Training

Project cost reductions achieved through enhanced drilling efficiency, that lead to cycle time improvement, must be predictable and sustainable. For all projects, regardless of asset class, cycle time improvement has two distinct phases. The first phase is termed as cycle time reduction, while the second is categorized as cycle time consistency.

There are two trends in the first phase (reduction): fast-learning and fast-following. These trends are defined by the number or wells needed to attain best achievable cycle times (CT_EC) for specific projects. Project teams are on fast-learning trends, when fewer wells (NW_FL) are needed to reach this condition. This happens when project teams interpret outcomes, execute actionable lookbacks, follow change protocols, review and re-rank cycle time factors (CTFs), re-design drilling systems, establish appropriate drilling parameter ranges, develop new parameter roadmaps with drill-off-tests protocols, revise field execution strategies for surveillance and remediation of dysfunctions etc. (labeled-1). Project teams are on fast-following trends, when projects are designed and executed, devoid of the detailed steps described earlier. There will be steady improvements (labeled-2), but it takes much longer with a lot more wells (NW_FF ) before attainment of economic cycle times (CT_EC). In most instances, project teams on a fast-following trend never achieve economic cycle time limits (labeled-3). 

The second phase in cycle time improvement (consistency), requires maintenance of achieved economic cycle times till completion of all projects on a specific drilling campaign. In most instances, the rig specifications, tubulars, hydraulics and pumps, establish this limit. During the consistency period, the optimization/project team moves to other areas to execute the same fast-learning protocols. Measured difference between NW_FL and NW_FF represents additional project savings.