SPE 50557
Systematic Approach Enhances Drilling Optimization and PDC Bit Performance in North
Slope ERD Program
Larry Wolfson, SPE, Halliburton Energy Services; Graham Mensa-Wilmot, SPE, GeoDiamond; Robert Coolidge, SPE,
Smith Bits
Copyright1998,SocietyofPetroleumEngineers,Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 1998 SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition heldinNewOrleans,Louisiana,27-30September1998.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to
correctionbytheauthor(s).Thematerial,aspresented,doesnot necessarily reflectanypositionof
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Abstract
Technological advancements have enhanced operational
efficiency in North Slope directional and horizontal drilling
applications. These gains result from resolution of technical and
economic issues that once seemed insurmountable in extended
reach drilling programs. Well profiles have become more
challenging because of our need to reach targets, depths and
departures that previously seemed unrealistic. Regardless of our
current levels of success, there is the urgency to develop methods
and processes that will further improve drilling efficiency. As
such, it is imperative that a systematic, logical and quantifiable
approach for developing and implementing technologies in
these types of applications, especially Extended Reach Drilling
(ERD) programs be defined.
This paper will show how this approach was used to
enhance drilling efficiency in the intermediate section (12-1/4"
hole size) of a North Slope ERD program. It defines and
quantifies two sets of parameters for the drilling operation:
performance objectives and requirements on a "per interval"
basis. It evaluates the functional relationships and dependencies
among the drilling operation's components. Although effective
in directional, horizontal and ERD applications, the method
promotes continuous improvement and makes it useful in any
drilling environment.
Introduction
The Niakuk Field is an offshore field discovered by BP
Exploration (BPX) Alaska in 1985, and lies directly northeast of
the Prudhoe Bay Field (Fig. 1). Delineation wells and 3-D
seismic proved up an estimated 130 MMbbls of oil-in-place and
54MMbblsrecoverable from the Kuparuk sandstone (Fig.2).
The exploration and delineation wells were drilled from
natural or man-made islands in the Beaufort Sea, however
development drilling was envisioned from an onshore gravel
pad located at the tip of Heald Point peninsula. The development
plan called for three wells with departures of ±12,500', making
this the first North Slope development applying ERD
technology.
Development drilling begun in October, 1993 and by July,
1994 these high departure wells had been drilled - one departure
was nearly 13,500' (17,500' MD). These wells indicated the
presence of an additional 100MMbblsofoil-in-place . To justify
the development of these new reserves drilling costs could not
continue to rise as departures increased beyond 13,500'.
To achieve this goal, drilling engineers considered reducing
time and cost in the 12-1/4" intermediate hole section critical due
of the interval length and measure depth. Additionally, surface
torque and standpipe pressure were approaching the rig's limits.
Advances in ERD technology1 suggested these problems could
be solved by equipment upgrades but drilling performance also
needed to be improved.
The first wells used mostly roller cone bits for the 12-1/4"
interval. In this hole size, drillers favored roller cone bits over
PDC bits because they were easier to steer, less prone to bit
balling and required less torque from downholemotors. Yet, they
were limited by short bit life, resulting in frequent and costly
trips. PDC bits could provide longer bit life and potentially
higher ROP, but initial runs produced inconsistent results and
were generally not economical. As a result, a new systematic
approach was initiated with the aim of achieving consistent
improvements in the drilling process
The new approach defines interval objectives and creates an
influence diagram, which identifies operational and equipment
requirements. The cause/effect relationships are analyzed and
prioritized. Subsequently, an improvement plan is developed to
help achieve the drilling objectives.
Niakuk Geology
Fig. 2 is a geologic cross section of the Niakuk field and
indicates the interval drilled in the intermediate hole section. The
12-1/4" hole is typically a long (9,000'-12,000') tangent section
drilled at 60°-75° hole angle through clays, siltstones,
unconsolidated sands interbedded with thin hard streaks and
silty mudstones (Table 1). Fig. 3 is a type log of this interval
showing gamma ray, sonic travel time and unconfined
