Implementation improves drilling efficiency in offshore operations, suggesting new strategies for vibration management.
This paper outlines the preparation, implementation, execution, and assessment of the 16″ offshore directional section in Middle East using in bit vibration measurement modules. The primary objective of this deployment is the dynamic mapping the section and enhance the drilling roadmap for upcoming wells. Vibration measurement modules with sensors that can map Lateral, Axial, and stick slip vibration has been placed inside the bit pin in a cavity that has been created specifically to fit them. The bit has been deployed on directional motor bottom hole assembly. Time and depth based downhole vibration logs from the sensors were plotted alongside surface drilling data. The vibration data has been separated, categorized, and analyzed based on each formation drilled in the section. The main challenge to overcome were low drilling rate of penetration while sliding and in some cases PDC bit shoulder durability. Although MWD tools been used in the BHA, the MWD vibration were not enough since it is already above the motor which is dampening the vibration seen at the bit level. The outcome of the in-Bit vibration analysis resulted in an optimized roadmap for each formation and each mode of drilling whether sliding or rotating. A major outcome was identifying that sever lateral vibration was occurring in one specific formation while sliding only. This lateral vibration was not seen at the MWD tools, and it was never mitigated which resulted in bit damaged and low ROP. A new roadmap was created were all the sliding activities were planned in deferent formation with lower vibration risk. Results of the new roadmap could be summarized in enhancing the overall ROP of the section, reducing the damage on PDC bit. Measuring the vibration data to the closest point of the bit and the rock interaction unlocks a new level of understanding of the bit and BHA behaviors. The work done opens the door for drilling parameters optimization and the ability to enhance the bit designs.
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Alraheb et al. (2025) studied this question.
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