Optimization Work Flow Converts Power to Performance for GOM Drilling

Time spent on bottom drilling is only approximately 10% of the time consumed by drilling operations, but this still provides a significant opportunity for savings if it can be reduced. The goal of the work described in this paper was to decrease this percentage while drilling an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico. Significant results were achieved with the use of advanced hybrid polycrystalline-diamond-compact/tungsten-carbide-insert (PDC/TCI) bits.

Introduction

The focus well is in the Walker Ridge area approximately 150 nautical miles south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The rig floor to the zone of interest includes 6,500 ft of water, 1,200 ft of sediments, 12,250 ft of salt, and then deeper sediments.