Tablet-Based Mobile App Software Provides Precise and Instant Bit Selection in the Field

Abstract

Hydrocarbons from across the world are being explored every day. Significant effort is spent in optimizing the bit selection programs which may comprise a large number of bit design iterations. A large inefficiency is created because of the nonexistence of a quantitative method of relating these drilling applications and bit designs. This organization launched a new mobile drill-bit selection tool to enable faster, more-scientific, bit-selection decisions in the field. The tool incorporates breakthrough methods to relate drilling applications and PDC bit designs to a comprehensive set of common quantifiable and measurable behaviors. The methods improve bit selection outcomes by focusing on application requirements and bit performance capabilities instead of traditional methods that focus on bit features such as cutter size, blade count and gauge length. Individuals enter drilling parameters as well as application behaviors that characterize the formation to be drilled. The optimum bit is then selected by a proprietary algoritm. The mobile app can draw on the full database of drill-bit data, and provide technical drilling solutions in a matter of seconds at the touch of a fingertip. The innovation of this tool is its ability to quantitatively compare drill bits side-by-side with full knowledge of bit behaviors, instead of solely comparing the bit features that lead to those behaviors. With traditional methods, the benefits and tradeoffs of altering bit features were estimated by field personnel using technical intuition and past experience. By using the bit selection app, a quantified and technically justified comparison is achievable by individuals with all levels of experience. Applications can now be efficiently compared to other applications in various geographic locations to drive synergies for bit selections and drilling practices. Now, learnings from one application can be transferred to other bit selections and applications regardless of application type or location. Finally, the behavior methodology of this tool promotes the ease of technical communication between multiple user groups such as geologists, design engineer, field personnel and drilling operators, leading to a faster, more-accurate drilling optimization process. The tool is the first mobile application in the oil and gas industry that combines historical engineering data with creative digital designs, enables an intuitive user interface, 3D modeling and real-time database search capabilities. Individuals of all levels of expertise have instant access to necessary information to make bit selection easier. The authors will present value-added case studies from the Middle East region.