Abstract: Well pressure control is integrated in real time with geomechanics determinations made during drilling. A well drilling method includes updating determinations of properties of a formation surrounding a wellbore in real time as the wellbore is being drilled; and controlling wellbore pressure in real time as the wellbore is being drilled, in response to the updated determinations of the formation properties. Another well drilling method includes obtaining sensor measurements in a well drilling system in real time as a wellbore is being drilled; transmitting the sensor measurements to a control system in real time; the control system determining in real time properties of a formation surrounding the wellbore based on the sensor measurements, and the control system transmitting in real time a pressure setpoint to a controller; and the controller controlling operation of at least one flow control device, thereby influencing a well pressure toward the pressure setpoint.

Abstract: A well drilling method utilizing real time response to ahead of bit measurements. A well drilling method includes measuring a property of a portion of the earth prior to drilling a wellbore into the earth portion; and varying a drilling parameter in real time while drilling the wellbore, in response to measuring the property.

Abstract: Well pressure control is integrated in real time with geomechanics determinations made during drilling. A well drilling method includes updating determinations of properties of a formation surrounding a wellbore in real time as the wellbore is being drilled; and controlling wellbore pressure in real time as the wellbore is being drilled, in response to the updated determinations of the formation properties. Another well drilling method includes obtaining sensor measurements in a well drilling system in real time as a wellbore is being drilled; transmitting the sensor measurements to a control system in real time; the control system determining in real time properties of a formation surrounding the wellbore based on the sensor measurements, and the control system transmitting in real time a pressure setpoint to a controller; and the controller controlling operation of at least one flow control device, thereby influencing a well pressure toward the pressure setpoint.

Abstract: A system for drilling a wellbore includes a prediction unit operable to predict a change in a drilling event while the wellbore is being drilled and prior to the drilling event change occurring. The prediction unit monitors surface and downhole data and well inflows to predict drilling events. The prediction unit may activate alarms for predefined drilling conditions, such as a kick alarm to provide an early warning of a dangerous influx of formation fluids into the wellbore.

Abstract: Well control systems and associated methods. A well control method includes the steps of drilling a wellbore and predicting a change in flow between the wellbore and a reservoir prior to the change occurring, the predicting step being performed, and the change in flow occurring while drilling. Another well control method includes the steps of: sensing at least one first drilling operation variable while drilling a wellbore, thereby generating first sensed variables; sensing at least one second drilling operation variable while drilling the wellbore, thereby generating second sensed variables; and training a predictive device, using the first and second sensed variables, to predict the second drilling operation variable at a selected time.

Abstract: A system for analyzing reservoir fluids in connection with a drilling operation includes an injection system for providing geochemical analysis of injected drilling fluids; a production system for providing geochemical analysis of produced drilling fluids; a cuttings system for providing geochemical analysis fluid recovered from reservoir cuttings; and a fluid characterization system for characterizing reservoir fluids of a reservoir intersected by the drilling operation based on geochemical analysis from the injection system, the production system, and the cutting system. The fluid characterization system is coupled to the injection system, the production system, and the cutting system.

Abstract: A system for analyzing reservoir fluids in connection with a drilling operation includes an injection system for providing geochemical analysis of injected drilling fluids; a production system for providing geochemical analysis of produced drilling fluids; a cuttings system for providing geochemical analysis fluid recovered from reservoir cuttings; and a fluid characterization system for characterizing reservoir fluids of a reservoir intersected by the drilling operation based on geochemical analysis from the injection system, the production system, and the cutting system. The fluid characterization system is coupled to the injection system, the production system, and the cutting system.

Abstract: A system for drilling a wellbore includes a prediction unit operable to predict a change in a drilling event while the wellbore is being drilled and prior to the drilling event change occurring. The prediction unit monitors surface and downhole data and well inflows to predict drilling events. The prediction unit may activate alarms for predefined drilling conditions, such as a kick alarm to provide an early warning of a dangerous influx of formation fluids into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for analyzing reservoir fluids in connection with a drilling operation includes determining composition and isotopes of injection fluids injected into a wellbore during a drilling operation and production fluids recovered from the wellbore during the drilling operation. Reservoir fluids from a reservoir intersected by the wellbore are characterized based on the composition and isotopes of the injection fluid and of the production fluid.

Abstract: Well control systems and associated methods. A well control method includes the steps of drilling a wellbore and predicting a change in flow between the wellbore and a reservoir prior to the change occurring, the predicting step being performed, and the change in flow occurring while drilling. Another well control method includes the steps of: sensing at least one first drilling operation variable while drilling a wellbore, thereby generating first sensed variables; sensing at least one second drilling operation variable while drilling the wellbore, thereby generating second sensed variables; and training a predictive device, using the first and second sensed variables, to predict the second drilling operation variable at a selected time.

Abstract: A method for analyzing reservoir fluids in connection with a drilling operation includes determining composition and isotopes of injection fluids injected into a wellbore during a drilling operation and production fluids recovered from the wellbore during the drilling operation. Reservoir fluids from a reservoir intersected by the wellbore are characterized based on the composition and isotopes of the injection fluid and of the production fluid.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well is provided, comprising the steps of injecting via the well a gas mixture into the formation, the gas mixture comprising carbon dioxide and a gas selected from the group consisting of methane, nitrogen, or mixtures thereof; wherein the gas mixture is injected in an amount sufficient to establish in the vicinity of the well a zone of oil in contact with the gas mixture; and wherein the carbon dioxide comprises about 5 percent to about 50 percent by volume at reservoir conditions of the gas mixture; shutting in the well for a predetermined period of time; and producing the well and recovering the residual oil from the formation.