Fit-for-Purpose Casing, Cementing, and Completion Solutions

cementing equipment and plugs

DRILL OUT PROCEDURE
Float Equipment, Stage Collar and Plugs

Contents
1. PREPARATION 1
2. DRILLOUT PROCEDURES – ROTARY TRI CONE BIT 2
3. DRILLOUT PROCEDURES – PDC BITS AND MILLS 3

1. PREPARATION

1. Apply thread lok during placement of float shoe, collar, and stage collar on casing string to prevent unthreading
in drill-out procedure.

2. Spot some cement slurry on top of the top cement plug (closing plug for stage tools) to prevent the plugs from
rota ng during drill out. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR QUICK DRILLOUT OPERATIONS.

3. Use of a three-cone, long-milled tooth rotary bit is preferred. The bit should be designed for medium to so
forma ons and should be as large as possible. PDC bits and mills can be used, but have lower penetra on rates.

4. Do not drill in an automa c mode, but maintain manual control at all mes.
5. Use a junk basket to catch drilled par cles and/or a casing scraper if drilling produc on casing.

6 Reamers and stabilizers installed close to the bit help keep the bin on target.

2. DRILLOUT PROCEDURES – ROTARY TRI CONE BIT

1. Drill at least 40-60 RPM. CAUTION: NEVER EXCEED 100 RPM.

2. Apply 2000-3000 lbs. of drilling weight per inch of bit diameter. (A six inch bit would require 12,000 – 18,000 lbs.
of drilling weight). DO NOT SPUD TARGET.

3. Use a pump rate that will circulate cu ng without decreasing bit weight on the target. (A pump rate of 40 gal/
min per inch of bit diameter is a good star ng point). DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE PUMPING RATES.

4. Maintain at least 2.0 hhp (hydraulic horsepower) per square inch of bit surface.
5. Pick up off bo om occasionally while pumping and squeak the weight back on to clear cu ngs. Work the pipe
the full length of the kelly 4 or 5 mes.

6. Run returns over the shaker and check what they look like. It should be readily apparent from measure-
ment, penetration rate, and the nature of returns when you are through the plugs, stage collar, float collar,
cement and shoe

Technical Support Line: Phone: 1.780.440.4440 | Toll Free: 1.866.640.4440 | USA 1.877.246.2612 | www.top-co.ca
Rev 00-2014
 Fit-for-Purpose Casing, Cementing, and Completion Solutions

cementing equipment and plugs

DRILL OUT PROCEDURE
Centralizers – Running Instructions

3. DRILLOUT PROCEDURES – PDC BITS AND MILLS

1. Drill in the range of 50 – 75 RPM. With the higher bit speeds used for larger diameter bits. CAUTION: NEVER
EXCEED 100 RPM.

2. Apply 800 – 1,500 lbs. of drilling weight per inch of bit diameter. (A six inch bit would require 4,800-9,000 lbs. of
drilling weight). DO NOT SPUD ON TARGET. Always start at the lighter weight in the noted range. As PDC bits are
considered to be very aggressive the least amount of weight required to obtain penetra on is recommended. If
jumping of the bit is observed then reduce weight.

3. Use a pump rate that will circulate the cu ng without decreasing bit weight on the target. (A pump rate range
of 20 to 40 gal/min per inch of bit diameter is a good star ng point). DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE PUMPING RATES.

4. Maintain at least 2.0 hhp (hydraulic horsepower) per square inch of bit surface.
5. Raise and lower the bit frequently while con nuing to drill and circulate. This ac on will help clear material from
the bit and prevent the bit from gouging large pieces from the plugs. High penetra on rates, while favorable may
result in drilling through the plugs rather than drilling up the plugs. This can result in the wiper fins of the plugs
not being drilled and subsequently becoming dislodged and wrapping the wiper fins around the drill collars /
drill pipe.

7. Run returns over the shaker and check what they look like. It should be readily apparent from measurement, pen-
etra on rate, and the nature of returns when you are through the plugs, stage collar, float collar, cement and shoe.

Technical Support Line: Phone: 1.780.440.4440 | Toll Free: 1.866.640.4440 | USA 1.877.246.2612 | www.top-co.ca
Rev 00-2014