SLB has successfully increased the Rate of Penetration (ROP) by 65% in ExxonMobil’s “most complex offshore Guyana trajectory”, saving 34 hours of drilling time. The achievement was made possible through the combination of the AccuStrike bit and the PowerDrive Orbit G2 Rotary Steerable System (RSS), as detailed by SLB.
Traditionally, SLB said that drilling in Guyana’s complex trajectories required controlling parameters like weight on bit and revolutions per minute to maximize steerability, which often led to increased drilling time. To overcome this, SLB introduced the AccuStrike bit, which integrates the AxeBlade™ ridged diamond element with a thermal-resistant diamond element.
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“This innovation reduced the L1 distance between the bit and the RSS pads, allowing for higher Dog Leg Severity (DLS) without adjusting drilling parameters,” the company shared.
SLB reported too that this combination set a new record for ROP in ExxonMobil’s development campaign, achieving a 237% increase in hard drilling interval ROP compared to conventional technology. The AccuStrike bit, paired with the PowerDrive Orbit G2 RSS, not only enhanced ROP but also improved steerability.
Nathaniel Carter, Wells Engineering Supervisor for ExxonMobil’s Guyana Wells Team, praised the technology, stating, “The AccuStrike bit with the PowerDrive Orbit G2 system has defined the new way of drilling complex trajectories in Guyana. It has demonstrated that the technology can be used in larger hole sections, increasing drilling performance through increased steerability and ROP.”
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SLB said its technology is expected to become the preferred choice for drilling in environments with similar directional complexity in the region, offering the potential to reduce overall well lengths while meeting well objectives.
ExxonMobil is the operator of Guyana’s Stabroek Block with three projects currently online. SLB has been one of its prime contractors since oil was discovered in the South American nation back in 2015.
