Rotary Steerable drilling systems have led to a step change in drilling performance in many areas of the world. However their use in the Middle East has generally been slower to develop than in other drilling provinces around the world such as The North Sea where the value of rotary steerable drilling has been documented since 19981 . Commercial as well as technical issues have limited widespread deployment of these systems in the region. This paper reviews successful rotary steering applications in the Middle East to date and explores areas for potential increased use.

Using case studies the paper looks a range of specific applications where the change from steerable motor to rotary steerable system has been both technically and commercially successful in the Middle East. Through these case histories the paper will demonstrate both tangible and intangible benefits resulting from the use of rotary steerable systems that have led to a step change in overall drilling performance in the Middle East.

Keywords:
placement, reservoir, drilling parameter, penetration rate, well placement, rotary steerable system, steerable system, middle east, drilling operation, abu dhabi
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Drilling Equipment, Directional drilling, Directional drilling systems and equipment
Copyright 2003, SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference & Exhibition
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