SlickBore

An Innovative New Drilling System

SlickBore is the name coined for the pin down mud motor, box up
PDC bit combination.
It’s actually a combination of new hardware and new directional
drilling techniques.
It’s important that the customer thinks of SlickBore as a system, not
just a pin down, box up PDC bit.
System originally conceptualized in Aberdeen to address significant
vibration problems, but it quickly became evident that the SlickBore
system provided other significant advantages, such as increased
ROP and better hole quality.
 RST

INCREASING COMPLEXITY AND COST

INCREASING DIFFICULTY OF WELL

NS
SLICKBORE

TIO

OF SOLUTION
LU
SO
TE
AGM
DIA
ME
ER

AGS / TRACS
INT

(Rotary or Motor)

DUMB IRON / MOTORS

NUMBER OF WELLS

Hierarchy of Drilling Tools

We view SlickBore as an addition to our fleet of Drilling tools.

At the low end there is dumb iron; at the high end are rotary
steerables.
SlickBore fits in somewhere between the AGM and RST.
SlickBore acts much like an RST but without the complexities (i.e.
electronics and software ) of the RST.
It can be used to build, turn, hold, and drop much like a standard
rotary steerable assemble or an RST.
 SlickBore Concept
• Matched drilling system, including:
- Pin down mud motor
- Long gauge box up bit ( FM 2841i )

• Better steering with reduced bend angle of

motor

• Introduction of less aggressive bit

• Incorporation of new directional drilling

techniques

SlickBore can use a variety (i.e. different power sections) of pin down
motors with a long gauge bit.
It’s a matched drilling system that offers significant advantages.
Because of the theoretical concepts of SlickBore, we can reduce the
bend angle of the motor to achieve the same or better directiona l
results compared to more aggressive mud motor bend angles. And
we can use a less aggressive PDC bit to cut formations. Introduction
of the less aggressive bit requires less weight on bit to avoid mud
motor stalling and shaft torque, but the combination often results in
higher ROP’s.
The long gauge bit tends to act like a long gauge stabilizer, which we
believe provides much better hole quality.
 SlickBore Benefits
• Higher drilling ROPs
• Higher sliding ROPs
• Less hole spiraling
• Less hole tortuosity
• Reduced vibration
• Increased mud motor and
MWD reliability
• Better hole cleaning
• Increased bit life

Field experience to date has demonstrated several benefits from the

SlickBore Drilling system. These benefits include: high drilling
ROP’s, higher sliding ROP’s, less hole spiraling, less hole tortuosity,
reduced vibration, increased mud motor and MWD reliability, and
better hole cleaning.
The SlickBore benefits have been demonstrated in Aberdeen,
Canada, Far East, and other areas of the world. Systematic testing
at Catoosa have also confirmed many of the drilling benefits
observed with SlickBore.
 Typical SlickBore BHA

DGR Crossover
CIM PWD PDC
(DDS) Sub
EWR-PHASE 4 Mud Motor bit

A typical SlickBore BHA includes a pin down mud motor with a

specially designed PDC bit. The bit is optimized for local drilling
areas and is designed to be non aggressive. The mud motor uses a
specifically designed bearing pack and shaft and is typically
combined with a standard FEWD (Formation Evaluation While
Drilling) MWD system. Selective DEEP (Drilling Efficiency Equipment
Package) sensors are recommended for use in the MWD system.
PWD (Pressure while Drilling), DDS (DrillString Dynamics Sensor),
and Acouticaliper (Sperry’s MWD caliper tool) are often
recommended to confirm hole cleaning, BHA reaction, and hole
quality.
 SlickBore Results

• Used in North Sea and offshore Canada

• AFE days reduced 25-50%
• Evidence of better hole quality
• Fewer MWD and mud motor failures
• Decreased bit wear
• DDS™ sensor data supports vibration reduction
• Casing ran to bottom very easily

SlickBore has been used in most area of the world, but we have the
most experience with the system in North Sea and offshore Canada.
In most instances, we’ve seen the AFE’s reduced significantly, but we
think that the most significant result from SlickBore is the better hole
quality
In Aberdeen and Canada, we seen fewer MWD and mud motor
failures, better bit life, and less vibration due to hole proble ms. In
instances where we’ve obtained caliper logs, there have been clear
indications of better hole quality, when SlickBore has been used
especially when compared to more traditional (box down, short gauge
bit) steerable BHA assemblies. Our evidence also shows reduced
BHA vibration when the DDS sensor has been used. And we have
several examples of where casing was run to bottom very smoothly
as compared to more traditional BHA assemblies.
 Time/Depth Plots
7000
4500

5500 8000
WEST Actual Planned Series4
6500 WEST Actual Planned Series4
9000
7500
10000
Depth

