Improvements in drilling performance in key applications around the world continue to focus on reducing vibrations of the system consisting of the drill bit, bottomhole assembly (BHA) and drillstring. These vibrations can take the form of whirl, stick-slip, bit bounce or combinations of these, leading to drilling inefficiencies. Many efforts are under way to control and manage these vibrations and develop tools that can withstand the higher vibrations seen in today's drilling environment.Introduction of the most-recent design of a hybrid drill bit took place in 2009 with the presentation of IADC/SPE paper 128741. It was shown to be a viable drilling tool for potentially difficult or problem-prone applications. This paper covers the ongoing development work on the hybrid bit technology which combines elements of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) and tungsten carbide insert (TCI) bits. Testing is now taking place on a large scale and the results confirm the potential benefits revealed in the early prototype testing.Early tests of the hybrid bits were designed to show that it is sufficiently robust to drill and hold up under normal drilling. The next 100+ runs were targeted at areas where both traditional PDC and TCI drill bits struggle and the hybrid bit proved to be both faster and more durable than the conventional bits. This was achieved through the synergy of the smooth running action of the rolling cutters with the sharp cutting elements on the fixed PDC bit blades. This paper details the knowledge gained in drilling over 167,000 feet just over 10,100 hours that has led to further design improvements and a better definition of the applications in which a hybrid bit can deliver superior performance. These applications are generally in the harder and hard-interbedded formations. The targeting of the hybrid technology is enabling problem wells to be finished sooner and at lower cost while still avoiding dynamic dysfunctions commonly seen. Results of all hybrid runs in a wide range of applications will be compared and recommendations will be made on where this technology can provide the most significant improvements.
Increased demand for natural gas and the resulting long-term price stability has caused operators to apply new, high-end technology to accelerate development in the Barnett Shale field of north Texas. Expanding drilling schedules on shortening timelines have resulted in the systematic advancement of technology to keep pace with the increased pressure to cut drilling costs and reduce days to production. One operator and its service providers recognized the potential to replace established technology and drive down costs drilling horizontal boreholes. A team-based approach focused on discrete well intervals to identify issues, analyze problems, and explore solutions to improve overall performance. In the northern part of the field, the introduction of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits, modifications to the drillstring, and new operational practices in the vertical hole section, previously dominated by roller cone bits, reduced drilling time by 62% over the interval. To the south, a new approach to critical failure analysis was utilized to double the drilling performance through the lithologically challenging curve section with roller cone bits. The rate of penetration (ROP) and footage advancements achieved in both scenarios have changed the drilling landscape in north Texas and made intense drilling schedules significantly more manageable. In a six-month period, the 8 3/4-in. vertical section was drilled in just one PDC bit run on 23 out of 30 wells in the northern area, cutting interval costs by $150,000 and drilling time by 62%. To the south, new roller cone technology outperformed 90% of the previous runs, increasing ROP by 84% to 18.8 ft/hr from 10.2 ft/hr, saving the operator a total of $1.68 million over 15 wells. The paper will outline drilling performance improvements in terms of footage, ROP, and the operating parameters/systems required to achieve the dual performance step change. Introduction Production companies are responding to ever-increasing global demand for natural gas by accelerating field development. This translates into ever-expanding drilling schedules on perpetually shortened timelines. To keep pace with these demands, operators are pushing to quicken the pace of drilling technology development in the interest of saving dollars and days. One operator and its service provider recognized the potential to replace established technology and install a system of practices that facilitate the type of technology development that could result in continuous advancements and keep pace with the operator's needs. This aggressive new approach requires the development of a culture of trust between the operator and its service company, as well as the implementation of practices that allow the free flow of previously guarded information. Firm commitments would be required from the operator and the service company to provide the people, resources, and priority necessary for success. The results of the program proved successful by yielding systematic advancements in drilling technology and operational procedures that resulted in significant progress in the development of one of the operator's core assets. The success of this strategic relationship is best illustrated in the two case studies presented below. These achievements yielded a positive impact on both companies' bottom lines, helping create shareholder value with the backdrop of one of North America's largest shale-gas plays.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.