PowerDrive X6 RSS Proves Reliability for Record-Setting 668 Cumulative Pumping Hours | SLB

PowerDrive X6 RSS Proves Reliability for Record-Setting 668 Cumulative Pumping Hours

Published: 10/06/2016

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Achieve complex well profile in challenging formation

The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) was drilling a J-profile well in the Bulla Deniz field offshore Azerbaijan. The target formation consists of lithology that historically has slowed ROP to 1 m/h [3.1 ft/h] while drilling from 4,800-m [15,748-ft] MD to TD. Another challenge included operating in a high mud weight of 2.10–2.13 g/cm3 [17.5–17.8 lbm/galUS].

SOCAR also faced a complex well plan, which involved simultaneously drilling the 14 3/4-in section while enlarging it to 17 1/2-in from 2,800-m [9,186-ft] MD to 5,000-m [16,404-ft] MD. During this long section, the operator required turning the well trajectory to a projected 320° closure azimuth, building from 11° to 25°, and dropping to 19° while turning azimuth from 300° to 340°.

SOCAR and Schlumberger worked as a team to deploy a solution that would help efficiently achieve the drilling objectives while overcoming formation, BHA, and well-plan challenges.

Graph: PowerDrive X6 RSS Proves Reliability for Record-Setting 668 Cumulative Pumping Hours
The integrated drilling BHA met the section drilling requirements in approximately 39 days, 79 days sooner than planned. Additionally, the section was completed with maximum drilling efficiency and no NPT, stuck pipe, or tool failure.

Engineer fit-for-purpose BHA to accomplish objectives

Schlumberger deployed a customized BHA that would achieve the challenging well profile with high directional performance. The BHA included the PowerDrive X6 RSS and Rhino XS reamer to provide the directional drilling and underreaming capabilities. To perform high-quality logging while drilling, Schlumberger also ran the arcVISION and TeleScope services to acquire and transmit resistivity data for real-time interpretation and steering.

Efficiently complete operation 79 days ahead of AFE

The integrated drilling BHA successfully steered the trajectory as required by following the proposal plan with 1–2 m [3.2–6.6 ft] center to center. The PowerDrive X6 RSS operated reliably for 668 cumulative pumping hours, setting a record for the longest total operating time achieved by the system. Additionally, the TeleScope and arcVISION services ran for 380 and 413 cumulative pumping hours, respectively, demonstrating their reliability.

As a result, SOCAR successfully achieved the challenging well profile and completed the directional drilling, logging, and underreaming operations without NPT, stuck pipe, or tool failures attributed to Schlumberger technology. The drilling objectives were met in 39 days, 79 days sooner than the 118-day AFE for the section.

Graph: PowerDrive X6 RSS Proves Reliability for Record-Setting 668 Cumulative Pumping Hours
Graph: PowerDrive X6 RSS Proves Reliability for Record-Setting 668 Cumulative Pumping Hours
Location
Azerbaijan, Asia, Offshore
Details

Challenge: Drill complex J-type well profile without incurring NPT, stuck pipe, or tool failure.

Solution: Deploy an integrated drilling BHA that included

  • PowerDrive X6 rotary steerable system
  • arcVISION array resistivity compensated service
  • TeleScope high-speed telemetry-while-drilling service
  • Rhino XS hydraulically expandable reamer

Results:

  • Achieved directional drilling, logging, and underreaming objectives without NPT related to Schlumberger services
  • Ran PowerDrive X6 RSS for 668 cumulative pumping hours, setting a record for the longest total operating time for the system
  • Ran TeleScope service for 380 cumulative pumping hours and arcVISION service for 413 cumulative pumping hours, demonstrating the services’ operational integrity
  • Achieved customer objectives in 39 days, saving 79 days compared with the AFE of 118 days