Following successful field applications of solid-liner drill-in systems, efforts now focus on drill-in sand screen liners. This paper will discuss enabling technologies to meet the unique challenges of drill-in sand screen liners. Rotating the screen liner to drive the bit may damage screens, so a drilling motor at the bottom of the liner must be utilized. Also, conveying fluid to drive the motor and remove debris is required. Using a conventional inner circulating string inside the screen liner may be prohibitive due to the addition of sufficient weight which may significantly limit horizontal and highly deviated well angles and length. The screen liners therefore must be able to contain pressure when drilling to allow circulation through the bit, and subsequent wellbore inflow during production. Additionally, the screen’s filtration media must also be protected from possible plugging with solids during drilling.
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