Case Study: Shell reduces lost circulation and drilling costs with SLB's modular MPD system

Operator Eliminates Losses while Drilling with Casing and Cementing in Depleted Onshore Field

Shell faced severe depletion and a very narrow pressure window in its mature McAllen-Pharr onshore gas field in South Texas, where lost circulation and gas kicks were driving up trouble time and well costs. SLB addressed the challenge with its modular dynamic annular pressure control (DAPC) managed pressure drilling system, used alongside liner and casing drilling to better control equivalent circulating density and bottomhole pressure.

Using SLB’s DAPC system with a rotating control device, Shell drilled six wells through formations depleted by as much as 5,000 psi, handled high gas levels, and even cemented production tubing without losses. The approach reduced drilling time by as much as 7 days in one well and cut costs by about USD 500,000 versus a comparable offset well, while also avoiding contingency liner drilling and enabling constant pressure control in the narrowest interval drilled to date with this system.

Shell