Real Results

Performance By The Numbers

Automatic Rig Technology, Remote Operations

Combine for Unmatched Drilling Performance, Set New Benchmark in Horizontal Romanian Well

Objectives

  • Drill both sections, shoe-to-shoe, with zero nonproductive time (NPT) and flawless service quality.
  • Deliver a demanding 3D trajectory including build-to-horizontal, high turn, and a tight 32-ft (10-m) target intercept.
  • Execute operations with reduced on-site crew via Romania’s Real-Time Operations Centre (RTOC).
  • Mitigate borehole geometry risks for a stable, in-gauge wellbore.

Our Approach

  • Weatherford partnered with the operator from the early planning stages, creating a robust Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) based on offset well analysis and field experience. The FEED and planning process included several key elements.
  • The two teams systematically analyzed the previous offset well learnings and integrated the results into the technical proposal, ensuring that lessons from prior operations were fully captured.
  • A comprehensive drilling strategy was developed, identifying key risks such as trajectory control in unconsolidated formations, and defining the basis of design for each hole section.
  • Bottomhole assembly (BHA) designs and rotary steerable system (RSS) operational procedures were customized to the automatic rig’s specific characteristics and operational envelope, with a clear focus on maximizing drilling efficiency.
  • The teams selected specific fit-for-purpose technology, with both RSS and mud motor options available, to ensure trajectory delivery and complete logging requirements, including triple-combo acquisition in the reservoir section.
  • The RTOC provided 24/7 remote support in Romania, delivering real-time drilling monitoring, intervention, and optimization. The RTOC reduced on-site crew requirements, optimized personnel deployment, and maintained continuous performance oversight.
  • Leveraging the latest global satellite data transmission, high-bandwidth connectivity enabled two-way communication between the rig and the RTOC. This ensured an uninterrupted data flow, rapid decision-making, and efficient service delivery throughout the operation.

Value to Customer

  • This collaborative approach accelerated well delivery by 2.8 days, generating significant time and cost savings.
  • The well was placed with pinpoint accuracy along a demanding 3D trajectory, successfully intercepting a tight target with only 1.3 ft (0.4 m) distance from the center.
  • This innovative solution marked several key milestones:
    • Delivered flawless shoe-to-shoe drilling with zero NPT, ensuring reliability and service quality.
    • Relied on remote operations with a reduced on-site crew, lowering HSE exposure while maintaining full performance oversight.
    • Demonstrated digitally enabled service delivery with continuous data flow, proactive intervention, and precise well placement.
    • Marked a landmark achievement as Romania’s first horizontal well drilled with an automatic rig, setting a new performance benchmark for future projects.

Learn More

Drilling Services
 
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Details

Location

Romania

Well Type

Horizontal

Formation

Sands, calcareous claystone, sandstone

Hole Size and Angle

8-1/2 and 6 in., 90°

Depth

984 to 6,007 ft (300 to 1,831 m)

Products/Services

Automatic Rig Technology, Remote Operations

Contact Weatherford

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