An E&P company was drilling an exploratory well in the Northern region of Pakistan. Drilling through a carbonate formation in a 12-1/4” hole section, total losses were observed with gas influx. Initially, LCM was pumped through the string which was later plugged. This situation did not allow the operator to POOH as no circulating tool was installed in the BHA.
Several days were spent trying to control the losses through the annulus. Finally, the DP had to be perforated to establish circulation prior to POOH.
It took several days for the operator to resume drilling operations, resulting in a major loss of rig time as well as the loss of expensive drilling fluid.
It is pertinent to mention that the operator had to drill 250m of the remaining fractured formation.
The PBL® Multi Activation Bypass System with extended catcher sub was made part of the next drilling BHA.
Having DSI PBL® subs in the drilling BHA can enable operators to handle losses in a timely manner, which ultimately results in major saving of rig time, as well as the continuous loss of expensive drilling fluid. The DSI PBL® Multiple Activation Bypass System should be made an essential component of the drilling BHA.
