Drilling Performance Improvement in the Haynesville Shale Play

Abstract

Abstract Significant drilling performance improvement was achieved over a two year period in the HPHT Haynesville Shale Play in North Louisiana. Technical challenges include drilling through abrasive, high compressive strength formations, bottom hole temperatures exceeding 360°F, sour gas and shut-in surface pressures near 10,000 psi. The wells are horizontal with 12,500 to 14,500 ft TVD, and 16,500 to 18,500 ft MD. The application and optimization of managed pressure drilling (MPD), underbalanced drilling (UBD), hard rock drilling, casing drilling, casing design and installation procedures will be discussed.