WWT NRPs Shield Fiberglass Casing in Challenging Wells
Executive Summary
A client deployed fiberglass casing to protect against external corrosion. One of the main challenges was casing wear on the relatively soft fiberglass. WWT NRPs were installed on each drill pipe and heavyweight drill pipe rotating inside the fiberglass casing.
A total of three wells were drilled with NRPs across two sections each, consisting of 19.7” and 11” fiberglass casings. The client ran two casing logs before and after drilling through the fiberglass casing. The log results demonstrated that WWT NRPs significantly minimized casing wear on the fiberglass casing.
Relatively soft casing and low-pressure capacity
- The fiberglass casing is softer compared to steel casing and is more susceptible to wear.
- The fiberglass casing has a lower pressure capacity; therefore, maintaining its integrity is crucial to ensure safe and successful operations.
NRPs installed directly above the BHA and run in open hole
- To provide the required protection to the fiberglass casing, NRPs were installed just above the BHA on the first joint of HWDP.
- No repositioning trips were required, and NRPs were successfully run in open hole to avoid costly trips.
Operations Summary
16” and 8-1/2” sections were drilled through the 19.7” and 11” fiberglass casing, respectively. NRP placement was optimized for each well and section to reduce wear across the entire length of the fiberglass casing. An example of NRP placement in the 8-1/2” section at TD is highlighted in orange and yellow on the vertical section plot to the right.
Ultrasonic and multi-finger caliper logs were run after drilling each 16” and 8-1/2” section across the three wells, showing minimal casing wear. The client was satisfied with the performance of the NRPs and is planning to use them in more complex fiberglass casing applications.
