2010 MWD/LWD Services Directory

The editors ofOffshore magazine have scoured the globe for the latest and greatest measurement-while-drilling (MWD) and logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools for 2010, and here is the result. The following pages also update the annual MWD/LWD services directory. The full survey is available for download at www.offshore-mag.com. 

Baker Hughes

Baker Hughes says its tools are highly modular to facilitate optimal sensor placement within the bottomhole assembly (BHA) for each application. New services include:

• The aXcelerate high-speed telemetry service, which enables both the industry’s fastest mud-pulse telemetry system and, in conjunction with The IntelliServ Network, the most widely deployed wired-pipe telemetry system. Delivering fast, high-resolution, real-time MWD and LWD data, aXcelerate enables answers to optimize drilling and maximize ROP, accurately position the wellbore for maximized production, minimize NPT by constantly monitoring wellbore integrity and continuously manage pressure for maximized safety
• The temperature range for the AutoTrak rotary steerable service, including the OnTrak integrated MWD/LWD tool, has been expanded up to 175 °C (347 °F) for 8-in. and bigger holes
• The AziTrak deep azimuthal resistivity service, a fully integrated MWD/LWD tool that is compatible with the AutoTrak rotary steerable service, is now also available for 57⁄8-in. to 6¾-in. hole sizes. The AziTrak service provides directional, azimuthal gamma imaging, multiple propagation resistivity (MPR), deep azimuthal propagation resistivity imaging, temperature, annular pressure, and vibration stick/slip measurements from a single sub. The deep azimuthal propagation resistivity measurement delivers an image for the real-time detection of approaching boundaries at any azimuthal angle. The image provides easy-to-read information to the operator to navigate the wellpath into and through the reservoir
• The MagTrak advanced magnetic resonance (MR) while drilling service is now also available for 57⁄8-in. to 6¾-in. hole sizes. The service delivers matrix-independent porosity data, including total and partial porosities, permeability index, light hydrocarbon saturation and – as the only LWD MR tool – real-time T2 distribution data
• The ZoneTrak bit resistivity service provides a resistivity reading within a very short distance of the bit for the earliest possible detection of formation changes, fault zone, casing/coring point, and reservoir entry detection. It works well in both water-based and oil- or pseudo-oil-based drilling fluids.

Halliburton/Sperry Drilling

In March 2010, Sperry Drilling completed successful field testing of the industry’s first LWD fluid identification and sampling tool for a North Sea operator. This technology, known as GeoTap IDS, significantly reduces the amount of rig time required for fluid sampling, says Sperry Drilling. For the first time, formation fluids can be circulated through an LWD tool, analyzed downhole, and captured during short stops in the drilling process. This makes the technology ideal for high-cost drilling environments such as deepwater exploration wells, where wireline sampling programs often cost several million dollars in rig time alone, the company says. GeoTap IDS allows operators to acquire up to 15 samples within hours of drilling the formation, before significant invasion can occur, thereby facilitating the capture of high quality samples after relatively short pump-out periods.

Reservoir imaging is another area where Sperry Drilling says it is continuing to deliver value to the operators. The InSite AFR sensor, which is now available in three tool sizes, provides high resolution, resistivity images while drilling in hole sizes ranging from 5 7/8-in. to 12¼-in. diameter.

Schlumberger

The new-generation Scope while-drilling service continues to evolve to further improve drilling performance and well placement, says Schlumberger. This system increases the data transmission rate by more than 10 times over the industry standard, the company says.

The family of Scope tools includes:

• The PeriScope production enhancement technology is designed for the highest level of proactive horizontal well placement. The tool generates a 360º image around the borehole, and detects and measures distance to formation and fluid boundaries up to 21 ft (6 m) away from the wellbore. With experience in over 1,000 wells, PeriScope has now evolved to address more complex horizontal well placement challenges. Recent focus has been on integrating the service in new workflows, such as the completions, using Inflow Control Devices (ICD) for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery and structural mapping for reservoir delineation
• The EcoScope multifunction LWD tool has a pulsed neutron generator plus drilling and formation evaluation sensors incorporated into a single 26-ft (8-m) collar, providing a comprehensive measurement suite. With well established reliability and efficiency, continuous improvement to the measurements and answer products bring added value to operators. The spectroscopy measurement has been updated to provide better precision at higher penetration rates, and new multi-depth Sigma measurements can be used to account for invasion effects
• The StethoScope formation pressure-while-drilling tool provides formation pressure measurements to improve efficiency and to reduce the risk. StethoScope delivers fast, accurate, reliable, direct measurement of pore pressure and mobility data in real time for drilling optimization, well placement, and reservoir management. Time savings are achieved through a focus on operational efficiency and measurement versatility, accuracy, and quality. StethoScope is equipped with unique setting pistons to ensure good, reliable seal integrity regardless of tool orientation, provide better seal in the over-gauge hole, and save rig time by eliminating the need to orient. A fully automatic Time Optimized Pretest (TOP) sequence delivers an optimal measurement first time, every time in a wide range of formation permeability. The enablers for this advanced feature are the fast acquisition rate (16Hz) and an Electro-Mechanical Pretest System, which ensures precise control over drawdown volume and rate. The tool is capable of operating regardless of flow rate (pumps on/pumps off). On Demand Frame (ODF) Data Transmission capability provides industry’s fastest true real-time data and quality indicators. There is no need to wait until the end of pretest to receive data on the surface
• The TeleScope high-speed telemetry-while-drilling system, when used with the Orion II telemetry platform increases data transmission rates and ensures reliable data transmission. Recent developments include new downhole compression algorithms, new surface signal detection, and noise cancellation methods to demodulate extremely weak signals to enhance data quality. The technology provided more information, faster: the Orion II platform allows 60 curves at two data points per foot at a drilling speed of 250 ft/hr, enabling better decisions to land complex wells in the best place in less time. It also provides more information, further: the high rate of data transmission provided by the Orion II platform also contributes to drilling wells deeper. On the longest well drilled, Orion II delivered rates of 1.5 bps from 35,000 ft to TD 40,320 ft (10,668 m to 12,290 m)
• The SonicScope 475 is the latest generation multipole-sonic-while-drilling service combining high-quality monopole and quadrupole measurements to deliver robust compressional and shear slownesses—along with enhanced Stoneley data—for a wide range of applications, regardless of mud speed. Robust real-time compressional and shear slownesses are fundamental to pore pressure monitoring and wellbore stability evaluation. This real-time geomechanical evaluation, independent of formation temperature and salinity effect, helps properly evaluate the pore pressure window so that mud weight can be adjusted to mitigate the risks of wellbore instability and kicks.

