About
CURVE DRILLING

A fast, smooth curve is the key to a successful unconventional well. The new 7” Combined tool (CD-AST) is designed to optimize the rock-cutter interface unaffected by the curvature and then go on to drill the lateral section as effectively in the same run.

This is achieved through an articulated tool body that is stiff enough to convey the required force but also flexible enough to track even the most agile 3D steering systems at fast RPM.

The graph shows the fatigue life versus DLS for the two most flexible AST alternatives for an RPM range from 100 to 300 RPM.

This graph represents the tool with flex joints above and below as shown in the illustration. The flex joints are supplied by Tomax unless already incorporated in the BHA.

For tripping (non-rotating), fatigue is not an issue. The standards datasheets give the maximum tripping values.