Case Study: Starc Limited saves USD 3.5 million with SLB’s high-abrasion-resistance BHA solution

Starc Limited Saves USD 3.5 Million Using BHA with High-Abrasion-Resistance PDC Drill Bit

Starc Limited worked with SLB to drill a 12¼-in vertical borehole through interbedded claystone and sandstone in deep water off the coast of Equatorial Guinea. The highly variable UCS and abrasive sandstone were causing impact damage and cutter wear on PDC bits, creating a risk of nonproductive time while trying to complete the section in one run.

SLB used the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform to recommend a BHA with a SHARC MDSi716 high-abrasion-resistance PDC drill bit and a PowerPak steerable motor with a 0.78° bend, along with optimized operating parameters. The BHA drilled 1,140.2 m in one run at an average 38.4 m/h, stayed essentially vertical, and completed the section 3.5 days ahead of plan after drilling 220 m more than planned, saving Starc Limited USD 3.5 million.