Smith Technologies developed the Yield Point drilling hydraulics and hole cleaning simulation program to aid drilling engineers in specifying mud type and mud properties to satisfy rheological models of drill strings and well annuli. Yield Point can identify potential hole cleaning problems in the planning stage rather than during drilling operations when problems can affect the cost of the well.

This comprehensive drilling hydraulics and hole cleaning optimization program uses sophisticated algorithms to deliver solutions for conventional jet nozzle optimization and selection. After initialization data is input, Yield Point creates simulations of mud properties, flow rates, rates of penetration and total flow area. The virtual model then demonstrates the respective effects on observed bit hydraulic factors and on hole cleaning.

Yield Point RT for real-time assessment

Smith's most advanced version of the Yield Point platform is Yield Point RT. It uses WITSML (well site information transfer standard markup language) capabilities that enable a customer's well data to be linked directly to Yield Point RT. The data can be analyzed virtually in real time, resulting in recommendations for the operator that can be implemented immediately. Hydraulics can be optimized to maximize efficiency as the well is being drilled.

By linking a customer's well data directly to Yield Point RT, the virtual model can include data from numerous contributors. Using the WITSML defined standard and any common Internet connection, virtually all information created at or around a well site can be transferred to a common WITSML data store for further retrieval and use by authorized parties, beginning with the well operator and including various vendors and service providers that contribute their data.

Data Input to Yield Point

Wellsite providers, as well as off-location users, can input and retrieve data from Yield Point via an Internet connection. These include drilling contractors, mud loggers, rig instrumentation and wireline companies, drilling fluid service companies, casing running services and directional drillers. Operator personnel can include, drilling and exploration engineers and managers, reservoir engineers and management personnel. Other service providers include seismic survey companies, process optimization consultants and materials suppliers.

Wellsite service providers can contribute expertise to the common store via the WITSML interface, and then query the data store for combined information from other wellsite services. Their information can support programmatic analysis, visualization and potential corrective actions, and influence decision making in drilling and production operations.

Operating company personnel can compile information from any mix of vendor sources, can view and monitor current wells via web-based applications and can extract reports at any time.

The result is a real-time solution that yields substantial cost savings to the customer.