Challenge

A major operator in Alberta, Canada, was forced to make multiple trips per section to replace damaged bits while pad drilling a 311 mm intermediate hole. The associated nonproductive time drove up costs for drilling.

Solution: Mechanical Thruster Implementation and Optimization

Cougar Drilling Solutions’ team analyzed the operator’s bottom hole assembly, well profile and drilling performance requirements.

The Mechanical Thruster reduces the severity of shock and vibration, limiting the detrimental effects to the bottom hole assembly and bits. Cougar optimized the Mechanical Thruster’s configuration and placement based on the operator’s well specifications. This ensured that they got maximum results and effectiveness from the tool.

Results

With the Mechanical Thruster, the operator consistently eliminated one bit trip per section, contributing to an average time reduction of two days per section – from 8.25 days to 6.25 days. This resulted in an average savings per section of 130,000 Canadian dollars.

“The addition of the thruster tool has turned what is normally a three-bit intermediate into a two-bit intermediate. That saves us about one day for the round trip and about a day gained performance for having a fresher bit through that second run for a total of about two days savings per intermediate. We can legitimately associate that with the thruster,” said the operator’s drilling engineer.

Cougar Drilling Solutions Oil Well Drilling Tools

We design, manufacture and deliver downhole Mechanical Thrusters and other oil well drilling tools, services and solutions to companies around the world. We partner with you to make sure our tools are optimized for your project, your location and your goals. Contact us to learn how our oil well drilling tools and services can save you time and money on your next project.