Hydraulic Workover Unit Utilization for New Well Openhole Drilling with Directional Motor and Logging-While-Drilling Bottom-Hole-Assembly in M Area

Abstract

Abstract Achieving a number of well targets in M Area is an important objective for MK, one of the oil and gas operators in Indonesia. An economic challenge is present due to marginal gas reservoirs in shallow zone. The conventional swamp rig unit requires significant costs for site preparation work and in some cases no longer fulfils the economic criteria. The objective was to drill the same one-phase well (OPW) architecture as the swamp rig normally drills, but at lower costs using a hydraulic workover unit (HWU). Drilling the 8½-in hole section OPW architecture using HWU was challenging, not only on the equipment rating and capability, but also on the deck space limitation part. The fit-for-purpose directional and logging-while-drilling (LWD) system was utilized in this project consisting of customized low-torque excellent hydraulics drill bit design, a positive displacement motor (PDM) with aggressive bend setting to achieve directional objective (with max 3.8°/30-m dogleg severity), annular-pressure-while-drilling (APWD) measurement to ensure equivalent circulating density (ECD) is maintained, and combined electromagnetic propagation resistivity and sonic slowness measurement coupled with high-speed telemetry measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool to get an accurate and timely formation evaluation. The HWU deck space limitation was solved by implementing a single combined directional drilling (DD), MWD, mudlogging cabin, in addition to the remote operation control implementation to further reduce carbon footprint. Five wells were drilled safely and successfully in this campaign. Drilling efficiency improved with up to 109% ROP increase as compared to the first well, showing the progressive learning curve and excellent teamwork from all involved parties. The directional bottom hole assembly (BHA) was capable of delivering up to 4–5°/30-m dogleg, not only achieving the directional objective, but also penetrating the reservoir targets with tight tolerances. The drill bit delivered very good ROP, reaching 60.4 m/h (about 66% of average OPW ROP achieved by swamp rig). This campaign also successfully reduced the overall site preparation cost by up to 30%, enabling MK to drill wells that were initially not feasible to be drilled using swamp rig within the time frame and budget. Thanks to the success, this new method is currently under study for industrialization. The HWU drilling campaign provided a valuable learning experience, is considered as a proven drilling method, and served as a benchmark for other operators in Indonesia. HWU drilling has proven to be an efficient drilling method and capable of delivering the one-phase-well. This paper presents a unique case study of new well open hole drilling with the HWU and its applicability in M Area. Most studies in the past were HWU drilling in re-entry or sidetrack cases.