IADC/SPE 151221

Converting Static Friction to Kinetic Friction to Drill Further and Faster in

Directional Holes
Lane P. Skyles, Yosef A. Amiraslani, National Oilwell Varco; James E. Wilhoit, Devon Energy

Copyright 2012, IADC/SPE Drilling Conference and Exhibition

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2012 IADC/SPE Drilling Conference and Exhibition held in San Diego, California, USA, 6–8 March 2012.

This paper was selected for presentation by an IADC/SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not
been reviewed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily
reflect any position of the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any
part of this paper without the written consent of the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is
restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of IADC/SPE copyright.

Abstract
Since the dawn of directional drilling with downhole mud-motors, Operators and Directional Drillers (DD’s) have
been continuously frustrated by the difficulties encountered during “sliding” operations. The challenge has always
been how to overcome static friction between the drill pipe and the hole wall while the pipe is not rotating.
Overcoming this static friction becomes more and more difficult as the DD leaves 0° inclination and works toward
90°. Some of the challenges to overcome are weight stacking, sinusoidal and helical buckling of the drill pipe,
stick slipping, inability to hold tool face, slow ROP, etc. The good news is that static friction while sliding can now
be greatly reduced by effectively converting it to kinetic friction; kinetic friction being much less inhibitive to drilling
operations.

The following paper introduces a drilling tool that breaks static friction while sliding. This tool has repeatedly
shown to break this friction without detriment to other downhole drilling tools or operations. Drilling with kinetic
friction instead of static friction saves time, money and frustration. The Introduction of the following paper
demonstrates the stated problem by showing the basics of friction resistance in the drill string while directionally
drilling. The paper then describes this downhole tool and how it cures symptoms that frustrate the DD. The final
section will present a Case Study conducted in a Barnett Shale horizontal drilling application in Tarrant County,
Texas. It will strive to graphically illustrate and emphasize the effect of the tool on drilling operations.

Introduction
In order to directionally drill with mud-motors, the DD must stop rotating from surface in order for the bent housing
motor and its drill bit to build angle. This is referred to as a “sliding” operation. The problem with sliding is now
that the drill string is stationary; the friction to overcome has now converted from kinetic friction (moving friction) to
static friction (friction at a stand-still). Static frictional forces are generally much higher than kinetic frictional
forces so problems result in getting weight to the bit, maintaining tool face, etc. These two frictions are further
explained by the use of basic physics.

Consider a block of wood on a table top. The block has a certain weight (W).

Figure 1: Block With Weight (W)

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Newton’s Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction so there must be a force
that counteracts this weight (W). This weight is defined as (N).

Figure 2: Block With Equal And Opposite Force (N)

The block is now at equilibrium. In order to get the block moving, a force (P) must be applied to the side of the
block. This force (P) must be greater than the frictional force (F) that opposes it. This frictional force at rest is
called, static friction.

Figure 3: Block Overcoming Static Friction

The equation for static friction (Fs) is:

(Eq. 1) Fs = µs * N

Where (µs) is the static coefficient of friction that exists between the table and the block. Now imagine that the
block overcomes the static frictional force and begins to move. Once the block begins this movement, the
frictional force between the block and table is reduced. This reduced friction is known as kinetic friction and is
defined by the following equation:

(Eq. 2) Fk = µk * N

Where (µk) is the kinetic coefficient of friction that exists between the table and the block; while the block is
moving. The relationship between static and kinetic friction is different for any two interfacing parts but generally
speaking; kinetic friction is 75% the force of static friction1. So the equation for kinetic friction now becomes:

(Eq. 3) Fk = .75µs * N

As can be seen from the equations just stated; it is much easier to keep the block moving than it is to get the
block started. A graphical picture of the two frictional forces is shown below.

2
Figure 4: Graphical Representation of Static vs. Kinetic Friction

From the graph, it can be seen that when the side force (P) is equal to zero, its equal and opposite static frictional
force (Fs) is also equal to zero. However, as (P) increases (Fs) increases in a 1-to-1 relationship with (P) until (P)
is finally greater than what (Fs) can withstand. At this “breaking point” the frictional force drops down 25% and
stays constant as the block is pushed across the table. The bottom line is that it is much easier to keep a body
moving than it is to get it started. This basic principal applies to directional drilling.
IADC/SPE 151221 3

Friction & The Lateral Section

The same basic physics principles that were stated in the previous section can now be applied to a real world
application. That application would be what confronts a DD while drilling a lateral section of a well. The following
can also apply to drilling a curve section, tangent section; and even a vertical section. However, for simplicity,
only the lateral section will be used to explain the real world application.

