Stabilized or Slick?

The question as to whether to use a stabilized or slick assembly is often based on the experience of those that are charged with executing the directional drilling work, as well as on the analysis of the expected static and dynamic behavior of the BHA.

In most cases both types of BHA’s have shown good results in helping to attain the directional objective, however every operator and service company continues to experience their fair share of disappointments. Frequently these problems range from having to make compromises to the planned trajectory to early termination of the run to re-configure the BHA.

To help illuminate the pros and cons of stabilized and slick drilling assemblies and to add a rational based element to the discussion, the IADD is planning to make stabilization (or the lack of it) the central theme of its August 23rd luncheon at Landry’s in The Woodlands.

The event will consist of 4 parts:

1. Modeling Considerations

A. Curve

• Tool Face Stability
• Build Rate
• Local Dog Legs

B. Lateral

• Buckling
• Side Loads
• Dynamics

2. Operational Experiences

• BUR predictability (theoretical vs. actual)
• Does motor angle affect stabilization (Curve-Lateral)?
• Bedding planes vs. Stabilized vs. slick
• Slick vs. Stabilized Rotary Steerable BHA’s
• Applications where stabilization is required
• Instances where slick is the only way

3. Stabilizer Design Considerations

• Geometry
• Materials
• Reaming Capability

4. Discussion