilling Solution, UAE & Sudan University of Science and Technology, College of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Department, Khartoum, Sudan
  2. Sudan University of Science and Technology, College of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Department, Khartoum, Sudan

IRJIET, Volume 9, Issue 8, August 2025 pp. 56-65

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2025.908008

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