Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Over the past decade, Casing While Drilling (CwD) has become a key methodology in the San Jorge Gulf Basin, particularly for production sections. With nearly 600 wells drilled using this technique, Pan American Energy (PAE) has gone through a robust learning curve, addressing operational, technical, and economic challenges that drove the development of innovative solutions and the adoption of digital tools.</jats:p> <jats:p>The accumulated experience made it possible to identify and resolve multiple operational issues:</jats:p> <jats:p>Tubular failures due to fatigue and connection swelling, mitigated through torque controls and the development of new connections.</jats:p> <jats:p>Operational events and verticality deviations, addressed through parameter redefinition, BHA redesign, and centralizer improvements.</jats:p> <jats:p>ROP optimization, driven by the implementation of high-frequency vibration sensors and the use of neural networks for predictive analysis and dynamic parameter adjustment.</jats:p> <jats:p>Beyond operational improvements, Casing While Drilling (CwD) has been established as a key technology to sustain PAE's operational in mature fields. This is driven by its economic advantages and its cability to reduce drilling time and HSE risks compared to conventional method. The resulting efficiency – demonstrated through reduced well delivery time and lower cost per well, coupled with improved execution predictability – enhances overall project robustness and supports continued field viability under challenging operation condition.</jats:p> <jats:p>The next step is to accelerate the digitalization of the process by integrating predictive models based on real field data, automated optimization of operational parameters, and continuous monitoring of string dynamics. This digital transformation aims to expand the scope of CwD, including a directional CwD drilling project and the development of logging methodologies adapted to this technique, thereby overcoming current technical limits.</jats:p> <jats:p>This work presents a comprehensive overview: from lessons learned and solutions developed, to the next challenges and future vision for continuing to improve the efficiency, scope, and sustainability of casing while drilling in mature fields of the San Jorge Gulf Basin.</jats:p>