Slick Joint

Incorrect. Slick joints are straight sections of pipe designed for smooth drilling, not connecting pipe sections.

Correct! Slick joints contribute to bit stability due to their smooth surface.

Incorrect. Slick joints actually reduce friction, which can decrease drilling pressure.

Incorrect. While slick joints can help with logging, they are not primarily used for measuring wellbore depth.

Incorrect. Slick joints reduce friction, which can actually decrease the weight needed on the bit.

Correct! The smooth surface of a slick joint minimizes friction, improving drilling efficiency.

Incorrect. Slick joints are not designed for fluid escape. That's handled by other components of the BHA.

Incorrect. While slick joints assist in directional drilling, they are not the primary guiding force.

Correct! The unobstructed path provided by a slick joint improves logging tool performance.

Incorrect. While slick joints might contribute to smoother logging, they are not the primary factor in speed.

Incorrect. While slick joints facilitate accurate logging, they are not directly involved in depth measurement.

Incorrect. Slick joints are not specifically designed to enhance wellbore integrity.

Incorrect. Solid slick joints are a single piece and might not have the same strength as a welded joint.

Correct! Welding two pipe sections together creates a stronger and more durable slick joint.

Incorrect. Telescoping joints are used for extending reach, not for strength.

Incorrect. Threaded slick joints would contradict the concept of a smooth, frictionless joint.

Incorrect. Slick joints are crucial in directional drilling for maintaining control.

Incorrect. Slick joints help minimize friction in horizontal drilling, which is often done in unconventional reservoirs.

Incorrect. Slick joints are essential in deepwater drilling to navigate challenging formations.

Correct! While slick joints are used in drilling, they are not specifically involved in well stimulation, which aims to enhance reservoir productivity.

Here's a possible BHA design and justification:

BHA Components:

• Drill Bit: A polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit is recommended for its ability to cut through hard shale.
• Stabilizers: Multiple stabilizers are included to maintain a consistent wellbore trajectory. They are positioned strategically along the BHA to minimize wellbore deviation.
• Drill Collar: A heavy drill collar will provide the necessary weight to keep the bit cutting effectively.
• Slick Joint: A weld-on slick joint will be located directly above the drill bit to reduce friction, allowing for smoother drilling through the tight shale formation.
• Mud Motor: A mud motor is included for power transmission and rotational force for the drill bit.
• Heavy Weight Drill Pipe: Heavy weight drill pipe is used to provide additional weight on the bit and aid in drilling through the shale formation.

Justification:

• Slick Joint: The tight shale formation will create high friction during drilling, which can slow down progress and cause excessive wear on the drill bit. A slick joint, located directly above the bit, will significantly reduce friction, allowing for more efficient drilling and prolonging the life of the drill bit. This is especially crucial for the horizontal section of the well, where the BHA will encounter extended contact with the formation.

Additional considerations:

• Mud System: A proper mud system is crucial for maintaining borehole stability, removing cuttings, and lubricating the drill bit.
• Drilling Parameters: Drilling parameters like weight on bit, rotational speed, and mud flow rate need to be optimized based on real-time drilling data.