New Concentric Dual-Diameter Fixed-Cutter Technology Bit Drills 35% Faster and Saves Operator Drilling Time Through Challenging Abrasive Sandstone in One of the Largest Reservoirs in the Middle East

Abstract

This paper will discuss the deployment of the concentric dual-diameter fixed-cutter bit technology, which was introduced in January 2015. The bit was deployed and tested twice in a vertical application in Burgan Field south of Kuwait and achieved the fastest penetration rate in the application.The concentric dual-diameter bit is composed of a smaller pilot and a larger reamer section, where the reamer section dictates the final drill size. Conventional fixed-cutter bits take very little advantage of stress-relieving the rock, as it only affects the borehole wall. Concentric dual-diameter technology bits are able to initially drill with a leading smaller pilot section efficiently to relieve the stress of the rocks. Subsequently, the reamer section removes the stress-relieved rock with lower mechanical specific energy compared to regular fixed-cutter bits, giving it the advantage to generate higher penetration rates. Another advantage of the concentric dual-diameter technology bits is the stability of the bit, since two gauge sections are available to be in constant contact with the borehole while drilling.The 12 ¼ in. concentric dual-diameter technology bit in conjunction with a packed rotary BHA was tested in a vertical application in the Burgan Field south of Kuwait. The bit was able to deliver improved performance, achieving the fastest penetration rate of 152.4 ft/hr. The section drilled was 762 ft in length and consisted of shale and sandstone.The performance capability was confirmed when the same bit was reused again in a similar application subsequently and was able to deliver the same consistent record penetration rate of 152.5 ft/hr. The section length in this second run was 610 ft. and consisted of similar lithology of shale and sandstone.The 12 ¼ in. concentric dual-diameter bit was able to surpass the average rate of penetration for the same application in the Burgan Field by 35%, saving the operator drilling time and making the concentric dual-diameter bit design the top performing drill bit in the field.