Effective Torsional Vibration Mitigation in Caño Limon's Underreaming Applications
Authors: Zamora V. , Hoyos J. , Che R. , Rodríguez C. 
Published: February 2025

Cano Limon is a prolific oilfield located in Colombia's s Arauca Department (Llanos Basin), with the bulk of the oil produced from Eocene Mirador and the Upper Cretaceous sands. Long tangent profiles in this application often necessitate changes to the casing design. As a result, operators employ borehole enlargement while drilling on rotary steerable systems (RSS). However, challenges like excessive vibration and bottomhole assembly (BHA) instability arise when bit/reamer cutting structures encounter formations with varying mechanical properties.

High magnitude/frequency vibration often leads to cutter block, measurement while drilling (MWD), RSS, or drill bit failure. Fluctuations in torque can lead to overtorqued connections or even twist-offs, significantly increasing well construction costs. Various strategies are commonly executed to mitigate the risk of premature BHA trips due to shocks and vibrations (S&V). These include meticulous BHA design, bit-reamer matching, development of parameter roadmaps, and real-time optimization. Torsional vibration mitigation (TVM) tools integrated into the BHA offer a cost-effective solution to address S&V risks. Engineered to withstand the impact of vibration-induced energy loss, such technologies streamline operations without necessitating alterations to drilling plans or dedicated on-site supervision.

The TVM tool made its debut in Cosecha's 8½ in. × 9½ in. underreaming operation, marking a successful initial deployment. Following its validation in vibration dampening and isolation, this technology was subsequently utilized in Chipiron's 8½ in. × 9½ in. BHA. Featuring a patented pressure-compensated telescoping mechanism, the TVM effectively absorbs torsional oscillations and vibrations stemming from stick-slip occurrences, excessive engagement of the bit or reamer, and inconsistent weight transfer. Its dampening mechanism leverages a telescoping action to mitigate abrupt variations in weight or torque, while vibration energy is dispersed across a spring stack calibrated to meet application-specific demands. Consequently, the underreaming RSS restores both torsional and axial stability.

An offset well experienced 50% on-bottom time accompanied by high or severe levels of stick-slip. Conversely, a nearby well featuring a strategically positioned TVM within the underreaming RSS BHA observed a significant reduction in torsional vibration to just 7%. Moreover, the subject well achieved a 40% longer interval, alongside notable improvements in rate of penetration (ROP). Notably, no instances of overtightened connections were reported at the surface in the subject well, contributing to a reduction in cycle time.

Vibration intensity correlates with BHA failures. A comprehensive strategy is crucial for addressing vibration-related issues. The TVM tool demonstrates cost-effective and reliable vibration reduction. By minimizing the BHA's exposure to detrimental S&V, TVM enhances the mean time between failures, improves drilling efficiency, and lowers construction costs. Further research is warranted to optimize TVM placement and configuration for specific applications.