WWT NRPs Reduce Torque, Drag, and Carbon Footprint

High torque experienced while drilling challenging offshore wells affects equipment integrity and drilling efficiency. Over-torqued drill pipe, a fatigued top drive system, and reduced drilling parameters are some of the challenges that WWT Non-Rotating Protectors (NRPs) can help mitigate.

Client challenge
An operator in the North Sea experienced high torque while drilling a horizontal well, resulting in a drill pipe twist-off and the loss of the BHA downhole.

Our solution
Using WWT NRPs while drilling two 12-1/4” sections and one 8-1/2” section provided the necessary torque reduction to successfully reach TD. The NRPs were positioned across the build section inside the casing, where side forces were highest.

Results
Back modelling shows that at TD, torque was reduced by up to 27% and drag by up to 50 tons in pick-up weight. This equates to savings in diesel consumption of approximately €3,500 per day, along with a reduction of over 6 tons of CO₂ emissions per day.