RDM-C Reelwell Liner- and Casing Drilling

Drilling with casing was done more than 100 years ago, and has developed a lot since then. The benefit is savings of time and risk, due to parallel operations. However, the technology has challenges related to high torque and drag of the drill string, and due to high pressure losses in the small annular space outside the liner or casing. Reelwell has developed new drilling technology based on the use of a dual channel drill string, where the above mentioned challenges related to torque and pressure losses are solved. The idea is to adapt this new technology for liner- and casing drilling. This is expected to improve the reach and use of the technology. Calculations indicate very good performance in order to reduce torque and pressure losses and thereby improve the reach for liner- and casing drilling. A successful development of the technology for liner- and casing drilling is expected to give considerable cost reductions for exploration and production. It is also expected to result in large value creation both in Norway and around the world.

The main objectives of the RDM-C project were: - Feasibility and design of system and prototype components. - Manufacturing and workshop testing of system assemblies. - Full scale verification of system. The results of the project were successful on all the above points. The novel RDM-C solution for installing liner while drilling long horizontal wells should be further field tested, to improve the operator's confidence to use the technology in their field operations.