Offset Well – Exploration Well

When drilling the initial well, A-1, the team encountered total fluid losses at the top of the carbonate in the 8½-in openhole section during the exploration phase. Total fluid losses were approximately 10,000 bbls. The team attempted to cure losses with KMC lift, LCM pills, EZ squeeze cement and gunk plugs. TD of the 8½-in section was called earlier than anticipated and an unplanned 7-in liner was set. The 6-in hole was drilled, where losses were once again encountered after drilling approximately 20 m. Total mud losses were an estimated 15,000 bbls. The team attempted to cure losses once again utilizing the same methods as in the 8½-in section, but achieved positive results only with cement plugs. Finally TD was called at ±360 m above the planned TD. Plug and abandon operations were then conducted. Over 25 days were spent achieving subpar results.

Mud Cap Drilling – Continuous Annular Injection

Two wells were drilled during the first development phase. Only one of the wells, A-3, encountered total fluid losses and required MCD. Due to the subnormal formation pressure, seawater was injected continuously down the annulus to maintain a full hole while ensuring that no formation fluid or gas entered the wellbore. By injecting at a rate higher than the loss rate, an artificially induced surface pressure was created to allow for wellbore monitoring while drilling. Upon reaching TD, the BHA was stripped out of the hole while seawater was continuously injected down the annulus. A CBP was set to isolate the wellbore from the openhole loss zone. After the liner was run and set, and the completion isolation valve was closed, the MCD operation was concluded. Total drilling time to reach TD utilizing the @balance Services MCD technique required only two days.