Obtain downhole data to reduce trips in hard formation

The operator had a challenge to drill out the chert interval of a vertical section with 7,000-ft MD. The hard formation causes low ROP, and completing the section usually requires multiple bit runs. Severe wear or lost teeth are common after runs. To reduce the number of trips and mitigate damage, the operator wanted to gain a better understanding of the drilling dynamics at the bit position.

Evaluate drilling system performance

Synapse service is a memory-mode shock and vibration logging tool that provides postrun data to evaluate drilling system performance. It measures three-axis accelerations, torsional vibration, rpm, and temperature. Efficient data processing and visualizations are customized to provide an improved understanding of downhole events and identify performance limitations. The data identifies stick/slip severity, shock and vibration levels, and the effect of drilling parameters and drilling tools on drilling dynamics. The slim design enables placement inside PDC and roller cone bits.

Analyze data to improve ROP and footage drilled

Using Synapse service, the operator recorded drilling dynamics of two different BHAs in two runs. The analysis indicated that the maximum lateral shock and axial shock in the Brushy Canyon Formation and First Bone Spring Formation reached more than 250 g and 180 g, respectively, 222% and 185% higher than the first run. Data also indicated that the second run did not reduce the stick/slip vibration. Postwell analysis of the first run indicated that reducing the rpm and increasing WOB would reduce shock levels significantly and slightly improve ROP in Brushy Canyon, along with minimizing bit damage and improving footage drilled. The operator applied these lessons to the final well of the pad and drilled the First Bone Spring Formation with a more aggressive bit. As a result, ROP improved by 30% and footage increased to more than 4,000 ft from 1,800 ft.