compressive strength. The hard streaks can be seen as spikes on
the interval transit time trace from 6,000'-7,000' true vertical
depth.
2 L. WOLFSON, G. MENSA-WILMOT, R. COOLIDGE
Previous Drilling Approach
The previous drilling approach is the process used prior to
adapting the new systematic approach. Drill bit performance
was evaluated with the industry's traditional measures footage,
ROP, or cost-per-foot for individual bit runs. These measures are
usually normalized for comparison purposes, i.e. cost-per-foot is
calculated from: on-bottom time, average connection and trip
time and average rig rate, extra circulation time on connections
or trips - time to orient a motor, or reaming and back-reaming on
trips are excluded. This approach is biased toward high ROP and
resulted in operational inefficiencies and problems because the
bits used tended to be incompatible with surface and downhole
equipment as well as operational objectives.
This approach can further be classified by pre and post rig
upgrades referred to as Group One and Group Two wells
respectively.
Group One Wells. These are the ERD wells drilled during the
first phase of field development and occurred prior to upgrading
the rig. Seven wells fall into this category and are listed in Table
3. Learning was in its early stages and can be characterized by
the predominate use of roller cone bits and infrequent use of
PDC bits.
In the pursuit of improvement, the first 12-1/4" PDC was
tried on NK-23 (the second ERD well) in April 1994 . In all, only
four PDC bits were run in theGroup One wells and only one was
considered economic (cost per foot less than the group average).
Typically, the bits were pulled after relatively short runs due to
low ROP or steering difficulties. This was attributed to poor
hydraulics - flow rates were limited to 700-850 GPM, which
contributed to bit balling, poor hole cleaning and stalling the
positive displacementmotor. Poor hydraulics also affected roller
cone bit performance and contributed to other problems such as
high surface torque, excessive drag on trips and poor weight
transfer.
Rig Upgrades. By the end of the Group One wells the sub-
surface development team saw the need for a number of wells
with horizontal departures between 15,000'-20,000'. Total depth
of these well would be in excess of 24,000' and require drilling
12-1/4" hole to over 18,000' MD, but, high surface torque and
standpipe pressure limited the 12¼" hole to ±16,000' MD. It was
apparent that upgrades to the rig were necessary to ensure
delivery of technically feasible and cost effective high departure
(>15,000') wells. After NK-27, the rig was moved off Heald
Point and utilized in other North Slope fields while planning and
implementing the upgrades.
A review of ERD drilling practices1 indicated the high
surface torque problem was a result of poor hole cleaning.
Furthermore, flow rates in the 900-1100 GPM were necessary to
efficiently drill a high angle, 12-1/4" hole. To meet this
requirement, a third 1700 HP pump was added, along with a
string of 5 ½" high-torque drill pipe. In addition, a third linear
motion shaker was installed to handle the increased flow rate.
Group Two Wells. These are the four ERD wells (NK-14
through NK-29) drilled after the rig upgrades and are listed in
Table 3. Roller cone and PDC bits were used equally, yet the
drilling approach andmeasures remained the same.
Performance in the 12-1/4" hole improved on the first well
in Group Two as a result of the upgraded delivery system,
SPE 50557
surface and downhole equipment. Yet, the individual bit
performance criteria resulted in overly aggressive PDC bit
designs and instantaneous penetration rates over 300 ft/hr. Even
at flow rates of ±1000 GPM, hole cleaning was extremely
inefficient and additional circulation time was required while
making connections. Attempts to control drilling by reducing
WOB resulted in the hole angle dropping. Sliding, to correct the
well trajectory, contributed to ineffective hole cleaning due to
the lack of pipe rotation. Neither approach was effective and
caused drilling to be fragmented into intervals of drilling,
sliding and rotating, then stopping to circulate.
Even though the hole size was not calipered, it is believed
to have been over gage; probably due to inefficient PDC bit
designs and excessive nozzle jet velocity. An over gage hole
exacerbates hole cleaning; not only are more cuttings generated
but the annular velocity decreases and stabilizers in theBHAare
less effective. This means directional control must be
maintained by sliding and its resultant inefficiencies.
The worst case of this was seen on NK-28, which was the
only 12-1/4" section drilled with an oil base mud. The effective
(on-bottom time) ROP was about 40% faster than any of the
