New products and services
Real-time, at-bit geosteering service mitigates delay in data transmission
AnTech Ltd. has launched the industry’s first real-time, at-bit geosteering service for coiled tubing drilling. RockView is a technology that makes real-time, high resolution geosteering possible by using the measurements gathered from the full range of sensors on the company’s latest generation COLT (pictured) and POLARIS BHAs. The data is combined to determine the difficulty of drilling through particular rock formations. Because traditional methods of geosteering are limited by the delay in data transmission, RockView mitigates delay by almost instantly providing information about conditions at the bit, as well as fine linear resolution. The directional driller can then determine which formation is being drilled by comparing to logs prepared by geologists. According to AnTech, the well trajectory can be adjusted to keep the drill bit in zone, thereby avoiding the overshooting that can be caused by other geosteering methods. Photo: AnTech Ltd.
Improved layout design improves drill bit durability
Halliburton has released an advanced drill bit with a more efficient layout design that optimizes the placement of back-up cutters, improving bit durability without decreasing efficiency or ROP. To avoid certain limitations—such as increased heat and wear, poor bit cleaning and reduced ROP—Halliburton has designed the Stega drill bit with offset back-up cutters to enhance durability with less cutter wear. The back-up cutters are placed 180° or more from the primary cutter which, according to the company, maximizes drilling efficiency compared to traditional dual-row or single-row cutting structures. The new bit design takes advantage of the bottom-hole pattern already created, removing load from the primary cutter before rapid acceleration of wear can begin. According to Halliburton, the Stega drill bit was deployed in a harsh drilling application in West Texas, and drilled approximately 40% (2,400 ft) farther at an ROP that was 19% (15 ft)/hr faster than traditional bit designs. Photo: Halliburton.
Perforating gun system boosts reservoir productivity
Schlumberger has released its Tempo instrumented docking perforating gun system. Featuring a plug-in gun design with real-time, advanced downhole measurements, the system enables and monitors a well’s dynamic underbalance to create clean perforations that boost reservoir productivity. According to the company, the compact gun system features proprietary docking components that streamline the deployment of up to 40 guns. This allows selective initiation to efficiently perforate multiple reservoir zones, with a maximized explosives payload, in a single trip. Additionally, the system has a simplified arming process that increases safety and reliability by eliminating the variability introduced by wellsite crimping and wiring—the primary causes of misruns and misfires. The new system reportedly has been field tested in Egypt, Oman, Kuwait, Algeria and Ecuador.
Remediation solution separates, converts hydrocarbons
The Clean Up 3 solution from Remediation Products Company is designed to separate hydrocarbons from soil, rocks and water, and convert all existing hydrocarbons to fuel that is rated Bunker C or better. It has been used in Alaska to clean tanks. In a fracing situation, about three drums would be used to clean 1 million gal of contaminated water, and all hydrocarbons would be returned to the owner or operator, according to the company. The operator would have the ability to reuse the water about 10 times before water replacement is required, but in many cases, water usage can be extended. The addition of one or two aerators is required to ensure even distribution of the product in the water storage tank. According to the company, 100% of remaining materials in the tank can be utilized to build or rebuild the existing berm if required on- or off-site. The labor required is four to six employees, typically with no more than 10 days to complete.
Specialized seals engineered specifically for the oil and gas market
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has extended its FlexiMold process—a unique method of producing large-diameter, joint-free seals—to include Isolast perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) materials. These three compounds (Isolast J9554, XploR J9523 and Isolast XploR J9513) are specifically engineered for oil and gas applications. According to the company, each one shows outstanding chemical resistance and mechanical performance under pressure, as well as unparalleled thermal properties and RGD resistance. They can be manufactured using the joint-free FlexiMold process from 600 mm/24 in., up to any size. In addition to having no visible joint, the seals have a high level of integrity to provide extended life, ultimately lowering overall costs for operators.
Highly sensitive acoustic technology locates leaks in real time
Archer has released a new acoustic listening platform for well integrity, completion and performance evaluation, and turbulent flow analysis. The VIVID platform is a highly sensitive, acoustic technology that detects, investigates and locates leaks in real time. Additionally, it verifies cement barrier seals and characterizes downhole events with precision. The platform consists of full-spectrum acoustic sensors that accurately measure the broadest frequency bandwidth and amplitude of acoustic energy. According to the company, the sensors also can locate previously indiscernible low energy leaks. Photo: Archer.
