GEOLOG’s DrillClean provides an effective, low cost solution to monitor well bore stability and the effectiveness of cuttings removal while drilling, especially in high-angle, horizontal and extended reach wells. This is accomplished through the use of cuttings volume machines deployed at the shakers on the rig, sophisticated proprietary software, with GEOLOG specialists monitoring and communicating real-time feedback.
With the DrillClean service challenges of solids loading and hole cleaning are identified and resolved promptly, thereby avoiding serious and expensive well construction Non-Productive time (NPT).
GEOLOG’s DrillClean is effective for both offshore and onshore environments, and considered by many Operators as essential in horizontal and extended reach wells. Multiple shakers can be monitored at the same time.
The DrillClean service is compatible with most shaker systems on rigs today with little rig modification required. This service can be run as a stand-alone service or combined with GEOLOG mud logging operations. Data can be streamed in Real-time via Wellcoms with 24/7 access.
Patented GEOLOG technology, DrillClean is routinely utilized worldwide, having successfully prevented hole-cleaning related NPT on over 200 wells, onshore and offshore.
Offshore – Angola
Drilled 8 ½” Section from 3634 – 3910 m (276m)
Deviation – Over 40°
From 3,720m the hole cleaning efficiency reduces as the RPM and the flow rate were observed to decrease from 120 to 80 RPM, and from 2,000 to 1,700 l/min respectively. After identifying the accumulation of cuttings with the DrillClean service back reaming was initiated at each stand with ineffective results as shown at points “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” (as highlighted in red circles). GEOLOG Specialist highlighted that the cuttings were still being accumulated downhole.
A revised hole cleaning procedure was implemented. A HiVis-LowVis Pill was pumped to ensure effective cuttings removal and the results can be seen at point “E”. At section TD, the drilling plan called for six (6) bottoms up circulation. DrillClean service was able to determine that the missing cuttings volume was fully recovered with four (4) bottoms up circulations, saving $150,000 of NPT. The service also prevented potential stuck pipe and formation damage.
Measurement | Cuttings Weight |
Resolution | 10 g |
Frequency of computation | 5 seconds |