Assume a 4,000 foot lateral section with 5 inch drill pipe weighing an average of 22 lbs/foot. Figure 5 shows that
this would be an 88,000 lb static load resting on the bottom of the hole with an opposing static frictional force (Fs).

Figure 5: Drill Pipe & Static Friction

Referring to Equation 1, and using a static coefficient of friction of .253; we can determine that in order to get the
pipe moving during sliding operations, a static frictional force of 22,000 lbs must first be overcome.

Fs = .25 * 88,000 lbs = 22,000 lbs

This shows that the first 22,000 lbs of weight on bit (WOB) is used up in simply getting the pipe to move in the
direction drilled. However, the overcoming force needed can be reduced by 25% if the friction can be converted
from static to kinetic. Referring to Equation 3, we see that the force is reduced to 16,500 lbs.

Fk = .75 * .25 * 88,000 lbs = 16,500 lbs

It can be clearly seen that drilling operations are improved greatly when kinetic friction is maintained in the drill
string as a DD is drilling ahead. It should be noted that the previous example only shows a root cause of
inefficient directional drilling; static friction. This root cause manifests itself in frustrating symptoms experienced
by the DD while drilling. These symptoms are discussed in the following sections and include weight stacking that
leads to buckling of drill pipe, stick slipping, loss of tool face, slow and erratic ROP, etc.

Symptoms of Static Friction

Weight Stacking
Weight stacking occurs downhole as the cumulative friction along the entire drillstring is larger than the applied
WOB or downforce. The downforce will “stack” uphole and effectively limit the amount of weight transfer. A
visual representation of this weight stacking is shown in Figure 6:

Figure 6: Drill Pipe & Static Friction

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Sinusoidal Buckling
When the weight stacking becomes great enough, buckling of the drill pipe occurs. One type of buckling is
sinusoidal buckling; the pipe buckles in a “sinusoidal” wave pattern. When the pipe is engaging the wall at points,
as what occurs in sinusoidal buckling, all of the drilling force is not directed down the hole toward the bit but is “re-
directed” into the hole wall.

4
Figure 7: Sinusoidal Pipe Buckling

Helical Buckling
If the weight stacking continues the sinusoidal buckling will transition into helical buckling. In helical buckling, the
drill pipe collapses into the dimensional configuration of a coiled spring or helix. This type of buckling results in
the same loss of downward drilling force which has been re-directed into the hole wall.

5
Figure 8: Helical Pipe Buckling

Stick Slipping
When weight stacking occurs, the weight will build to the point of overcoming the opposing static friction which
results in a sudden release of weight to the bit. When this happens, the bit will many times “spud” into the
formation. If this spudding presents a high enough constraining force, rotation of the bit will stop until a force
great enough to overcome the constraining force is achieved. This occurrence is usually violent and is referred to
as stick slipping.

Figure 9: Stick Slip

IADC/SPE 151221 5

Loss Of Tool Face

As the DD is slide drilling with a bent housing motor, the longer tool face can be held the faster drilling will
proceed. However, a problem occurs when stacked weight releases downward to the bit; the bit will not only stick
slip but tool face will be lost. When this occurs, the DD has to lift off bottom, redirect tool face in the direction
needed to drill, and then drop back to bottom for further drilling. This redirecting of tool face uses up both time
and money. Consistent and steady weight applied to the bit helps alleviate this operation.

Figure 10: Tool Face

Slow & Erratic ROP

Buckling, stick slip, loss of tool face; all of these add up to slow and erratic ROP. Cure the static friction problem
and the weight stacking is reduced helping to eliminate these resulting symptoms. Once the detrimental
symptoms are removed, ROP improves.

Converting Static Friction

The previously stated symptoms and their root cause (static friction) are certainly concerns for Directional Drillers.
However, there is a tool designed specifically to convert static friction to kinetic friction in directional holes thereby
alleviating these problems. This tool has proven to increase ROP and to make directional drilling operations
much more efficient than was previously possible. Its design and function are discussed in the following. From
henceforth, this tool will be referred to as the “FrictionReducer”.

Design Explanation
The FrictionReducer relies on three main mechanisms to operate; the power section, the valve section and the
excitation section.