earlier wells but less than 20% of the time was spent on-bottom
and resulted in the highest interval cost per foot. This is an
extreme case but caused the drilling engineer to question the
traditional bit performance paradigm.
Another issue facing the successful use of PDC bits were
intermittent hard streaks from 6,000'-7,000' TVD in the Ugnu
and tuffs (±9,000') in the Shale Wall (Fig. 3). These hard streaks
had a reputation of destroying PDC bits in other fields. Even
though these hard streaks had been drilled successfully with
PDC bits in smaller hole sizes, the concern still existed and
roller cone bits were used to drill these intervals.
New Systematic Drilling Approach
The success of Group Two wells led the sub-surface
development team to look at targets with departures over
20,000', resulting in 12-1/4" hole drilled to 20,000' MD.
However, to maintain economic viability, the cost per foot could
not increase with extending departure. As before the 12-1/4"
section was considered a key to reaching this goal. A review of
other industry ERD projects2,3,4,5 provided insights to develop a
new process able to address the anticipated issues.
The process requires the drilling engineer to identify
performance objectives6 - the desired outcomes on a hole
interval basis. Detailed outcomes are determined which will
ensure the objectives are met. Finally, performance
requirements - operational behavior needed to achieve the
required objectives are identified .
Five wells have been drilled using this systematic approach
since implemented on NK-15 in March, 1997 (Table 3). Results
presented in this paper show the new approach, has improved
drilling efficiency.
Performance Objectives, Influences and Requirements
The goal for the 12-1/4" hole interval was based on business
needs and is simply stated as: minimize interval cost per foot
without jeopardizing hole quality necessary to run casing. This
measure is used to continuously force cost reduction as it
includes inefficiencies within the interval, rather than tout a
single improvement (eg. ROP).
An Influence Diagram was used to aid the drilling engineer
SPE 50557 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH ENHANCES DRILLING OPTIMIZATION AND PDC BIT PERFORMANCE IN NORTH SLOPE ERD PROGRAM
in establishing the performance objectives (Fig. 4). As can be
seen in the diagram, "minimization of interval cost per foot" is
the resultant of many influences. Its second order influences are:
maximum on-bottom time (MOBT)" and "maximum effective
ROP (MEROP)"
MOBT represents minimization of events that preclude the
operation from drilling ahead. The root influences are the
downhole delivery system, effective hole cleaning, minimum
sliding events and efficient sliding when required. MEROP is
defined as the maximum on-bottom ROP-rotating and sliding,
while maintaining the required directional course. Its root
influences are traceable to bit design, BHA, WOB, RPM and
formation properties. The defined system was used to determine
the interval performance objectives :
Good instantaneous ROP
Efficient hole cleaning
Hold angle in the tangent section
Handle the hard streaks
Good interval feet per day
In turn the bit designer determined the performance
requirements in conjunctionwiththedirectionaldriller:
Good directional response
Stable
Durable
Compatible with delivery system
WOB, torque, and ROP relationships for optimum
directional control.
Drill Bits
As mentioned, the earlier Niakuk wells were drilled with roller
cone bits, because it was believed they presented a better
opportunity for success. However, the need for improved
operational efficiency required that all bit types (roller cone,
PDC, impregnated and natural diamond) be evaluated8. After
careful analysis of the formation types, rock mechanical
properties and offset run data, it was decided that the mill tooth
bit (IADC 1-1-7) was still the proper bit type to drill out the
casing shoe. Drilling was to continue with the same bit through
the first hard stringer in the Ugnu to approximately 6000' TVD.
This approach was devised because of the fear that the very soft
Ugnu formation with extremely hard streaks would cause
catastrophic damage to a PDC bit. A PDC bit would follow as the
second bit, to hopefully drill to interval TDthereby encountering
only 3 or 4 hard streaks in the Ugnu.
PDC Bit Development
The industry's acceptance of PDC bits in directional and
horizontal drilling applications can only be described as
"lukewarm". In addition, PDC bits have had limited success in
soft formations with intermittent hard streaks. The Niakuk ERD
program presented both problems, which led to the
classification of PDC bits as being unsuitable.
PDC bits can be effective in the above listed applications if
