A Decade of Casing Drilling in Argentina: What We have Learned After 3.4 Million Meters and 3,100 Strings Installed

Abstract

Abstract

This paper aims to summarize and analyze the operational, technical, and digital evolution of Casing while Drilling (CwD) in Argentina over the past decade. The objectives are to quantify the impact of CwD on drilling efficiency, well integrity, and risk mitigation, drawing on the experience of drilling over 3.4 million meters in both conventional and unconventional fields. The study reviews field data and operational records from major operators with the perspective of the casing manufacturer, covering more than 3100 strings in Vaca Muerta and Golfo San Jorge. This paper includes comparative analysis of conventional versus casing drilling methodologies, with highlights of the most important technical adaptations that enhanced the technology value. The methods also encompass the evaluation of time savings and improvements in wellbore stability. We will dedicate a special attention to the casing connections failures and the methods adopted to reduce them using real-time torque and vibration monitoring powered by artificial intelligence. Casing Drilling in Argentina has evolved to a mainstream technique delivering consistent value in unconventional reservoirs and mature fields where cost reduction is paramount. Currently, casing drilling is applied in more than 80% of the wells in Vaca Muerta saving from 10 to 24 hours of drilling time. Additionally, casing drilling consistently delivers value through the reduction and elimination of NPTs related to wellbore stability issues when heavy mud losses, influx and other wellbore stability problems are present, saving operators several days of operation. In the Golfo San Jorge basin more than 600 production sections have been drilled breaking records in both depth deeper than 3000m and time savings that reach several days. We will further discuss the technological advancements that have led to a consistent reduction of casing connection failures. Even the technology has proven to be reliable enough to be used in the whole well. In particular we will mention the use of double casing drilling to drill more than 60 wells in a mature field environment. This work presents the first integrated review of a decade-long, large-scale CWD experience in Argentina, highlighting the transition from operational experimentation to digitalized, standardized factory drilling. The adoption of AI-powered real-time monitoring for torque and vibration represents a novel approach to risk mitigation and performance optimization. The lessons learned and technical solutions developed in Argentina provide a roadmap for further efficiency gains and risk reduction in both conventional and unconventional drilling worldwide.