Customized drill bit improves ROP and reduce drilling dysfunction

Overview

Using the DATCI^SM design at the customer interface process, Halliburton Drill Bits and Services designed a drilling solution for Parex Resources Colombia for a 17-1/2 in. section in the Arauca field, improving on the previous drilling record and saving the operator both time and costs. 

Halliburton performed well in previous runs in the Arauca field using data gathered from Cerebro® in-bit sensors. A new Cerebro-equipped bit design, featuring Juggernaut® cutters, reduced bit dysfunction, which led to longer bit life and a record-setting run.

Challenge

Previous wells drilled in the Arauca field required two or three bits to complete the 17-1/2 in. section, which featured complex lithology composed of sand and shale. In addition, drilling dysfunction and instability led to poor dull conditions which limited bit life and rate of penetration (ROP).

Solution

Analysis of prior runs using Cerebro in-bit sensing data identified high levels of axial and lateral vibration in deeper portions of the section coupled to periods of weight-on-bit variation. The modified drill bit design consisted of a revised layout to improve bit stability and improve force balancing in critical areas. The design also incorporated upgraded Juggernaut cutters, an advanced cutter family specifically created to address the most challenging drilling environments.

Pre-run modeling projected the design to improve durability to drill the most difficult intervals with minimal impact on weight-on-bit requirements. Cerebro in-bit sensing was also included in this design to monitor performance and measure vibrations and dysfunction.