Slimhole One Piece Matrix Design Bit Technology Showed Significant Integrity and Performance Improvements in Coil Tubing Operations in Middle East

Abstract

Abstract Objectives/ Scope This paper describes a new innovative concept, using a one-piece matrix slimhole design for a 3.625’’ PDC bit. This significantly increases durability and reliability, enhancing the bit life in multiple test analysis in highly abrasive lower Permian sandstone, driven by turbine and coiled tubing. The collaboration between the national oil company (NOC) and the drill bits provider results in achieving consistent records in footage and rate of penetration, without compromising bit integrity previously seem in sleeve designs. Methods, Procedures, Process A matrix sleeve design is the result of creating a single piece of bit using 100% matrix material adding TSP (Terminally stable Polycrystalline) in the gage pad protection, instead of using standards steel sleeve design with diamond grid discs protection. This concept allows the matrix sleeve to eliminate the cracks observed in the standard steel sleeve due the high temperatures generated while drilling into high abrasive sandstone environment with extreme parameters of rpm (1800 - 2000) as the turbine output. This provides enhancement to bit durability and integrity, due to the innovative use of higher resistant materials. Results, Observations, Conclusions After the first introduction, a qualifying trial test process starting in January and completed in September 2020, a microstructure evaluation was performed to evaluate the present of any field service cracks in the proposed one-piece matrix design, followed by full field deployment completing 12 wells in three different major fields. This resulted in setting the benchmarks of higher average footage of 354.61 ft (>50% of improvement) and average penetrations rate of 14.44 ft/hr (>25% of improvement) in abrasive drilling environment with zero integrity or reliability issues reported. After the deployment, each one-piece matrix bit has been physically inspected using the standard IADC dull grading format. More details of the performances, and bit inspections, will be presented in this paper. Novel/Additive information The innovative concept of using a one-piece matrix bit design delivers a much more reliable and efficient new technology, which significantly increased performance and successful deployments across this difficult drilling environment in these unique wells drilled in the Middle East.