Drilling in the Azar and Changuleh Joint fields has consistently encountered significant challenges, particularly in maintaining wellbore stability and controlling loss circulation. Overcoming these issues demands meticulous planning and the implementation of innovative solutions.

Over the years, varoius solutions have been explored and applied to manage or resolve these challenges. However, these approaches have often lacked technical justification and failed to deliver the desired effectiveness.

An examination of operational records in these fields reveals that wellbore instability and subsequent uncontrolled loss circulations, particularly in mid-sized holes like the 12¼” section, have led to substantial costs and delays in the drilling program. In some cases, these challenges have even forced the abandonment of operations and the incomplete closure of wells due to diminished financial and temporal justification.

EMCBGA, a leading designer and manufacturer in loss circulation prevention and control technologies in Iran and the region, studied the operational history and documentation of these fields. In 2022, they conducted a technical meeting with the NIOCEXP to present an innovative drilling solution for the 12¼” section of well number 02 in the Changuleh field. This proposal initially secured approval from the management and technical teams for further evaluation.

The proposed solution by the specialists at EMCBGA underwent meticulous review over several months by the experienced and knowledgeable team at the NIOCEXP. Following successful evaluations, the solution received approval for implementation in the specified well.

The solution was designed to enhance wellbore stability in the 12¼” section, enabling it to withstand a pressure differential of approximately 4000 psi, resulting from the varying density of drilling fluids (ranging from 90 to over 135 pounds per cubic foot). This approach aimed to facilitate continuous drilling through the Asmari and Pabdeh formations over a span of about 800 meters using EMCBGA’s innovative NIF and LCM products. If successful, this would not only result in significant financial and time savings but also allow for the drilling process to proceed in a safe environment with minimal operational risks.

The strategic foresight, innovative approach, and technical and operational courage demonstrated by the managers and specialists of the NIOCEXP created a valuable opportunity for EMCBGA, a knowledge-based Engineering company, to introduce a new and efficient drilling model for the challenging Changuleh and Azar fields. This model leverages EMCBGA’s innovative products, developed with the latest global technologies, and the expertise of local professionals.

The successful implementation of this model in well number 02 of the Changuleh field led to a significant reduction in drilling time and various operational risks. Notably, it resulted in financial savings of nearly one million euros in the drilling of this specific section (12¼”) compared to the previous drilling program.

It is noteworthy that the design and implementation of this model is unprecedented in both the country and the region. For the first time, this model was successfully executed in the 12¼” section of well number 02 in the Changuleh field, under the supervision of the NIOCEXP.

Expanding the application of this model to similar challenging fields could yield significant annual foreign exchange savings—potentially up to several tens of millions of euros—as well as considerable time savings in the country’s drilling projects.

This success was made possible through the invaluable cooperation and technical and operational support of the managers and specialists of the NIOCEXP and Dana Drilling Company, who provided unwavering support to the specialists of EMCBGA throughout this project.

It is our hope that by leveraging specialized local resources, we will continue to witness the qualitative and technical advancement of the oil industry, and the increasing self-sufficiency of our nation across various sectors, in alignment with the latest global achievements.