Over the years, the prediction of penetration rate (ROP) has played a key rule for drilling engineers due it is effect on the optimization of various parameters that related to substantial cost saving. Many researchers have continually worked to optimize penetration rate. A major issue with most published studies is that there is no simple model currently available to guarantee the ROP prediction.
The main objective of this study is to further improve ROP prediction using two predictive methods, multiple regression analysis (MRA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). A field case in SE Iraq was conducted to predict the ROP from a large number of parameters. A databases from one well drilled in carbonate environments were subjected to the predictive methods. Each raw dataset is described by eight parameters including rate of penetration (ROP), true vertical depth (TVD), weight on bit (WOB), bit rotational speed (RPM), torque (TQ), flow rate (Q), equivalent circulating density (ECD), standpipe pressure (SPP), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). First, both MRA and ANNs are tested as predictive methods. The prediction capacity of each model was also verified by using two-based error metrics: the determination coefficient (R2) and the mean square error (MSE).
The current results support the evidence that MRA and ANNs are able to be effectively utilize the drilling data, and thus provide accurate ROP prediction. However, more attention to the multiple regression analysis is required where it is implemented for ROP prediction. ANNs appear to be more conservative in predicting ROP than MRA as indicated by a higher value R2 (0.96) and lower value MSE (1.89) of the ANN model. Considering the input parameters, the obtained results showed that TVD, WOB, RPM, SPP, and ECD had the greatest effect on estimated ROP-conditions, followed in decreasing by pump flow rate, drilling torque, and rock strength. Another important point that highlights in this study is that the drilling rate may increase with depth in carbonate rocks because of their heterogeneity. This study presents new models to estimate ROP from other parameters which can help the driller to achieve an optimal drilling rate through monitoring controllable parameters.