WWT NRPs Enable Record Breaking Lateral Drilling in Continental USA

Executive Summary 
WWT Non-Rotating Protectors (NRPs) provide TQ reduction assisting an operator achieve 8 out of the 10 record breaking laterals on challenging extended reach wells in the Lower 48. The 8-1/2’’ lateral section of these wells were drilled using an average of 217 x SS3-550 NRPs on 5-1/2’’ drill pipe to cover areas of highest side forces in the vertical and open hole curve. 

NRP Performance 
A significant torque reduction of 12-16% at TD was analyzed by WWT. Using a motorized rotary steerable, ROP held around 200ft/hr while torque remained below the top drive limit of 40kft-lbat150RPM, usually in a single bit trip during the lateral. This not only made It possible to reach desired total depths, but also to get out of the hole smoothly and efficiently rather than back reaming the entire length of the lateral.