Case Study: West Africa Operating Company saves 9 drilling days with SLB's integrated rotary steerable BHA

Integrated Rotary Steerable BHA Saves 9 Drilling Days in West Africa

SLB worked with West Africa Operating Company to drill a 6-in hole section with a 7°/30-m curve and lateral to TD through unconsolidated sands while minimizing trips. The operator needed better directional control and a more reliable bottom-hole assembly to avoid the extra runs and washouts experienced with a conventional rotary steerable system.

SLB designed an integrated BHA using a 4 3/4-in PowerDrive Archer rotary steerable system and a 6-in SHARC PDC drill bit, with supporting LWD and drilling design tools. The assembly drilled the well in one trip, landed it horizontally at 7.3°/30 m, avoided three trips, and cut drilling time by 9 days, saving about USD 1.4 million.