New products and services
Digital rig is based on predictive models
GE and Noble Corp. have launched a digital drilling vessel, targeted to achieve 20% operational expenditure reduction across the targeted equipment and improving drilling efficiency. The Digital Rig solution, powered by GE’s Predix platform and deployed on the Noble Globetrotter I drilling vessel, has been successfully connected to all targeted control systems, including the drilling control network, the power management system and the dynamic positioning system. Data are collected through individual sensors and control systems, harmonized and centralized on the vessel before transmitting in near-real time for predictive analytics. The delivered implementation and analytics on major marine and drilling equipment have already shown promising results, as the digital solution and its digital twin technology have captured multiple anomalies and have produced alerts to inform potential failures up to two months before they would occur.
Roller cone inserts improve ROP
The Xplorer Helix spiral TCI roller cone layout configuration from Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, improves ROP more than 20%—and even past 50% in some conditions. The staggered configuration means the TCI inserts provide better bottomhole coverage, which increases rock-crushing efficiency. Conventional bit cutting structures feature typical rows of teeth that lead to ridges of rock, causing the bit to track into the grooves or craters. The new configuration is designed to counteract tracking by staggering the inserts into a spiral array. The Kuwait Oil Company selected a bit with the new spiral insert configuration to achieve a higher ROP while drilling 4,500 ft intervals through interbedded soft and hard formations. The customer achieved an ROP 107% greater than the fastest ROP in the field in similar applications, while saving four drilling days.
Packing provides critical seal
Gardner Denver Petroleum & Industrial Pumps has launched its Redline Packing. Packing is the critical seal system in the heart of the frac pump, creating a barrier between frac fluid and the environment. The company collaborated with customers throughout North America for more than a year to extensively test the packing and ensure its success across a variety of challenging environments. Tests proved the newly designed header and pressure rings were successful. The packing outperformed conventional packing in the harshest conditions, highest pressures and most abrasive environments, according to the company.
Seismic Attributes as the Framework for Data Integration Throughout the Oilfield Life Cycle, by Kurt S. Marfort, helps predict field life
By Bill Head, Contributing Editor
Having spent a lot of money attempting to quantify reservoir parameters predicting the life of a field from seismic and other tools, I think I could have used this book—or at least its ideas—a long time ago.
Marfurt’s peer-reviewed book is a text for a one-day SEG workshop, giving a run-through of some 3D seismic attributes and how they may provide a framework for data integration over the life of an oil and gas field. The text is a major collection of state of the practice in reservoir parameter understanding, with excellent references for detailed follow-up. Focus is on seismic amplitude and “texture” for subsequent integration with well log, microseismic, and production data through either interactive visualization or machine learning. This approach assumes near-perfect seismic data processing. There are lots of examples illustrated and workflows offered.
Readers should understand modern structural and sedimentary geology, and at least have touched some seismic on a workstation. The text discusses simple mathematical details of volumetric attribute calculation, needed image processing, and beginning machine learning. Geos, reservoir engineers and team managers should be able to identify attributes to quantify geometric, and geomechanical properties of 3D seismic data volumes, after studying this book. They also should be able to attribute cross-plots, integrate seismic and well-log data within a geologic framework, visualize statistics and machine learning. Furthermore, the book will help them learn to establish correlations between 3D seismic data, rock properties, and engineering data that then can be employed to estimate future rates of penetration, well-completion success, and well-fluid production over the life of a field. Kurt J. Marfurt, SEG’s 2018 Distinguished Instructor Short Course Presenter, joined The University of Oklahoma in 2007 where he serves as the Frank and Henrietta Schultz Professor of Geophysics within the ConocoPhillips School of Geology and Geophysics. For further details and ordering information, please go to the SEG website.
Semi-premium connection introduced
Hunting Energy Services, has introduced the TEC-LOCK semi-premium connection technology. The new connection, which surpasses API performance guidelines, features close-tolerance and wedge-style thread forms. The new semi-premium connection and BTC-S are close-tolerance thread forms that minimize connection stresses, and eliminate the open ‘J’ area, thus creating a flush ID for turbulent-free flow and reduced tool hang-ups. Available in 4.5 to 9.625-in. sizes, the connections deliver multiple make-and-break capabilities, and are compatible with BTC accessories. The wedge-style thread form, TEC-LOCK Wedge, features a semi-flush OD, and offers extremely high torque capabilities, and maximum axial efficiencies.
Hybrid bit handles all well sections
The Kymera Mach 4 hybrid drill bit, from Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), is designed to extend drilling lengths to handle combination sections—saving trips and replacing both roller cone and PDC bit runs. The bit features reinforced shoulder durability that improves previous hybrid bit designs. Recessed cutters and increased blade counts keep the bit engaged, extend bearing life, and deliver up to 25% greater ROP, compared to previous hybrid bit designs, while improving borehole quality. Upgraded PDC cutters are designed to handle the increased stress load of challenging drilling environments. In a recent North Sea application, the bit drilled the 16-in. section at 87 ft/hr, increasing the section rate of penetration by 40% over conventional technology.
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