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PBL Manual
PBL Manual
www.dsi-pbl.com
If you require further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us,
or our appointed marketing agents allocated to various regions worldwide.
DAVE SMITH - UK SEBASTIAN FERNANDES - Dubai UAE ROSS LANDRY - USA (Houston)
Europe-Africa-Russia- Eurasia Accounts Manager - Dubai HQ Director of Global Business Development
Mobile: +44 7880 557547 Mobile: +971 50 656 7597 Mobile: +1 713 557 7305
Tel: +44 1224 261316 Fax: 261335 Tel: +971 4 8839711 Fax: +971 4 8839713 Tel/Fax: +1 713 622 1375
E-mail: DaveSmith@dsi-pbl.com E-mail: Saby@dsi-pbl.com E-mail: RossLandry@dsi-pbl.com
TONY CRANNY - Dubai MARTIN GONZALEZ - USA SCOTT HOUSTON - Kuala Lumpur
Middle East - North Africa - CIS Latin America Asia Pacific Region
Mobile: +971 50 552 6104 Mobile: +1 915 240 4750 Mobile: +601 2608 1960
Tel: +971 4 8839711 Fax: 8839713 Tel/Fax: +1 915 855 2584 Email: ScottHouston@dsi-pbl.com
E-mail: TonyCranny@dsi-pbl.com E-mail: MartinGonzalez@dsi-pbl.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
4. INTRODUCTION
7. AUTOLOCK APPLICATIONS
8. OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
A. The Tool & Accessories
B. Make up Procedure
C. Activation Procedure & Circulation Rate Limitations
D. De-Activation Procedure
E. Recommendations
F. Effects of High Temperature & Pressure on Balls
G. Effects of High Temperature on Seals
H. Q.A on Operational Balls
I. Internal Drift
J. Activation Ball / Dart Combination
K. Survey Barrel Recommendations
L. Drill String Placement
M. For Completions
INTRODUCTION
The PBL Bypass Tool can be cycled a number of times. The unique PBL Multiple
Activation Bypass System has the flexibility to assist you in substantially reducing
drilling costs associated with lost circulation and limited flow rate problems. The
tool has effectively supported operators throughout numerous campaigns
worldwide.
4
PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System Applications
LOST CIRCULATION:
All directional drilling tools have critical limits that operators must not exceed. The
limits set on directional tools by manufacturers often restrict operators from
achieving preferred circulating rates for effective hole cleaning. The PBL Multi-
Activation Bypass system is useful in increasing circulation rates up to 4 times that
of rates allowed through directional tools by manufacturers.
The PBL tool is very effective for operators working in wells with liners. By
positioning the tool directly above the slimhole string in the liner it can be opened
to bypass the friction loss associated with the slimhole workstring. Increased flow
rates can be as high as 5 times that of the rate achieved by circulating through
the slimhole workstring. The PBL Bypass system also allows operators to rotate
and reciprocate during fluid displacement operations, helping to reduce casing,
erosion or washing.
HORIZONTAL DRILLING:
With increased activity and demand for horizontal drilling it became apparent
that there were yet more applications for the tool in this specialized area. One
application is to use the tool to break circulation while running in the hole with
downhole motors. This allows operators to break circulation through the PBL
Bypass System when running in the hole. This is an advantage when running
motors with bent housings and PDC bits, eliminating motor and bit rotation,
thereby preventing bit wear and tear as well as casing wear. With the BHA on
bottom the Bypass System can be closed to continue with drilling. This is very
effective for TTRD operations.
5
PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System Applications
When run during under-balanced drilling operations, the tool is most commonly run
in the vertical section of the well so that the zone of interest is not exposed to
contaminated fluid. The tool can be opened to allow the displacement of weighted
material in the vertical part of the wellbore for safer tripping of the pipe or for well
control operations. For this application the ball catcher can be run down the string
just above the MWD or non-mag tools, allowing free-point and back-off operations
to be performed as low in the hole as possible.
When fixed cutter/bi-center bits and RWS tools are run in conjunction with
downhole motors, some operational problems can be eliminated with the use of
the PBL Multi-Activation Bypass System. Pumping through drilling motors with
PDC Bi-Centre bits or RWDs is not recommended while inside casing or tubing
because this can damage the bit, the casing or the tubing. The PBL Multiple
Activation Bypass System can solve this problem as follows:
With one of the above mentioned assemblies, put the vinyl activation ball,
preferably with a dart combination, into the PBL Multiple Activation Bypass
System. With the ball in place circulation can be achieved when desired with the
flow going out of the PBL Bypass System and not through the motor or MWD.
