The evaluation requirements for drilling operations are identified by the Reservoir and Petroleum Engineering Department and are incorporated in the drilling programme for each well, or as a separate test programme.
The implementation of the evaluation programme at the well site is generally carried out by the Logging Engineer under the supervision of the Drilling Supervisor. The responsibilities of the well site personnel are identified below.
Drilling Supervisor
The Drilling Supervisor has a major responsibility for the overall safety and operation of the well site activities and liaises with the Rig Drilling Engineer, Rig Geologist (when on board) and the Logging Engineer concerning any evaluation requirements or resultant data, which may influence any drilling unit operations. This does not detract from the position of the Offshore Installation Manager who has the ultimate responsibility of the installation.
Rig Drilling Engineer
He will assist the Drilling Supervisor in the supervision and monitoring of all specialist evaluation services. He is responsible for the sampling programme, the collection of data, and reporting requirements. He liaises with other Company Specialists present on board, and co-ordinates the reports produced by these specialists.
Rig Geologist
The Rig Geologist (when present on board) assists the Rig Drilling Engineer in the implementation of the sampling programme, the collection of data, and in reporting requirements. He monitors the mud logging services and evaluates formation pressure.
Drilling Contractor
The Drilling Contractor is responsible for co-operative working relationships with the Well Services Contractor, providing assistance in the setting up of equipment on the platform and any associated services as required. The Drilling Contractor remains responsible for well control and associated operations including the recognition of kicks and closing the well in, during this and other phases of the operation.
Mud Logging Services Personnel
The Mud Logging Services Personnel are responsible for maintaining the on-line monitoring service of well and drilling parameters, including cuttings lithological descriptions and gas analysis. These responsibilities include alerting company and contractor personnel to any anomalous changes in the well and drilling parameters.
Specialist Evaluation Contractors
Additional specialist contractors may be required from time to time at the well site to carry out water, oil, and gas analyses. The scope of work of these contractors is clearly defined for each occasion and full details are given in advance of the work to Company personnel on the installation.