Case Study: Shell increases ROP and saves drill time with SLB's Spear shale-optimized drill bit and PowerDrive Archer RSS

Shell Increases ROP by 8.5%, Saves 15.9 h with Shale-Optimized Drill Bit Argentina

Shell was drilling four directional shale wells in Neuquén, Argentina and needed to increase rate of penetration in the lateral while maintaining steerability through the curve section in the unconventional shale. SLB addressed this challenge with its Spear shale-optimized PDC drill bit and PowerDrive Archer high build rate rotary steerable system.

SLB recommended the next generation Spear SDi516 bit with five blades, 16-mm cutters, and enhanced hydraulic features designed for the PowerDrive Archer RSS. The solution drilled the curve and 1,410-m lateral in one run, reaching TD from 2,668 m to 4,078 m in 89.8 hours at 15.7 m/h, improving ROP by 8.5% and saving Shell 15.9 hours of drill time.

Shell