Weatherford

Weatherford has made the follow updates, changes, and introductions to its portfolio of MWD/LWD tools:

• PrecisionPulse has been renamed HyperPulse MWD
• Introduction of the ShockWave Sonic tool (SST) in 6¾-in. and 8 ¼-in. sizes. A robust, monopole acoustic tool used in formation evaluation and drilling optimization operations to provide reliable, high-quality sonic data in real-time applications such as seismic time-depth correlation, pore pressure determination, and porosity evaluation
• Introduction of the At-bit Measurement (ABM) system in 4¾-in. and 6¾-in. provides real-time, on-the-fly inclination and azimuthal gamma ray (GR) measurements only inches from the bit. Unlike traditional motor telemetry systems, the ABM system provides rapid data transfer between the sensors (located below the motor) and the MWD via the hard-wired mud motor. When used together, the inclination and GR measurements enable faster decision making, excellent geosteering, and the ability to drill a flat trajectory, resulting in fewer wellbore sidetracks and increased hydrocarbon recovery, says Weatherford
• Introduction of 4¾-in. Azimuthal Resistivity.

Notes for the survey

Baker Hughes:

(a) Dependent on mud weight, hydraulics, data transmission, and turbine selection.

(b) All directional accuracies are to 2 Sigma confidence.

(c) All tool combinations require a directional tool (D, OnTrak, or NaviTrak) as a basic component ex. D+LithoTrak+MPR = 69.4.

(d) All generic and environment specifications are included in the directional category.

(e) Basic AutoTrak configuration consists of near-bit inclination + gamma ray + multiple propagation resistivity + vibration + directional sensor + modular connection.

(f) Basic Navigator configuration consists of near-bit inclination + gamma ray + multiple propagation resistivity + modular connection.

(g) Static and dynamic WOB, TOB, bending moment, azimuthal bending tool face, continuous inclination, annular and bore pressure, string RPM, lateral and axial acceleration. Also includes motor RPM and downhole drilling dysfunction diagnostics.

(h) Commercially available in 4¾–in. and 6¾–in. tool sizes.

(i) Max DLS values are a function of various parameters such as BHA configuration, well profile, hole size, drilling mode (build, drop, and turn). For optimum tool capabilities and limits, expert company advice is required (BHASYSPro analysis); therefore please contact your local Baker Hughes representative for a DLS calculation based on your specific BHA.

(j) Requires interface sub to IntelliServ wired-pipe network (commercially available in 4¾–in., 6¾–in., and 8¼–in. tool sizes).

(k) Lengths are exemplary for standard BHA setups, but may vary according to combination of additional modules. Lengths and measurement points in AutoTrak X-treme systems may vary according to power section properties. The hard-wired modular X-treme mud motor allows addition of optional near-bit MWD/LWD modules below the motor, including real-time and memory data transmission.

PathFinder:

(l) HDSM, CWRG, DNSC, CLSS, DPM, DFT, AWR tools are data-linked and may be configured in any order.

(m) 2DRS is a stand-alone tool or run with any M/LWD system.

(n) PathMaker is a stand-alone tool or run with any M/LWD system.

Schlumberger:

(o) Accelerometers for vibration and inclination at bit, strain gages for weight and torque, transducer for annular pressure.

(p) Down hole neutron and gamma ray sources are wireline retrievable.

(*) Variable transmission rates available as an option with telemetry systems.

(*) Pressure drops are dependent on mud weight and tool configurations.

(*) Rotating & Sliding Max DLS limitations listed are for infinite connection life.

(*) Real-time update periods are variable depending on tool string configurations.

Halliburton/Sperry Drilling Services:

(q) The attributes of the pulser sub, negative or positive, and the central interface module sub are not included in any of the data listed for the individual measurement subs.

(r) Length for EMT directional tool includes associated subs required for service.

(s) Values for EBS are for standard collars; flexed collars are also used and their values are higher for the same nominal tool OD.

(t) Special tool designs are rated for higher operating temperatures and pressures (HT: up to 175 °C [347 °F] and HP up to 30,000 psi).

(u) When using the negative pulsing system, there is no flow rate range; however, a maximum, tolerable mass flow rate is dictated by erosion concerns, and this limit varies by tool size and design.

(v) The pressure drop stated for 8-in. tools is for those having a 1.92-in. ID. Some 8-in. tools have an optional larger ID (called 8-in. HF), which will reduce the pressure drop stated and also increase the maximum, tolerable mass flow rate.

(w) The pressure drop across the negative pulsing valve is the parameter of concern. This parameter is a function of the mudflow rate, the BHA, and the mud properties.