Baker Hughes introduces advanced reservoir characterization technology

Aug. 16, 2011
Baker Hughes has introduced the next generation of its Reservoir Characterization eXplorer (RCX) and In-situ Fluids eXplorer (IFX) formation testing services.

Offshore staff

HOUSTON – Baker Hughes has introduced the next generation of its Reservoir Characterization eXplorer (RCX) and In-situ Fluids eXplorer (IFX) formation testing services. Used jointly, these services characterize fluid properties in real time.

The RCX service is designed for enhanced reliability in challenging high-pressure/high-temperature wells. Its high-capacity pumps also improve operations in overbalanced wells. The service gathers comprehensive pressure data and representative fluid samples at up to 27,000 psi and 395°F (201°C).

Designed primarily for deepwater and high-temperature wells, the IFX service characterizes downhole fluid compositions in real time to allow robust fluid identification, to optimize sample collection and to provide input to the petrophysical evaluations for early assessments of a reservoir’s value. The IFX service has a tuning fork sensor and separate sound speed transducer that provide high-resolution density and viscosity and sound speed information. This data allows the direct calculation of a continuous gas-oil ratio without reference to any offset information.

“The next generation of RCX and IFX are part of our flagship wireline suite of measurements. They push the pressure and temperature boundaries to provide our customers with critical information for decision-making in the well construction process,” says Scott Schmidt, president of drilling and evaluation for Baker Hughes. “These fully compatible and complementary services enhance our customer’s ability to record formation pressures and collect fluid samples in a wide array of geological conditions and borehole environments.”

08/16/2011