Case Study: Kazakhstan Operating Company saves rig runs and improves wellbore quality with SLB's Rhino XS engineered drilling system

Engineered Drilling System Successfully Underreams Kazakhstan Well, Saving Up To Two Runs

Kazakhstan Operating Company was drilling a vertical gas condensate well in Kazakhstan through claystone, halite, and anhydrite, and needed to enlarge a 12¼-in hole to 13 in so a larger 10¾-in casing could be run. The operation faced significant shock, vibration, and wellbore stability risks, so SLB was brought in with an engineered drilling system and the Rhino XS hydraulically expandable reamer.

SLB deployed the Rhino XS reamer for hole enlargement while drilling, paired with i-DRILL engineered drilling system design, PowerV vertical drilling system, and a Mi516 PDC bit. The result was a smooth 13-in borehole through a 2,792-m salt section, with the well held to a maximum inclination of 0.20° to TD; the job saved an estimated 1 to 2 rig runs, was completed in 366 hours, and enabled a more efficient casing run and cementing operation.