Title : Latest PDC drill bit state of art technology drilling longest ever 6” horizontal slimhole in Western Desert, Egypt
Abstract:
Objectives/Scope: The 6” horizontal section in the Obayied (BAPETCO Concession) Western Desert-Egypt, is considered one of the most challenging applications worldwide due to hardness and abrasivity of the sandstone formation encountered. The application entails high levels of vibrations (torsional and lateral), which in turn shorten run intervals (typically 300 to 400 meters per at average rate of penetration of 3 to 4 m/hr) causing downhole directional tools (rotary steerable system with logging while drilling tools) and cutting structure failures. Additionally, the application mandates high directional capabilities from bit design for reservoir navigation services (RNS). Main target was set to achieve 40% more interval length and reduce vibrations encountered over BHA and bit cutting structure to stay longer on bottom and reduce number of bits/trips used. Such target was aspired to reduce associated non-productive time (NPT) cases of round trips changing BHA tools and Bits.
Methods Procedures: The solution was derived from thorough application analysis from drill bits and BHA design perspectives. Different modeling and root cause analysis for failures in offset wells were done and accordingly solution was based. The drill bit was optimized to deliver lateral stability that was achieved by long gauge pad design with tapered profile enhancing directional response and achieving RNS requirements. Additionally, the new design entailed special geometry cutters of StayTrue™ elements reducing vibration levels and DualCool™ thermally stable cutters. Finally, fine-tuning for BHA stabilization took place to minimize BHA resonance and enhance downhole tools lifespan.
Resulsts and Conclusion: The run achieved the longest ever horizontal run across the field achieving 908m at average penetration rate of 6.2 m/hr. The execution witnessed reduction in MSE spent hence increasing interval drilled by almost 50% and rate of penetration by 36%. Such performance enhanced run longevity and reduced drilling time compared to the best offset run. Implementing this solution significantly reduced drilling cost and NPT, while achieving more than $ 375,000 of savings compared to offsets, putting well earlier on production with 5 days.
Technical Contribution: Subject state of art contributed to reducing NPT time and cost per well. Moreover, it directly reduced associated BHA tools impairment and corresponding damage repair. Additionally, utilizing this technology enables unlocking western desert gas potential in shorter periods providing energy to Egypt in sooner times to catch uprising demand.
