When you face a drilling challenge on a job, think of Workover Solutions (WOS) as your partner. We accept, and welcome, drilling challenges – it’s part of what keeps us motivated and inspired.
A petroleum operator in the Haynesville Shale in Caddo Parish, LA was looking at a frac plug drillout with high bottomhole temperature and pressure, bit life and hole cleaning, and a high plug count (18 CFP, 96 DFP) in the long lateral section (19,790ft), which posed a significant challenge to bit and tool life.
WOS provided thru-tubing BHA components and tool specialists for their stickpipe-conveyed frac plug drillout operations. We enabled success by utilizing key technologies such as the WOS Terminator motor and BitsavR sub, Pioneer PDC, Flex sub, AV sub, High-Flow Quad Check Valves, Guardian and Dart tools, which are all designed and built in house. Increased operational confidence came from Pre-well Torque and Drag modeling.
What is Pre-well Torque and Drag modeling?
Computer simulations predict the frictional forces on a drill string before drilling begins, helping engineers optimize well plans and avoid issues.
Pre-well Torque and Drag modeling or this job provided insight on the following:
Max Dogleg: Max Dogleg is the maximum allowable deviation for the operation to be successful. A higher dogleg severity leads to an increased torque and drag, which could put operators at risk of getting stuck and lowering the probability of reaching the total depth.
Deviation: Toe Deviation refers to the angle where the well transitions from vertical to horizontal. The results assist by showing the angles and slight turns operators will face when running in hole. The results showed this well was toe up.
Friction Factor: The results showed the operation would require a friction factor of at least 0.21. While challenging, this can be accomplished with significant planning and precautions before starting the job.
Why did WOS tools make an impact?
The Terminator motor is not limited by temperature, chemicals or corrosive environments, giving operators the confidence the motor will not prematurely fail during operation. The Terminator offers high torque generation, no elastomers in the motor, and is dyno tested (as are ALL WOS tools) prior to operations to allow for superior motor performance.
It was chosen for this operation due to time in hole, the confidence that the job could be completed in a single-run, the temperature (which ranges from 350 – 375 degrees) and the reliability of the metal-to-metal stator, which eliminated chunking and damage to the elastomer and higher torque.
The Guardian tool was another major factor as to why WOS was able to perform this operation in a single run. As one of the best-selling tools in Haynesville for stickpipe jobs, The Guardian provides peace of mind, with the customer knowing if a well control issue comes up, WOS drops a 1″ ball to regain control. As a secondary contingency tool, it’s another layer of safety protecting operators working above a live well.
The BitsavR tool offers consistent plug drilling and can be set up to open and close at predetermined weights. Its compact design minimizes additional length and rigidity added to the BHA. BitsavR can be run with standard completion fluids and/or nitrogen and is compatible for use with Extended Reach Tools.
BitsavrR was used on this well due to the number of plugs that needed to be drilled out and the long length of the lateral, which was a record of 19,790 ft in the Haynesville formation. WOS was able to accurately set weight on bit (WOB) and control how much weight was being transferred to the BHA. The team was confident in getting good hold cleaning as the valve opened and closed, indicating proper weight shift.
As a result of the operation, all 114 composite and dissolvable frac plugs were drilled out to total depth (TD) in one run within the operator’s target time frame and without Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) incidents.
It also set a new drilling record in October 2025 of a Plug Back Total Depth (PBTD) of 32,001 feet, a Measured Depth (MD) reach of 31,807 feet and a Lateral Length of 19,701 feet. This surpassed the previous record from March of 2005 with a PBTD of 28,741 feet, an MD reach of 28,741 feet and a Lateral Length of 17,286 feet.
Total time in hole: 178:45:00 (HR:MM:SS)
First KP to TD: 130:17:00 (HR:MM:SS)
What are the benefits of using a single BHA?
-Reduced costs
-More efficient drilling with no trips to adjust equipment (bit replacements)
-Improved hole quality
-A more consistent rate of penetration
At WOS, every challenge is an opportunity to prove what our technology and people can achieve. From modeling and planning to execution and performance, our team delivers results that redefine what’s possible in high-pressure, high-temperature environments.
If your next operation demands reliability, precision and proven performance, put the WOS team and tools to the test.
Reach out to us at sales@wos.com or give us a call at 346-774-4433 to discuss how the Terminator Motor, BitsavR, and Guardian can help you achieve single-run drillouts, eliminate non-productive time, and raise your operational confidence on the next well.
Tool Conveyance: 2-7/8” 9.5lb x 7.9lb Stickpipe
Production Casing: 5-1/2” OD 23 lb/ft
Total Plug Count: 114
Plug Type: HAL Obsidian CFP (18), Lateral Comp DFP (96)
Avg Wash Time: 77.61 min/plug
Final Depth: 31,807 ft
TVD Avg: 11,734 ft
Lateral Length: 19,790 ft
Open To Close: 178.8 hrs
KP to TD: 130.3 hrs
Fluid: Freshwater