Depth
8500

9500 11000

10500
12000
11500
13000
12500

13500 14000
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
Days Days

4000 8000
9000
6000 Planned Actual
10000
Target 50/50 Series3 Actual
11000
8000
12000
Depth
Depth

10000 13000
14000
12000
15000
16000
14000
17000
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 45.00 50.00 55.00 60.00 65.00 70.00 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75

Days Days

The time-depth plots of selective SlickBore runs have been

impressive indeed.
The plots above are from several wells in the North Sea where
projected AFE days were reduced from 25% to 50% depending on
the application.
These wells were drilled in mature fields, so AFE estimates are well
established. Although most of these plots were from 8 -1/2” hole
sections, similar results have been seen in 12-1/4” hole sections.
Although reduction of AFE estimates are impressive, we prefer to
focus on hole quality issues which result from utilizing the SlickBore
system.
ROP Avg Caliper DDS Peak X
TORQUE g
0 m/hr 50 100
Minimum Undergauge Hole 0 100 200
WOB DDS Peak Y
In gauge to 20 mm over
Average DGR g
0 kdN 20 40 TVD 20 mm over to 40 mm over
200 100 0
RPM Maximum
Greater than 40 mm over api DDS Peak Z
String Bit newton-meters g
0 150 300 0 25000 50000 -10 40 90 0 75 150 -50 0 50
4500m

4510m

NB Smith M3SOD - 9 5/8"

SperryDrill 6/7 1.15 deg
ABH - in @ 4694m MD (
Standard motor
4520m 4514m TVD)
short gauge
4530m
rock bit

4540m
Spiral SAND B @ 4723m MD (4536m TVD)

borehole
Moderate
4550m
vibrations
4560m

4570m

SAND C @ 4770m MD (4572m TVD)

4580m NB GeoDiamond M33BPX

- rotary assembly - in @
4777m MD (4580m TVD)

4590m

4600m

Hole quality examples are difficult to come by because most oil

companies don’t gather hole quality data until its too late.
This is an example of a standard motor with a short gauge PDC bit
from Offshore Canada. Shown in track 1 are ROP, WOB, and RPM.
Torque is provided in track 2. Caliper, DGR, and vibration are
provided in tracks 3, 4, and 5 respectively. This run used a Smith
rock bit and a 9-7/8” 6/7 lobe SperryDrill with a 1.15 degree ABH
(Adjustable Bent Housing). Notice the moderate vibration levels in
track 5. Notice also the washed out caliper log and spiraling bore
hole in track 3. Because of the lack of stabilization, we believe the
short gauge rock bit is wobbling around in the borehole creating
significant vibration levels.
ROP Avg Caliper DDS Peak X
TORQUE g
0 m/hr 50 100
Minimum Undergauge Hole 0 100 200
WOB DDS Peak Y
In gauge to 20 mm over
Average DGR g
0 kdN 20 40 TVD 20 mm over to 40 mm over
200 100 0
RPM Maximum
Greater than 40 mm over api DDS Peak Z
String Bit newton-meters g
0 150 300 0 25000 50000 -10 40 90 0 75 150 -50 0 50
4550m

4560m

4570m
SAND C @ 4770m MD (4572m TVD)

4580m NB GeoDiamond M33BPX

- rotary assembly - in @
4777m MD (4580m TVD)

4590m

Gauge hole
High and 4600m

erratic torque
4610m Rotary assembly Moderate to
PDC bit high vibrations
4620m

4630m

NB Smith MSDGHOD -
rotary assembly - in @
4846m MD (4633m TVD)
4640m
LIMESTONE 3 @ 4857m MD (4642m
TVD)
NB Security/DBS FM2841i
- 6 3/4" SperryDrill 4/5 L
4650m 0.78 deg ABH - in @

In the same well, a rotary assembly (i.e. no motor) with a short

gauge PDC bit was used the complete the section. Notice the high
and erratic torque illustrated in track 2 and the moderate to high
vibration illustrated in track 5. Although the caliper (track 3 ) shows
the hole to be in gauge, torque and vibration are significant during
this particular run.
ROP Avg Caliper DDS Peak X
TORQUE g
0 m/hr 50 100
Minimum Undergauge Hole 0 100 200
WOB DDS Peak Y
In gauge to 20 mm over
Average DGR g
0 kdN 20 40 TVD 20 mm over to 40 mm over
200 100 0
RPM Maximum
Greater than 40 mm over api DDS Peak Z
String Bit newton-meters g
0 150 300 0 25000 50000 -10 40 90 0 75 150 -50 0 50
4600m

4610m

4620m

4630m

NB Smith MSDGHOD -
rotary assembly - in @
4846m MD (4633m TVD)
4640m
LIMESTONE 3 @ 4857m MD (4642m
TVD)
NB Security/DBS FM2841i

