Petrobras deploys AGR drilling system in Brazil

Petrobras has completed the drilling of two wells in the Rio Grande do Norte region of Brazil using AGR’s Enhanced Drilling Solutions.

The AGR solution employs EC-Drill technology based on the RMR System that has been modified for use on Petrobras jack-up wells.

AGR Americas senior vice-president Terry Scanlon said that that Petrobras is now experiencing the enhanced drilling results.

"Petrobras has been an excellent partner in this programme and we are continuing with them to fine-tune system capabilities for further wells offshore Brazil in the near future," said Scanlon.

EC-Drill technology enables operators to adjust the drilling fluid level in the conductor, allowing accurate manipulation of bottom-hole pressure for more effective drilling. The system improved drilling of the top-hole sections on the wells in two areas where all mud and cuttings were returned to the rig without any discharge to the sea.

The solution also improved the manipulation of bottom-hole pressure to compensate for EC-Drill technology. Loss of drilling fluid was also minimised while running and cementing the surface casing.

Petrobras contract manager José Fernandes said that the AGR system effectively helped to control the pressure inside the well, reflecting positively on combating the fluid losses and reducing operational costs.