Sustainable Performance with Motor Driven Rotary Steerable Systems in High Dogleg One Run Curve and Lateral Wells

Abstract A major Permian operator is constantly pursuing opportunities to reduce well time by engineering sustainable solutions that will achieve consistent drilling performance in the basin. The operator partnered with a directional service provider for a one-run curve and lateral sustainable drilling solution with varying levels of complexity in the Delaware Basin. The case study illustrates the roadmap developed for achieving consistent performance. The challenges across various well designs were mapped to identify variances in well trajectory, bottom hole assembly (BHA) and bit design, automation, real-time drilling parameter optimization and vibration mitigation to achieve consistent drilling performance across multiple wells. Downhole tool failures because of vibration have affected drilling performance. The paper also illustrates improvements in reducing the severity of shocks from damaging vibration mechanisms with BHA design, Bit design and real time mitigation capabilities enabling consistency. The performance across multiple months was evaluated to further fine-tune the BHA design improving the steering capability of the bottom-hole assembly with advanced BHA modeling software. The methodology employed delivered consistent one-run curves with a stiff bottom hole assembly design planned on 8 to 9 degrees per 100’ and continued to drill two-mile laterals in the Delaware Basin. The team delivered further improvements within the stiff BHA design to achieve a planned 10-degree curve and continued to drill into the lateral across multiple wells on the pad. The BHA design had to incorporate the risks involved with motor-driven RSS applications in high DLS curves on BHA component failure related to fatigue. The paper will describe the modifications to the bit and BHA design, drilling surface parameter optimization, steering automation and automated controls for vibration mitigation, and effective communication between all stakeholders to mitigate dysfunctions leading to non-productive events, enabling the team to achieve consistency on well delivery. The performance reduced the well time by eliminating a dedicated conventional mud motor BHA assembly for drilling the curve section. There are future areas of improvement identified that will further enhance performance and decrease the risk involved in delivering one run curve lateral RSS solution. The paper describes all the critical parameters involved in delivering a one run high dogleg curve-lateral for the Permian Basin where horizontal reach is extending to three-mile laterals more frequently. The consistency is even more important today to reduce well delivery time with sustainable solutions to develop a methodology encompassing key drilling technologies, automation, and drilling practices to reduce our carbon footprint.