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Saudi Aramco
Drilling & Workover Organization
Offshore Gas Drilling Engineering Department
Equipment failures result from Vibration

July 2014
The Alerts are provided to all Drilling and Workover Operations Foremen and Liaisonmen so that we all learn from the
experiences of others. The knowledge of this incident could prevent similar ones from happening in the future.
Saudi Aramco policy requires the information in this Alert to be communicated to all crew members and documented on
morning reports.

What happened?
July 2014. While enlarging hole from 28” to 36” with Paradigm SDR under-reamer, excessive
vibration was observed resulting in damaged to the TDS bracket and blower motor. Decision
was made to POH to run another type of under-reamer. On surface, observed the 28” bit and
Near Bit Roller Reamer made up below the under-reamer were left in hole. Fish was
successfully recovered after four attempts. The under-reaming operation was being done from
the Dammam formation to RUS in HSBH field after setting the 36” casing @ 526ft.

Consequences:
 12.5 hrs. on repairs: 7.5hrs TDS bracket and 5hrs blower motor
 106 hrs. on Fishing operations
 Total cost incurred estimated at $2.46mln

Why did it happen?

 Heavy vibration was induced by under-reaming operation.
 The Paradigm SDR under-reamer was an aggressive application for the section. The
Paradigm SDR is a PDC type blade with 19mm cutters and three arms and was being used
for the first time in the section. It had been used earlier in the 42” section with vibration
reported as well but with less severity.
 The Near Bit Roller Reamer was not strap welded to the under-reamer though having it
above the bit lent greatly to fish recovery.
 The Near Bit Roller Reamer was Aramco supplied with fishing neck and bottom sub having
different ODs of 11-1/8” and 10” respectively. There were confusions about the exact
measurements and which side was facing up hence the multiple fishing runs.

What should be done to prevent reoccurrence?

 Limit application of the Paradigm SDR to top section only [±300ft below mud line]
 Drilling Contractors should adhere to standard oilfield practice of taking all measurements
of equipment going below rotary with emphasis on the fishing necks.
 Always strap weld the bit to the under-reamer.
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