- Home
- Drilling Optimization
- Products
- Runner®
Runner®
Our Runner Torque reduction sub reduces drillstring rotational resistance and stabilizes drilling mechanics in high-friction, deviated and extended-reach wells.
Overview
The Paradigm Runner torque reduction sub is a high-performance downhole component engineered to lower drillstring torque and rotary resistance in high-friction and deviated wellbores. By reducing torsional load fluctuations and minimizing resistance at key drillstring interfaces, Runner enhances drilling mechanics, stabilizes rotary steerable systems, and enables smoother drilling response.
Its robust, precision-engineered design improves weight transfer, extends bit life, and reduces non-productive time associated with torque-induced dysfunctions. Runner delivers measurable performance gains in extended-reach, horizontal, and challenging directional drilling environments.
Applications
The Paradigm Runner torque reduction sub is ideal for applications with high drillstring friction, elevated torsional loads, and challenging well trajectories. It excels in deviated, horizontal, and extended-reach wells where torque and drag significantly impact drilling performance and weight-on-bit efficiency.
Runner helps improve drilling mechanics in tight sidetracks, abrasive formations, and zones with high lateral contact forces. It also supports rotary steerable systems by reducing torque spikes that interfere with directional control. By lowering overall drillstring resistance, Runner enhances drilling efficiency, reduces mechanical stress, and extends tool and bit life. It is particularly effective when combined with stabilizers, reamers, and drilling dynamics tools in BHAs designed for complex well plans and high-angle sections
Features and Benefits
The Runner uses an elastomeric, mud-cooled bearing system that replaces traditional ball races with a design that thrives in high side-load environments. Unlike steel bearing races that are prone to galling, spalling, and particulate damage, the elastomer deforms around debris and allows solids to wash through without material loss. This gives the Runner exceptional durability in dirty mud systems. The benefit is long bearing life, stable torque reduction performance, and reliability in wells where conventional torque subs suffer rapid mechanical wear.
Runner incorporates dual mechanical retention through a locking ring and four independent grub screws, creating primary and secondary retention systems with no single point of failure. This design ensures the non-rotating housing remains securely locked under high torque and extreme side loading. Many torque subs rely on single retention mechanisms that are vulnerable to fatigue or mechanical loosening. The benefit is superior operational safety, higher torque capacity, and confidence that the tool will maintain structural integrity in the most demanding well conditions.
FAQ
What is the main purpose of the Paradigm Runner® sub?
The Runner, or Paradigm Torque Reduction Sub (TRS), is a string tool that reduces surface torque, casing wear and vibration in challenging wells. 25–30% (+/-) reduction in rotary string torque achieved by reducing the Friction Factor (FF) thus extending the operating window for rotary drilling applications (useful for value creation on low HP drill rigs).
Drilling applications where high friction factors or severe doglegs, create unfavorable Torque and Drag (T&D) and drill string vibration:
- Extended Reach Drilling (ERD)
- High-angle
- Horizontal
- Short-radius wells.
- Wells with high Directional Drilling Index (DDI)
How does the Runner®, or Paradigm Torque Reduction Sub (TRS), actually reduce torque?
The Runner® is a short, one-piece mandrel with a non-rotating outer sleeve supported by proprietary, patented bearing technology. When placed in the drill string, the sleeve remains stationary against the casing or low side of the hole while the mandrel and drill pipe rotate freely inside it. This replaces high-friction sliding contact with an engineered low-friction rolling bearing (triple retention system), dramatically lowering the effective coefficient of friction in high side-load intervals.
Runner® has an elastomer, mud cooled bearing which is superior to sealed ball bearing type designs. Runner® is not limited to K-revs or total revolutions like lessor designs.
Where in the drill string should Runner® subs be placed?
The majority of torque is generated in the build section of the well due to dogleg severity and side forces.
Using industry accepted Torque and Drag (T&D) modelling software, the optimal number and spacing (usually every 1 every 2nd or 3rd joint) is calculated for each specific well trajectory to cover the build section and any high-torque intervals for the entire run.
Paradigm Applications Engineering then supply a data driven technical proposal with estimated torque reduction achievable. E&P Drilling Engineer can then conduct Risk-Based Decision Making and Cost-Benefit Analysis i.e. the value of Runner Subs.
Can Runner® be used in any type of well or only on ERD or long horizontal wells with high Directional Drilling Index (DDI) values?
While the Runner® delivers the greatest benefits in high-angle, horizontal, ERD and short-radius wells with severe doglegs, it can be used in any well where torque, drag, vibration or casing wear is a concern — including vertical wells when drilling through troublesome formations or when casing protection is critical.
Paradigm provides Torque Reduction Sub placement optimisation for every trajectory.
Besides torque reduction, what other benefits does the Runner® provide?
Value and Benefits of the Runner® Torque Reduction Sub:
- Increases rate of penetration (ROP) to reduce cost per foot ($/ft)
- Improves overall drilling efficiency (MSE reduction)
- Dampens axial and torsional vibration (improved drilling mechanics)
- Greatly reduces drill string wear and fatigue (increased MTBF)
- Minimises casing wear (assured well integrity) during Through-Tubing Rotary Drilling (TTRD)
- Reduced tool-joint wear
- Make-up and rack back in an average stand. Tool length suits standard derrick height.
- Drill deeper and faster before reaching torque limit i.e. extend utility of underpowered, low Horse-Power (HP) rigs.
- Bearing designed for high rotating and circulating hours (no ball bearings)
- Bearing technology can withstand 20,000 lbf
Paradigm Group BV is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, and we’ll only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you requested from us. From time to time, we would like to contact you about our products and services, as well as other content that may be of interest to you. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit button, you consent to allow Paradigm Group BV to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.