Innovative Rotatable Friction Reduction Tool Applies Extra Force to Deploy Longest 7 in. Liner in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Offshore fields in Saudi Arabia are being developed based on optimum use of onshore drilling rigs. Rather than developing the field completely from offshore platforms, it is developed partially from man-made, interconnected drilling islands. Extended reach wells (ERWs) are necessary for optimum surface location use and maximum reservoir contact. As the wells increase the step-out, challenges arise not only during the drilling phase but also while running liners to target depth (TD). Wellbore geometry, hole instability issues and torque and drag forces, restrict the ability to deploy the liner to planned depths, setting technical limits to the oil and gas production potential. The main challenge of running liners through extended lateral sections is the lack of hookload to push the liner to TD, and the ability to rotate the drill pipe without rotating the liner. As more extended reach deployment becomes common practice, it is necessary to implement new running liner practices and tools that rotate the drill pipe above the liner, to break the frictional drag and make more surface weight available, to deploy the liners or completions to TD. This paper outlines the problem faced when deploying 7 in. liners in ERWs through 8½ in. hole lateral sections, and the solution using an innovative rotatable friction reduction tool, which allows the rotation of the drill pipe without transmitting torque to the liner. A case study is presented showing the main challenges, pre-job engineering calculations, field implementation, final results and lessons learned. Ultimately, the new rotatable friction reduction tool was a key component in the deployment of the longest 7 in. liner run in Saudi Arabia so far.