Cost Effective Ultra-Large Diameter PDC Bit Drilling in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

D'Ambrosio, P.; Prochaska, Ernest; Bouska, Reisha; Tinsley, Douglas; Hart, Sofiri

doi:10.2118/163448-ms

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 19 publications

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“…One of the main reasons for the rapid spread and wide application of surface conductor jetting technology, as an advanced method for operating the upper well section of deepwater wells, is its excellent adaptability and efficiency [3]. Oil and gas exploration and development in deepwater environments urgently require innovative technologies, and studies by scholars such as Jeanjean [4] and Yan [5] have shown that the introduction of surface conductor jetting technology provides a practical solution to meet this need.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deepwater PDC Jetting Bit-Drilling Technology Based on Well Structure Slimming

Zhang,

Gao,

Zeng

et al. 2023

Energies

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Growing global energy demand and limited reserves of traditional energy resources are causing a growing energy shortage. In order to meet future energy needs, new energy resources must be continuously explored. Deepwater drilling research has emerged as one of the key ways to address this issue, and well structure slimming is an effective way to increase drilling speed and reduce costs. The hole size of the second section of deepwater wells decreases from a conventional 660.4 mm to 444.5 mm and increases from 500–800 m to 800–1200 m, creating problems where the conventional 660.4 mm cone bit cannot be used, the rate of penetration (ROP) of the cone bit is low, and the service life is short. To solve these problems, a 444.5 mm artificial polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) was designed for the first time for use at home or abroad, and according to the characteristics and operation requirements of the 914.4 mm conductor jetting process, a unique anti-collision gauge protector was designed, an innovative bypass nozzle was configured, and a hydraulic design to prevent bit balling in shallow soft mudstone was formulated. PDC jetting bit-drilling technology based on well structure slimming was successfully applied to eight deepwater wells in the eastern South China Sea, which successfully jetted a 914 mm conductor and greatly improved the ROP of their second-section holes. When the below-mudline depth of the second-section hole increased by 37.01%, the average ROP increased by 227.84%. These technical achievements have successfully realized deep drilling with seawater, increased speed and efficiency, achieved good application results, and accumulated valuable experiences that can be used for reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of offshore drilling operations.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deepwater PDC Jetting Bit-Drilling Technology Based on Well Structure Slimming

Zhang,

Gao,

Zeng

et al. 2023

Energies

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An Alternative Systems Approach to the Successful Execution of Deepwater Drilling Programs

et al. 2014

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The increasing complexity of deepwater Bottom Hole Assemblies (BHAs) requires a complete systematic approach to each phase of the drilling process: pre-job planning, execution and evaluation. This approach was successfully applied to a recent multi-well project in the Gulf of Mexico, whose vertical 12¼ in x 13½ in sections were historically plagued by shocks and vibrations while drilling. The root cause of inefficient drilling performance could not be accurately determined based on drilling data, but severe vibrations resulted in multiple downhole tool and BHA component failures. With the implementation of a complete, holistic approach to the drilling system, the drilling proceeded with no downhole tool failures and a significant reduction in drilling time and costs. The key to these successes were the multistage preparation process that was utilized, which included: A detailed analysis of all the offset data available for the same field and for fields with similar lithologies and formation properties. A rock strength analysis based on Logging While Drilling (LWD) data and Compressive Confined Strength (CCS) measurements. A bit and reamer matching process taking into account CCS, lithology, directional profile and cutters layout while matching the performance criteria for both drill bit and underreamer. Advanced tools and technology, including critical speed analysis and asymmetric vibration tool placement, were applied and supported by high-frequency downhole dynamics memory data with corresponding post-run drilling performance and vibration analysis. Some of the major contributors to the successful application were the designed-for-purpose engineered BHA and optimized operational environment. This approach can be applied to borehole enlargement wells, as well as vertical, directional and horizontal wells. The analyses of the measurements gathered during all phases of the project, including a description of the obtained results, are discussed in detail. The results highlight a consistent improvement in drilling performance for the 12¼ in x 13½ in well section, where vibrations were the main limiting factor. Efficient drilling performance is achieved by implementing this complete approach to the deepwater drilling system and these engineering solutions for vibration mitigation, increasing ROP and improving BHA integrity and wellbore quality.

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Meeting the Large-Diameter Drilling Challenges and Securing Sustainable Performance Gains Using Hybrid Bit Technology in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Chowdhury

Callais

Rodrigue

et al. 2017

Day 2 Tue, October 10, 2017

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The operator is active in drilling deepwater (DW) exploratory, appraisal, and development wells in the central and western areas of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) where water depths exceed 4,000 ft. In this demanding application, a key step to a successful well is achieving high performance in the large-diameter surface sections of the well. This important segment can start a well ahead of the authorization for expenditure (AFE) or create setbacks and added unplanned costs. Increasing the rate of penetration (ROP) and improving wellbore quality are two essential components for reducing cost of the riserless sections of any deepwater well. Verticality must be maintained throughout the 26-in. large-diameter section to reduce casing wear and to ensure torque and drag remains minimal while drilling to deeper depths. The 26-in. hole section is drilled riserless and a high ROP generate additional savings by lowering the drilling fluid cost. The higher percentage of cuttings provides the additional equivalent mud weight so pump and dump (PAD) mud is not required. The increased ROP needs to be achieved with low vibration levels to avoid any bottom hole assembly (BHA) component failure that would necessitate an avoidable and costly round trip. The operator has previously drilled with 18⅛-in. hybrid bits in salt and sub-salt formations and has recognized the potential of hybrid bits and their ability to drill fast with stable drilling conditions. Several drilling records have been set in this hole size. Encouraged by the performance gains and better drilling efficiency of initial hybrid bit runs, the operator planned to reduce cost of their riserless drilling section in a batch drilling program in GOM. The 26-in. hybrid bit was implemented to batch drill three hole sections, each approximately 3,400 feet long. The operator was able to optimize the drilling parameters for each successive well due to growing confidence in the stable drilling environment. This enabled the drillers to increase the ROP and greatly improve time savings. The three intervals were drilled at ROP of 255, 308, and 379 ft./hr., respectively; breaking GOM field ROP records for each consecutive run with this operator. All three penetration rates have also surpassed the current world record ROP for this hole size. Subsequent 26-in. hybrid bit runs have established consistently higher ROP and have proven to be a significantly better solution when compared to polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits. This paper presents the details of the performance improvements achieved through the use of large-diameter hybrid bits, compares the drilling efficiency of large-diameter PDC and hybrid bits, and discusses some important design aspects of the hybrid bit that deliver stability and steerability.

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Cost Effective Ultra-Large Diameter PDC Bit Drilling in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Cited by 3 publications

References 19 publications

Deepwater PDC Jetting Bit-Drilling Technology Based on Well Structure Slimming

Deepwater PDC Jetting Bit-Drilling Technology Based on Well Structure Slimming

An Alternative Systems Approach to the Successful Execution of Deepwater Drilling Programs

Meeting the Large-Diameter Drilling Challenges and Securing Sustainable Performance Gains Using Hybrid Bit Technology in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

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