Form C4
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Course Code
1. Course
Title
G10DR
2. SCQF
Level
Drilling
5. Course
Co-ordinator
4. School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
6. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Sem 2
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Collaborative Partner
Baku Higher Oil School, Azerbaijan
Sem 2
10
3. Credits
150
4th Year Director of Studies
Approved Learning Partner
Name …………………………………Sem………..
7. Pre-requisites
8. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
9. Excluded Courses
10. Replacement Courses
Code:
11. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
12. The course may be
delivered to:
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
BEng Petroleum Engineering
13. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
14. Aims
The overall aim of this course is to:

understand the concepts and techniques used in drilling engineering

examine the design requirements of well planning and construction

optimise the design of a drilling program
15. Syllabus





Overview of Drilling Operations: To review the processes required to drill wells; to consider the different types of well - exploration, appraisal, development – and
their role in the exploration and production of a reservoir; to discuss the resources required in terms of equipment and personnel.
Rig Components: To review the functions of a drilling rig – types, locations, capacities, drilling systems. To examine the main systems – power, hoisting, circulation,
cleaning.
Drillstring: Review the function and design of a drillstring for specific operations; to examine the use of stabilisers and mud motors in achieving deviated drilling; to
calculate and design the appropriate components to achieve a deviated well; the use of logging (MWD and LWD) in achieving designed trajectories; review of data
capture and analysis for MWD and LWD;
Drillbits: To review the characterisation and selection of drill bits for specific formation properties; to assess the longevity of drill bits with reference to industry
standards; to compare efficiency of drill bits by reference to cost and specific energy relationships.
Formation Pore Pressure and Fracture Gradient: Understanding the generation of pore pressure within sediments; classification of pore pressure relative to
hydrostatic pressure; calculation of pore pressure gradient; review of earth stresses and rock mechanical properties of sediments; calculation of fracture gradient; use
of pore and fracture gradients to determine suitable casing setting depths.
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Form C4
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Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Well Control: Design and use of casing in production and injection wells; design of cementing – primary and secondary; design of mud system and appropriate mud
weight for specific designs; review of BOP’s in drilling and their function in well control.
Drilling Fluids: Review of types of fluids; design requirements of drilling mud – hole cleaning, bit cooling, formation stabilisation; chemical interaction of drilling fluids
and sediments; remedial operations to counteract blowouts and kicks; design of bit hydraulics and calculation of fluid power requirements.
16. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
 understand and appreciate the mechanism of well drilling
 calculate the deviation required to reach a specific reservoir target and design the well path
 understand drillstring hydraulics and produce a suitable bottomhole assembly design for each hole section
 produce a casing design for a well
 understand and be able to calculate mud densities to overcome an unexpected well influx (kick) and to design a circulation method to return
to safe operation
 design a cementing operation
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
After completing this module, students will be able to:
 Appreciate the scale and complexity of the industry.

Be aware of the social responsibility in protecting the environment and personnel in oil and gas operations.

Understand the role of design codes.

Understand the role of empiricism and approximation in design calculations.

Develop appropriate skills in problem solving.

Appreciate the practical application of chemical engineering fundamentals to equipment design.
17. Assessment Methods
Method
18. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Examination
Coursework
2 hours
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
75%
25%
None – qualifying course
19. Date and Version
2/3
Diet(s)
Form C4
Date of Proposal
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
13-8-2012
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Version
Number
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