2024 11 27 Profiles of Courage - Michael Huber (Directional Driller)

Hello Everyone!
This morning, Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are back on bottom, preparing to start drilling again after a trip for what we thought was a malfunctioning RSS (“Rotary Steerable System”).
The current depth is 15,214’ MD. Did not make any hole yesterday because it took extra time to make the trip.
Extra time was required to POOH because we did not know what or where the problem was, therefore; you exercise caution while tripping out of the hole so as not to potentially make any matters worse. 
Earlier, while drilling, a 1,000# pressure drop was noticed, and we did not know where is had occurred.
Turns out, there were no problems with the RSS tool, but with several pipe connections right above the RSS tool.
We actually had a “washout” right above the BHA
There was an apparent nick or ding in one of the threads of a connection where erosion started and worked its way through the entire connection.

We were very fortunate that the drill string did not part, then us having to fish out the BHA below!!
Another reason for the slow trip was the fact that we had to pull “a wet string”.
This means that when you break every connection, approximately 1 Bbl of mud would fall out of the drill pipe, covering the floor and anyone standing close by! See this picture of Troy Sanford!

The only thing that the picture does not show is that it was 20⁰ F on the floor!
You just gotta respect those guys on the floor for their dedication and enduring the elements!

Current plans are:
(1.)           Drill 6 1/8” hole to 15,600’ TVD (15,800’ MD) TD thru the Shannon 5!!
(2.)           Run open hole logs.

Today’s video features Mr. Michael Huber, Directional Driller for APS Directional Services.
Here, Michael describes the challenges of directional drilling in the Green Mountain area.
Please note in the rig doghouse, the computer screens and technologies utilized to maintain bit trajectory.
In the video, you can also see the Rig 88 crew changing out the BHA and installing a new 6 1/8” bit.

Enjoy!

 

2024 11 27   https://vimeo.com/1033315272/693901fdc8?share=copy

2024 11 27 Profiles of Courage - Michael Huber (Directional Driller)

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2024 11 26 Profiles of Courage - Cody Fladeland (Derrick Hand)

This morning, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are tripping out of the hole for a malfunctioning RSS (“Rotary Steerable System”).
The current depth is 15,214’ MD. We made 529’ yesterday averaging 42 fph P rate (a substantial increase over the past several days) before the RSS failed.
Currently, POOH to change out RSS.
 
Please refer to the attachment.
The RSS consists of 3 adjustable pads that extend or retract with pump pressure and flow rate. 
These adjustable pads contain sophisticated electronics (see top image of attachment) that literally control the direction of the bit.
One of those adjustable pads has malfunctioned.
This is nothing out of the ordinary.
Mechanical things work great when they work, and don’t work great when they don't work! It’s just part of the territory.
The advent of the RSS has had a tremendous impact on the directional drilling part of the petroleum industry.
Because of this technology, directional drilling has seen significant increases in penetration rates and trajectory accuracies.
This technology will definitely play a big part in our future development plans.

Current plans are:
(1.) Finish trip to change out RSS.
(2.) Drill 6 1/8” hole to 15,600’ TVD (15,800’ MD) TD thru the Shannon 5!!
 
Today’s video features Mr. Cody Fladeland (Derrick Hand) on Rig 88.
Cody has 7 years of experience in the Rocky Mountain region.
The main responsibility of the derrick hand is proper maintenance of the mud system.
One interesting clip in this video is you can see the actual cuttings coming from the hole across the shale shaker!
One thing about Cody – he has a great attitude and is an encourager to all those around him!
He has a lot of good things to say about his crew and the Wild Mustang project!
 
Also attached is another one of Jacek’s pics.
Here, he is standing close to the wellbore, looking up through the derrick to the “Monkey Board”.
This shows ±15,000’ of 4” OD drill pipe racked in the derrick during a recent trip.
 
Enjoy!

2024 11 26   https://vimeo.com/1033332556/1705a70dca?share=copy

2024 11 26 Profiles of Courage - Cody Fladeland (Derrick Hand)