IADC/SPE 112669 Challenges of Directional Drilling Through Salt in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

R.R. Israel, P. D'Ambrosio, A.D. Leavitt, Schlumberger, J.M. Shaughnessey, BP America Inc., J. Sanclemente, Chevron North America E & P Co.

Agenda
Introduction Directional Well Planning Challenges in Salt Drilling Enabling Technologies Case Studies Lessons Learned Conclusions & Questions
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Introduction
Salt drilling almost mandatory in deepwater GoM
Drilling the tertiary trend will require more salt drilling

Introduction
GoM salt fairly well understood
First sub-salt discovery in 1990 Salt is unique due to its ability to creep

Multiple drivers for directional drilling in salt

DW sub-salt developments coming online Trajectory limitations due to completion/step-out Geology issues

Directional Well Planning

Where to kick-off
KO above & hold angle through salt KO and build in salt

Managing formation tendencies

Consider salt trend vs. maximum build rate of BHA Difficult to manage in tight anti-collision situations

Managing drilling mechanics

Increasing vibrations with inclination

Geomechanical issues
Creep Hole quality can impact on long term life of well
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Riserless Drilling & Salt Entry

Riserless Drilling
Limited mud volume BHA must maximize salt ROP Directional Control Salt footage may drive decisions
SALT

Salt Entry
Risks of wellbore stability and/or losses Control drilling parameters prior to entry

Challenges in Drilling & Exiting Salt

Shocks & Vibration Issues
Bit selection & pre-drill vibration modeling Real-time diagnosis & intervention
SALT

Inclusions
High uncertainty regarding pressure, stability, loss circulation risk Shocks from drilling non-homogenous formation
Base of salt

Tar
Avoid it!

Salt Exit Strategy

What mud weight to use? Go slow control drilling parameters 7 Develop local exit strategy

Enabling Technologies
Deepwater Rigs
Increased torque, hydraulics, & pick-up required

Directional Drilling Components

Rotary steerable systems Improved bits & under-reamers

Enabling Technologies
Sub-salt Imaging & LWD
3D pre-stacked depth images Gamma ray at bit, sonic & seismic while drilling

Real-time Monitoring
Maximize data available to optimize drilling Remote support for leveraging expertise

Case Study #1
Objectives & Challenges
Kick-off and drill & under-ream salt in 18.25-in x 20-in hole Nudge the well to mitigate collision risks Steering against salt tendency

Results & lessons Learned

Drilled to TD in one run w minimal shocks Casing successfully run to bottom Successfully managed anti-collision risks & preserved ability to drill other slots

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Case Study #2
Objectives & Challenges
Kick-off and drill & under-ream salt in 14.75-in x 16.5-in hole Drill 11000-ft in one run Severe shocks & vibrations in offset wells

Results & lessons Learned

Drilled to TD in one run w minimal shocks Casing successfully run to bottom Optimized bit design
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Use of Eccentric stabilizer to aid in shock mitigation above the reamer

Lessons Learned
Rotary steerable best option
Can be optimized in combination w high toque motor More common on older rig applications More common on big PDC bit sizes Optimize PDC bit design

Include geomechanical considerations in trajectory design Account for salt tendency in planned build rates Control drilling parameters on entry and exit Real-time monitoring of shock & vibrations
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Conclusion
Increasing trend of directional drilling in salt will continue
Sub-salt horizontals?

Understand & plan within current limits

Equipment Rig Formation

Technology will continue to develop as limits are pushed

Collaboration required between operators, drilling contractors and service providers

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