Step Change Technology Amplifies Vertical Force Applied to Formation at the Bit Enhancing Cutting Efficiency

Abstract

Drilling efficiency is a key factor in determining the viability of potential hydrocarbon plays throughout the world. Pushing our capabilities for speed and accuracy changes the evaluation of value that not only operators place on emerging and potential plays, but also the evaluation that countries place on the value of their available natural resources. Fundamental drilling challenges such as formation hardness, reactive torque, tortuosity, and abrasive formation types continue to inhibit our ability to seek out less conventional reserves.Reaching our targets faster and at a reduced overall cost allows us to expand the breadth of viable drilling opportunities in all regions while accessing additional value previously out of reach in existing plays. Today we are pushing current technology to the threshold of its capabilities with longer laterals and deeper targets in more complex well profiles. Without a step change in technology, we are nearing our maximum potential.A simple yet revolutionary technology has added new life to existing drilling technologies and is now addressing some of the fundamental drilling dynamics that currently limit our drilling efficiency and restrict our ability to reach for the next level of performance. This technology works in conjunction with existing drilling systems to amplify the vertical forces applied to the bit. By varying this amplification at specific frequencies, more efficient failing of the formation can be achieved. Increased ROP well above 50% has been achieved with consistent results over offset data with reduction in reactive torque and stick slip events. This paper details how by increasing cutting efficiency, a major operator has greatly extended bit life resulting in an increase in interval drilled lengths of as much as 125%.

Vibro-impact model and validation of the axial dynamics of a vibration-assisted drilling tool

“…In a technological perspective, the development of a drilling system that combines the rotary motion (scratching) with a percussive action (indenting) is not a new concept in the oil well industry. Such concept can be seen in the Andergauge Hammer [17], the SDS Digger fluid hammer [12,23], the BBJ fluid hammer [22] and the NOV fluid hammer [5,8,9,18]. Preliminary field test results with these vibrationassisted drilling tools (VAD) have shown a significant improvement in the rate of penetration (ROP) when drilling hard-rock formations.…”

Characterization of a Pulsating Drill Bit Blaster

“…These vibrations displaced the bit head between 3-11mm at 8-11 Hz during testing and led to a 114% and 212% increase in ROP compared to offset well data during the first and second tests, respectively (Herrington & Barton, 2013). In the second test 74% more distance was covered by the bit compared to the offset well historical performance; data regarding footage for the first test was not available.…”