Drilling ///
Advances in powered rotary steerable systems result in record-breaking runs
A new, powered, rotary steerable system has delivered superior perfor-mance in challenging, medium and hard formations. When applied to the proper drilling environment, TMT-powered RSS improves ROP and reduces nonproductive time.
New drill pipe reduces body wear during shale drilling
After detailed analysis of shale well designs and drilling operations in the Bakken, a new drill pipe was introduced to reduce the wear on the pipe body while drilling the intermediate 8¾-in. hole section, as well as providing adequate annular clearance between the pipe and the wellbore to keep the ECDs in check.
Positive displacement motors improve drilling efficiency, reduce time to first oil
With lower oil prices, unconventional plays require a high degree of efficiency to become profitable. The highest number of wells should be drilled with the fewest rigs and services, at the fastest possible rate. Three new positive displacement motors were developed for specific applications in the Williston and Niobrara basins. This focused engineering has delivered enormous savings to operators.
Drilling a 6-in. lateral in underbalanced conditions while ensuring effective hole cleaning
Coiled tubing (CT) drilling offers an economical alternative to conventional, jointed pipe drilling when accessing mature and low-yield fields. A 40% reduction in cost can be achieved by CT’s ability to drill continuously, mobilize faster, reduce rig time, and require fewer preparations.
Improving underbalanced drilling using air in the Marcellus shale
A newly developed, ruggedized air-drilling system increased rig up time, reduced costs for mud and cuttings disposal, improved hole cleaning, and increased ROP.
Virtual instructor takes well control training to the crew
As the offshore drilling industry continues to move into more challenging environments, well control is becoming increasingly critical.
Risk-based process could optimize BOP maintenance
A joint industry project (JIP) aims to develop a risk-based maintenance approach for BOPs that will retain regulatory goals and standards, yet optimize the process to reduce cost, while increasing availability and uptime.
Mapping-while-drilling technology doubles net pay in complex North Sea reservoir
Thin injectite sand reservoirs in the North Sea have highly erratic boundaries with adjacent formations.
Demand for more wells, more footage with fewer rigs drives drill bit design
With oil prices softening, the pressure to get more out of each well, and longer life out of every bit, will only increase.
Liner-less technology enhances wellsite spill containment
Increased onshore drilling activity means an increased risk of spills that can occur at the well site—spills that can harm the environment and pose safety issues.