properly engineered9,10,11.12.13. This requires analysis and
optimization of features such as bit profile, cutting structure,
blade count, cutter size and hydraulic layout.
3
Bit design and development should not be seen as a curative
process where changes are made to correct "isolated"
performance deficiencies through a trial and error routine. Bit
feature modifications must be analyzed in terms of their inter-
relationships and combined effect on bit performance. This
approach enhances PDC bit efficiency, especially in directional
and horizontal drilling applications.
Bit types (PDC, roller cone, natural diamond and
impregnated) respond differently to operational input
parameters such as WOB and RPM due to their unique rock
dislocation mechanisms. Effective PDC bit development
requires detailed evaluation of their drilling environments, and
accurate predictability of their behavior. As such, it is essential
that the correct parameters and analytical methods be used for
their performance characterization.
The use of mechanical specific energy14,15 (MSE) as a
performance evaluation and comparison tool between PDC and
roller cone bits hinders efficient PDC bit development and
performance. MSE must not be used to evaluate different bit
types, because it relies on a bit's dependent and independent
operational parameters (ROP, Torque, WOB and RPM).
Developing PDC bits to have MSEs similar to those of roller
cone bits limits their developmental and performance
efficiencies. PDC bits for directional and horizontal drilling
must be analyzed in terms of the following relationships:
Minimal increase in torque correlation to increasing
WOB at constant RPM
Minimal decay in torque with increasing RPM at
constantWOB
Minimal torque variation as a function of time when
WOB is constant
Efficient ROP vs. torque correlation
Normally, whenever the words "torque" and "PDC bits" are
used in the same sentence, there has always been the urgency to
qualify the torque as being low. As an industry, we have spent
more effort finding ways to reduce PDC bit torque, rather than
understanding this very important parameter and establishing its
impact on drilling efficiency.
The issue with PDC bits is not with the magnitude of the
torque they generate, but rather, the control and management of
the torque. Torque reduction for PDC bits implies ROP
reduction. However, with well-engineered technologies, torque
can be managed to enhance performance without sacrificing
ROP. It is important that PDC bit development be seen as part of
the directional planning. This enables establishment of the
relational dependencies between operational parameters
defining the drilling environment and identification of their
performance limitations.
A 12-1/4" bit, IADC M423 was developed for the post NK-
29 wells. The bit as shown (Fig. 5) has 8 blades, 8 nozzles, 16mm
PDC cutters and a short parabolic profile. The bit's features were
optimized in accordance with the drilling program's
performance objectives.
As part of the bit's developmental process, its stabilization
tendencies were characterized and quantified. Vibration control
is critical in PDC bit applications, more especially in directional
and horizontal drilling because of the need for effective torque
and tool face management. To establish compatibility with the
operational environment, the bit's torque and WOB
4 L. WOLFSON, G. MENSA-WILMOT, R. COOLIDGE
requirements were calculated for different ROPs, RPMs and
rock compressive strengths (Table 2). The analysis also required
evaluation of the bit's efficiency in transitional drilling because
of the hard streaks in the predominantly soft Ugnu formation.
PDCBitPerformance
The bit developed for the application performed as expected. It
established good compatibility with the drilling environment,
which enabled achievement of the objectives that had been
identified for the operation.
Although the first trial of the new process (NK-15) proved
successful from an operational and bit development standpoint,
further improvements to the design were identified and
implemented. The process of quantifying bit features, and
relating their benefits to the drilling environment establishes a
methodical approach for performance optimization.
After validating the bit's developmental and torque control
characteristics on NK-15, PDC cutter technology was used to
further enhance performance. Continuous improvements were
made in performance on post NK-15 wells through the use of
engineered application-specific PDC cutters16,17.
Figs. 6 and 7 show the effect of cutter technology on the dull
grading of the bit used for NK-15 and NK-25 respectively.
Although both bits reached TD, the dull pictures show the effect
