An operator in Oman was facing significant challenges drilling through hard and abrasive sandstone formations interbedded with shale layers. Persistently low ROP, high temperatures, and frequent BHA failures were leading to multiple bit trips and extended well delivery times.
Previous attempts to resolve these issues included optimizing the mud system with a low-rheology recipe, which initially boosted on-bottom ROP but also introduced new operational challenges, such as higher flowrate requirements, increased shock and vibration, and elevated surface torque. These factors further stressed the BHA, resulting in short tool life and repeated bit trips. The operator sought a solution that could deliver sustained improvements in both drilling speed and tool durability, enabling faster and more consistent well delivery.
The DynaPower XE extreme-environment motor elastomer is a fit-for-basin solution, engineered to withstand elevated downhole temperatures, and provide extended operating life. The technology was deployed via a structured, data-driven plan that included offset well analysis, Simulations using DrillPlan™ coherent well planning and engineering solutions and IDEAS™ integrated dynamic design and analysis platform, comprehensive prejob meetings, real-time performance monitoring, and rigorous post-job evaluations. This disciplined approach directly addressed the customer’s hard-rock drilling challenges and tool life limitations.
The results were transformative: the DynaPower XE motor elastomer enabled 105% improvement in ROP, saving approximately 66.5 hours (2.77 days) versus offset wells and 86 hours (3.57 days) versus the AFE. Most notably, the project delivered the first deep gas well drilled in less than 27 days—a milestone that was previously considered unattainable, breaking the longstanding ~30-day barrier demonstrated what could be achieve with the right technology and execution. The operator now drills faster, more reliably, and with greater confidence, and the SLB’s mud motor has become the preferred choice for current and future hard-rock drilling campaigns.
