Vertical drilling BHA maintained verticality at less than 0.14° in Bonaparte Basin, Australia

SLB improved ROP in 12¼ in section while maintaining verticality in areas known for competent formations and well path deviation from vertical.

Maintain versatility while improving ROP

Drilling in the Bonaparte basin is renowned for an inability to maintain versatility because of strong formation tendencies. Eni Australia had drilled an earlier well using a PowerPak ERT motor to improve performance, but the motor alone failed to maintain versatility. The full potential of the PowerPak ERT high-performance motor was compensated because controlled drilling parameters were applied in an attempt to maintain versatility.

Leverage vertical drilling system for maximum control

SLB used PowerDrive vorteX™ powered RSS running a PowerV™ vertical drilling system and PowerPak™ ERT (even rubber thickness) motor to increase rpm, ROP and torque at the bit while maintaining verticality throughout the section.

We drilled 2,708 m in 78.4 h with a 24% increase in ROP as compared to offset drilled with motor, maintained verticality throughout the 12¼ in section at less than .014° inclination, and completed section saving 1.2 days of target AFE.

Eni and SLB worked together to design a new BHA that would optimize drilling performance and achieve objectives for versatility in the well. The PowerDrive vorteX assembly incorporated a PowerV control unit with a PowerPak ERT steerable motor to maintain versatility while increasing downhole rpm, torque at the bit, and ROP. This BHA allowed maximum weight on bit to be applied while drilling without well deviation caused by formation tendencies, because the PowerV system automatically corrects to vertical any time deviation is detected.

Improve ROP performance by 24% while maintaining verticality

Running the powerful assembly with the PowerPak motor and PowerV and PowerDrive vorteX systems improved efficiency and ROP by 24%. The BHA drilled a total of 2,708 m in 78.4 hours with an average ROP of 35 m/h throughout the run. The interval encountered formations such as Oliver, Cartier, Prion, Hibernia, Johnson, Jamieson, Echuca Shoals, Flamingo, and Laminaria. Versatility was maintained at less than 0.14° throughout the run, achieving Eni drilling objectives for the project.

The combination of PowerDrive vorteX, PowerV, and PowerPak services is setting a new standard in the region for drilling best-in-class vertical wells.