Publications

Swamp drilling operation in Mahakam has entered the industrialization period in which fast drilling is a common practice. However, fast drilling Rate of Penetration (ROP) causes hole cleaning issues to arise and induce a high Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) trend. In some wells, this potentially leads to loss problems because of weak formation in shallow sections or depleted formation with relatively low fracture gradient. As a result, drilling parameter reduction was performed that causing lower ROP and additional circulation to reduce ECD. A new technology called Continuous Circulation Device (CCD) can help to tackle the problems mentioned above. It is a sub-based constant circulation system that enables the continuous circulation of drilling fluids downhole while making or breaking drill pipe connections. This system helps to maintain ECD and improve drilling performance as the cuttings are continuously carried out of the hole. This paper is introduced to analyze the benefits of CCD and opportunities for future development in the swamp drilling operation. The device was applied during drilling in the 12-1/4” and 8-1/2” sections. The challenge during drilling in these sections was to improve ROP without inducing bad hole cleaning that could lead to a high ECD trend. The result of CCD utilization shows that ECD during drilling could be reduced up to 2 points and become more stable compared to the previous trend. Since there was a reduction of ECD, the ROP could be improved up to 10%. Furthermore, only 1 cycle for circulation at well TD was performed as the minimum cuttings appeared. Pulling out the string and running the casing string was managed smoothly as the hole was already in a good condition. This utilization has been successfully implemented without any safety incident nor related Non-Productive Time (NPT). This positive result leads us to open the opportunity for future development in swamp fields asset.