By: MSc. Arevalo Marcano – SENIOR WELL DESING ENGINEER

¿Do you want to optimize the design of your wells?: Applying the VCD METHODOLOGY Can help you do it.

The term VCD (Visualization, Conceptualization and Definition) is a working methodology that involves all disciplines of the Upstream (Geo-Sciences, Reservoir Engineering, Drilling and Productions) in each phases of drilling project before spudding it. This job scheme is becoming from the necessity to apply best practices and assess of definition and complexity during decision-making of the projects

The Visualization Phase: Consists of identifying and visualizing the drilling project, here a document called “Visualization Engineering” or Support Document Decision 1 (DSD1) is generated which includes the Functional Requirements and estimates a well construction cost Class V. (Here, 80% of the job is done by Geo-science- Reservoir and the rest, 20% by Working Table).

The Conceptualization Phase: includes the analysis of options and Concept selection, a document called “Conceptual Engineering” is generated, DSD2 and a Class IV cost is estimated to be the selected concept. (Here, the participation of: Working Table 50% –Geoscience/Reservoir (40%) Drilling contractors (10%)).

The Definition Phase: “Design Bases” (Calculations applied to drilling engineering) are executed, a document called “Basic Engineering” is generated, DSD3 and an associated Cost Class III is determined, within this same stage performed the “Detail Engineering” that will be finished with the definition of project’s cost Class II . Finally, the “Drilling Program” is generated. At this point the VCD is completed and then the project moves to an execution stage. (Here, Working Table (50%) Drilling Contractors (40%) -Geoscience/Reservoir (10%).