Wellhead Fatigue: Benefits of Structural Reliability Analysis Applied to Groups of Wells

This paper outlines the methodology when performing structural reliability analysis (SRA) for wellhead fatigue of a complete field compared to individual wells. The field consist of several well and template systems from different suppliers. Further this paper will emphasize on added knowledge that can arise from the field vs. well analysis approach. Finally, some advice and guiding on necessary prerequisites for launching a field SRA will be shared. The methodology followed previous advices, with the added element that all wells were categorized depending on similarities in well design. Furthermore, a number of local finite element analyses for a specified systematic set of variations in input parameters have been performed by relevant equipment manufacturers to calculate the fatigue stress at critical hot spots (load-to-stress curves). Similar actions on loads had to be performed. A comprehensive set of global load analyses for each of the different rigs that have been operating on the field where needed to assess the cyclic fatigue loads from historical operations on each well. Finally, global and local analysis results were then gathered, and used as input to the SRA combined with a response surface technique. The additional effort for making the underlying global and local analyses covering all wells, and not only a single well, is limited for a given type of wellhead system. The field results now provide the operator with an improved basis for planning of future operations on the field, and enables optimization of the drilling plan and utilization of rigs throughout the varying environmental conditions for different seasons of the year and different operations, while managing the associated risk.