Kuwait Oil Co designs, builds semi-automated 3,000-hp rig to tap deep HPHT resources

摘要

DRILLING OF DEEP HPHT wells in Kuwait requires both local and inter national drilling contractors to adhere strictly to overall required capacities of equipment for safely and efficiently drilling Jurassic and deeper exploratory prospects from depths of 15,000 ft to more than 22,000 ft TVD. This requires use of 3,000-hp rigs due to heavy casing hookloads for the 24-in. and 18 ~(5/8)-in. casings, high mud weights at relatively deep depths in 16-in. and 12 Vi-in. hole sections, and fairly high torques throughout the well. Likewise, mud volumes in these wells require adequate capacities and processing capabilities for the larger hole sections, especially when dealing with 19.5-ppg mud systems with a solids content of around 45 percent in the 12 Vi-in. hole section at 14,000 ft.