application specific cutters have had on the new process. Of five
wells drilled using this systematic approach and a PDC bit
developed along the guidelines presented in this paper, only one
has failed to TDthe interval18.
Results
Fig. 8 compares the "interval" and "traditional" cost per foot
calculation for each well and group of wells. The "interval" cost
per foot is by definition always greater than or equal to the
"traditional" cost per foot. Comparing group two vs. group one
wells, there is minimal interval cost reduction which is
attributed to the rig upgrades and the regular vs. periodic use of
PDC bits. Group three wells show a 33% step improvement in
average interval cost per foot vs. group two wells. The writers
believe that the systematic approach to the overall interval
objectives caused the rig upgrades to become more fully utilized
and the development of a PDC bit which more appropriately
provided the capabilities required. The group three wells also
indicate that a more consistent outcome has been experienced
and that a downward trend may be underway. It should be
pointed out that the 25% increase in operating day rate due to rig
upgrades has been reflected in these calculations.
Percentage On-Bottom Time was identified as one of two
second-level influences (as shown in the influence diagram) on
the objective "minimize cost per foot". Since non-related trouble
time was filtered for the approach, "Feet per day" became the
daily measure during drilling. Fig. 9 shows a direct correlation of
Percentage On-Bottom Time vs. "Feet per day" for every group
one and group two well, rising and falling together although at
varying degrees. The 2nd, 3rd and 5th (sixty percent) group three
wells exhibit indirect correlation. This is a positive result, but is
counter intuitive. If less time is required to actually drill the
interval, but the time required to conduct the interval's other
activities remains the same, the improvement causes a reduction
in Percent On-Bottom Time.
Fig. 10 shows that the effective ROP increased significantly
after NK-38 and is attributed to the more efficient bits taking
SPE 50557
advantage of the rig upgrades. Significant operational
effectiveness from the rig upgrades resulted after drilling two
wells. The 80% step improvement in feet per day correlates well
to the increase in effective ROP. An upward trend for effective
ROP has been initiated.
Bits per interval (Fig. 11) averaged 9 for group one wells but
was reduced to 2.5 for subsequent wells while increasing
interval length an average of 9%. Bit cost is not the driver, but
fewer bits requires less bit driven trips. Increased footage per bit
was a result of the bit being more effective at matching the
requirements of the operation, including footage capacity,
transitional drilling applicability and directional responsiveness
within the specific Niakuk drilling criteria.
Conclusions
A systematic and quantifiable approach has been
developed for North Slope ERD applications, which
improves drilling efficiency.
The approach evaluates drilling performance using
interval cost per foot .
The process requires detailed analysis of the drilling
environment to establish compatibility between
downhole tools and the relationship between
operational parameters.
The process establishes a developmental methodology
for PDC bits, especially in directional and horizontal
drilling applications.
The process can be extended into all types of drilling
applications.
Future Considerations and Improvements
Additional operational enhancements will be made to improve
efficiency in the 12-1/4" interval. This will include detailed
analysis and optimization of the operational dependencies
between the bit, PDM and BHA. Although slide time has been
reduced considerably, improvements can still be achieved
through BHA design .
New PDC bit technologies being developed may replace
the two bit strategy with one single PDC bit to drill the entire 12-
1/4" hole section.
Strategies are currently being formulated to extend this
process into the other hole sizes. Drilling objectives,
requirements and measures will be defined to ensure success, as
was done in the 12-1/4" interval.
Acknowledgments
The authors will like to thank BPX(A), ARCO Alaska Inc.,
Exxon and Smith International, Inc. for permission to publish
this paper. Special mention also goes to Eric Mickelson, and
Aaron Silver of Smith Bits, Brandon McNerlin of Shared
Services Drilling for their invaluable help towards the
preparation of this paper. Finally, to the Rig Team on Pool Arctic
Alaska Rig 7, who put the plan into action.
SPE 50557 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH ENHANCES DRILLING OPTIMIZATION AND PDC BIT PERFORMANCE IN NORTH SLOPE ERD PROGRAM 5

