Case Study: Progress Energy achieves 95% higher ROP and saves USD 178,500 with SLB's StingBlade bit

Progress Energy Increases ROP 95%, Saves USD 178,500 Using StingBlade Bit in Montney Play

Progress Energy worked with SLB to drill an 8¾-in curve section through the Montney shale play in British Columbia, where alternating hard and abrasive lithologies were causing vibration, cutter damage, slow ROP, and unpredictable drilling costs. The company needed a bit that could stay sharp and withstand impact while maintaining high performance in the difficult formation.

SLB’s Smith Bits team used the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform to develop a fit-for-purpose StingBlade conical diamond element bit with Stinger elements and optimized drilling parameters. The bit drilled 245 m in one run at 6.4 m/h, delivering 95% higher ROP and 181% more footage than nearby offset wells, while saving Progress Energy USD 178,500 in rig time and associated costs.

Progress Energy