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Abstract During extended reach drilling operations at the Hibernia Platform, operated by Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. utilizing ExxonMobil Canada Ltd. resources, bit gauge length and profile have been systematically varied to improve drilling performance while using a standard bottomhole assembly (BHA) and bit design. Prior to developing the standard BHA design and implementing a global performance management process, the ExxonMobil Fast Drill Process, multiple bit runs were required to drill a typical high angle, 10,000-ft interval of 12¼-in. hole. Tool failure and bit damage caused by vibration resulted in multiple bit runs. In order to reduce vibrations and improve drilling performance, bit gauge length has been systematically increased in 1-in. increments while utilizing a standard BHA. Partially tapered gauge was used in conjunction with the increased gauge length to allow directional control. This paper presents the results of progressing from a 4-in. non-tapered gauge bit to a 5-, 6-, and 7-in. partially tapered gauge bit from 2005 to 2009. Mechanical specific energy (MSE), vibration, rotary steerable wear, and directional response data is presented to show the impact of the incremental changes in gauge length over a group of seven wells. The tapered profile and increased gauge length provided comparable directional response with significantly improved drilling performance, resulting in multiple field record rates of penetration (ROPs) and bit run lengths.
Smyth et al. (Tue,) studied this question.