While drilling a previous well, EP Petroecuador encountered difficulties and was unable to run the 9⅝-in casing to the desired depth, resulting in it being set higher than planned. After completing the 8½-in section, wireline tools became stuck in the hole, delaying operations by 7½ days. These issues highlighted the need for improved hole cleaning control, reducing the cutting bed, and effective management of the equivalent circulating density (ECD) to maintain wellbore stability and prevent problems such as lost circulation and stuck pipe. SLB proposed PRESSPRO RT™ real-time downhole performance measurement software as the solution. This approach included virtual hydraulics to forecast hole cleaning conditions while drilling, as well as simulating swab and surge effects while tripping and running the BHA and the casing. Additionally, RheoProfiler™ automated rheometer was used to monitor mud properties, including density and rheology.

EP Petroecuador required a solution to enhance operational efficiency and ensure smoother drilling processes. The goal was to reduce the likelihood of packoffs due to poor hole cleaning and run the casing to the programmed depth.

The PRESSPRO RT provided a real-time downhole pressure model, which was crucial to prevent lost circulation and well instability by managing equivalent circulating density (ECD) under collapse pressure. This service included a model to improve hole cleaning and therefore prevent packoffs. As a result, EP Petroecuador successfully ran the casing to the bottom of the well according to design specifications, saving 10 days of rig time compared to the previous well.

All sections of the well were completed without NPT, resulting in a 10%-time savings compared to the offset well. Additionally, the service provided a tripping  schedule and monitored operations, achieving a 15% improvement in tripping time and completing the well 5.7 days ahead of the AFE. The RheoProfiler automated rheometer provided accurate rheology and density measurements, enhancing the hydraulic modeling accuracy in the PRESSPRO RT software. To validate the hole cleaning model, theoretical cutting discharge was compared to field observations and  the shape and size of the cuttings were assessed every 100 ft to eliminate potential wellbore instability issues.

This approach not only optimized the drilling process but also ensured wellbore stability and efficiency.