When the drillstring enters the open hole the PBL Multiple Activation Bypass
System can be de-activated to allow for circulation through the MWD and motor.
Utilizing the PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System for jetting sub-sea BOPs and
risers will greatly reduce rig time. By having the tool as a component of the BHA,
this jetting operation can be performed during each trip as required. Jetting your
sub sea BOPs will clean shale and debris out of the cavities in the sub sea BOP
stack, greatly enhancing safety. Jetting the riser can effectively clean the riser
during drilling and completion operations.
The PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System greatly increases circulation rates for
wellbore clean out during TTRD and slimhole restricted flow rate situations. The
PBL Bypass System will eliminate turning the bits inside the tubing string when
RIH or POOH. Dual ported tools with increased TFA are recommended to enhance
flow rates. Tools can be manufactured to suit all required specifications.
CORING APPLICATIONS:
Running the PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System during coring operations
greatly reduces core disturbance while circulating and allows for increased flow
rates. The PBL also eliminates wet trips if a core becomes jammed or the barrel is
packed off.
6
Applications of the PBL Multiple Activation Autolock
Bypass System
The PBL Bypass System has provided a simple and reliable solution to various
drilling problems, including lost circulation. The new PBL Autolock Multiple
Activation Bypass System was developed to allow for safer and timelier tripping.
By locking the tool in the open position, the drillstring can easily be drained or
filled during tripping operations. This new PBL Bypass System allows operators
the ability to open and close the tool downhole up to 5 times to assist in dealing
with hole conditions. This new system is safe, reliable and effective.
APPLICATIONS
a. Trip Dry Pipe: The PBL Autolock Tool can be locked open by dropping one of
the locking balls. Because the TFA is cut in half, there will be a slight pressure
increase, which will indicate the tool is locked open. With the locking ball seated
there is a 1" x 1 1/8" or 1 3/8" open port to drain the pipe while tripping out of
the hole.
b. Fill Pipe: Running in the hole with the PBL Autolock Bypass System will
eliminate costly time filling the pipe. When it is desired to close the tool, drop two
steel de-activation balls and close the tool.
e. To Shock the Pipe: By locking the PBL Autolock tool open and dropping one
steel de-activation ball, the system will pressure up and shear the plastic locking
ball. This has the effect of shocking the pipe, causing the debris to fall off and
exit out the port in the PBL Bypass Tool, thereby preventing debris from
contaminating the BHA. Dropping the second steel activation ball will reset the
tool and allow for normal drilling operations.
7
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Vinyl Ball / Dart combination - used to activate tool for high mud weight
applications. If the string becomes plugged this ball/dart combination will fall
quickly helping to open the ports faster during restricted circulation situations.
B) MAKE UP PROCEDURE
The PBL circulating sub with port nozzles on the side is made up on top of the Ball
Catcher Sub. Make-Up-Torque is as per standard connections on tool used i.e.:
9” OD Tool 7” H90
8
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
C) ACTIVATION PROCEDURE:
Before activating the tool check and make note of pump pressure/stroke. This will
be referred to upon de-activation of the tool to confirm de-activation. Break the
drillstring at the floor and drop the vinyl ball (NEVER RE-RUN PBL ACTIVATION
BALLS). The vinyl ball can be displaced at a high flow rate for 50%-70%
displacement volume. If the ball/dart combination is used, displace at a high flow
rate for no more than 50% of drillstring volume. The time it takes to pump the
vinyl ball down and seat and open the tool will be affected by the fluid
characteristics and volume. Extreme care should be taken when pumping or
landing the vinyl ball into the tool. Do not seat the activation ball at high fluid
rates or pressures as this could cause the vinyl ball to be blown through the seat
and will result in the procedure having to be repeated. If this occurs, drop the
steel de-activation ball(s) to ensure the vinyl ball has blown through the seat prior
to dropping another vinyl ball. The vinyl ball will almost always seat sooner than
calculated pump strokes due to the gravity and fluid characteristics, so be careful
when pumping down the vinyl ball. If the drillstring is plugged there is an
emergency ball/dart combination that can be used to activate the tool. This must
be dropped DART end first. This ball/dart can be used if flow rates are greatly
restricted or the drillstring is becoming plugged. The weighted dart will help to
get the lighter activation ball to the tool without flow. When the vinyl activation
ball hits the seat, the inner mandrel will drop to its open position and the mud
will be diverted through the side port(s). The PBL Bypass System requires 100-150
psi to activate and open the port(s). Surface indication that the tool has opened
is a pressure drop. Once the tool is open, the pumps can be increased to desired
rates.
