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Drilling Stabilizers

Discover the drilling stabilizers that we have developed to address the known issues of conventional blade stabilizers.

Fizedblade Stabilizer close

Fixedblade® Stabilizer

Simple yet innovative solution that enhances drilling performance, prevents downhole failures and makes tripping easier.

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RSS Sleeve close

RSS Sleeve

A revolutionary solution engineered to overcome the limitations of traditional spiral blade sleeve stabilizers.

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The Fixedblade NearBit Stabilizer Horizontal View. Used for Directional Drilling in the Oil and Gas industry.

Fixedblade® NearBit Stabilizer

Designed to address the known shortcomings of the conventional spiral blade near bit stabilizer.

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Bitbox Stabilizer

Fixedblade® Bitbox Stabilizer

Replaces the need for static sleeve stabilization, which improves weight transfer when slide drilling using mud motors.

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Lennert

Introduction to Drilling Stabilizers

In the realm of drilling operations, precision and efficiency are paramount. Drilling stabilizers, a crucial tool in the oil and gas industry, play a pivotal role in ensuring successful drilling by mitigating challenges related to hole deviation, vibration, and overall drilling accuracy.

Fixedblade Stabilizer Sideview

What are Drilling Stabilizers

Drilling stabilizers, also known as rotary stabilizers or simply stabilizers, are specialized devices employed in drilling operations to counteract the potential deviation of the borehole from its intended path. These cylindrical tools are designed to provide stability to the drill string, minimizing the effects of lateral and torsional vibrations that can lead to costly drilling inefficiencies and complications.

BG Lines

Applications of Drilling Stabilizers

Precision in Directional Drilling

One primary application of drilling stabilizers is in directional drilling projects. Directional drilling involves deliberately deviating the wellbore from the vertical to access oil and gas reservoirs that are not vertically aligned. Drilling stabilizers help maintain the desired trajectory, preventing unintended deviation and ensuring the wellbore accurately reaches its target zone. This is especially crucial in offshore drilling, where precise well placement is vital to tapping into underwater reserves.

Vibration and shock dampening

Drilling operations are often plagued by vibrations and shocks that can adversely affect equipment integrity and drilling efficiency. Drilling stabilizers act as shock absorbers, dampening vibrations caused by the rotational movement of the drill bit. By reducing these vibrations, stabilizers enhance the longevity of the drilling equipment and improve overall drilling performance.

Hole enlargement

During the drilling process, the borehole is often smaller than the final well diameter. Drilling Stabilizers equipped with specially designed blades can aid in enlarging the borehole to the desired diameter. This is particularly useful when installing casing strings or completing wellbores, ensuring proper casing placement and well integrity.

How do Drilling Stabilizers work?

Design and construction

Drilling stabilizers are typically constructed from high-strength materials such as steel alloys to withstand the harsh conditions encountered during drilling. They are cylindrical in shape, with a central bore that accommodates the drill string. The outer surface of the stabilizer features strategically positioned blades or fins. These blades create a stabilizing effect by interacting with the borehole walls.

Passive Stabilization Mechanism

The operation of drilling stabilizers revolves around a passive stabilization mechanism. As the drill string rotates, the blades on the stabilizer’s exterior come into contact with the borehole walls. This contact generates a reactive force that counteracts the lateral forces attempting to deviate the borehole. By offering resistance against these lateral forces, stabilizers maintain the desired trajectory.

Selecting the right Drilling Stabilizer

Choosing the appropriate drilling stabilizer depends on various factors, including the well’s geological conditions, drilling objectives, and the type of drill string being used. Stabilizer diameter, blade configuration, and spacing are all important considerations. Consulting with drilling experts and utilizing advanced drilling simulations can aid in selecting the optimal stabilizer for a specific drilling project.

Bitbox Stabilizer Sideview

Innovations in Drilling Stabilizer Technology

Adjustable Drilling Stabilizers

Recent advancements in drilling technology have led to the development of adjustable stabilizers. These stabilizers feature replacable blades that can be replaced on the rig site. This versatility allows drilling operators to keep operations going and reduce unnecessary inventory and transportation costs.

Interchangeable G2 Monoblades for the Switchblade Stabilizer. Drilling stabilizers for remote locations.

