ABSTRACT
This paper reviews the recently concluded first Weatherford Rotating Control Diverter application to a Loss and Kick scenario well in the Murree formation in Pakistan. The Murree formation in that area is considered as one of the toughest hurdle in reaching the target depths. The most common problems that are observed in this formation are loss and kick situations, which lead to conventional well control and then the hole tightening issues. In this well the client is having the same problems but in more adverse manner. There was a loss zone below and a gain zone above. They cemented the drilled portion of loss zone but whenever they try to drill further; got loss and then kick. Too much time was spent in controlling the well and then the well got tight and sometimes the string also got stuck. The major scope of work for this well with the use of Rotating Control Diverter is to divert the flow from the well, strip out of hole even during well flowing conditions and keeping surface back pressure whenever required.
A brief history of the Flow Diversion Technique using Weatherford RCD is provided in this paper which is followed by a discussion of the benefits added by the RCD in minimizing the NPT associated with such drilling hazards. The RCD successfully diverted the gain/kick got after having complete or partial loss situations. The RCD helped to strip out of hole even having continuous well flowing conditions. In conventional techniques this is not possible to POOH without controlling the well. This saved time as well as saved the drill string from being got stuck or packed off. The squeezing jobs were also aided by the use of RCD as after pumping the pill; the string was pulled out without releasing the applied pressure. All these advantages lead to the completion of the well in a safe and efficient fashion.
In Summary; applications of innovative and advanced technologies helped operator to perform the drilling operation fruitfully in this challenging formation in Pakistan. This paper reviews the process that was used to identify, plan, and implement this pioneering thought. The purpose of this paper is to highlight all the benefits and lessons learnt while applying this state of the art technology. This will help many in the industry to implement and design such innovative techniques and robust equipment for the mitigating drilling hazards.
