Case Study: Artex Energy Group achieves 100% in-zone drilling and lower well costs with SLB’s HydraGlyde water-based drilling fluid system

Artex Energy Group Drills Two Wells in Zone Using HighPerformance Water-Based Drilling Fluid, Utica Formation

SLB worked with Artex Energy Group in the Utica Formation in Ohio, where the operator needed to drill two exploration wells with long laterals while staying 100% in the zone and still collecting usable downhole images. The project required a water-based drilling fluid system that could support high-angle, long-lateral drilling without sacrificing performance.

SLB implemented the HydraGlyde high-performance water-based drilling fluid system, along with the RheoProfiler automated rheometer and Drilling Fluid Advisor for real-time fluid monitoring. Artex Energy Group drilled both wells under budget, stayed 100% in the zone, matched offset well drilling days while exceeding daily footage, and reduced drilling fluid cost per foot by 39%; the total cost of the second well fell by 28%. Using HydraSpeed lubricant also helped surface torque match oil-based mud performance.

Artex Energy Group