A Noble Approach to Drill a 8%' Medium Radius Curve Section in a Deep Gas Formation in Saudi Arabia; Successful Introduction of High Build Rate Rotary Steerable System

摘要

Generally, when drilling gas wells in Ghawar field, long radius wells are kicked off in the base of Jilh (BJD) formation, and the well profiles require 3° to 47100 ft dogleg severity (DLS). The two problematic formations encountered while drilling these curve sections are the BJD and Sudair formations. Overpressure exists in the BJD formation, and as a result this unstable formation often leads to kicks while drilling. Also, the Sudair formation, which is plastic shale, has a tendency to micro-ball the bit, leading to slower penetration rates. A higher inclination through the Sudair formation generally means more contact and, therefore, a longer drilling duration and slower rate of penetration (ROP).