Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study of Wellbore Kick-Control in the Snubbing Service

Abstract

Wellbore kick-control held the key to the snubbing operation; it was realized through the sealing function of spherical rubber core in the blowout preventer system, and this process was characterized by the large deformation of rubber, nonlinear material and contact behaviour. Study on the sealing process and failure mechanism of rubber core contributed to its longevity and reliability. In this paper, ABAQUS was employed to simulate the rubber core sealing ø89 mm tubing, and the relationship of contact pressure and deformation of rubber was acquired. The dynamic fatigue process was discussed, and theoretical residual life of rubber was calculated through S–N curve. Experiments were carried out and repeated to testify this approach. The results demonstrated that as the sealing process started, rubber was forced to move radically inwards to fill the annular space; the contact pressure increased as the displacement of rubber grew, stress concentration in the rubber occurred at the connection part with brace and the contact area with tubing, and linear relationship of rubber was found between the maximum stress and the log of recycle number. Experiments also reflected similar outcome, the connection part with brace and inner surface of rubber was found broken most frequently and should be given additional attention during the design process.

Copyright 2017, Shaanxi Petroleum Society.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2017 International Petroleum and Petrochemical Technology Conference in Beijing, China, 20–22 March, 2017.

This paper was selected for presentation by the IFEDC&IPPTC Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the IFEDC&IPPTC Committee and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the IFEDC&IPPTC Committee, its members. Papers presented at the Conference are subject to publication review by Professional Committee of Petroleum Engineering of Shaanxi Petroleum Society. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written consent of Shaanxi Petroleum Society is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of IFEDC&IPPTC.