Appendix
Interval Summary Table

Date Interval Drilling Effective Traditional Bits per Feet per Interval On-Bottom Feet per Interval
Well Hole Quality
Drilled Footage Hours ROP fph $/ft* Interval Bit Days Time Day $/ft*
NK-26 Feb-94 9,018 225.5 40.0 121 9 1,002 19.6 47.9% 460 161 Extra Trips
NK-23 Apr-94 9,000 172.0 52.3 108 8 1,125 14.4 49.8% 625 123 OK
NK-07 Jun-94 9,015 148.8 60.6 99 8 1,127 16.0 38.7% 563 131 OK
NK-08 Jul-94 10,090 155.5 64.9 93 9 1,121 21.0 30.8% 480 150 Stuck 9 5/8"
NK-09 Nov-94 9,676 198.8 48.7 86 6 1,613 15.2 54.5% 637 113 OK
NK-38 Jan-95 11,706 305.7 38.3 164 14 836 30.2 42.2% 388 200 OK
NK-27 Mar-95 9,754 151.0 64.6 77 5 1,951 13.5 46.6% 723 103 OK
Group 1 9,751 193.9 50.3 108 8.4 1,157 18.6 43.5% 525 142

NK-14 May-96 11,804 176.8 66.8 88 3 3,935 15.9 46.3% 742 123 OK
NK-28 Jun-96 9,735 103.2 94.3 88 2 4,868 21.7 19.8% 449 206 OK
NK-13 Sep-96 8,885 102.2 87.0 67 3 2,962 8.7 48.9% 1,021 87 OK
NK-29 Feb-97 11,115 140.6 79.1 72 3 3,705 13.9 42.1% 800 117 OK
Group 2 10,385 130.7 79.5 79 2.8 3,776 15.1 36.2% 690 133

NK-15 Mar-97 11,435 128.3 89.1 56 2 5,718 11.2 47.7% 1,021 88 OK

NK-25 Mar-97 9,221 118.9 77.5 65 2 4,611 10.2 48.6% 904 100 OK
NK-41 Jul-97 10,615 112.0 94.8 65 3 3,538 11.8 39.5% 900 104 OK
NK-11 Nov-97 11,989 133.3 90.0 58 2 5,995 12.1 45.9% 991 93 OK
NK-34 May-98 9,358 85.5 109.5 53 2 4,679 7.9 45.1% 1,185 80 OK
Group 3 10,524 115.6 91.0 59 2.2 4,783 10.6 45.3% 989 93
*Operating Rate increased 25% after NK-27.

References
1. Payne, M. L., Cocking, D. A., Hatch, A. J. "Critical
Technologies for Success in Extended Reach
Drilling" SPE 28293, September 1994
2. Cocking, D. A., Bezant, P. N., Tooms, P. J.: "Pushing
the ERD Envelope at Wytch Farm" SPE/IADC
37618,March1997
3. Crouse, P. C., Tada, H., Takeuchi, T.: " Horizontal
Well and Extended Reach Technologies with
Reported Problem Areas and Operational Practice in
NorthAmerica and Europe" SPE 38270, June 1997
4. Krepp, A. N., Mims, M. G., Santostefano, V.: "
Further Advancements in Extended Reach Drilling
in Bass Strait" SPE 36989,October 1996
5. Hemphill, T., Pogue, T.: " Field Applications of ERD
Hole Cleaning Modeling" SPE/IADC 37610,March
1997
6. Perrin, V. P., Mensa-Wilmot, G., Alexander, W. L.:
"Drilling Index A New Approach to Bit
Performance Evaluation," SPE/IADC 37595,March
1997.
7. Mensa-Wilmot, G.: "PDC Bit Development for
Directional and Horizontal Drilling." 8th
International Conference on Horizontal Drilling and
Emerging Technologies, September 1996.
8. Fear, M. J., Meany, N. C., Evans, J. M.: "An Expert
System for Drill Bit Selection," SPE/IADC 27470,
February 1994.
9. Sinor, L. A., Powers, J. R., Warren, T. M.: "The
Effect of PDC Cutter Density, Back Rake, Size and
Speed on Performance," SPE/IADC 39306, March
1998.
10. Mensa-Wilmot, G., Alexander, W. L.: "New PDC
Bit Design Reduces Vibrational Problems," Oil and
Gas Journal,May1995.
11. Weaver, G. E., Clayton, R. I.: "A New PDC Cutting
Structure Improves Bit Stabilization and Extends
Application into Harder Rock Types," SPE/IADC
25734, February 1993.
12. Brett, J. F., Warren, T. M., Behr, S. M.: "Bit Whirl A
New Theory of PDC Bit Failure," SPEDE
September 1992.
13. Mensa-Wilmot, G., Krepp Tony.: " Innovative
Cutting Structure Improves Stability and
Penetration Rate of PDC Bits Without Sacrificing
Durability," SPE/IADC 39310,March 1998.
14. Pessier, R.C., Fear, M. J.: " Quantifying Common
Drilling Problems With Mechanical Specific
Energy and Bit-Specific Coefficient of Sliding
Friction" SPE 24584, October 1992
15. Farrelly, M., Rabia, H.: " Bit Performance and
Selection : A Novel Approach" SPE/IADC 16163,
March 1987.
16. Mensa-Wilmot, G., Truax D.: "Twin Edge Cutter
(TEC) Enhancing PDC Bit Development and
Performance," SPE/IADC 37637,March1997.
17. Mensa-Wilmot, G.: "New PDC Cutters Improve
Drilling Efficiency." Oil and Gas Journal, October
1997.
18. Krepp, T.A., Richardson, B.: "Step Improvements
Made in Timor Sea Drilling Performance" World
Oil,May1997
6 L. WOLFSON, G. MENSA-WILMOT, R. COOLIDGE SPE 50557

