Drill smooth ERD wells faster
WPX Energy was drilling extended reach wells in the Williston Basin to
target the Bakken and Three Forks formations. Using conventional motor BHAs,
WPX experienced premature tool wear and extreme borehole tortuosity in these
abrasive environments. Dissatisfied with the results from conventional motor
BHAs, WPX sought to find a system capable of high ROP while maintaining a
high-quality borehole.
Maximize ROP and minimize tortuosity with motorized RSS
Schlumberger recommended the PowerDrive Orbit vorteX motorized RSS,
which can perform at speeds up to 350 rpm while maintaining directional control
and consistent steerability. Equipped with hold inclination and azimuth mode,
this motorized RSS automatically maintains the trajectory specified to minimize
tortuosity and achieve target TD. The PowerDrive Orbit vorteX RSS also features
an advanced actuation pad designed with metal-to-metal seals to tolerate
corrosive drilling fluids and challenging hydraulic designs.
Using the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform, Schlumberger
modeled downhole conditions and operator requirements, such as a handling speed
of 0.29 rev/galUS to select the exact configuration of directional PDC bit that
would optimize drilling. SlimPulse retrievable MWD service was also recommended
to mitigate vibration and stick/slip by providing formation evaluation and BHA
drilling mechanics data.
Reached TD 9 days faster than average achieved by conventional motor
RSSs
Using the recommended BHA configuration, WPX reached the target TD of
its nearly 3-mile lateral 9 days faster than the average achieved in five
nearby lateral sections drilled using conventional motor BHAs. As compared to
the best of those five lateral sections, the PowerDrive vorteX RSS saved 3.5
days.
As per WPX’s objective, the PowerDrive Orbit vorteX RSS achieved an
ROP of 76 ft/h [23 m/h], a 20% increase over the average ROP for other wells in
this field. In part, this was accomplished by eliminating the need to slide.
The wellbore was drilled so smoothly that no reaming was required, and WPX was
able to set casing to bottom in one run.
Additionally, gamma ray measurements from the SlimPulse service helped
WPX confirm downhole steering commands, enabling WPX to optimize well
placement. This 14,717-ft section set a lateral footage record for Montrail
County.
