The PBL Multiple Activation Autolock Bypass System

By DSI International

The PBL Multiple Activation Autolock Bypass System
The PBL Bypass System has provided a reliable solution to various drilling problems, including lost circulation. The Autolock Bypass System was developed at the request of the Operators and the Directional Drilling Companies to allow for safer and timelier tripping. This was on top of the PBL Bypass System allowing the customer to increase the flow for hole cleaning or to enable the pumping of aggressive Loss Circulation Material, without compromising the more expensive BHA components. The locking of the tool in the Open Position allows the string to drain and tripping out of the hole is accomplished much quicker when the string is dry.

The PBL Bypass System is used in different types of Wells including horizontal drilling. Because of the simple mechanism, the Driller is able to use the tool without the extra personnel required by other systems. If Drill Strings are incorporating Mud Motors, the driller can break circulation through the PBL Bypass System.

Our most ambitious undertaking was with Baker Inteq in Oman for PDO, where a 6-leg multi-lateral well was drilled, and the PBL was opened and closed 6 times when each leg was drilled and bleached before drilling and bleaching the next leg.

Other new undertakings has been the implementation of locking the tool in the Open Position to allow the filling of the Drill String when Running in the Hole. This saves a lot of time and makes the operation safer, when not having to fill the string from the top.

Because of the unique design of the tool, when pumping is stopped, the tool closes automatically which stops any flow back into the two orifices. When pumping is started again the piston is depressed and the orifices are now opened to allow full flow.

The PBL Bypass System is used throughout the World and we have representation in all countries that are drilling for Oil and Gas. Our Business Development team is available at all times and can be found on our Website www.dsi-pbl.com.

Increasing Flow Rates Beyond Critical Limits
All Directional Drilling Tools have critical limits that operators must not exceed. The limits set on Directional Tools by manufacturers often restrict operators from achieving preferred circulating rates for effective hole cleaning. The PBL Multi-Activation Bypass System is useful in increasing circulation rates 4 times that of rates allowed through directional tools by manufactures.

Work-overs and Completions
Circulating rate and pressure loss application, this application proved very effective for operators working in wells with liners on bottom. The PBL tool is utilized to bypass small working strings inside liners. With the tool positioned directly above the slim hole string in the liner it can be opened to bypass the friction loss associated with the slim hole working string. Increased flow rates can be as high as five times that of the rate achieved while circulating through the slim hole string. The Bypass Systems allows operators to rotate and reciprocate during the displacement operation. This will greatly help to reduce casing, erosion or washing.

Horizontal Acidizing and Stimulation
In multi-lateral horizontal wells it is necessary to find the lateral leg which requires stimulation. For this reason it is necessary to run expensive MWD Tools. With the PBL tool run directly above the MWD tool, stimulation can be achieved with no adverse effects on the MWD Tool. All acid can be pumped through the PBL Tool and the PBL Tool can be opened and closed so that the operator can regain signals from the MWD Tool.

Horizontal Drilling
With increased activity and demand for horizontal drilling it became apparent that there were yet more applications for the tool in the specialized area. One of the more interesting applications is using the tool to break circulation while running in the hole, with down-hole motors.

This application allows operators to break circulation through the PBL bypass System when running in the hole. This is an advantage when running motors with bent housings, Bi-Centre and PDC Bits. This application eliminates motor and bit rotation preventing bit wear and tear as well as casing wear. With the BHA on bottom the Bypass system can be closed to commence with drilling. This is very effective for TTRD operations.

These three applications for the PBL Multi-functional bypass System have proven effective to operators in some of the most extreme environments worldwide.

Sub Sea Riser/BOP Jetting
The PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System can be utilised to jet the BOPs and Risers during drilling and completion operations. The jetting application can be performed by opening and closing the PBL bypass System without the need for tripping jetting tools in and out of the hole.

Jetting your Sub Sea BOPs will clean shale and debris out of the cavities in the Sub Sea BOP Stack greatly enhancing safety. Jetting the Riser will effectively clean the Riser during drilling and completion operations.

Utilising the PBL Multiple Activation Bypass System for jetting Sub Sea BOPs and risers will greatly reduce rig time. By having the tool as a component of the BHA, this jetting operation can be performed during each trip as and when required.