Casing Drilling Activity Expands in South Texas

Abstract

Abstract Conoco has had a sustained, multi-rig, development program in the Lobo field of South Texas since the mid-1990's. Drilling efficiency using conventional techniques has improved to the point where additional gains are difficult to achieve. Drilling with casing was implemented as a potential way to provide a step change to drilling performance in this mature field. The Casing Drilling* process has proven to significantly reduce the in-hole trouble time below the low value that was already obtained and has demonstrated the ability to further reduce drilling costs. The first two phases of the Lobo Casing Drilling program were conducted with a dual-purpose (Casing Drilling/conventional drilling) rig. After drilling 22 wells, the Lobo Casing Drilling program is being expanded by replacing this rig with three new Casing Drilling rigs designed to further optimize Casing Drilling performance. The first of these rigs is on location and the other two will begin operations by the end of 2002.