Case Study: Northern Oman Operating Company achieves a successful openhole sidetrack on first attempt with SLB's Neyrfor turbodrill

Neyrfor Turbodrill Sidetracks Off Weak Cement Plug on First Attempt Offshore Oman

Northern Oman Operating Company wanted to sidetrack a 12¼-in offshore well section in northern Oman off a cement plug that may have been contaminated by synthetic-base mud and therefore had poor homogeneity. The operator was concerned the openhole sidetrack could fail and require a whipstock or a new cement plug, increasing well cost.

SLB used a 9½-in steerable Neyrfor Traditional standard turbodrill with a bent housing set at 1° to initiate the sidetrack and build angle. The sidetrack succeeded on the first attempt, and the turbodrill was used beyond the original plan to drill 112 m of hole at an average ROP of 3.52 m/h, helping avoid the cost of setting another cement plug.