Middle East First Introduction of MWD and RSS Systems Below Mud Motor Mitigates Vibrations in Harsh Drilling Environment and Delivers a Record Well in Egypt Western Desert Khalda Operations

Abstract

Abstract Egypt Western Desert drilling fields have been known for harsh drilling environment, shock and vibrations conditions, interbedding and abrasive formations. Drilling assemblies have normally been suffering from excessive damages drilling through these conditions. Motorized rotary steerable drilling systems (RSS) were mostly considered the favored mechanism of drilling in this environment as they delivered higher drilling performance and mitigated vibration harmonics from transmitting higher up the string. Realtime shocks and vibrations data from directional tools was critical information to ensure safe and efficient drilling parameters and managing this harsh drilling environment without operating the equipment beyond its specifications. In a recent western desert well, Khalda Petroleum Company (KPC) endorsed a new drilling strategy by modifying the conventional motorized rotary steerable drilling assembly from having only the RSS below the motor to having both the MWD and RSS tools below the motor. This modification was designed to enable KPC get closer measurements to bit with full transmission of all downhole data to surface to optimize the drilling parameters. The modification also aimed at increasing the bottom hole assembly (BHA) stability to prolong the run duration. To ensure reaching this goal, the design phase focused on two main directions. First, multiple finite element analysis modeling was implemented to ensure the optimum BHA stability and resistance to shocks and vibrations conditions. Second, KPC took needed considerations on the mud motor design, RSS operational procedures and MWD setup to ensure that these would fit properly in the new BHA design. The strategy implemented has shown great success in delivering the section safely and with no incidents related to downhole drilling uncertainties and conditions. The section delivered the required directional profile with great precision and adherence. The new BHA actual data has shown high conformance to the modeled data and no shocks and vibrations conditions were encountered. The section was drilled in one run and was considered the longest and fastest directional run in its field. This has eventually lead to delivering this milestone section 3 days ahead of its planned timing.