Real-Time Simulation Method Using Monte Carlo and Clustering Algorithms: A Case Study Covering Drill Bit Wear

Abstract

Minimization of the cost of drilling an oil well is primarily achieved by reducing the operation completion time, which in turn can be achieved by increasing the Rate of Penetration (ROP). The ROP is the result of a combination of factors, such as lithological formation, operational parameters and bit wear. This paper addresses bit wear during drilling, using a method that combines a physical equation, techniques for risk analysis and data mining to estimate the behavior of bit wear per meter drilled. Experiments were conducted with real-world data to test the method’s validity and accuracy and the results demonstrated the relevancy of this approach.