Drillstring Vibrations

Vibration types
Drillstring vibrations can be divided into three

types, or modes: axial, torsional, and lateral
(Fig. 1)
1
. The destructive nature of each type of
vibration is different.
Axial vibrations can cause bit bounce, which
may damage bit cutters and bearings.
Torsional vibrations can cause irregular down-
hole rotation. Stick/slip is often seen while drilling
and is a severe form of drillstring torsional
oscillation in which the bit becomes stationary
for a period. As the severity of stick/slip increases,
the length of the stuck period increases, as do
the rotational accelerations as the bit breaks free
(Fig. 2). Torsional fluctuations fatigue drill collar
connections and can damage bits. The use of a
mud motor may help to address stick/slip if the
main source of excitation is from the bit, but the
presence of a motor does not prevent stick/slip.
The drillstring and BHA above the motor can
enter into a stick/slip motion even when the
motor is turning the bit at a steady rate.
Bit bounce Stick/slip Bending
Axial Torsional Lateral
Fast Slow
Bending
400
300
200
100
0
1 0 2 3 4 5 6 7
Time, s
D
o
w
n
h
o
l
e

R
P
M
Surface rpm = 160, downhole rpm recorded at 100 Hz
Figure 1. Vibration types.
Figure 2. Fully developed stick/slip.
Drillstring Vibrations and Vibration Modeling
Lateral vibrations are the most destructive type of vibration and can
create large shocks as the BHA impacts the wellbore wall. The interaction
between BHA and drillstring contact points may, in certain circumstances,
drive the system into backward whirl. Backward whirl is the most
severe form of vibration, creating high-frequency large-magnitude
bending moment fluctuations that result in high rates of component and
connection fatigue. Imbalance in an assembly will cause centrifugally
induced bowing of the drillstring, which may produce forward whirl
and result in one-sided wear of components (Fig. 3).
Vibrations of all three types (axial, torsional, and lateral) may occur during
rotary drilling and are coupled. Induced axial vibrations at the bit can
lead to lateral vibrations in the BHA, and axial and torsional vibrations
observed at the rig floor may actually be related to severe lateral
vibrations downhole near the bit. At other times, severe axial vibrations
near the bit may show no visible vibrations at the surface.
Axial and lateral vibrations are more violent in vertical or low-angle
wells, and the displacements and bending moments introduced by
lateral vibrations increase as the ratio of hole size to BHA collar size
increases.
Natural frequencies and resonances
Natural frequencies are frequencies at which a structure likes to move
and vibrate. Each natural frequency has an associated mode shape
(Fig. 4). If the structure is excited at one of its natural frequencies, then
resonance is encountered and large amplitude oscillations may result.
2

The largest amplitude displacements tend to occur at the first
(fundamental) natural frequency.
Excitation sources
A drillstring vibrates as a result of load or displacement excitations
applied at various locations and at various frequencies.
There is a wide range of potential excitation sources: mass imbalance,
misalignment and kinks or bends, the cutting action of the drill bit,
stabilizer blades (especially if they are straight), mud motors (nutation,
or wobbling, of the rotor within the stator), and the friction factor
between the drillstring and borehole wall.
Vibration modeling
There are two main types of vibration models: frequency domain and
time domain.
Frequency domain models, such as the Schlumberger BHAV model,
are fast running. A static model is used to compute BHA touch points
and this information is used to compute the natural frequencies of the
drillstring and BHA.
The user is asked to select the excitation sources expected (for example,
imbalance and bit blades) and a critical rpm is computed for each
source. The critical rpm is the surface rotational speed at which the
frequency of the excitation source is expected to coincide with natural
frequencies of the BHA. Interaction between the drillstring and the
borehole wall is not taken into consideration.
Forward synchronous
Backward
Figure 3. BHA whirl.
Time domain (transient) models, such as the Schlumberger BHATV model,
are more computationally intensive and, typically, drill forward in time
and model the interaction between the drillstring and the borehole wall.
This allows the models to capture mechanisms, such as forward and
backward whirl, and provide a better representation of the excitation
because of rotation of bends and kinks and to mud motor nutation.
Modeling limitations
It is important to bear in mind that vibration models require inputs that
are commonly unknown or not available in real time, including formation
properties and heterogeneity, BHA component imbalance and orientation,
BHA misalignment (bent collars), downhole damping, and the friction
factor at contact points (transient models). Models are also sensitive to
hole diameter or stabilizer clearance.
3

For these reasons, models are most powerful when used to compare
the sensitivity of different BHA options to vibrations, and their accuracy
improves when calibrated using offset well information and experiences.
Because of the wide range of factors that influence vibration models,
the models should be viewed as guidelines and used in conjunction with
real-time measurements.
Summary
Vibration models are a valuable tool as part of an engineered
approach
3,4,5,6
incorporating prejob analysis of offset well information,
prejob modeling, real-time shock and vibration measurements, and
postjob analysis and modeling
6
, but it is important to understand
their limitations.
2.00
1.00
0.00
1.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
1.00
1.00
0.00
1.00
1.00
0.00
1.00
160 120 100 80
Upper
touch
point
D
i
s
p
l
a
c
e
m
e
n
t
,

i
n
40 20 0 60
Distance from bit, ft
Natural frequency 1
Mode Shapes
Natural frequency 2
Natural frequency 3
140
Figure 4. Lateral vibration mode shapes. The upper portion of this figure shows the static displacements of a restricted pendulum assembly
in an inclined borehole. Static analysis is used to define the BHA contact points, which are used as an input to the computation of the
structures natural frequencies and mode shapes, shown in the lower portion of the figure.
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Copyright 2010 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. 10-DR-0263
References
1
Jardine, S., Malone, D., and Sheppard, M.: Putting a Damper on
Drillings Bad Vibrations, Oilfield Review (January 1994).
2
Theory of Vibrations with Applications, Fourth Edition,
W. T. Thompson, ISBN 0412783908.
3
Burgess, T.M., McDaniel, G.L., and Das, P.K.: Improving BHA Tool
Reliability With Drillstring Vibration Models: Field Experience and
Limitations, paper SPE/IADC 16109 presented at the 1987 Drilling
Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA (March 1518).
4
Rewcastle S.C., and Burgess, T.M.: Real-Time Downhole Shock
Measurements Increase Drilling Efficiency and Improve MWD
Reliability, paper SPE 23890 (February 1821, 1991).
5
Dykstra, M.W., et al.: Improving Drilling Performance by Applying
Advanced Dynamics Models, paper SPE 67697.
6 Bailey, J., and Gupta, V.: Drilling Vibrations Modeling and Field
Validation, paper SPE 112650 (March 46, 2008).
7
Akinniranye, G., et al.: Implementation of a Shock and Vibration
Mitigation Process: Achieving Real-Time Solutions and Savings,
paper SPE 107903 (October 2224, 2007).

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What are the three types of drillstring vibrations?

What is the most destructive type of vibration and what can it cause?

Vibration types

Drillstring vibrations can be divided into three

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