Nomenclature
Φ= Hole diameter MWD= Measurement While Drilling
BHA= Bottom Hole Assembly PDC= Polycrystalline Diamond Compact
ERD= Extended Reach Drilling RPM= Revolutions per minute
GPM= Gallons per Minute RPM =ds RPM Drill String
HSI= Hydraulic Horsepower per Square Inch ROP= Rate of Penetration
IADC= International Association of drilling Contractors TCI= Tungsten Carbide Insert
MD= Measured Depth TD= Total Depth
MEROP= Maximum Effective ROP TVD= True Vertical Depth
MOBT= Maximum On Bottom Time WOB= Weight on Bit
MSE= Mechanical Specific Energy

Name Geologic Period Lithologic Description

Sagavanirktok Tertiary Clay, Silty, Coal
Ugnu Tertiary Soft Shale, Silts & Channel Sands
West Sak Cretaceous Interbedded Silts & Sands
Colville Cretaceous Silty Mudstone, Sands
Shale Wall/Tuffs Cretaceous Dense Shale, Volcanics
HRZ Cretaceous Shale, Mudstone, Siltstone

Table 1 - Intermediate Interval Formations

6 10

Table 2 - PDC Bit Design vs. Drilling Environment

analysis (Post Niakuk-29 Wells)

Table 3 - Niakuk Wells and Optimization

SPE 50557 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH ENHANCES DRILLING OPTIMIZATION AND PDC BIT PERFORMANCE IN NORTH SLOPE ERD PROGRAM 7

Figure 1 - North Slope, Alaska - Unit and Oil Field Boundaries

Figure 2 - Niakuk Field - Schematic Cross Section

8 L. WOLFSON, G. MENSA-WILMOT, R. COOLIDGE SPE 50557

Figure 3 Gamma ray, lithological column, compressional sonic travel time and unconfined compressive strength of
intermediate interval for the Niakuk wells. Note sharp, hard streaks in the predominantly soft Ugnu formation.
SPE 50557 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH ENHANCES DRILLING OPTIMIZATION AND PDC BIT PERFORMANCE IN NORTH SLOPE ERD PROGRAM 9
10 L. WOLFSON, G. MENSA-WILMOT, R. COOLIDGE SPE 50557

Figure 6 - Dull photo of Niakuk 15 bit. This was the first

trial of a PDC bit with the new systematic approach. Bit
established capability with downhole system and TD'd the
interval section.

Figure 5 - 12-1/4" M423 PDC Bit - It was developed under

guidelines established for the systematic approach.

Figure 7 - Dull photo of Niakuk 25 bit. Same bit as used on

Niakuk 15 but with application specific cutters developed
to enhance performance based on the Niakuk 15 run.
SPE 50557 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH ENHANCES DRILLING OPTIMIZATION AND PDC BIT PERFORMANCE IN NORTH SLOPE ERD PROGRAM 11

Figure 8
Traditional vs. Interval Cost Per Foot

Figure 9
Feet Per Day vs. On-Bottom Time
12 L. WOLFSON, G. MENSA-WILMOT, R. COOLIDGE SPE 50557

1,400 140
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3

1,200 Feet per Day 120

Effective ROP fph

1,000 100

800 80

600 60

400 40

200 20

0 0

Figure 10
Feet Per Day vs. Effective ROP

Figure 11
Interval Length vs. Bits Per Interval