Smart Stabilizers

The integration of sensors and data analytics into drilling operations has given rise to smart drilling stabilizers. These innovative tools gather real-time data on drilling parameters such as vibration levels, weight on bit, and torque. The collected data is then analyzed to make informed decisions about adjusting stabilizer settings, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and reducing the risk of equipment failures.

Enhanced Materials and Coatings

Advancements in materials science have led to the development of stabilizers with enhanced durability and wear resistance. Additionally, specialized coatings are being applied to the stabilizer blades to reduce friction and wear during operation. These enhancements contribute to prolonging the lifespan of stabilizers and minimizing downtime due to maintenance.

Drilling Stabilizers are indispensable components in modern drilling operations. Their ability to ensure borehole precision, mitigate vibrations, and enhance drilling efficiency makes them a cornerstone of successful drilling projects, particularly in directional drilling and challenging geological conditions.

As technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate further innovations that will refine the capabilities of drilling stabilizers, driving the industry toward even greater levels of accuracy and effectiveness. Whether in onshore or offshore drilling, the role of Drilling Stabilizers remains pivotal in achieving optimal drilling outcomes.

Drilling Stabilizers FAQ

Please note that beside the ranges below, we also offer custom tool sizes for odd hole sizes upon request.

Fixedblade Range

  • 17 1/2 inch series
  • 16 inch series
  • 12 1/4 inch series
  • 8 1/2 inch series
  • 6 inch series in both string and nearbit version.


Switchblade Range

  • 17 inch Series
  • 16 inch Series
  • 12 inch Series


Please note
The Switchblade can be configured as a Drilling Stabilizer or a Reamer, or a combination of both, (the hybrid version). The stabilizer version is adjusted by 1 inch in increments of 1/8 inch. The Reamer version is Adjustable by ½ inch in increments of 1/8 inch. The blades are all interchangeable throughout the range from the 12 inch series through to the 17 inch series.

We offer a range of drilling stabilizers from hole size 17-1/2 inch – 6 inch. We are also able to build customized tools if required.

We supply two of our own developed type of stabilizers: the Switchblade and the Fixedblade.
All of our range of tools are recognizable by their unique design features, blade orientation, open profile, (no spiral blade profile) all blades have a dome profile (no sharp edges). The stabilizers for 17-1/2 inch and 16 inch hole sections all have 8 blades; 4 blades mounted in the down-flow position and 4 mounted in the up-flow position. The tools from 12-1/4 inch – 6 inch hole size have 6 blades, 3 down-flow, and 3 up-flow.

Our range of tools are different from conventional stabilizers, in profile and geometry. The orientation and placement of the blades improve the weight and energy transfer while enhancing the flow through and around the blades, improving the transportation of cuttings and ECD.

The domed profile of the blades (no sharp edges) reduces rotary torque and vibration while protecting the filter-cake. The 8-points of contact on the 17-1/2 inch and 16 inch tools and 6-points of contact on the smaller sizes, provides all-round contact with the borehole.

We offer a range of different types of hardfacing from tungsten carbide tiles HF 3000 (Quicktip), HF5000 to HF6500. However, we usually go with what is readily repairable in the region where the tools are deployed. We also offer diamond enhanced hardfacing upon request.

You would go for a Switchblade when choosing a stabilizer to run above a steerable motor. Or for applications where an adjustable outer diameter is preferred in order to fine tune and improve the performance of the BHA.

The Switchblade stabilizer is also ideal for remote locations where turnaround times are a challenge.

The Switchblade stabilizer has the following application advantages over integral blade stabilizers:

  • Damaged or worn blades can be replaced on location if required
  • The outer diameter of the blades can be adjusted by 1 inch in increments of 1/8 inch by using shims. This eliminates the need for under gauge stabilizers on location
  • The blades are interchangeable throughout the range i.e. from 12-1/4 inch – 16 inch and 17-1/2 inch.
  • The tool can be configured as a stabilizer or a reamer or as a combination of both i.e. a hybrid reamer
  • The Switchblade is the ideal tool to run above a steerable motor as the outer diameter can be adjusted/fine tuned to suit the build-up requirements and borehole trajectory, the lower set of blades can be gauged lower than the upper set to provide a taper, which will minimize hanging-up and motor stalls when slide drilling.

 

The reasons above make the Switchblade the ideal tool to have on remote locations.

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