When the PBL is activated, the circulating rate limitations are dependent on the
ball shearing pressure. The pressure drops across the ports acts on the activation
ball. This pressure drop will increase when the ports become restricted. During
directional/horizontal drilling operations, debris could accumulate on the low side
of the well, restricting flow out of the port. This causes an increase in pressure
across the activation ball. We recommend running dual ported tools to minimize
the pressure changes. It is also recommended to maintain a pumping pressure
1000 psi below the pre-set ball shearing pressure.
EXAMPLE:
9
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
D) DE-ACTIVATION PROCEDURE
Break the drillstring at the rig floor and drop the appropriate steel deactivation
ball(s) and pump at drilling rate or higher. When the steel balls reach the PBL tool
they will cut off flow through the ports creating a pressure increase. It is
preferred, when the steel ball lands in the tool to increase the pump rate and
achieve the pre-set ball shearing pressure as quickly as possible. This will reduce
the washing effect of the mud on the ball and port. The vinyl activation ball will
blow through the seat at the preset ball shearing pressure and be caught in the
ball catcher sleeve. Ball shearing pressure can be set to operator’s
preference. The piston will then move up closing the circulating ports and
causing the steel balls to drop in the ball catcher sub/sleeve. Circulation will then
be through the bottom hole assembly. Pump rates i.e. strokes/pressure should be
the same as before the PBL Bypass tool was activated.
E) SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Never re-run PBL activation balls as they can become damaged through the
de-activation process. After retrieving balls from the ball catcher cage, the vinyl
activation ball(s) should be discarded immediately. With regards to Acidizing -
only use High Temp PBL Activation balls during acidizing process. It is
imperative that when you drop a vinyl ball to activate the tool that you follow it
with a steel ball(s) to de-activate the tool. It is important that this sequence be
carried out at all times to ensure that the tool operates correctly. We recommend
that once the tool is below the rig floor, that a function test of the tool is done
at this point to ensure the tool is working before running in the hole. This will
also acquaint personnel with the operation of the tool. There will be no charge
for this vinyl ball if this procedure is followed. The PBL tool must be pulled and
balls removed out of the ball catcher sub before running in the hole.
With continuous operation of PBLs worldwide, our experience has shown that in
high temperatures and high pressures the density of the vinyl balls is slightly
affected causing ball shearing pressure to be decreased by 200-400 psi. Standard
temperature balls service temperature is 340°F (171°C). High-temperature balls,
which withstand 450°F (232°C), may be included upon request. Hot-hole balls
are indicated by color coding (Dark metallic with a yellow ring around the
circumference of the ball).
PBL Multiple Activation Bypass Tools are dressed standard for Hot-Hole Service (450°F /
232°C).
All operating balls are gauged using a micrometer to ensure they meet specifications.
I) INTERNAL DRIFT
The drift is the smallest inside diameter of the tool and when the tool has been
activated and deactivated and there are balls in the ball catcher cage the drift is
eliminated, which is why it is recommended to run the tool as low in the BHA as
possible.
10
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
J) BALL/DART COMBINATION
Note: Must be inserted dart end down
The use of the ball/dart combination is recommended for the following situations:
1) If the drillstring or annulus becomes plugged or packed off it will be hard to
get the standard activation ball to the tool to activate (open) it. The ball/dart
combination will add density to the ball to help the vinyl activation ball get to the
tool faster. With the tool activated, it may be possible to break circulation
through the tool and clean up the annulus. With the annulus clean the tool can
be de-activated to allow the operator to continue drilling ahead. If the bit is
plugged, it will allow the operator to circulate.
2) In situations where high mud weights are used the ball/dart combination will
help to speed up the activation process.
3) In the past, PBL Bypass Systems were sent out with an emergency steel ball the
same size as the vinyl activation balls. This emergency ball was to be used if the
drillstring became plugged. It would migrate down the string to the tool through
any mud weights even without circulation to activate the tool. The ball/dart
combination will do the same, although if desired, the ball/dart combination can
be blown through the tool de-activating (closing) it.
