Drill an extended salt and sediment interval in a single run

An operator planned to drill an 8,103-ft salt and sediment section of a deepwater well in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). In addition to the required 39.5° build, the objective was to use a single bit run to achieve a high ROP with reduced torque.

Use AxeBlock cutter blocks and AxeBlade bit to reduce torque and increase ROP

Schlumberger recommended a BHA incorporating an AxeBlade ridged diamond element bit, Rhino system reamer fitted with AxeBlock cutter blocks, and PowerDrive Orbit RSS. The AxeBlock cutter block was optimized for higher ROP during a hole-enlargement-while-drilling operation in the target section through salt and sediment. Analysis showed that the unique geometry of the Axe ridged diamond element would generate less on-bottom torque and higher ROP than conventional PDC cutter blocks.

Achieved world records for footage, ROP, and efficiency

The reamer fitted with AxeBlock cutter block delivered record-setting footage of 8,103 ft with an additional record for on-bottom ROP of 312 ft/h. Moreover, between drilling the entire section in a single run and achieving TD at 15,980-ft MD, the operator is the first in deepwater GOM to drill 4,909 ft for a 16 1/2-in ×19-in hole in 24 hours. The effort improved footage by 14.3% over the field median for footage drilled.