WWT Silencer Helps Reduce Vibration and Improve Bit Life

Executive Summary
Drilling through the abrasive formations in the Permian’s 2nd Bone Spring has caused numerous downhole MWD and drill bit failures due to high levels of vibration. The WWT Silencer Non-Rotating Sub assembly was utilised in the BHA to mitigate downhole vibrations, resulting in improved drilling performance.

Accomplishments

• Drilled 1 mile in 24 hours using a conventional steerable BHA.
• Drilled the entire 2-mile lateral with a single BHA.
• Achieved a 42% increase in average ROP.

2 Well Pad Comparison (one with WWT Silencer, one without)

• Both wells were adjacent, in the same formation, and used similar BHAs.
• Without the Silencer, two BHAs were required to drill the lateral, with severe wear observed on both drill bits.
• With the WWT Silencer, the lateral was drilled with one BHA and showed almost no bit wear.