Technical Session 6 – Performance Drilling

Editor’s note: These abstracts have been edited for space and clarity. This program is current as of 15 January 2013. Additions, withdrawals and other changes to the conference program after this date may not be reflected. Click here for the most updated program.

TECHNICAL SESSION 6: PERFORMANCE DRILLING

A Brief History of the Shell “Soft Torque Rotary System” and Some Recent Case Studies, J.J. Runia, S. Dwars, Shell; I. Stulemeijer, Consultant

The Shell “Soft Torque Rotary System” is a rotary drive control system to mitigate torsion vibrations in oil and gas drilling. The system was developed by Shell (with help from industry partners) in the early ‘90s and commercialized by licensing to a number of industry equipment suppliers. The original system was developed for DC-drilling drives using analogue torque feedback. The development of next generation AC drives in the drilling industry has required a re-look and upgrade of the technology. Currently we have rejuvenated the technology and introduced stringent commissioning criteria to safeguard the quality of deployment. An overview of these developments will be given, seen from a Shell perspective. In addition, a number of recent case histories will be presented.

Fit-for-Purpose BHA Design for Drilling Complex Wells Offshore Brunei Leads to New Industry Benchmark, B. Legarth, S. Dustin, J. Montero, Brunei Shell Petr. Sdn Bhd; J.R. Walker, R. Mulligan, C. Maeso, Schlumberger WTA Malaysia S/B

The paper will discuss engineering solutions implemented to mitigate risks from break-outs and complex well geometries, which consequently contributed greatly to deliver the subsequent 6,500-meter high complexity ERD well at 21.28 days ahead of AFE and with a best in class performance in the Rushmore Benchmark.

Instrumented IBOP Improves Measurements for Drilling and Equipment Optimization, J. Anderson, J. Standefer, R. Wylie, National Oilwell Varco

SPE/IADC 140347 described an instrumented surface sub (ISS) that included a vibration sensor, in addition to the standard measurements. Though tests appeared promising, practical ISS application proved difficult because of modifications needed to existing drilling equipment and resulting working space reductions between the crown block and drill floor.

To overcome these operational drawbacks, the sensor system was integrated into a standard internal blowout preventer (IBOP). Designing the instrumented IBOP presented many challenges both electrically and mechanically based on system requirements. This paper discusses the solutions for these design challenges and the validations that overcome each challenge, including lab and field testing.

Application of Targeted Bit Speed (TBS) Technology to Optimize Bakken Shale Drilling, W.D. Bassarath, C.A. Maranuk, Weatherford International

This paper examines the results of two 10,000-ft horizontal wells drilled in North Dakota. The first well was drilled to the planned total depth using TBS technology; the second well (not using TBS technology) was terminated prematurely due to high torque and drag. This paper details the improvement in the drilling process that this new technology offers by way of key metrics, such as reduced drilling time and improved wellbore geometry, with consequential cost savings.

Maximizing BHA Durability/Reliability: Turbodrill/Impregnated Bit Significantly Reduces Drilling Time in Granite Wash Laterals, G. Bone, C.D. Jamerson, Apache Corp; A.J. Klassen, J. Gray, Schlumberger; R.N. Baker, K.D. Turner, M. Parra, Smith Bits, a Schlumberger Company

Inconsistent roller cone/PDC bit performance drilling horizontally through the hard/abrasive Granite Wash reservoir in western Oklahoma has resulted in low ROP, increased operating days and escalating drilling costs. The authors will present case histories that illustrate performance achievements in the horizontal section and provide details that contributed to the success of the unique BHA.

Drilling Optimization in Deep Tight Gas Field, M.A. Al-Sharafi, N. Hariri, M. Nasrumminallah, Schlumberger; M. Al Naamani, PDO

In Oman, a high temperature/pressure, deep vertical tight gas exploration field required to reduce the drilling AFE. This paper provides a benchmark for similar high temperature/pressure tight gas projects, where cost is a concern and requires a technical solution.