"Belkamneft": the economy of drilling. Interview of Y. Fedorov, general director of OJSC "Belkamneft".
Izhevsk. OJSC «Belkamneft», a subsidiary company of OJSC NK «Russneft», having introduced new technologies, improved wells drilling system, that made possible considerable reduction of drilling period. At Centralnoye oilfield of the company well drilling under the conductor was made for 32 hours, average mechanical speed of drilling during it was 45,3 m per hour, and full time spent for drilling and conductor fastening was 72 hours. The experiment took 1,3 twenty-four hours for drilling of conductor. This is a record-breaking result for Udmurtiya territory. This became the starting point of our interview.
Ed.: Yuri Viktorovich, how would you determine the essence of your company’s drilling program?
Y.F.: I ‘m not sure it is something unexpected. . The aim of drilling program of «Belkamneft» is maintenance and building of oil production level, and without drilling of new wells it is impossible to obtain it.
For the company project fund is more than 1,5 thousand wells, so there is a lot of work to be done.
Ed.: What do the words “new drilling” mean and what would you say about the technology which allowed you to achieve the record result?
Y.F: By the existing technology during drilling cone bits were used for conductor, and their supports used to wear out quick enough. This method required to perform up to three chute-lift operations. The essence of the new technology is in replacement of the cone bits by matrix type bits. They have more efficient massive nature of rock destruction. Using such bits, we solve two problems simultaneously: increase of drilling speed and reduction of accident rates. For effective work with matrix type bits it is necessary to increase washing liquid pumping, that means to increase the hydraulic capacity.
This is achieved through the use of a second drilling pump. The result is that the drilling speed increases from 15 to 44 meters per hour.
Ed.: To what extent is such technology universal? Can you recommended to use it in other oil-producing regions of the country?
Y.F: Everything depends on the specific conditions: flow rate of the well, rocks type. For example, in Western Siberia, this technology is used quite successfully.
Ed.: How would you estimate the innovative potential of domestic producers of technologies and equipment? Can they compete on a decent level with foreign companies?
Y.F: Using different types of equipment, we, naturally, focus on the optimal price / quality ratio. Therefore we try to monitor the situation on the market. As for bits of Russian production, their quality is no worse than that of similar imported ones, and the price is lower. We use bottom hole motors both of domestic and foreign production.
In general the quality of Russian equipment suits us. But our oil companies for the time being prefer to buy rigs with similar parameters from the Chinese. The price is lower. But if the Chinese proletariat will succeed in their struggle for higher wages, our manufacturers in this market sector will be able to withstand competition.
Ed.: The economic aspect of new technologies introduction can make a substantial impact on the course of innovative processes. It's no secret that often the know - how do not find practical use because of the prohibitive cost of their introduction . How does your company solve such problems?
Y.F: It is natural, introduction of that new technologies is an expensive process. Take our example: the need to install additional drilling pump and the use of more expensive bits, of course, increases the amount of costs. But at the same time, we save about 10 days on construction of the wells. One can calculate how much oil is produced during this time. Our mission is to reallocate these funds correctly, that will compensate the increased costs of introducing new technology. Reduction of accidents rate also provides economic effect.
And finally, there is a problem of some divergence of drillers’ and oil producers’ interests. So the task of new technologies introduction is of complex nature.
Ed.: Do you consider it necessary to set up branch Expert council for wells construction and repair?
Y.F: I think that coordination within the professional community can be helpful. If the Expert council will help in organization of experience exchange, contribute to the processes standardization work, staff development – then its foundation will be absolutely justified.
I know that similar associations abroad coordinate some economic issues, set the lower limit for the cost of various works and services. Maybe we should this experience take into account.