Drilling some of the most challenging wells in the lower 48, the Haynesville drilling team is constantly seeking ways to improve its peer-leading performance. Among the many obstacles they face are extreme bottom hole temperatures — ranging from 300 to 390°F.
With these temperatures exceeding the limits of most tools, the team adopted innovations like insulated drill pipe and mud chillers to successfully cool conditions that would otherwise burn out electronics and halt progress. And the results speak for themselves.
- Doubled One-Run Success Rates: In the first quarter of 2024, the team doubled its one-run success rate from 20 to 40%, with some wells drilling both the curve and the entire lateral in a single, failure-free run. Average lateral footage per day has jumped from 825 feet during the previous two years to 1,150 feet last year, with synergies between teams pushing that averaged to 1,230 feet per day in the first quarter.
- EXE Record Drills: In March, Rig EDC 503 set an NFZ record averaging 1,094 feet per day and broke that record on the next well with 1,115 feet per day.
- Increased Performance: Since the merger, performance from Expand Energy drilling rigs in the Haynesville has increased by 42%.
- More Efficient Moves: Rig moves that used to take seven days now take just three, thanks to the “Peake move process” and around-the-clock (even overnight) teamwork.
“Our Haynesville team is relentless,” said Kevin Ashley, Haynesville Drilling Manager. “They’re not only proud of the record — they’re already chasing the next one. The moment it’s broken, they’re on to the next challenge.”
And the team has done it all while maintaining a stellar safety record. Ashley attributes this in part to how well the teams blended post-merger.
“The combination of great people, great ideas, and solid execution has resulted in substantial operational improvements across the Haynesville,” said Tim Beard – Vice President, Drilling. “I am incredibly proud of this team and how they have come together to be both safe and efficient in a short period of time.”
From the field to the engineering team to the Operations Support Center (OSC), akin to a data “mission control” center, every piece of the operation is focused on getting better, faster, and safer — together. Even in the most difficult drilling zones (like the NFZ), the team is now averaging over 800 feet per day for the first time ever.
The Haynesville crew isn’t just setting records — they’re setting the pace.
From left to right: Joe Lizenby – Rig Manager, Trinity Hillestad – Driller, Jared Elliott – Company Man, Jerry Hooten – Derrickman, Joe McLinden – Assistant Driller, Greg Myers – Motorman, Colby Ramey – Floorhand