e-cd™ device maintains uninterrupted fluid flow and improves wellbore stability during drill pipe connections
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Maintain wellbore integrity while drilling extended reach sections
Europe
Halliburton deployed the e-cd™ continuous circulation system (CCS) to drill the deepest well ever completed with this technology at 23,314 ft (7,106 m). The operation required precise pressure management, improved hole cleaning, and uninterrupted drilling fluid circulation.
To meet these requirements, Halliburton implemented the e-cd™ CCS. The system improved bottomhole pressure (BHP) management, improved cuttings transport, and reduced the risk of wellbore instability throughout the operation.
The e-cd™ CCS is an Eni-patented system offered by Halliburton as a simple solution for managed pressure drilling (MPD) operations. Its integration served as a critical component of the technical strategy and contributed to the successful completion of this record-depth well.
The operator faced challenges with wellbore integrity while drilling extended-reach sections. Efficient cuttings transport and precise BHP control proved essential due to tight pore and fracture pressure margins. Static phases such as connections, tripping, and liner runs increased the risk of washouts and instability.
Halliburton deployed the e-cd™ CCS to maintain continuous drilling fluid circulation during drill pipe connections. The system enabled uninterrupted flow through the drillstring and allowed rig pumps to remain active while adding or removing pipe.
This approach improved wellbore stability. It also helped facilitate hole cleaning and suitable cuttings removal capability. These improvements helped avoid accumulations that may cause stuck pipe incidents, circulation losses, and malfunctions or failures of downhole tools. The study notes that the application of continuous circulation leads to improved safety and wellbore quality and mitigates NPT. It also provides time and cost savings benefits.
ft drilled
continuous operational days
circulating hours
drill pipe connections
The operator drilled to 23,314 ft (7,106 m) measured depth using the e-cd™ CCS. The system supported 181 continuous operational days, 165 standby days, 3,713 circulating hours, and 1,694 drill pipe connections. These outcomes improved pressure management, reduced nonproductive time, and preserved wellbore stability throughout the operation.
