GSSPE Christmas Event 2026
Lecture: Andreas Hohl
Mastering the Challenges of High-Frequency Torsional Oscillations in Hard Rock Drilling
Date: 12th December 2025
- 17:00: Social hour
- 17:30: Snacks/Dinner
- 18:00-19:00: Lecture: Andreas Hohl
- 19:00: Christmas market (optional, Self paid, 15min walk)
Location: BVEG, Schiffgraben 47, 30175 Hannover, Germany
Free participation for SPE members
30€ non-members
Please use the RSVP button below to register.
Abstract:
Vibrations induced by the drilling process limit the drilling efficiency directly and indirectly. Directly if the delivery of power to the cutting process is negatively impacted through vibrations, indirectly if a limitation of the operational parameters is necessary to reduce vibrational loads and avoid reliability issues. The lecture gives an overview on these aspects focusing on High-Frequency Torsional Oscillations (HFTO). HFTO is increasingly discussed in the drilling industry since about ten years, driven by the new ability to systematically detect them.
Drilling in hard and dense formation with PDC cutters and rotary steerable systems often leads to HFTO. The complexity of the proper interpretation of the measurements related to HFTO is highlighted. Failure modes and reliability issues that are typical for HFTO are discussed. Further, the influence of operational parameters on the loads associated to HFTO and in this context mitigation strategies based on operational parameter change are explained. Finally an overview of bottom-hole assembly (BHA) design strategies is given to handle HFTO. Herein, the influence of mud motors and specially designed tools such as isolator and damper tools on HFTO are discussed.
The lecture shall be a guide for HFTO and a receipt to limit downhole tool failures and related costs. The audience is kindly asked to consider HFTO in the planning phase of each drilling operations, and if expected from the drilling application, to plan for it accordingly.
Biography:
Andreas Hohl holds a Diploma and PhD in mechanical engineering and a Diploma in economics from the University of Hannover. After working 5 years at the Institute of Dynamics and Vibration Research in Hannover he started at Baker Hughes in Drilling Services. In his 10 years with Baker Hughes he worked as a scientist and led projects in the technology and product development departments. He is main author of 10 frequently cited SPE papers. His dedication to drilling mechanics and drilling optimization led to the development of several methods and products that help to push the limits of drilling operations.