Integrate multiple technologies to ensure accomplishment of drilling objectives
By using a 12-in Direct XCD bit and 9 5/8-in casing as part of the project’s trial initiative, the operator aimed to mitigate issues related to losses in the troubled formation. To ensure isolation, a diverter valve (DV) tool and packer were incorporated into the casing drilling string. In addition, a multistage inflation packer collar was used in a casing drilling application.
The 13 3/8-in casing was set as a surface casing conductor at 1,500 ft. Casing drilling operations were planned using the Direct XCD bit (7-bladed with 16-mm premium PDC cutters), which was recently designed based on proven SHARC high-abrasion-resistance PDC drill bit from Smith Bits. The seven blades were designed for higher cutter density, with optimized nozzle configuration considering potential lost circulation.
Save 7 hours off of plan with no incidents
The casing drilling operation went as planned, with no safety incidents, vibration, bit whirl, or borehole instability. Losses encountered during conventional drilling to 1,994 ft slowly healed during casing drilling; at TD, no mud losses occurred, and there were no losses while cementing.
Average ROP was 58 ft/h, with penetration breaks reaching 140 ft/h. The casing was successfully pressure tested to 2,000 psi above the DV tool, above the float collar, and 10 ft above the shoe. The Direct XCD bit drill shoe was drilled out in 45 min using an 8 1/2-in PDC bit. The entire operation saved 7 h off of plan.
