Case Study: a leading 16-drill operation company reduces stick/slip and vibration with SLB's custom drill bit design

Custom Bit Design Overcomes Drilling Mechanics Issues, Significantly Improves Performance

SLB worked with a leading 16-drill operation company drilling the 16-in section of a well that was experiencing high stick/slip, severe shock and vibration, low rotary steerable system response, and erratic rpm. The operator wanted to compare a conventional drill bit against a better option to reduce drilling mechanics issues and improve performance.

SLB used the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform to analyze drilling parameters, evaluate drilling mechanics, and design an SDi519 directional PDC drill bit for the application. The custom bit eliminated the shock and vibration and stick/slip seen with the alternative bit, stabilized RSS response, and reduced BHA wear, with postjob analysis concluding that the performance problems were tied to the other manufacturer’s bit design.