Optimizing Drilling Operations in the Arkoma Basin: Building on Success

Abstract

Abstract The Red Oak Field is located in the Arkoma Basin in Southeastern Oklahoma. The Field recently exceeded peak production levels in what was previously deemed a fully developed reservoir, through an ongoing successful infill drilling program based on the use of three-dimensional (3-D) seismic. Moreover, the redevelopment program has surpassed the 100 well mark and has delivered some high rate gas wells. The field may be characterized by its dry gas and multiple pay horizons in what has long been known to be "crookedhole country". In situ compressive strengths range from 10,000-psia through the Pennsylvanian to 55,000-psia through the Ordovician. Much work has been done in the past to optimize air drilling operations for shallow wells; however, as deeper horizons are exploited new technologies have been implemented in order to deliver continuous improvement. Drilling improvements in recent years have included the introduction of a state-of-the-art drilling rig, further optimization of air drilling operations and the introduction of Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) bits. A down-hole vibration mitigation effort was also initiated which yielded improved bit runs and the identification of micro-tortuosity and weight transfer issues. Vibration mitigation resulted in the redesign of bottom hole assemblies (BHA) and the optimization of bent-housing steerable-motor angle settings. Rig rates have increased over time, along with the need for designer wells. Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS) were therefore implemented to address these issues. Initial attempts indicated that RSS were not able to overcome the formation tendencies in 3-D space. A detailed investigation resulted in the hypothesis whereby speeding up the RSS with a motor would provide enough side force with a push-the-bit system to overcome formation tendencies. Real-time Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE) measurements were used in conjunction with the implementation of a Powered Rotary Steerable Systems (PRSS) and revealed the fact that the full benefit of the RSS was not consistently realized (mostly due to the extreme nature of the drilling environment). As such, prototype extended-gauge PDC bits were designed in order to further reduce down-hole vibration, improve well bore quality and bit performance. The result has been sustained top quartile performance, a state drilling record and the continued growth of a mature field.