4650m
- 6 3/4" SperryDrill 4/5 L
0.78 deg ABH - in @
4861m MD (4645m TVD)
SlickBore
long gauge bit
4660m SAND 3 @ 4878m MD (4659m TVD)

4670m

Low torque Very low

4680m Gauge Hole
vibrations
4690m

4700m

Finally, in the same well, the SlickBore BHA was used to drill the 8-
1/2” hole section. The torque decreased significantly, the vibration
was almost non-existent, and the caliper log showed an in gauged
resultant borehole. This section was drilled with a Security DBS
FM2841i PDC bit and a 6-3/4” 4/5 lobe SperryDrill with a .78 degree
ABH assembly.
 Background
• Cross PSL product development:
- Security DBS
- Sperry-Sun
- Integrated Solutions
• Attempt to reduce BHA damage induced by
vibration
• Root cause analysis: vibration caused by
circulation due to poor hole quality
• Improved hole quality reduces need to circulate
hole clean, therefore minimizing vibration

This is meant to be an internal slide and should not be shown to

customers unless, the customer is an internal Halliburton entity.
SlickBore is one of Sperry’s cross PSL development projects. That is
it requires input and direction from multiple Halliburton PSL’s.
Because SlickBore is a matched system, we recommend that the
Security ADE (Application Design Engineer) optimize the bit design
for local drilling conditions. Also Integrated Solutions is involved,
because we want to capitalize on any value capture projects that can
be identified.
The SlickBore project was originally started because the North Sea
was having problems with mud motor and MWD failures which they
believed were directly related to BHA vibration. The root cause
analysis of the failures was determined to be vibration caused b y
problems associated with poor hole quality. By utilizing the SlickBore
concept, the District found that they could improve the hole qua lity,
and reduce the need to circulate, thus minimizing BHA vibrations.
 Target Markets
• Selective Integrated Solutions Jobs:
- BP Harding (UK)
- Norsk Hydro Oseberg C (Norway)
- Chevron Genesis (Gulf of Mexico)
- Burgos Basin (Mexico)
• Complement rotary steerable market
• Short term response to AutoTrak (Baker Hughes rotary
steerable system)
• Can use in areas where vibration induced MWD and
mud motor failures are significant
• Contract retention
• Capture revenue impact of reduced AFE days

Again, this is meant to be another internal slide.

Selective IS projects have been identified where we can value
capture the potential of SlickBore for Halliburton. These jobs include:
BP Harding, Chevron Genesis, and Burgos Basin. Really, any job
that has the potential to decrease working days while retaining a set
revenue rate is a good candidate for SlickBore.
We think SlickBore can be used to compliment the rotary steerable
market. We think it can probably be used for many of the designer
wells that AutoTrak is currently used on.
We think SlickBore can be used in areas where MWD and mud motor
failures are a problem. These failures are often related to vibration
problems, so if you control the root problem, you can control or
reduce the tool failures.
SlickBore could be used for contract retention, although we don’t
encourage this application. Contact retention, tends to reduce
pricing.
Finally, contracts that are based on a section rate or a footage rate
are good candidates for SlickBore.
 Ongoing Development Status
• Defined in two phases:
- Systematic testing and data collection at Amoco
Catoosa facility which has been completed.
- Possible bit instrumentation tied to unique motor design,
coupled to Sperry-Sun MWD using an short hop link
• Development of 8-1/2” hole size (6-3/4” tool) is nearing
completion
• 12-1/4” field trials in process
• 6” and smaller hole sizes under discussion

SlickBore development status has been defined in two phases: one

is the systematic testing and data collection at the Amoco Catoosa
Test facility in Catoosa, Oklahoma. The second is possible bit
instrumentation which would probably tie the bit to the mud motor and
use a short hop link to transmit the data around the mud motor and to
the surface real-time.
The development of the 8-1/2” hole size is basically complete. The
system may be tweaked as more is learned about SlickBore drilling
results. The 12-1/4” hole section is in field trials, but several jobs
have already been completed and the results are significant.
Six inch hole sizes are under discussion and will be designed once
significant interest from our customer base is demonstrated.
 Ongoing Development Status

• Want to encourage customers to run DDS™, PWD™,

and AcoustiCaliper™ tools to help quantify benefits
and optimize drilling applications
• Catoosa testing completed and report issued
• Exploring requirements and options for bit
instrumentation
• Attempting to control launch during technology
refinement

As stated earlier, we want to encourage customers to run selective

DEEP sensors with SlickBore. We can’t quantify the benefits unless
we can measure the data.
We have concluded the Catoosa Testing and that information is
available by request. Contact christopher.maranuk@halliburton.com
for a copy of the test report.
We are currently exploring options for bit instrumentation and should
be going to the field shortly with an instrumented bit package.
Finally, we are attempting to control the launch of the SlickBore
system while we continue to refine the concepts and understanding of
the drilling system.