A major operator in the Middle East faced a formidable project that could take multiple runs. SLB recommended PowerDrive Xcel™ rotary steerable system with auto-curve. Auto-curve automatically adjusts steering based on the dogleg severity (DLS)—eliminating time to send and receive downlink data from deep inside the formation. The system drilled 2,349 ft in auto-curve mode in one run. ROP increased 44.6% compared with a similar well drilled in manual-steering mode. The successful run saved 31.5 h with 24 h more saved from faster ROP.

The operator planned to drill an 8½-in section of interbedded formations, which includes a difficult directional dogleg. The drill plan could take more than 100 h if more than one run was needed or other complications occurred. To optimize ROP, the operator selected the SLB PowerDrive Xcel rotary steerable system with auto-curve, an advanced autonomous downhole control system.

The PowerDrive Xcel RSS with auto-curve automatically steered based on the DLS and reservoir characteristics—eliminating time to send and receive multiple downlink data readings from deep in the formation. With auto-curve, only 1.44 downlinks/100 ft were needed, compared with a similar offset well with 3.85 downlinks/100 ft. And ROP increased 44.6% compared with a similar well drilled with manual steering. The 2,349-ft section was drilled in just one run, saving 31.5 h. An additional 24 h was saved from ROP acceleration for a combined savings of 55.5 h.