Complete Riser Protection Required NRPs Entering Open Hole in the Gulf of Mexico

Drilling deepwater wells in the Gulf of America require careful consideration and mitigation for riser & casing wear issues.   
 
Client challenge 
A well in the Gulf of America needed full riser protection while drilling a post-tar sidetrack. A single bit run to TD positioned NRPs into open hole along with MPD being utilized presented additional challenges.  
 
Our solution 
WWT installed 369 HD-SS3-578 model NRPs at the pipe manufacturer’s facility to simplify operations on the offshore TLP. The 7,300 ft bit run resulted in 100 NRPs entering open hole. MPD compatible collars were used for stripping NRPs out of the hole under surface backpressure. 
 
Results 
• Max 4,000 klbf/jt side force from the sidetrack opening at 6,700 ft MD. 
• Estimated one million drill pipe revolutions. 
• 100 NRPs entering the open hole sandstone formation at a 47° inclination. 
• Stripped all 369 NRPs out of the hole. 
• Minimal NRP OD wear indicating the riser was protected throughout drilling.