Conventional positive displacement motors (PDM's) are widely used in most directional drilling jobs. Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits are often used with the PDM's because of their longer life and increased rate of penetration (ROP). But PDM's used with conventional PDC bits often create hole problems and high vibrations that result in stuck pipe, casing running problems, downhole equipment failure, and lost drilling time. A new steerable assembly has been designed with an extended gauge bit and matched motor. The main objectives are to improve hole quality, reduce vibrations, and increase ROP. This paper will describe the working principles of the new system and how it has performed for Sarawak Shell Berhad and Sabah Shell Petroleum Company (SSB/SSPC) wells in offshore Malaysia.

Keywords:
iadc spe 77218, total footage, short-gauge bit, average rop, gauge bit, wellbore, standard wood bit, hole cleaning, raise performance, directional drilling
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Directional drilling
Copyright 2002, IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology
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