The industry defines 300 degF, 10,000 psi, and above as HPHT. There exist several higher plateaus, defined by metallurgical, elastomeric, chemical, and electronic limits.
Developing HPHT reservoirs with reduced risk
Schlumberger people, tools, and procedures can help you reduce the risks inherent in drilling and evaluating high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells.
Because each HPHT province presents unique challenges, the key to our success is detailed planning by a trained and experienced team and use of appropriate technology.
Many of our drilling and MWD and LWD tools are available with pressure ratings up to 30,000 psi and temperature ratings up to 392 degF. The proven reliability and survivability of these downhole tools has contributed to the success of HPHT projects once considered uneconomic, in the North Sea and elsewhere
Maximize performance and production potential in ultraHT environments
The PowerDrive ICE ultraHT RSS operates durably at 200 degC [392 degF], PowerDrive ICE bringing the benefit of a fully rotating RSS to HT and ultraHT reservoirs.
Designed with proprietary ultraHT-rated electronics, the PowerDrive ICE RSS enables standard drilling practices in reservoirs with extreme downhole conditions.
Achieve high ROP by using RSS with ruggedized electronics
The PowerDrive ICE RSS increases ROP by eliminating the need for special operating procedures.
Other drilling technologies typically require controlled drilling parameters and additional off-bottom circulation to protect the tool’s electronics boards from heat-related damage.
However, the ultraHT-rated multichip modules in the PowerDrive ICE RSS have been verified to 200 degC and 2,000,000 shocks for 1,458 days, providing consistent performance that saves rig time by maximizing ROP.
Improve production potential with precise directional control
Equipped with azimuthal gamma ray, this durable RSS provides precise directional control and automatic steering to help efficiently reach productive zones.
The RSS also uses a pad actuation system designed with metal-to-metal seals for improved directional control in harsh drilling conditions caused by heat, corrosive drilling fluids, and challenging hydraulic designs.
Case Study: PEMEX Improves Trajectory and Saves 9 Days with High-Pressure, High-Temperature RSS
PEMEX was drilling the 8½-in section of a 3D development well in HT formations offshore Mexico and expected to encounter static temperatures exceeding 165 degC [329 degF] and pressures up to 15,000 psi. With no commercially available RSS rated beyond 175 degC [347 degF], PEMEX selected a packed BHA. The possibility of veering off track was known to be a risk with the packed BHA, but PEMEX determined that a temperature-related tool failure was a greater risk.
While drilling, the BHA encountered very abrasive formations and veered off track. Lacking precise directional control and unable to reach the desired target, PEMEX pulled the BHA out of hole. To drill this section to planned TD, PEMEX needed a tool that could recover the tangent section and withstand the formations’ elevated temperatures.
Use field-tested PowerDrive ICE ultraHT RSS to correct trajectory of 3D well
During the drilling of the 8½-in section, a field test of the PowerDrive ICE ultraHT RSS concluded, and the tool became available. Schlumberger recommended using the ultraHT RSS to correct the trajectory of the borehole and drill the section to TD.
Rated to 200 degC [392 degF], the PowerDrive ICE RSS is specifically designed to improve reliability in wells with extreme heat.
At the time the well was drilled, the operating windows of all commercially available RSSs were limited by the plastic components in their electronic circuit boards.
These parts begin to deteriorate, melt, and cause downhole failure at 180 degC [356 degF].
Designed with proprietary ultraHT-rated electronics that are ruggedized for downhole use and a bias unit with metal-to-metal seals, the PowerDrive ICE RSS provides operators with precise directional control in HT and ultraHT environments.
Recovered 8 1/2-in section and saved PEMEX 9 days of rig time
PEMEX used the PowerDrive ICE RSS to improve the azimuth of this wellbore from 77° to 57°.
This RSS drilled the wellbore from 6,160-m [20,210-ft] MD to section TD at 6,340-m [20,800-ft] MD and encountered temperatures that reached 163 degC [325 degF] while drilling and 173 degC [343 degF] while static.
The ultraHT RSS performed reliably in these harsh conditions and increased ROP by 16%, saving PEMEX 9 operating days and USD 1.35 million.
The RSS achieved an average ROP of 3.84 m/h [12.59 ft/h], setting a record for the field.
Previously, the highest average ROP for an 8½-in section in this field was 3.30 m/h [10.82 ft/h], which was drilled using a conventional motor.
PEMEX plans to use the PowerDrive ICE RSS in three future HT offshore wells