Paper: A Practical Guide To Drilling Optimization

A procedure to optimize drilling programs is presented from a practical standpoint. The concept of a control well based on offset well data, using a cost per foot approach is discussed. Once the control-well and proposed-well data have been determined, a systematic analysis of the drilling variables is carried out. This analysis is concerned with the drilling hydraulics, mud properties, bit type, bit weight, and rotary speed. The final product is a well program which includes a summary of the proposed hydraulics, mud system, bit selection and operating conditions. In a final analysis, proposed drilling costs are compared with costs for the control well, and the proposed cost savings is determined.