Case Study: PEMEX saves 5.6 days and USD 300,000 with SLB PowerDrive Orbit RSS

PEMEX Saves 5.6 Days and USD 300,000 While Drilling 78° Curve in 12 1/4-in Section

PEMEX needed to drill the 12¼-in curve section of a horizontal well near Villahermosa, Mexico, through a field known for high shock and vibration and a narrow mud weight window. SLB recommended the PowerDrive Orbit rotary steerable system, paired with a SHARC high-abrasion-resistance PDC bit, to help PEMEX achieve the planned 78° curve and maintain reliability in heavy mud weight conditions.

SLB used the PowerDrive Orbit RSS and SHARC bit, modeled with the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform, to smoothly drill the section with an average dogleg severity of 3.6°/30 m. The well was landed on target and drilled to TD despite heavy mud weight, saving 5.6 days and reducing operating costs by USD 300,000.

PEMEX