Case Study: GMT Exploration achieves higher ROP and saves 2.5 drilling days with SLB StingBlade bits

GMT Exploration Improves Footage and ROP, Saves 2.5 Drilling Days Using StingBlade Bits

GMT Exploration worked with SLB to drill three horizontal wells in the Bone Springs Formation of the Permian Basin, where interbedded shales, limestones, and sandstones, along with hard high-UCS rock, were causing slow ROP and damage to PDC bits. The customer needed to improve run length and drilling efficiency in a challenging 7 7/8-in intermediate interval.

SLB recommended StingBlade conical diamond element bits, using the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform to optimize Stinger element placement for durability and sustained ROP. Across three wells, the solution saved 2.5 drilling days, eliminated a trip on each well, and increased footage by 77%, 73%, and 44% with corresponding ROP gains of 29%, 26%, and 10% versus offset averages.

GMT Exploration

Gema Volek

GMT Drilling Engineer