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FlexPlugSM OBM Saves Exploration WellOperator's ChallengeThis south Texas operator was in the process of drilling a wildcat prospect to 19,200 ft. After setting a 7⅝-in drilling liner at approximately 14,300 ft, complete losses of 17.6 lb/gal oil-based mud occurred at 14,500 ft while drilling the 6½-in hole. Experience on a previous well indicated that unless wellbore integrity was restored to an 18.4 lb/gal equivalent mud weight, this exploration well could not be completed as planned. Halliburton's SolutionHalliburton was contacted and asked to apply its FlexPlugSM service. Two 10-bbl pills of FlexPlug OBM were pumped, the first increasing wellbore integrity to 17.9 lb/gal, the second achieving the desired 18.4 lb/gal equivalent. Drilling was then resumed with no further problems. Thirty five days and 4,900 ft later, the operator successfully ran the 5-in liner, which was also successfully cemented by Halliburton. The very narrow window between the mud weight (18 lb/gal), pore pressure (17.8 lb/gal), and fracture gradient (18.4 lb/gal) proved to be an especially tough test of the FlexPlug OBM's ability to withstand high-temperature conditions for the duration of the drilling operation. Additionally, Halliburton applied its OptiCem software to ensure a successful cementing of the 5-in production liner. Economic Value CreatedHalliburton's FlexPlug service was successful in achieving the operator's objectives. Rather than trying to apply conventional LCM solutions and possibly losing days or even weeks of rig time, the customer immediately turned the problem over to Halliburton. In addition to stopping mud losses, the well was able to be drilled to total depth without further losses and was successfully cemented. Without FlexPlug service, the targeted, very prolific gas reservoir would not have been reached and completed. |
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