Estimation of the Formation Temperature from the Inlet and Outlet Mud Temperatures While Drilling Geothermal Formations

Estimation of the formation temperature is an important process when deciding whether drilling should be stopped or continued. There are several time consuming methods of estimating of the formation temperatures, for example, the Horner-plot method ( e g Parasnis, 1971), a curve fitting method based on a numerical model (Chiba et al., 1982) or analysis of fluid inclusion (e.g. Fujino and Yamasaki, 1985). If formation temperature can be obtained from a wellbore simulator based on mud temperatures, the formation temperature can be measured while drilling resulting in advanced decisions such as whether drilling should be stopped or continued can be judged immediately, and the cost of drilling can be reduced.  A wellbore simulator will be modified to achieve this goal.  Field measurements will be compared to model data.

 

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