3 Job Execution
3.1 Tripping In / Filling Pipe
There are no PowerDrive-Specific requirements on how frequently to fill pipe while tripping in.
When filling pipe, it is advised to break circulation and pump at the tool’s Minimum Drill Flow for 5-10
minutes. This will help prevent the torquers from jamming with solids or metallic debris before reaching
bottom. This is especially critical with mud weights above 12 ppg or when used mud has recently been
added to the active system from an unknown source.
Be aware that when PowerDrive is run below a motor, any circulation will result in rotation of the
PowerDrive and any other BHA components located below the motor. Use caution and monitor shock
and vibration in this scenario, especially while inside casing.
3.2 Reaming / Back-Reaming
During reaming operations, the drill string has greater freedom of motion as it is not constrained by WOB.
With this greater freedom of motion comes a greater potential for Shock damage. If running with
RealTime PowerDrive Communication, pay close attention to the PD’s shock & vibration measurements.
MWD shock sensors are mounted up the string and may see reduced shock amplitudes due to their
distance from the bit. Reaming at low rpm reduces the energy in the system, decreasing the amplitude
and the number of shocks to the tool. It is recommended to rotate as slow as is practicable to achieve
the necessary hole cleaning effects of reaming.
Reaming in the hole:
In certain formations, it is often necessary to ream small sections while running in the hole. For longer
sections of reaming such as a curve that was drilled with a slick BHA, suggest a separate, stabilized
reaming run prior to picking up PowerDrive.
If a short period of reaming is necessary while running in the hole:
• Reduce flow to the PowerDrive’s Minimum Drill Flow. This will reduce pad pressure significantly
but still allow for adequate cleaning of the torquers to prevent jamming.
• Be sure to ream at a high penetration rate to avoid forming a ledge and inadvertently sidetracking.
• Set the PowerDrive (TF/%) as if you were drilling this section to prevent an accidental side track.
o If reaming a curve with DLS greater than 8 deg/100 ft, set the tool in 0/100%.
o If reaming a lateral, set the tool in 0/25%.
o For all other scenarios, select the setting that would achieve the DLS of the section being
reamed.
Back-reaming:
Ordinarily, back-reaming should not be planned into the drilling program. On occasion, offset well
experience may show that plastic formations flow or swell and constrict the wellbore after a given period
of time. In these cases, regular wiper trips and back-reaming may be unavoidable. In many other cases,
back-reaming is not effective and can actually consume rig time and damage the wellbore and/or our
BHA components.
If back-reaming becomes unavoidable:
• Drill the stand down, pick up off bottom, and reduce the rpm to approximately 40 to 60 rpm.
• Reduce flow to the PowerDrive’s Minimum Drill Flow. This will reduce pad pressure significantly
but still allow for adequate cleaning of the torquers to prevent jamming.
• Monitor real-time shock and vibration levels from the BHA and monitor the annular pressure readings
if available.
• Slowly start backreaming while continuously monitoring real-time data.
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