Chord Energy improves efficiency and safety with new rig-enabled cementing service

Summary

In a pioneering collaboration, Chord Energy and SLB came together to revolutionize cementing operations in the Bakken play by implementing a state-of-the-art rig-enabled cementing service at two rig sites. This innovative approach not only improved drilling efficiency and service delivery but also greatly enhanced HSE performance.

Objective

As a leading operator in the Bakken Shale, Chord Energy aimed to enhance cycle times and overall performance by minimizing downtime, eliminating NPT, and reducing operational risks. Operators in the Bakken frequently faced NPT challenges due to severe winter weather and road restrictions that impacted travel during frost thaw, rain, and extreme heat. To tackle these issues, SLB proposed its rig-enabled cementing service to address the challenges faced by Chord Energy.

Results

In April and June 2024, SLB and Chord Energy deployed the rig-enabled cementing service on two rigs, successfully completing 121 cementing jobs throughout the year. This innovative service employs a powerful electric mixing skid to prepare and transfer cementing fluids to the rig pumps. Each unit is permanently stationed at the rig site and can move alongside the rig as necessary. The cementing slurry is mixed on site with chemical additives and delivered directly to the rig pumps for downhole pumping.

By using this fixed installation, SLB and Chord Energy were able to improve operational efficiency, reducing rig-up and rig-down time by two hours per cementing job. This reduction not only accelerated the overall operation but also translated into cost savings and increased productivity. With the rig-enabled cementing service unit permanently installed on site, Chord Energy was able to perform four jobs during road closures, while other rigs in the basin incurred over 130 hours of combined NPT.

Additionally, this new approach enhances safety by reducing the number of hammer swings by approximately 60%, eliminating 3,300 lbm (1,497 kg) of iron lifted per job, and reducing total miles driven and associated CO₂ emissions by 75%, equivalent to removing 18 cars from the road annually. The new equipment layout also eliminated part of the rig's high-pressure red zone, reducing personnel exposure. Powered by the rig's supply, the electrified unit lowered noise levels during pumping by 56%, which decreased decibels from 100 dB to 95 dB, ensuring safer operations.

“The SLB cement skid exemplifies the dedication to advancing technology in US land applications. This innovative skid unit significantly reduces vehicle traffic and personnel requirements on site, all while delivering state-of-the-art pumping capabilities. We have the ability to rig up, mix, and pump cementing jobs and displacements more efficiently than ever.”

Tyler Shoultz, Senior Drilling Engineer, Chord Energy

Image of rig-enabled cementing service’s electric cementing mixing skid and components.

Rig-enabled cementing service increases efficiency by using a mixing skid fitted into the rig system that is available throughout the entire well construction process.