Long-term elevated oil price stability has caused operators to apply new, high-end technology to extract bitumen from Alberta's extensive oil sands deposits (174 billion recoverable bbls). In the Fort McMurray Area, operators are utilizing a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) project to get the low-gravity (≤10° API) hydrocarbons to the surface. These wells are attractive because there is no exploration risk and they typically have a 30-50 year life with no decline curve.
The project requires drilling relatively shallow (500m–700m TVD) wells, but to an extended measured depth up to 3000m, through soft, yet extremely abrasive sands. The wells have high build-rates (9°/30m) and typically the horizontal section averages around 1000m but lengths can reach 2000m or more. To achieve the well profile and run-length requirements and withstand instantaneous ROP up to 200m/hr, operators were utilizing steel-tooth bits for the build sections and PDC to complete the horizontal legs.
To improve economics/footage drilled in the build section, a service company has developed a new 14-3/4" (374.6mm) rollercone bit with an innovative steel-tooth cutting structure that provides extended wear resistance for drilling in these highly abrasive SAGD directional applications.
The new bit features a thick application of highly wear-resistant hardfacing materials and new cone design increases gauge holding ability allowing multiple runs without going undergauge. Finally, a metal-seal provides extended bearing life by resisting accelerated wear due to the sharp abrasive sand formations. Because of the new technology, operators are getting more meterage utilizing the new steel-tooth abrasive bits compared with conventional premium milled tooth products. This allows the operator to drill up to four build sections with one new technology bit compared to only one or two hole sections with conventional bits, thereby cutting costs substantially.