Case Study: a leading operating company nearly triples ROP with SLB's HydraGlyde fluid system

Operator Uses HydraGlyde Fluid System to Nearly Triple ROP and Reach TD in Record Time

SLB worked with a leading operating company drilling an extended-reach well in the Rocky Mountains that was struggling with high pump pressures, high equivalent circulating density, and very slow rate of penetration in the 6-in lateral section because of a thick, heavy paraffin influx. The operator wanted to improve drilling time and cost efficiency, and to replace oil-base mud with a higher-performing water-base alternative.

SLB recommended managed pressure drilling using the HydraGlyde high-performance water-base drilling fluid system, together with a different bottomhole assembly. The solution delivered 200 to 250 ft/h ROP, cut time to total depth by more than 6 days, and helped drill the 9,847-ft lateral in just 10 days, a new area record compared with the previous 16 to 25 days. SLB also eliminated oil-base mud transportation and disposal costs and reduced environmental and HSE risk.