Schlumberger introduces new tractor (OE 2009)

Sept. 8, 2009
Schlumberger today at Offshore Europe launched its TuffTRAC cased hole services tractor. The new tractor is the industry’s shortest, and is the only tractor with full reverse and active traction control capabilities, Schlumberger says.

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK -- Schlumberger today at Offshore Europe launched its TuffTRAC cased hole services tractor. The new tractor is the industry’s shortest, and is the only tractor with full reverse and active traction control capabilities, Schlumberger says.

"TuffTRAC delivers more than 40% efficiency over conventional tractors resulting in more pushing power downhole," says Zied Ben Hamad, marketing and technology manager, Schlumberger Wireline. "The system’s unique reversing capability reduces fishing risk and its modular design makes it easy to deploy in short rig-up situations."

Schlumberger says it has successfully conducted field tests in North America, Europe, and the Middle East and has tractored equipment more than half a million feet in over 200 runs. The system is engineered to withstand the shock of a perforating gun detonation, and can convey any other cased hole service, the company says.

The new tractor runs on multiconductor wireline cables; the 3 1/8-in. diameter tool has a pushing capacity of 300-lb per drive section. A maximum string of six drive sections can be deployed in tandem for a tough-duty true 1,800-lb of pushing power. Active traction control provides the ability to monitor and change the pressure on each drive wheel to optimize traction in either direction.

Capable of operation to 350° F (177° C) and 20,000 psi (1,361 bar), the system’s power pack can operate without requiring cool-down periods. The tractor includes a built-in tension sub, electrical release sub, casing collar locator (CCL), addressable tractor perforating safety switch (ATPS), and shock absorber.

9/8/2009