DEEPWATER SLIM HOLE WELL CONSTRUCTION

摘要

The methods and apparatus of the preferred embodiments are for drilling deepwater wells using slim hole technology. A surface platform (20) installs a guide base (12) and a first string of structural casing (14) into the formation using riserless drilling techniques. A small diameter, high pressure riser (30) is used to connect the surface platform (20) to the casing at the seafloor. Pressure control equipment is positioned on the platform at the upper terminus of the riser (30) and drilling is commenced using a composite coiled tubing drilling system. Standard, expandable, or chemical casing may be used as desired as the well is drilled to a target depth. The drilling assembly (40) also preferably includes measurement or logging-while-drilling equipment enabling formation evaluation while drilling continues.