This paper descnbes strategies and techniques employed to extend the drilling reach in the Gullfaks field, offshore Norway. Field development plans were originally based upon deviated wells drilled to a maximum inclination of 60°and a maximum displacement of 3 kID. Emerging horizontal drilling techniques encouraged a reevaluation of these field development plans. These techniques are now being implemented to increase the inclination and extend the reach to 5 kID in support of the revised plan. The early success achieved has urged further consideration of extended-reach drilling to as much as 10 kID.

The requirement to drill longer wells to reach reserves on the boundaries of the Statoil operated Gullfaks Field required new solutions and techniques. The planning of the 10 km+ long well A-32 C presented a challenge where floatation technology was required. The 4660 m (15285 ft) long 10 3/4" liner was successfully floated to section TD at 7721 m (25324 ft) on May 9th 2006. The Gullfaks well A-32 C, named Gulltopp, is the longest well planned from an offshore installation with a planned TD at 10+ km. The simulation in the planning phase indicated it would be very difficult or impossible to run the 5 km 10 ¾" liner to TD with conventional methods due to drag and buckling. The floatation method was selected for the 10 ¾" liner to overcome drag and buckling problems. Simulation showed using floatation and running the liner fully evacuated with air, gave substantial reduction in torque and drag. This solution required development of new equipment with special floats to withstand more than 360 bar (5200 psi) differential pressure. Snubbing slips were used to secure the liner during running. It took more than one year to plan and prepare this well. The paper describes the planning and obstacles met to achieve this challenging goal of drilling the Gullfaks well A-32 C-Gulltopp.

This paper descnbes strategies and techniques employed to extend the drilling reach in the Gullfaks field, offshore Norway. Field development plans were originally based upon deviated wells drilled to a maximum inclination of 60°and a maximum displacement of 3 kID. Emerging horizontal drilling techniques encouraged a reevaluation of these field development plans. These techniques are now being implemented to increase the inclination and extend the reach to 5 kID in support of the revised plan. The early success achieved has urged further consideration of extended-reach drilling to as much as 10 kID.

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