Directional Casing While Drilling (DCwD) Heralds a Step Change in Drilling Efficiency from a Producing Platform

Abstract

Directional casing while drilling (DCWD) utilizing a rotary steerable system or a steerable positive displacement motor is a recent enabling technological application of proven casing while drilling. DCWD has been successfully applied in wells in the North Sea and Middle East using both rotary steerable systems and PDMs, proving up its operational reliability. The technology has most recently been utilized in a project from a producing platform in the Asia Pacific region. While this DCWD application increases the challenges of directional drilling, the project was completed successfully in terms of increasing ROP and lowering the time and cost to drill the top hole section of the well. Top hole directional drilling of wells in high density locations such as multi-well producing platforms require carefully planned, detailed procedures and reliable techniques to result in a safe and efficiently drilled wellbore. The procedure, in addition to directional capabilities, requires that the well meet the demands of anti-collision concerns within the torque and hydraulic operating parameters of the formation. The drive for continuous improvements led the field operator to choose DCWD technology to deliver step changes in drilling performance while meeting the company's strict operational and safety directives. The successful effort was a carefully planned and implemented operation that required the close cooperation of the operator, directional drilling company and drilling contractor during the entire procedure. This close interaction between all parties led to three world records and the world's first application of another enabling technology, including:World's deepest 13 3/8?? DCWD job;World's highest angle directional well with 13 3/8?? DCWD;World's fastest rate of penetration for a 13 3/8?? DCWD;World's first application of Gyro MWD with DCWD.