Case Study: Wintershall Dea AG achieves 55% faster interval drilling with SLB HyperBlade bit

First North Sea Run of Hyperbolic Element Bit Reduces Interval Drill Time 55%, Reaches TD in One Run

Wintershall Dea AG was drilling a challenging 8½-inch directional section in the Rotliegend Basin offshore the Netherlands and expected multiple bit runs to get through halite, anhydrite, polyhalite, dolomitic limestone, and claystone. In a nearby offset well, conventional bits had needed three runs and 11 days to drill the section.

SLB recommended the DBOS drillbit optimization system to help select the HyperBlade hyperbolic diamond element bit, which was designed for better durability, control, and cuttings removal. With this solution, Wintershall Dea AG drilled from shoe to total depth in one run in 5 days, reducing interval drill time by 55% versus the offset well and reaching TD with fewer trips and less time.

Wintershall Dea AG