Newer Technologies Enable Step Change to Address Curve and Lateral Drilling Demands- 3 Mile, 4 Mile Laterals with Single Bit

Abstract The challenges of drilling curves and laterals demand that drill bits be designed with superior durability, directional control, and the ability to handle varying formation characteristics. Maintaining smooth drilling performance requires constant innovation in bit technology and this paper outlines such efforts in PCD technology where effective WOB transfer is achieved with mitigating torque fluctuation, enabling effective drilling in curve and long interval lateral applications. Body text 2 paragraphs. A novel test system that has visual capability to view and record a single cutter interaction with rock formations in simulated drilling conditions was employed. A series of tests were undertaken in a various formation type to understand the details of cutter-rock interactions. The science of chip formation and flowing along the cutter face were investigated. Conventional new technology/product development approach was adopted involving mathematical modelling, analytical simulation followed by laboratory testing and field testing of bit prototypes to validate the benefits. Details of all of which are presented. The single cutter tests visualization and results demonstrated subtle details that could be used to improve the rock breaking physics to leverage a design of experiments to assist innovation in PCD shape technology. Bit designs with this new technology improved in performance in the Lab simulations. Field validation was planned for different formations and well profiles to qualify and quantify the benefits of this technology. Another critical aspect in curve and laterals is the torque created by the bit cutting structure and how this technology manages it effectively at the bit level. Case study 1 discusses results from a vertical drill out application which starts from soft clastic formations transitioning into highly interbedded lithologies and ending in a section of hard formations. Results reveal that the effectiveness evacuating the cuttings faster and engaging a new formation quicker and reducing the bit torque. Case study 2 was in the curve and lateral applications. This new technology delivers a 3 mile lateral with high efficiency when compared to offset runs. Details of the run data will be discussed and correlated to laboratory data. Case study 3 was an application in which torque imitation at the end of the lateral section hampers performance. This technology overcame this hurdle and brought ab out cost savings. The subtle physics observed in the laboratory translates significantly into high impact on performances and is beneficial for knowledge sharing and continuous improvements. Such improvements are very effective in rock destruction mechanisms, optimizing cuttings flow, and reducing wear concerns on cutting structure. The improved rock failing efficiency enables effective weight-on-bit (WOB) transfer in those three-mile and four-mile laterals along with smooth steer in the curves and holding steady laterals.