Drillstring simulator improves drilling performance

A versatile and easy-to-use drillstring simulator (DSS) has been developed and validated by the authors. The simulator is being used by drilling engineers during planning and drilling, and where appropriate, for post-drilling analysis. The simulator predicts loads and stresses in drillstrings and casing strings during most normal drilling operations, and its use has reduced costs. Although based on the ideas developed by the industry during the extended reach drilling (ERD) project and similar to others in use, BP's DSS has been written to run on a smaller computer and includes many new features which improve accuracy, versatility and ease of use.