Ball-activated circulation valve saved days of rig time

The operator needed a circulation tool in case the onshore well experienced losses, so the WELL COMMANDER™ ball-activated drilling circulating valve was selected. The engineers were able to pump a high concentration of lost circulation material (LCM) with the WELL COMMANDER valve. Ten LCM pills of increased densities were pumped throughout the operation to remedy the losses in one trip in the 5,500-ft well. The WELL COMMANDER valve enabled numerous cycles of heavy LCM pumping, treating losses, and completing the section in a single trip while saving days of rig time.

The operator consulted with SLB well construction specialists for the most effective system to treat potentially high loss rates in a 5,500-ft horizontal well. The WELL COMMANDER valve assembly was chosen for its advanced technology, large total flow area, and reputation worldwide.

The BHA was made up to drill the 6 1/8-in horizontal and 10 LCM pills were subsequently pumped through the well to remedy losses in only one trip in the horizontal section. The WELL COMMANDER ball-activated drilling circulating valve provided an efficient circulation path to place LCM and wellbore strengthening materials without pullouts. The assembly allowed the operator to boost circulation and remove cuttings at strategic points in the drillstring. The ball-activitaed technology enabled numerous cycles of heavy LCM pumping, treating losses and completing the section in one trip saving several days of rig time.