Innovative Solid Lubricant Solution to Reduce Friction in Challenging ERD wells

Abstract

Abstract Extended reach drilling (ERD) has become increasingly more frequent in the petroleum industry as it allows access to additional reserves in oil and gas reservoirs from a single wellbore. Consequently, this has led to an increase in friction related problems while drilling and running casing. This paper describes the extensive lab testing and technical implementation of an innovative technology that utilizes a customized solid lubricant to reduce friction and help operators achieve challenging depths. Comprehensive lab testing was conducted to tailor the required formulations of the solid lubricant and two field trials were completed to evaluate the performance. To properly conduct this evaluation, key performance indicators were established in both wells. A minimum torque reduction value of 10% was targeted for a treatment containing 5 pounds per barrel (ppb) of the solid lubricant. Baseline torque values were captured prior to the lubricant addition and were the benchmark for performance evaluation. Drilling fluid from the active pit was then enhanced with 5-ppb of the solid lubricant and sweeps were pumped downhole to reduce friction. Two extended reach wells were identified in which water-based mud was used to drill. On Well A, at 79-degree inclination high and erratic torque was experienced which affected the drilling performance. Baseline torque was recorded and a sweep with 4 ppb of the solid lubricant was pumped: resulting in a 5.5% torque reduction. After drilling another stand, a second sweep was pumped with 5 ppb concentration and torque was reduced 14.7%. On Well B, at 84-degree inclination high and erratic torque was once again experienced. Baseline torque was recorded, and the first sweep was pumped with 5 ppb of the solid lubricant: resulting in a 10.4 % torque reduction. A second sweep was immediately pumped with another 5 ppb concentration and torque was reduced by 24.3%. In both Well A and Well B, a pill was spotted in the open hole with 8 ppb solid lubricant concentration to assist with the liner run. These field applications successfully demonstrated the concept of this innovative technology to reduce friction and overcome torque challenges in ERD applications; thus, resulting in a drastic reduction in nonproductive time. The industry is continuously looking for opportunities to reduce non-productive time while drilling. This innovative solid lubricant is environmentally safe, compatible in all mud systems, and is highly effective in low concentrations to reduce friction while drilling in some of the most challenging extended reach wells. Minimizing friction and the subsequent torque issues will allow for optimal rates of penetration while drilling in these challenging conditions and thus reduce the overall time constructing the well.