BRASS DART
The PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System is compatible with survey barrels. It is
recommended to land the survey barrel on the ball catcher sleeve in the 6 1/4"
or larger and on the top sub in the 4 3/4" tools and smaller. On the larger tools
if there are balls in the ball catcher sleeve the survey barrel will land on top of the
balls. The ID going through the ball seat on 6 1/4" - 6 3/4" tools is 1 7/8";
therefore, a survey barrel between 1 3/4" and 1 3/8" should be used. The 4 3/4"
tools have an ID of 1.520" on the top sub; therefore any survey barrel larger than
this will be compatible. It is recommended to check the survey barrel in PBL
Bypass Tool to confirm compatibility. Modifications can be made to make the PBL
Bypass Tool compatible with mule shoe/orienting sub systems. To make the 4
3/4" PBL Bypass compatible, the orienting sub can be run above the PBL Bypass
Tool. The ID of the orienting sub sleeve will have to be opened up so a 1.500"
ball can pass. With regards to 6 1/4" - 6 3/4" PBL Bypass tools, allow for the
2" vinyl ball to pass through the orienting sub sleeve in the top of the PBL Bypass
Tool.
11
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
It is recommended to run the PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System as low in the drillstring as
possible, just above non-magnetic components in directional situations and just above the bit sub
in conventional vertical drilling. This will allow operators to free-point and back-off as well as survey
as low in the hole as possible.
It is recommended the PBL Multiple Activation Bypass tool be run at the crossover of the tapered
working string. During completions, operators are working in cased hole; therefore, the likelihood
of becoming stuck in the hole is very remote and as a result free-point and back-off operations are
not necessary.
Mud Motor
The PBL Autolock Tool can be locked open by first dropping either the vinyl
activation ball or the ball/dart combination to activate the tool. In order to
properly seat the ball, pump 50%-70% of the pipe volume. There will be an
increase on pressure until the ports are opened. Once the ports are open, surface
pressure will decrease. To lock the tool open, simply drop one of the plastic
locking balls and pump at 50% of the drilling rate. Once the locking ball has
seated in the port there will be a slight increase. The tool will be locked open
once circulation has stopped. The tool can be de-activating by dropping two steel
de-activation balls. This will cause the locking ball to shear through the port, and
restrict flow out of the ports. The vinyl activation ball will shear through the ball
seat followed by the steel de-activation balls, closing the ports. The balls will be
collected in the ball catcher sleeve, and drilling can be resumed. This procedure
can be performed at the rotary table or downhole at any time and can also be
used to surface reset the tool after tripping in the locked open position.
13
Technical Specifications PBL Multiple Activation
Bypass System
BALL SIZES
31/8” 1” 1” 7/8” 8 5
31/2” 11/4” 11/4” 11/8” 4 2
43/4” 11/2” 11/2” 13/8” 6 3
61/2” - 63/4” 2” 2” 13/4” 5 3
8” - 91/2” 21/2” 21/2” 13/4” 6 3
14
Technical Specifications PBL Multiple Activation
Bypass System
31/8” OD 13/4” 1/2” STEEL WITH 3/4” PORT 0.442 27/8” PAC DSI
31/2” OD 13/4” 15/16” STEEL WITH 1” PORT 0.785 23/8” IF
43/4” OD 2” 11/4” STEEL WITH 11/4” PORT 1.227 31/2” IF
61/2” OD 23/4” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/2” PORT 1.767 41/2” IF, 4” IF
63/4” OD 23/4” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/2” PORT 1.767 41/2” IF
8” OD 31/2” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/2” PORT 1.767 65/8” REG
91/2” OD 31/2” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/2” PORT 1.767 75/8” REG
31/8” OD 13/4” 1/2” STEEL WITH 3/4” x 2 PORTS 0.884 27/8” PAC DSI
31/2” OD 13/4” 15/16” STEEL WITH 1” x 2 PORTS 1.571 23/8” IF
43/4” OD 2” 11/4” STEEL WITH 11/4” x 2 PORTS 2.454 31/2” IF
61/2” OD 23/4” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/4” x 2 PORTS 2.454 41/2” IF, 4” IF
63/4” OD 23/4” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/4” x 2 PORTS 2.454 41/2” IF
8” OD 31/2” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/2” x 2 PORTS 3.534 65/8” REG
91/2” OD 31/2” 11/2” STEEL WITH 11/2” x 2 PORTS 3.534 75/8” REG
BALL WEIGHTS
15
Technical Specifications of Autolock PBL Tools
31/8” OD 13/4” 1/2” STEEL WITH 0.625” x 2 PORTS 0.612 27/8” PAC DSI
43/4” OD 2” 11/4” STEEL WITH 1.1” x 2 PORTS 1.901 31/2” IF
61/2” OD 2 23/4” 11/2” STEEL WITH 1.1” x 2 PORTS 1.901 41/2” IF 4” IF
63/4” OD 23/4” 11/2” STEEL WITH 1.1” x 2 PORTS 1.901 41/2” IF
8” OD 31/2” 11/2” STEEL WITH 1.35” x 2 PORTS 2.863 65/8” REG
91/2” OD 31/2” 11/2” STEEL WITH 1.35” x 2 PORTS 2.863 75/8” REG
16
PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System
Operational Sequence: SINGLE PORT
17
PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System
Operational Sequence: DUAL PORT
18
PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System Operational
Sequence Ball/Dart Combination: SINGLE PORT
19
PBL Multiple Activation Autolock Bypass System
(Ball Lock Series) Operational Sequence
Balls Sheared - Tool Reset LOCK OPEN PORT Tool can be hydraulically reset (unlocked)
Flow to Bit Trip Dry Pipe / Fill Pipe downhole during the trip when utilising
plastic locking ball.
