Drillout optimization is analyzed based on criteria that includes higher rate of penetration (ROP), reduced overall cost per foot, reduced drilling time, and reduced wear rates. In the industry, there are no mechanistic and empirical models used to simulate shoe track drillout optimization. The current common approach is the use of "best practices," which have been developed by companies throughout years of experience. However, even when the best practices are used, shoe track drillout is often time-consuming and damaging to the operation of the drilling tools.
This paper presents analyses of field shoe track drillouts data, obtained from several wells, to assess the primary drilling controlling parameters with respect to drillout times.
The study reveals primary factors that affect shoe track drillout time. It also provides an understanding of how operational parameters should be manipulated to achieve the desired ROP. Finally, the study results were compared to existing best practices. This comparison was used to create a combined list of recommendations that can be consulted before drilling through a shoe track. Although the elimination of damage to the BHA is an important issue in this topic, it is beyond the scope of this paper and may be the focus of future research.