In today’s fast-paced drilling environment, efficiency isn’t just a buzzword, it is an absolute necessity. Operators and contractors alike are under pressure to drill deeper, faster, and cleaner while keeping costs in check. One often-overlooked driver of both performance and cost reduction? Efficient solids control.
The Operator’s Perspective: Maximize Drilling Performance
For operators, drilling efficiency translates directly into reduced drilling days, faster rates of penetration (ROP), and lower non-productive time (NPT). An optimized solids control regimen ensures that cuttings are removed effectively, minimizing both low gravity solids (LGS) content and overall drilling fluid dilution requirements.
Why does this matter? Imagine drilling with a fluid that’s overloaded with solids; it’s more viscous, harder to pump, and less effective at cooling and lubricating the drill bit. The result: slower ROP, increased equipment wear, and potentially more hole damage, which can impact production in the long term. Clean, efficient fluid means:
- Drier cuttings, reduction of haul off and waste
- Improved hole cleaning, NPT reduction
- Equivalent circulating density (ECD) reduction, prevention of formation damage
- Consistent fluid properties, minimize impact on drilling fluid properties while maximizing ROP
A well-managed solids control program can shave days off a well, translating into significant cost savings, even before considering production benefits.
The Contractor’s Perspective: Protect Equipment.
Cut Your Costs.
For contractors, efficient solids control isn’t just about speed; it’s about equipment longevity and operational costs. High solids content in drilling fluid can increase wear on valve seats, pump liners, pumps, and piping. The most apparent correlation between drilling fluid solids content and circulating pressure losses is known as Parasitic pressure loss. The losses are the result of increasing friction throughout the drill string and circulation equipment.
Higher solids content= More pressure required= Greater stress placed on rig equipment
Proper solids control will minimize stress on rig equipment, extending service life and reducing repair costs.
By maintaining a robust solids control process, contractors can:
- Reduce wear and tear on consumables and mechanical components
- Lower maintenance costs for shakers, pumps, and piping systems
- Optimize rig performance, staying competitive in a market where efficiency can determine whether you secure the next contract
In short, solids control efficiency protects your equipment while keeping operational costs predictable.
The Data Speaks: Real-World Results from the Delaware Basin
A major operator developing extended-length lateral production sections in the Delaware Basin conducted a six-month evaluation comparing Derrick’s Hyperpool GT to a competitor’s shaker system across multiple wells and pads.
The field report results speak for themselves:
- Dilution ratio reduced by 72% compared to the competitor
- Reduction in Solids Control Equipment (SCE) losses led to an average savings of 520 barrels per production section
- Cost savings ranged from $130,000 to $180,000 across two wells
During the trial, rigs operated under directly comparable conditions, including ROP of 200–400 ft/hr, circulating rates of 275–450 gpm, mud weights of 10–12 ppg, and bit diameter of 6.75 in. The operator defined dilution ratio as the volume of SCE losses divided by barrels of rock drilled, aiming to maintain a one-to-one replacement of lost fluid.
The evaluation showed that the Hyperpool GT consistently delivered higher capacity, better cuttings capture, and lower fluid losses than the competitor system. Based on these results, the operator adopted the Hyperpool GT as the preferred solution for drilling extended-reach laterals, confirming that efficient solids control directly drives rig efficiency, reduced drilling costs, and improved wellbore quality.
The Takeaway
Efficient solids control is the simplest way to drill smarter, not harder. For operators, it means faster, cleaner wells. For contractors, it means less wear, lower costs, and more reliable performance. Across the board, it’s a win-win that supports both operational efficiency and the bottom line.
When evaluating drilling performance, don’t just ask, “How fast can we drill?” Ask, “How efficiently are we controlling our solids?” Because in the world of drilling, a clean hole, and well-maintained equipment, always pays off.