Since OpenField was formed in 2011 the Versailles-based company has developed a growing range of miniaturized downhole measurement tools for well performance evaluation, well testing, frac monitoring, well integrity, and subsea flow assurance.
“Initially we were limited to a maximum pressure range of 15,000 psi [1,034 bar],” said founder and CEO Eric Donzier. “But we have since developed stronger mechanics that allow our tools to measure much higher pressure ranges of 20-30,000 psi [1,379-2,068 bar], while retaining the same compact sizes and outside diameters of the original gauges.”
In addition, OpenField is extending temperature capabilities of its tools, with the downhole gauges now capable of measuring up to 175°C (350°F) thanks to redesigned electronics. These developments mean that the company now claims to cover 90-95% of downhole gauge applications and market needs worldwide.
“High temperature and high pressure often mean high costs and premiums for clients,” said business development manager Antoine Susini, “but the miniaturization capabilities allow us to offer these HP and HT for only a small added cost compared to our standard gauges.”
The company has also added new sensors to its gauges, such as a fast-response temperature sensor to detect leakages, check gas-lift performance, and undertake temperature logs. “Through miniaturization,” said R&D manager Emmanuel Tavernier, “this temperature sensor fits in our standard gauge with minimal extra power consumption.”
Aside from downhole, OpenField has developed tools for production array logging and wellhead surface monitoring. One of these devices is a wireless wellhead pressure transmitter with a transmission capability of up to 10 km (6.2 mi), opening new possibilities to an industry that often relies on outdated wired systems or on wireless ranges restricted to a few hundred meters. Another ongoing development is for a sand measurement sensor.
Some of the company’s sensors and technologies have been developed for specific, client-proprietary R&D projects - OpenField offers to execute these projects from conceptual study and design to final prototypes, field commissioning, and deployment. “We have also provided unique technical solutions to smaller-scale companies,” Donzier said, “and we have attracted interest from major organizations in the Middle East, among other regions, to address their specific technical challenges.”
