Maintain directional control in high stick/slip environment

ERIELL Group needed to drill a sidetrack section in the Valanginian Formation of Russia's Samburgskoye oil field. Previous sidetracks in the same formation averaged 980 m [3,215 ft] and were drilled from mobile rigs with conventional-motor BHAs. Due to steering limitations, ERIELL Group required an optimized solution to drill a 4,245-m [13,927-ft] horizontal well in the same formation with a 6-in, 1,380-m [4,528-ft] lateral sidetrack. Other challenges included high probably for stick/slip, vibration, and drillpipe buckling problems.

Improve drilling efficiency with PowerDrive RSS

Based on the challenges experienced by ERIELL Group, Schlumberger recommended running the PowerDrive Orbit vorteX motorized RSS to effectively maintain directional control and to overcome the negative impacts caused by vibration. The PowerDrive Orbit vorteX RSS increases drilling efficiency and enhances trajectory control using an advanced pad-actuation design. This push-the-bit RSS can perform at speeds up to 350 rpm while maintaining directional control and consistent steerability.

The PowerDrive Orbit vorteX motorized RSS has a fully integrated, high-torque power section that converts mud hydraulic power to mechanical energy, giving drillers the power to drill faster. In addition to high torque, this RSS provides more revolutions per minute, translating to higher weight on bit for improved drilling performance. Automatic downhole control enables drilling a hold section at a higher ROP and with greater accuracy than is possible with conventional BHAs operated from the surface.

The PowerDrive Orbit vorteX RSS was run with a directional PDC drill bit (MDi513LUBPX) from Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, that has backreaming cutters and diamond-enhanced gauge protection. Created using the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform, this bit provides excellent steering response and improved performance, producing less torque and stick/slip in transitional drilling and reducing the risk of time-consuming trips due to vibration and shock.

Also used was the MEGADRIL oil-base drilling fluid system from M-I SWACO. The MEGADRIL system delivers durable and temperature-stable invert-emulsion fluid without the associated elevated gel strengths.

Increased footage by 300%, ROP by 400%

Using the integrated drilling solution, ERIELL Group significantly increased drilling efficiency. Compared with previous sidetrack wells, the operator increased footage from an average 44 m/d to 132 m/d or by 300%—saving 4 days off the original drilling plan. This 1,308-m sidetrack well is the longest drilled in the Samburgskoye oil field. In addition, ROP increased from an average 6.8 m/h to 26 m/h or nearly 400%, saving the operator 4 days off plan.