Float Equipment Manual

Section - Page 6-176

Revision A 12/15/00

FLOAT EQUIPMENT AND PLUGS PDC BIT DRILLOUT

RECOMMENDATIONS
The drill out procedures presented below are a recommended guideline and does not cover all situations. Final decisions
on how drillout should be controlled by the operator and within bit manufactures limits of operation.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Apply Weatherford Tube LokTM Compound to the bottom six thread connections and the float equipment threads. Apply to
the pin thread only. This helps prevent the shoe joint from backing off during drillout.
For standard plug sets the top cementing plug should be released while pumping cement. Pump an additional 10 feet
(three meters) of cement on top of the plug. Non-rotating plugs do not require cement to be pumped after the top plug, but
cement lines can be flushed on top of top plug.
Make up BHA with a near bit stabilizer as close to the bit as possible.
Check the bit diameter with the float equipment drillout diameters to verify clearances.
A junk basket may be used near the bit to catch large pieces of materials.
Do not use any type of automatic driller.
Do not "spud" or sit the bit weight suddenly on the plugs or float equipment.

DRILL OUT PROCEDURE WITH PDC BIT ON DRILL STRING:

After tagging the top of the cement or top plug, turn drill string at 60 - 80 RPM and pump at a sufficient flow rate to remove
drilled cuttings. Some operators use 40 - 50 GPM per inch of bit diameter as a starting point. Slowly apply 2,000 pounds
(909 kg) weight on bit (WOB) until the bit pattern is made. Slowly build WOB to 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,363 to 2,272
kg).

Maintain 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,363 to 2,272 kg) WOB while drilling the float equipment.

If the rate of penetration (ROP) slows or the torque increases, the bit should be raised while continuing to rotate and
circulate. Slowly lower the bit and follow the above recommendations. This helps remove debris and cementing plug
wipers.

If the ROP stops or the torque declines, this could indicate that the bit is spinning without cutting.
v Stop rotating, reduce the flow rate to two or three BPM, and put 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,363 to 2,272 kg) WOB
(Note: High flow rates will decrease the effective WOB).
v Pick-up and begin rotating to 40 – 60 RPM. Slowly set down increasing WOB to 5,000 to 6,000 pounds (2,272 to
2,726 kg).
v Resume drilling with original parameters once normal drilling characteristics are observed.

If the drillout characteristics change, i.e. drill pipe or rotary table starts vibrating excessively, change either the WOB,
RPM, or the circulation rate until the drillout characteristics normalize. Resume drilling with the original parameters once
normal drillout characteristics are observed.

Convex bits tend to perform better when drilling out plugs and float equipment than do concave bits, since convex bits are
less likely to trap foreign materials under the bit.

If the ROP stops and cannot be restarted using the above recommendations, then retrieve the bit for inspection.

 2001WEATHERFORD. All Rights Reserved. This document is the confidential property of Weatherford International, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any way, either whole
or in part, or distributed without the express written authorization of Weatherford International, Inc.
 Float Equipment Manual
Section - Page 6-177
Revision A 12/15/00

DRILL OUT PROCEDURE WITH PDC BIT AND MUD MOTOR:

After tagging the top of the cement or top plug, pump at a sufficient flow rate to have motor turning at 100 – 150 RPM.
The motor type will determine this pump rate for RPM desired. Turn the drill string at 25 – 30 RPM. While monitoring the
circulation pump pressure, slowly build WOB until the pump pressure increases. Hold drill string at this position until the
pressure subsides then inch down until pressure starts to rise again and repeat process until completely through the
equipment.

If pressure can not be monitored, then slowly apply 2,000 pounds (909 kg) WOB until the bit pattern is made. Slowly build
WOB to 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,363 to 2,272 kg). With motor bits use optimum weight and RPM which will not stall bit.
Maintain 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,363 to 2,272 kg) WOB while drilling the float equipment.

If the rate of penetration (ROP) slows or the torque increases, the bit should be raised while continuing to rotate and
circulate. Slowly lower the bit and follow the above recommendations. This helps remove debris and cementing plug
wipers.

If the ROP stops or the torque declines, this could indicate that the bit is spinning without cutting.
v Stop rotating and put 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,363 to 2,272 kg) WOB.
v Pick-up and begin rotating motor to 40 – 60 RPM and drill string to 25-30 RPM. Slowly set down increasing WOB
until circulation pressure increases or to 5,000 to 6,000 pounds (2,272 to 2,726 kg).
v Resume drilling with original parameters once normal drilling characteristics are observed.

If the drillout characteristics change, i.e. drill pipe or rotary table starts vibrating excessively, change either the WOB,
rotary RPM, or the circulation rate until the drillout characteristics normalize. Resume drilling with the original parameters
once normal drillout characteristics are observed.

Convex bits tend to perform better when drilling out plugs and float equipment than do concave bits, since convex bits are
less likely to trap foreign materials under the bit.

If the ROP stops and cannot be restarted using the above recommendations, then retrieve the bit for inspection.

 2001WEATHERFORD. All Rights Reserved. This document is the confidential property of Weatherford International, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any way, either whole
or in part, or distributed without the express written authorization of Weatherford International, Inc.