Power Section
The Power Section is a 1:2 lobe power section as seen on a positive displacement motor. As mud is pumped
down the drill string, it passes through the 1:2 lobe section which rotates the rotor. The FrictionReducer’s valve is
connected to the bottom end of the rotor. This valve is called the Oscillating Valve Assembly (OVA).

Figure 11: Cutaway View; 1:2 Lobe Power Section

There is no torque requirement for the power section; its function is to simply rotate the (OVA) which in turn
creates pressure pulses. These pulses and how they “excite” the drill string are explained in the following
sections.
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Valve Section
In explaining the pressure pulses; a hole in the end-face of the OVA is strategically placed over a receiving hole of
a Stationary Plate (Figure 12). The hole in the Stationary Plate is centered on the axis of rotation of the OVA.

Figure 12: Valve Section

Since the centerline of the hole in the OVA is not centered on the rotor’s axis of rotation, the OVA hole
continuously has mud flow being restricted, and then not being restricted, by the centered hole in the Stationary
Plate. The path of the OVA hole is shown in Figure 13. Imagine the hole of the Stationary Plate is centered with
the Stator.

Figure 13: OVA Hole Path As Rotor Rotates

As mud flow is cycling between being restricted and un-restricted (flow is never completely cut off) pressure
pulses are sent up the string. These pulses “excite” the shock tool that is connected to the top of the
FrictionReducer. This shock tool and its function are further explained in the following Excitation Section.
Depending on flow rate and tool size, the pressure pulses at a frequency of 8 to 30Hz.

Excitation Section
In referring to Figure 14, a shock tool has been attached to the FrictionReducer. The shock tool is attached
above the FrictionReducer in the drill string. Belleville Springs internal to the shock tool provide “energy storage”
for the FrictionReducer system.

Figure 14: Shock Tool Connected To The FrictionReducer

IADC/SPE 151221 7

A closer look at the shock tool gives a better understanding of its function when attached to the FrictionReducer.
Figure 15 shows this close-up where it can be seen that this tool is a shock absorber of sorts. The seasoned
driller will recognize and remember that shock tools in the drilling industry are used to absorb shocks in the drill
string. Many times the tool is placed near the bit in order to prevent bit damage.

Figure 15: Shock Tool

When the shock tool is placed above the FrictionReducer, the shock tool’s normal function is reversed. Instead of
functioning as an absorber, it now receives the pressure pulses and extends axially. The shock tool transforms
the hydraulic energy of the FrictionReducer into mechanical energy in the form of axial vibration. After each pulse
passes the shock tool, the tool regresses to its original position. Axial displacement with each pulse is 3/8” with a
force of approximately 2g’s; enough to convert static friction to kinetic friction. As a result of the low force and
minimal axial distance moved, no downhole tools are affected during excitation.

Symptoms Solved
Ever since DD’s began drilling with the FrictionReducer, a step change in the efficiency of directional drilling has
been realized. With the simple concept of converting static friction to kinetic friction the FrictionReducer has
greatly reduced problems related to weight stacking, buckling, poor tool face control, stick slipping, and subpar
ROP’s. The DD now has much smoother and more efficient directional runs. An additional feature of this tool is
that it not only helps the DD in sliding but also increases ROP when the drill string is rotating. The reason for this
increase while rotating is the rotating string converts static friction to kinetic friction in the “rotational” direction,
only. The FrictionReducer converts friction in the “axial” direction; which gives one more “friction direction” that is
converted. Thus the rotating ROP is improved.

FrictionReducer Case Study

Overview
A major Operator in the Barnett Shale Area of North Texas was recently interested in reducing the amount of
hours needed to drill a well. As a result, 5 wells were drilled from the same pad (Pad 1, Figure 16) in Tarrant
County; 3 wells without a FrictionReducer and 2 wells with a FrictionReducer in the curve section only. Three
other Tarrant County wells (Pad 2, Figure 16) were drilled in the same area as the 5 previously stated wells. The
FrictionReducer was used "top to bottom" on these 3 wells (except in surface hole). The number of hours to
complete each well was evaluated. Hole size for all of these wells was 8 ¾”. All of the wells were drilled by the
same Operator, Contractor, Rig and Directional Company.

