WWT NRPs Replace Steel Protectors in GoM Well

Executive Summary
After experiencing slipping and detachment issues with a competitor’s clamp-on steel protectors in a previous section, WWT’s Non-Rotating Protectors (NRPs) were deployed for the 12-1/4” section in conjunction with the competitor’s sub-type steel protectors. This solution was implemented to mitigate casing wear and reduce torque. All 439 NRPs remained securely in place on the pipe, providing effective drill pipe standoff, mitigating casing wear, and reducing torque by 46%.

NRP Performance
To provide complete standoff for every tool joint, WWT’s 5-7/8” SS3-578 NRPs were used in conjunction with a competitor’s sub and clamp-on steel protectors for the 14-1/2” x 16-1/2” section. Following slippage and detachment of the competitor’s clamp-on protectors—which resulted in Non-Productive Time (NPT) and Damaged Beyond Repair (DBR) equipment—WWT’s 6-5/8” S4-658 NRPs replaced all competitor clamp-on protectors for the subsequent 12-1/4” section, as shown in Image 1.

All 439 WWT NRPs remained secure on the pipe, with only marginal wear observed over a maximum cumulative downhole duration of 40 days. Image 2 illustrates that actual torque for the 12-1/4” section closely aligned with predictions, resulting in a 46% reduction in torque. Any deviation from predicted torque was primarily attributed to a worn bit during casing shoe track milling and lost-in-hole (LIH) clamp-on steel protectors.

WWT NRP Summary of Benefits:

• 46% torque reduction
• 27% faster tripping speed
• Enhanced casing protection
• Robust design
• Easily drillable materials
• Faster installation and removal