Modern drilling demands drill bits that can handle various rock strengths and dynamic challenges while remaining durable. Effective bit design now must consider hydraulic configuration for efficient cleaning, cooling, and cuttings removal. High ROP in soft shale can lead to costly issues like balling and reduce overall performance due to inability to drill ahead.
The operator’s well design required a bit capable of delivering high ROP through soft shale as well as directional capabilities to build and hold long lateral sections.
SLB recommended the CenterFlow bit, a new PDC bit design enhanced with the Stinger element, that provides a more efficient PDC core by removing the center cutting elements to take advantage of the innovative hydraulic port structure and improve performance.
Time-based dynamic modelling simulations showed that the soft shale interval in the well's design would be appropriate for testing and that the hydraulic design of the CenterFlow bit would support the cleaning and cutting structure engagement with the formation.
The operator successfully increased the on-bottom ROP by 13% in the soft shale interval, with the CenterFlow bit eliminating pack-off events. Additionally, the bit enabled the NeoSteer CL™ curve and lateral at-bit steerable system to drill the entire curve and lateral interval, saving time by eliminating a bit trip.