Figure 16: Tarrant County, Texas Pad Sites

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Formation tops for these 2 pad sites:

Upper Atoka (Sandstone, Siltstone, Shale) 3,096 ft

Lower Atoka (Sandstone, Siltstone, Conglomerate) 5,446 ft
Bend Conglomerate (Sandstone, Conglomerate) 5,911 ft
Marble Falls (Limestone) 6,579 ft
Barnett Shale (Shale) 6,684 ft

Before The FrictionReducer

Three wells were drilled on Pad 1 that had no FrictionReducer. The average “In” footage was 1,011 ft and the
average “Out” footage was 9,626 ft for a footage drilled of 8,615 ft. The time to drill this section was 120 hours
resulting in an average ROP of 71.8 ft/hr. After these wells were drilled the Operator decided to try to increase
this ROP by running the FrictionReducer in the curve section of the well. The drill-out section and the lateral
section did not have a FrictionReducer in the BHA.

FrictionReducer - Curve Section Only

Two wells were drilled on Pad 1 that had a FrictionReducer in the BHA of the curve section. The average “In” for
these wells was 1,005 ft and the average “Out” was 10,593 ft for a footage drilled of 9,588 ft. The time to drill
these wells was only 111.5 hours which already indicates that these wells were faster than the non-
FrictionReducer well counterparts which took 120 hours to drill the lesser 8,615 ft. The ROP of these “Curve
Section Only” wells was increased to 86.0 ft/hr. ROP had improved an eye opening 20%. Needless to say, the
Operator was pleased with these results; so pleased that the Operator decided to run the FrictionReducer on the
next 3 wells.

FrictionReducer - Entire Well (Drill-Out, Curve, Lateral)

Three wells were drilled on Pad 2 that had a FrictionReducer in the BHA of all 3 sections under surface hole.
These sections included the drill-out, curve and lateral. The average “In” for these wells was similar to the
previous wells at 1,048 ft. The average “Out” was even deeper than the previous at 13,186 ft; for a footage drilled
of 12,138 ft. Interestingly, these 3 “Full FrictionReducer” wells were drilled in fewer hours (102 hours) than each
of the previous five wells yet were drilled further than the previous wells. The average ROP for these “Full
FrictionReducer” wells was 119.0 ft/hr. This was an overall improvement of 66% over the “FrictionReducer-less”
wells. The Operator, pleased with the results, has run the FrictionReducer ever since.

Case Study Graphical Data Set

The following are graphical representations of the drilling recorder data provided by the Operator output in
proprietary software. The graphs illustrate the inherent advantages seen by using the tool and cover a cross
section of the data available. The vertical, curve, and lateral are examined to better illustrate graphically exactly
what was happening and to what extent the FrictionReducer’s inclusion in the drillstring had on downhole
performance. As will be the case with each section examined, there are examples of non-FrictionReducer runs
followed by the FrictionReducer assisted runs.

Figures 17 and 18 are direct comparisons. In Figure 17, the vertical section was drilled in standard practice with
no use of a FrictionReducer. The drilling was smooth with relatively flat and consistent WOB and a healthy ROP.
With no direct offset assessment, this would be seen as a strong run and perhaps no intervention would be
required. When looking at Figure 18 however, it can be seen that this well has not been fully optimized and there
was definitely room for improvement both in a case by case situation as well as overall for the field.
IADC/SPE 151221 9

WOB near
30klbs ROP
hovers at
200 ft/hr

Figure 17: Non-FrictionReducer Vertical Section Drilling

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WOB near
20klbs, ROP
over 225
ft/hr

Figure 18: FrictionReducer Vertical Section Drilling

With the addition of the FrictionReducer in the vertical section, the ROP has increased sufficiently but more
importantly the required WOB has decreased from around 30klbs to approximately 21klbs on average. This
equates to approximately a 30% decrease in WOB coupled with a 12.5% increase in ROP for this interval. This
simply illustrates one of the abilities of the tool, increased efficiency through weight requirement reductions. In
this case, drilling faster with less down force being put into the system. The WOB track has also leveled out more
in the FrictionReducer run. While there was a modest increase in average torque, this was coupled with the
increase in rotary RPM.
IADC/SPE 151221 11

Required WOB
doubled during
sliding

Significant ROP
increase after
slide followed
by steep drop

Figure 19: Non-FrictionReducer Lateral Section Drilling

Another aspect of the FrictionReducer is its ability to improve sliding in a variety of ways. As mentioned
previously, sliding can be improved through increased toolface control, reductions in WOB differentials while
sliding compared to rotating, and increasing the sliding ROP. Figure 19 is the standard well being drilled with no
tool assistance. While rotating the WOB hovers around 30-32klbs, but when the rig begins the slide operation,
the necessary WOB doubles to 65-75klbs. This equates to very inefficient drilling as this extra downhole energy
is being dissipated elsewhere and not directly drilling more rock. At approximately 7,600 ft after a slide, the ROP
instantly increases dramatically and then sharply tapers off. This could be from the WOB downward force not
making it to the bit while sliding and then breaking free once rotation began. As it drills further, it settles back into
its normal range. While this is not classic weight stacking, this does allude to buckling uphole while the rig is
sliding. Since the pipe is buckled in some capacity, there is no way for the weight to effectively transfer downhole.
12 IADC/SPE 151221

