Abstract
The Kuparuk Coiled Tubing Drilling (CTD) program began with the development of dynamically overbalanced CTD techniques1 in 1998. Although many of the first wells were technical successes, the economic and productive results were less than expected.
Starting with a step change in 2002, improvements in the economic results of the CTD program have materialized over the past 3 years fueling excitement about CTD in the Kuparuk River Unit (KRU). Results from the 11 well 2005 CTD program suggests that the successful application of CTD technology will continue in the Greater Kuparuk Area (Fig. 1).
Technological advances, changes in target focus, improved well designs, improved CT drilling techniques, and persistence all paid off. The 2004 & 2005 CTD programs delivered wells yielding rates beyond expectations and, in the case of 2005, were achieved "at or below" the authorized expenditure budget. In addition to the overall CTD program success story, what the authors believe as 3 new world records were set on one particular well: Deepest 3" CTD sidetrack – 18,350’ MD; deepest CTD openhole sidetrack – 17,935’ MD; and deepest CTD liner run – 18,320’ MD. All drilling objectives were achieved and the well completed under the AFE (Authorization for Expenditure).
