Case Study: Statoil reduces lateral vibration and drilling costs with SLB's Stinger element

Statoil Improves Lateral Stability in Shale Horizontal Section Using PDC Bit with Central Stinger Element

Statoil worked with SLB to address high levels of lateral vibration while drilling long horizontal laterals in the Bakken Shale in North Dakota. The instability from conventional PDC bits was causing downhole tool failures, cutter damage, and extra trips for bit and BHA changes.

SLB, through Smith Bits, used the IDEAS integrated drillbit design platform to add a centrally located Stinger conical diamond element to a six-bladed PDC bit. The upgraded bit improved lateral stability and reduced vibration, with the Stinger-equipped bit showing more drilling hours at lower vibration levels and fewer hours at higher levels, which helped reduce trips and drilling costs.

Statoil