Relatively
small increase
in required
WOB to
maintain
drilling while
sliding

Figure 20: FrictionReducer Lateral Section Run

In the offset well, while drilling at the same depths shows a different story (Figure 20). First of all, the average
rotating WOB is slightly less but is for the most part negligible. What is significant is the sliding WOB needed.
While it was 60klbs+ before, it’s now 30-35klbs average. This is very noteworthy. What this means is that a
much larger percentage of the downward weight is making it down to the bit to enable drilling compared with the
previous well. The FrictionReducer well does show a decrease in ROP while sliding which is to be expected, but
the average values while sliding for the FrictionReducer well are about 20-25% higher for this section compared
to the offset. Another item of note is the consistencies of both the ROP and WOB parameters. The
FrictionReducer enabled well has a much tighter trend and average for both parameters. This is indicative of the
increase in efficiency and leads to very reliable predictability. On all of the FrictionReducer runs, regardless of the
interval, the overall ROP track was far more consistent and tighter than their offsets. For both of these
comparison wells, the torque values were relatively equal as were the RPM levels.
IADC/SPE 151221 13

Very erratic
WOB

Figure 21: Non-FrictionReducer Curve Section Drilling

Figures 21 and 22 depict the curve drilling by both the standard unassisted well as well as the FrictionReducer
enabled well, respectively. As evidenced by the data graphs, the majority of the drilling time was consumed with
standard sliding. For both runs, the WOB track was rather ratty, but the FrictionReducer run was slightly cleaner
and more consistent. While the other parameters were similar, the item of significance is the ROP comparison.
The average ROP for the standard run was 44.7 ft/hr while the FrictionReducer run was 59.9 ft/hr, a 34% increase
in rate of penetration.
14 IADC/SPE 151221

Comparatively
smoother WOB
Higher ROP
comparatively

Figure 22: FrictionReducer Curve Section Drilling

IADC/SPE 151221 15

Case Study Summary

Plotting these 8 wells on a Depth vs Hours chart tells the entire story. As seen in Figure 23 the 3 wells that ran
the FrictionReducer in all sections drilled further than the 5 previous wells with an increased ROP.

Figure 23: Depth vs Hours (8 Wells)

Conclusion
Converting static friction to kinetic friction is very important when drilling directional wells. Keeping the drillpipe
moving, even slightly, improves ROP while making drilling operations much smoother and easier as evidenced by
the aforementioned real world cases. Smoother and more consistent parameters not only increase efficiency but
also limit stress on downhole tools and bits. The FrictionReducer has been shown to improve weight transfer and
to delay the onset of buckling in the drillpipe. The FrictionReducer has repeatedly proven to increase ROP by
converting static friction to kinetic. The reason why the DD can drill much faster with kinetic friction rather than
with static friction is because kinetic friction possesses only 75% of the resisting force that static friction
possesses. When the DD has less resistive force to overcome in drilling, the faster the drilling can proceed.
16 IADC/SPE 151221

References
1
Beer, Ferdinand & Johnston, E. Russell: Vector Mechanics For Engineers, Seventh Edition, McGraw-Hill
Publishing, Boston, Massachusetts; “The Laws of Dry Friction. Coefficients Of Friction”, Pages 412 – 414.
2
Beer, Ferdinand & Johnston, E. Russell: Vector Mechanics For Engineers, Seventh Edition, McGraw-Hill
Publishing, Boston, Massachusetts; “The Laws of Dry Friction. Coefficients Of Friction”, Pages 413.
3
El-Chazli, G., Hinchberger, S., Baumert, M., & Allouche, E.N: “Experimental Investigation of Borehole and
Surface Friction Coefficients During HDD Installations,” paper C-1-01-1 presented at the North American Society
for Trenchless Technology Conference, Orlando, Florida, April 24-27, 2005.
4
McCormick, John, Decker, Jon, Spoonts, Ken; American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) Colorado
School of Mines Conference “Extended Reach Drilling: Reduce Friction, Increase Profit”, Page 9.
5
Ibid