Drill challenging section in a single run

An operator had undertaken an aggressive drilling campaign in a deep gas field in central Oman. One of the first challenges was finding optimal technologies to drill the 12 1/4-in hole section, which historically required multiple runs. The section consists of a wide range of formations, from soft limestone and shales to hard and abrasive limestone and sandstones. The interbedded hard formations had proved to be a difficult obstacle to effective drilling. The operator's ultimate goal was to drill the entire section, which spanned 2,500 m [8,200 ft] on average, with the highest ROP possible.

Use unique AxeBlade bit to overcome wear challenges

In collaboration with the operator's drilling team, engineers from Smith Bits customized an AxeBlade bit toward the goal of meeting the objectives for the section. Extensive analysis by the two teams was completed during the technology development phase, which evaluated offset wells to pinpoint areas for improvement.

A detailed study using the IDEAS integrated dynamic design and analysis platform led to the development of an application-specific six-bladed AxeBlade bit fitted with Axe ridged diamond elements. This bit design withstands abrasive environments, minimizing the damage that traditional bits experience without significantly reducing drilling parameters to preserve the cutting structure.

Drilled abrasive sandstone with one high-ROP run

The six-bladed AxeBlade bit design was used for a well in the deep gas field and met the objective of drilling the entire 12 1/4-in hole section from the Natih Limestone to the extremely abrasive Al Khalata Sandstone. The goal of drilling the section in a single run was accomplished while generating an ROP of 27.5 m/h [90.2 ft/h]. Not only did this run enable the operator to exceed the normalized ROP for the field by 42%, but the operator also outperformed the existing field-best ROP by 18%.