Rhino XC Reamer and AxeBlade Bit Save 48 Hours and USD 240,000 in Tripping-Related Costs

Perform a HEWD operation through interbedded formations

PEMEX wanted to drill a 12 ¼-in hole while simultaneously enlarging it to 14 1/2 in for an offshore exploratory well. The section, from 4,028-m to 5,516-m MD [13,215-ft to 18,097-ft MD], was made up of interbedded sand, salt, and shale formations with an unconfined compressive strength (UCS) between 3,000  and 12,000 psi [20.7 and 82.7 MPa].

At approximately 4,800-m [15,744-ft] MD, PEMEX would decide whether to continue drilling or run the contingency 11 7/8-in liner. If PEMEX decided to continue drilling, it would require a reamer with the ability to activate multiple times. This would eliminate the extra trip required to replace the BHA.

Use the Rhino XC reamer and an AxeBlade bit for a single-run operation

By using the IDEAS integrated dynamic design and analysis platform, PEMEX was able to achieve optimized drilling BHA dynamics and determine bit, reamer, RSS, and measurement tool compatibility.

Well HOK-1 presented an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the successful and reliable activation and deactivation capabilities of the Rhino XC reamer. In addition, Schlumberger proposed that PEMEX use 13-mm Predator cutter blocks and a 12 1/4-in X616Z AxeBlade bit to maximize ROP and footage drilled.

Saved USD 240,000 in tripping-related costs

At 4,804-m [15,761-ft] MD, PEMEX decided to deactivate the Rhino XC reamer and continue drilling with the AxeBlade bit to TD at 5,516-m [18,097-ft] MD.