Petrobras optimization saves $17-million on subsalt well
Sept. 15, 2009
Brazilian national oil company Petrobras saved $17-million on its Iracema subsalt well by reducing rig time through specialized well optimization services, says Baker Hughes, which performed the job.
Offshore staff
HOUSTON– Brazilian national oil company Petrobras saved $17-million on its Iracema subsalt well by reducing rig time through specialized well optimization services, says Baker Hughes, which performed the job. Baker Hughes experts conducted an OASIS pre-drill analysis based on the best offset well and other wells in the same area. The salt and carbonates meant lower efficiency and special planning was needed to curtail severe drill string vibration.
High weight on bit, low RPM, and eliminating string rotation proved to be effective in extending bit life and improving ROP, says Baker Hughes. The salt interval was drilled in a single PDC run of 2,000 m (6562 ft). Proprietary technology and custom designed Quantec PDC bits were deployed to maximize the shorter runs and overall low rate of penetration (ROP). Since the carbonate formation was proven to be PDC drillable, roller cone TCI bits were shown to be a valid alternative while drilling through carbonates.
Real-time performance monitoring also kept the project ahead of schedule, says Baker Hughes.
