More efficient directional drilling required

Operators using conventional directional assemblies with PDMs and PDC or roller cone insert bits in the Granite Wash formation of Washita County, OK, were experiencing highly inefficient results trying to drill the hard and abrasive lithology that characterizes the Marmaton C layer of that formation. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of this formation can exceed 30,000 psi and drilling depths range from 11,000 to 13,000 ft. One operator, Apache, planned to drill a 6 1/8-in 4,000 ft lateral in this area. An offset well analysis showed a lateral of the same diameter and length, less than a mile away from the operator's site, required 13 bits to complete.

Reliable and durable duo offer a solution

Seeking greater drilling efficiency, Apache requested a solution from Neyrfor. The Neyrfor engineer suggested running a Neyrfor Delta 4 3/4-in T1XL MK1 turbodrill with 1.5° bend with a Smith Bits Kinetic 6 1/8-in K505 impregnated diamond bit.

Neyrfor and Kinetic K505 bit save 8 days, USD 335,000, and set drilling records

The 6 1/8-in 4,040 ft lateral was completed in a single-run, saving Apache eight drilling days and USD 335,000. The turbodrill assembly only required steering during 17% of the run, which was completed in 589 h with an ROP of 6.9 ft/h. This performance by the Neyrfor Delta turbodrill and Smith Bits Kinetic K505 set several drilling records:

• World record for hours drilled horizontally by a 6 1/8-in impregnated diamond bit
• World record for footage drilled in a single run by a 6 1/8-in impregnated diamond bit
• World record for continuous operating hours and footage for a 4 3/4-in Neyrfor Delta turbodrill in a horizontal well