Haynesville Curve #1 Completed in 12.5 Hours
Haynesville Curve #2 Completed in 15.7 Hours
Outside of the oil and gas industry, DD stands for designated driver.
This is usually the most trusted member of a group that you can count on to do exactly what they commit to doing (staying sober and getting everyone else home safely).
DD stands for directional driller in the context of the industry we proudly serve.
But at ProDirectional we take it one step farther.
We take pride in being our customer’s DD, Designated Driller.
No matter what the location, hole conditions, or any other obstacles are, they trust us to get the job done and done well.
Thanks BPX for trusting us with this responsibility. We are committed to your success.
Curve #1 – 12.5 Hours
A 12.5 hour curve reflects a high level of directional drilling execution. It means the build and turn were delivered cleanly, without excessive sliding, without unnecessary corrections, and without wasting time fighting the formation or the tool.
In directional drilling, the curve is where most inefficiencies appear. Toolface instability, reactive torque, motor stall, and formation push can all compound into lost time. Holding plan through this section requires more than just a strong motor. It requires precise survey quality, stable power transmission, and a directional driller who understands how to keep the wellbore smooth and controlled.
This curve was delivered with disciplined toolface control and predictable build behavior, resulting in a smooth transition into the lateral. That kind of execution directly reduces tortuosity, supports higher ROP later in the well, and lowers overall drilling risk.
Curve #2 – 15.7 Hours
A 15.7 hour curve in real drilling conditions still represents strong performance, especially when accounting for formation variability, hole conditions, and operational constraints.
Directional drilling is never performed in a laboratory environment. Every curve must be drilled through changing lithology, varying differential pressures, and mechanical constraints that require constant adjustment. What separates top-tier directional drilling from average performance is not perfection. It is control.
This curve maintained planned inclination and azimuth while managing downhole forces that typically drive inefficiency. The result was a stable well path that met the operator’s objectives without requiring costly correction runs or rework.
What Curve Time Actually Measures
Curve time is one of the most powerful indicators of directional drilling quality. It is not simply about how fast a bit turns. It reflects the combined performance of the power section, MWD system, and the directional driller running them.
Shorter, cleaner curves result in:
• Less sliding and fewer stalls
• Lower motor wear and reduced elastomer damage
• Better wellbore smoothness
• More accurate landing in the reservoir
• Faster transition into high ROP lateral drilling
• Reduced total well cost
In modern horizontal wells, every extra hour in the curve compounds across casing, completions, and production. That is why operators closely track curve performance as a leading indicator of drilling success.
The Role of the Designated Driller
Outside of oil and gas, DD stands for Designated Driver, the person everyone trusts to get them home safely. In directional drilling, DD stands for Designated Driller, the person trusted to guide the wellbore safely, accurately, and efficiently to target.
At ProDirectional, we take that responsibility seriously.
We are not simply providing motors and tools. We are taking ownership of the well path. That means delivering predictable toolface response, stable torque, clean surveys, and a smooth hole that supports everything that comes after.
Being a Designated Driller means:
• Executing the plan
• Adapting to downhole conditions
• Protecting the operator’s asset
• Delivering repeatable performance
These curve results reflect that mindset.
Engineered for Consistent Directional Performance
Strong curve times are not accidental. They are the product of engineering, maintenance discipline, and field execution working together.
ProDirectional systems are designed to deliver:
• Stable RPM across wide flow ranges
• Predictable differential pressure
• High torque capacity without elastomer failure
• Consistent toolface response while sliding
• Smooth power transfer in high dogleg environments
That engineering allows directional drillers to focus on steering instead of fighting the tool.
Why Operators Care About Curves
For operators like BPX, curve performance directly impacts drilling economics and well quality.
A clean curve means:
• Easier casing runs
• Reduced completion risk
• Better frac efficiency
• Higher lateral ROP
• Improved production potential
When a curve is drilled efficiently and smoothly, everything that follows benefits.
These results demonstrate ProDirectional’s ability to execute where it matters most.
Trusted From Spud to TD
No matter the location, hole conditions, or operational complexity, operators rely on ProDirectional to deliver consistent directional drilling performance.
We take pride in being our customer’s Designated Driller. We show up prepared. We execute the plan. And we deliver wells that are drilled right.
Thanks BPX for trusting us with this responsibility. We are committed to your success.
Drill Responsibly
