Drill Faster, Drill Longer: Take control to mitigate destructive downhole vibrations

Key Takeaways: Drill Faster, Drill Longer: Take control to mitigate destructive downhole vibrations

Executive Summary

The webinar "Drill Faster, Drill Longer, Take Control to Mitigate Destructive Downhill Vibrations," presented by Daniel Bell and Volker Peters from Baker Hughes, focused on enhancing drilling efficiency and reliability while addressing the challenges posed by destructive vibrations, particularly high-frequency torsional oscillations (HFTO). The presenters highlighted advancements in rotary steerable technology and introduced the Guard Vibe HFTO dampener, a tool designed to mitigate torsional vibrations and improve drilling performance. Field trials in the Permian region demonstrated the dampener's effectiveness in reducing HFTO occurrences, improving BHA reliability, and achieving faster drilling with fewer unplanned trips. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, providing further insights into the tool's impact on drilling operations and emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in drilling performance.

Speakers

Volker Peters, Mechanical Engineer, Baker Hughes
Daniel M. Bell, Global Product Line Manager, Baker Hughes
Moderator: Ivy Diaz, Digital Editor, World Oil

Key Takeaways

1. Rotary Steerable Advancements: Advancements in rotary steerable technology have enabled longer lateral drilling and more consistent build rates, but high-frequency torsional oscillations (HFTO) remain a significant challenge.

2. Guard Vibe Effectiveness: The Guard Vibe HFTO dampener effectively mitigates torsional vibrations by consuming vibration energy, reducing frequency levels, and improving drilling performance.

3. Permian Field Success: Field trials in the Permian region demonstrated the Guard Vibe dampener's success in reducing HFTO occurrences, leading to faster drilling and fewer unplanned trips.

4. HFTO Damage Insights: HFTO, characterized by vibrations in the range of 50 to 400 Hertz, is identified as the most damaging due to its frequent occurrence, especially when drilling hard rock with high weight on bits.

5. Dampener Tool Design: The Guard Vibe dampener tool is designed without load-carrying components, dynamic seals, or electrical connections, making it suitable for harsh environmental drilling and extended reach drilling.

6. Continuous Drilling Optimization: The webinar emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and optimization in drilling performance, with a strong preference for dampers over isolators due to their proven capabilities and minimal impact on sensor placement.

Key Quote

Drilling vibrations, especially when severe and unmanaged, can significantly limit how fast and how long you can drill.

Webinar

Watch Full Webinar here.

Strategies for Managing Drilling Vibrations to Enhance Equipment Longevity

In the competitive landscape of oil and gas drilling, achieving efficiency and reliability is paramount. The ability to drill faster and longer without compromising the integrity of the equipment or the quality of the operation can significantly impact the bottom line. This blog explores advanced strategies and technologies that can help operators enhance their drilling performance, focusing on mitigating destructive downhill vibrations and optimizing drilling parameters.

Managing vibrations is a critical aspect that significantly impacts the efficiency and longevity of drilling equipment. High-Frequency Torsional Oscillations (HFTO) are particularly damaging, especially in challenging formations like hard rock. Understanding the mechanisms behind these vibrations and implementing effective mitigation strategies is essential for optimizing drilling performance and reducing equipment failure rates.

Managing Drilling Vibrations for Equipment Longevity

Managing vibrations, particularly high-frequency torsional oscillations (HFTO), is a key challenge in drilling operations. These vibrations can severely damage downhole tools, leading to premature failures and increased operational costs. HFTO occurs when the drill string twists dynamically, inducing high torque loads that compromise the structural integrity of drilling components. Effective mitigation of these vibrations is crucial for maintaining drilling efficiency and extending equipment lifespan.

Rotary steerable technology has revolutionized the drilling industry by enabling more precise control over the drilling direction and allowing for longer lateral sections. As operators push the boundaries of this technology, addressing vibration-related issues becomes increasingly critical. Axial vibrations, lateral vibrations, and torsional oscillations each present unique challenges that require targeted solutions. For example, axial vibrations can lead to bit bounce, causing premature bit wear, while lateral vibrations can result in an overgauge hole, damaging the bottom hole assembly (BHA).

Improving Drilling Stability with Advanced Dampening Tools

Advanced dampening tools have been developed to address issues related to HFTO and other destructive vibrations. These tools absorb and dissipate the energy generated by the drill string's interaction with the rock formation, resulting in greater stability and consistency in drilling operations. Implementing these technologies not only improves the rate of penetration (ROP) but also enhances the reliability and durability of drilling equipment.

Field trials have shown the effectiveness of dampening tools in challenging environments. In the Permian region, high-frequency torsional oscillation dampeners have significantly improved drilling performance. Operators have reported reduced days on production and fewer BHA trips, leading to substantial cost savings and increased operational efficiency. Maintaining optimal drilling parameters without compromising tool integrity represents a major advancement for the industry.

Mitigating HFTO in Hard Rock Drilling

HFTO frequently occurs during drilling in hard rock formations with high weight on bit and rotary steerable tools. These vibrations can severely damage the drill string and other components, making it essential to address them effectively. The design of the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) significantly influences the control of these vibrations. Optimizing the mass and stiffness of the drill string components helps manage acceleration and vibration loads more effectively. Using specialized dampers, such as those made from non-magnetic materials, can enhance vibration suppression.

Deploying vibration dampers is a highly effective solution for mitigating HFTO. These tools are designed to dissipate energy generated by the interaction between the drill bit and the rock, reducing the amplitude of the vibrations. The placement of the damper within the BHA is crucial to its effectiveness. Typically positioned between the directional sensor and the mud motor, the damper can suppress vibrations throughout the drill string. This strategic placement helps maintain the integrity of the sensor data and improves overall drilling performance.

Integrating advanced vibration mitigation technologies into drilling operations is crucial for enhancing efficiency and reliability. Addressing destructive vibrations allows operators to unlock higher performance levels and extend equipment life. Effective management of vibrations, particularly HFTO, involves targeted strategies like specialized dampers and optimized BHA design. Reducing the impact of these vibrations is essential for improving drilling performance and minimizing equipment failures. As the industry evolves, deploying advanced vibration mitigation tools will be vital for staying competitive and maximizing returns on investment in drilling activities.