Shear all balls to reset tool and Flow to Bit
20
PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System Pressure
Drop Charts
21
Extracts from Testimonials
As testament to the success of our products, over the years, some of our clients have stated:
"The multi-open/close feature of the PBL sub with the ability to rotate pipe has allowed us to now
effectively and cost efficiently clean up our wells. In fact I would say I had not been able to attribute any
non-productive time on the completion side to pipe dope or drilled solids for the last three or four wells."
Ian Frizell, Rig Superintendent Eider, North Cormorant and Cormorant Alpha.
"We have been using the PBL tools extensively on BP Forties operations for the past 18 months we have
found them to be a very reliable tool no matter how many times they have been cycled during drilling or
workover operations. The tool provides us with a very effective means of achieving enhanced flow rates
when required."
Drew Liel, Drilling Superintendent, Noble Drilling.
"Petroleum Development Oman has been using the PBL subs with success for the last 24 months…The
PBL sub is now a standard component of the drilling BHA in Oman."
Pierre Andre, DES Manager, United Engineering Services L.L.C.
"The sub has been used primarily for drilling in formations where severe lost circulation is
encountered…It has proven to be a reliable tool meeting our performance expectations."
L. N. Westermark, Manager, Drilling & Completion Services, Imperial Oil / Esso
"The main applications are: pumping LCM across loss zones, pumping acid for stuck pipe, increasing flow
rates to clean the 9.5/8" above 7" liner lap with 4.3/4" OD drill string, and displacing well bore fluids
during completion operations. These tools are being used on a regular basis by Occidental Petroleum and
various drilling operators with minimal problems. It is anticipated that these tools will continue to be used
and more frequently as the benefits are fully realised by all concerned."
Phil Woodard, Senior Directional Drilling Coordinator - Qatar, Sperry-Sun Drilling Services.
"Shared Service Drilling (SSD) has utilized the PBL subs with very favourable success as an integral drilling
tool since December of 1996…In general terms, the savings attributable to keeping BHA in the hole while
spotting the high concentration LCM pills is near $50,000 per occurrence….SSD has been quite satisfied
with the service provided by PBL Inc. and plan to continue to utilize the specialty subs in the foreseeable
future."
Lames E. Smith, Senior Drilling Engineer, Shared Service Drilling.
"No operational problems were experienced in running and/or functioning the tool when
required…Based on these initial results, the PBL Bypass System would seem to be an effective downhole
tool for control of lost circulation without affecting to any observed degree normal drilling operations."
P. Kapral, Drilling Supervisor, Mobil Oil Canada Limited.
"We have been using the PBL subs for all clean-up operations on the Shell Central Field over the last two
years without a single failure.”
Hans de Vries, Senior Drilling Engineer, Santa Fe Drilling Company (North Sea) Limited.
The wells encountered major lost circulation from 3000’ to TD at 5200’. The PBL sub allowed drilling with
nozzles in the bit while still being able to spot large amounts of lost circulation materials. In areas where
lost circulation is expected we will continue to use the PBL tool.
S. Jay Milner, P. Eng. Drilling Engineer Chieftain Development Co. Ltd
British Petroleum has been utilizing the "PBL" in our operations in Colombia for the last five years
increasing our flow rates specially in small hole sections, changing mud properties making our transitions
more effective another important application during completion phases we can increase our flow rates
considerably while displacing well bore fluids. We are implementing the utilization of your product in our
future projects, as we are also looking forward to the transition into the Dual Ported Subs, since our initial
test runs showed even more displacement capacities.
Mauricio Cusgüen Hardware Drilling Engineer BP Colombia
22
DSI
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