A Methodical Approach of Trialling New Technology Towards Advancement in Drilling Performance

Abstract

Many organizations have a shared goal of always exploring new and different ways to improve operational efficiencies while lowering associated operational expenditures. During economic downturns or periods of suppressed pricing such as the oil and gas industry has experienced in recent years, such programs attract more focus and attention. Adopting and refining the learning curve process is a crucial part of identifying potential areas of improvement and attaining high-quality performance increases while minimizing lost time. It is also not uncommon for similar organizations to explore alternate tactics and new technology during difficult times. Those must be capable of overcoming identified bottlenecks and securing additional gains toward higher efficiency. In such instances, the ability to assess and quantify the advantages of the chosen efforts is critical. This is usually accomplished by establishing a stable baseline that may serve as a dependable benchmark. In preparation for an upcoming drilling campaign, where equivalent circulating density (ECD) margins are critical, a North Sea operator used a similar structured approach to integrate a new innovative stabilizer design (ISD) into its standard bottom hole assembly (BHA) configuration as a replacement for the traditional spiral stabilizer with its known flaws. The ISD's hydrodynamic design allows for enhanced displacement of fluid and cuttings along the tool, supporting improved ECD control. The objective was to compare and quantify the possible advantages of the new technology over conventional tools. In each of the intended runs, an additional carrier sub, with vibration and pressure sensors, was placed directly below the stabilization points to ensure a reliable benchmark and qualitative comparison. Following the trial runs, a full analysis was done in a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders concerned. The outcomes of the trial and study proved encouraging. As a result, the plan is to use the new stabilizer design in future drilling campaigns and explore additional documented benefits. The concepts and techniques underlying the established learning curve are outlined in this paper, as well as how this ongoing work has contributed to improved performance and overall well design and delivery. The expected ECD challenges and limitations of the upcoming drilling campaign are highlighted. The report also explains the science underlying the tried-and-true new stabilizer design, as well as the novel features and sought-after benefits. In addition, the authors will discuss the conditions designed to provide an as close and qualitative comparison as possible, as well as the agreed-upon key performance indicators (KPIs) for this study. The data will be analysed, and the overall performance will be compared to offset wells. The report concludes with a brief discussion of the attained results and conclusions, as well as the plan forward with the tested technology.