NOV cutter technology contributes to Williston Basin success

Several major operators have achieved multiple record runs in the Williston Basin throughout 2015 using National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Helios™ Inferno™ cutters tailored for the region.

“Over the last two years, we focused on testing multiple cutters in the Williston Basin, which led to the new Bakken Series Helios Inferno cutters and significantly improved performance,” said Travis Flotre, Williston District Manager for NOV.

Using the specialised cutter technology, operators achieved records for fastest vertical, lateral, and curve sections.

Operator achieves lateral record using Bakken Series Helios Inferno cutters

One major operator used the 6 in. SK516M-C1 lateral bit in Mountrail County, ND, drilling 12 502 total ft in 54.4 on-bottom hours at an average ROP of 230 ft/hr. This run set an operator lateral record.

Bakken Series Helios Inferno cutters sets operator lateral records

Another major operator drilled out their lateral with the 6 in. SK516-A1 bit and 5 in. 6/7 8.0 ERT™ motor. The combination drilled a total of 9480 ft in 70.5 IADC hours for an average ROP 198 ft/hr. This was the fastest lateral the rig has ever drilled and is also a new operator lateral record.

Bakken Series Helios Inferno cutters set rig vertical, curve, and lateral records

A third major operator, using only NOV bits and motors for a well in Williams County, ND, drilled out their vertical using the 8 ¾ in. DS616M-X1 paired with the 6 ¾ in. 7/8 5.0 ERT motor fixed at 1.50°, drilling 6371 total ft in 41 hours at an average ROP of 155 ft/hr. The bottom hole vertical was also paired with an X1 bit and a 6 ¾ in. 7/8 5.0 ERT motor, which drilled from 7935 ft to 9752 ft in 19 hours at an average ROP of 96 ft/hr. The two BHAs combined for a rig vertical record.

The operator drilled the curve with the 8 ¾ in. SK516M-T1B bit and NOV 6 ¾ in. 4/5 7.0 ERT motor fixed at 2.38°. This combination drilled 748 ft in 12 hours, a record curve for the rig.

The operator drilled a record lateral with the 6 in. SK516M-A1 lateral bit paired with the 6/7 8.0 ERT motor. The assembly drilled 10 189 ft in 67 total hours, averaging 152 ft/hr.

Multiple sections of this well set various records, but the entire well now stands as an operator record for days on well.

Bakken Series Helios Inferno cutters set top hole vertical record

And another major operator had another outstanding run with the 8 ¾ in. DS616M-X1 bit paired with the 6 ¾ in. 7/8 5.0 ERT motor in McKenzie County, ND. The first bit/motor combo drilled 6390 ft in 15.7 hours for an average on-bottom ROP of 407 ft/hr, a top hole operator record. They then followed up with another DS616M-X1 bit and 7/8 5.0 ERT motor, which drilled down to KOP of 10 710 ft in just 11.3 on-bottom hours for an average ROP of 178 ft/hr.

Operators continue to set records in the Williston Basin using NOV technology.

“Our engineers are committed to continuous product development to ensure the best possible performance,” Flotre said.

Adapted by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/25112015/nov-cutter-technology-contributes-to-williston-basin-success/