Offshore staff
DALLAS -- Varel International has combined two proprietary software programs into a single, bridgeable platform for its reengineered line of Navigator directional bits, built specifically for directional and steerable systems.
The reengineered series exploits the synergies of Varel's proprietary GeoScience rock analysis software and the company's cutting structure design and drilling simulation system, SPOT (Simulateur Pour l'Optimisation des Trépans) software. This produces an optimized product and engineered gage configuration specific for all rotary steerable tools.
GeoScience software is used to analyze customer-supplied mud logs, drilling logs, and electric log data in order to build a virtual model of the well sections to be drilled. The methodology used allows for more accurate definition of the cutting structure, gage configuration, type, and size of PDC cutter to be recommended for the application through its output, the company says.
Using the GeoScience outputs as a guide, the custom cutting structure is created with the SPOT software package. This engineering tool can predict a PDC bit's directional behavior and cutting structure efficiency and match that with the operation's needs in term of bit directional signature as well as provide a performance prediction for the lifespan of the bit.
With this bridged software suite, Varel can accurately match the cutting structure to the gage of the drill bit, an essential element in any directional application. The company has performed extensive laboratory and field tests to develop more than 25 gage and cutting structure configurations to validate the series' design matrix. It is this matrix which is used to match a specific bit to the rock, well design, and steering system.
03/17/2009
