2007 MWD/LWD Services Directory

Frank Hartley, Drilling/Production Editor

The following abbreviations are used in the directory:

New tools and new technology continue to change the face of measurement-while-drilling (MWD) and logging-while-drilling (LWD) projects.

Recent developments provide significant advances, including:

• Multiple real-time formation evaluation measurements that give rapid and simplified analysis of complex geological data, including formation density, neutron porosity, photoelectric factors, ultrasonic standoff, and an azimuthally focused density measurement
• Dual inflatable packers
• The first pad-type formation tester that can provide formation pressure measurements during drilling
• Unique and versatile point-the-bit and push-the-bit design options
• An MWD system specifically designed for high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) drilling operations
• The first seismic while drilling tool, which delivers time/depth/velocity information
• Real-time gyro measurement in applications where magnetic interference is a problem
• The first slim hole rotary steerable system
• Electromagnetic and mud-pulse telemetry that transmits and stores data
• A probe-based dual-spaced propagation wave resistivity tool
• A new well placement technology tool.

Baker Hughes INTEQ

INTEQ says its tools are highly modular so they can be optimally placed in the bottomhole assembly (BHA).

New services include:

• The StarTrak LWD electrical imaging service, which records microresistivity measurements around the circumference of the borehole with the rotation of the BHA to provide a high-resolution wireline-quality image of the borehole in real time for optimal wellbore placement, and for geological and structural analysis
• The DeepTrak tool, which provides a real-time, deep-reading resistivity reading for optimal wellbore placement
• The Bit resistivity tool, which provides a resistivity reading within a very short distance of the bit for the earliest possible detection of formation changes in low inclined wells
• The CoilTrak system, which is the next generation wireline Coiled Tubing Drilling and Evaluation BHA for both over-balanced and under-balanced drilling applications
• The TruTrak system, which is a 3D directional drilling service for low inclined wells such as S-shaped and J-shaped wells.
• The GyroTrak tool, which provides an MWD-based, north-seeking rate gyro for applications where magnetic interference dictates gyroscopic instruments for directional BHA orientation
• The EMTrak tool, which is an electromagnetic data transmission system designed to provide accurate real-time MWD data and reliable BHA directional control in diverse rotary and motor drilling applications.

Halliburton/ Sperry Drilling Services

In 2007, Sperry Drilling Services introduced the InSite Generation of LWD sensors. This new LWD system consists of deeper-reading, higher-resolution sensors with faster telemetry and greater reliability, the company says.

The first members of this new generation include the InSite ADR azimuthal deep resistivity sensor, the InSite AFR azimuthal focused resistivity sensor, and the InSite IXO interface to the IntelliServ Network from Grant Prideco.

The InSite ADR sensor provides omni-directional and directionally sensitive resistivity data as well as geosteering measurements, which eliminates the need for two separate tools, the company says. These directionally sensitive resistivity measurements penetrate as deep as 18 ft (5.5 m) into the formation. For geosteering applications, distances and directions to bed boundaries can be calculated using these azimuthally sensitive data.

The InSite AFR sensor delivers multiple depth-of-investigations, high-resolution images suitable for fracture identification, thin bed delineation, and dip determination. The sensor also provides omni-directional, laterolog-type data with three depths of investigation, Halliburton says.

The InSite IXO interface provides connectivity for Sperry LWD components to transmit data at rates of 57,000 bits per second via the IntelliServ Network. Halliburton says the IXO interface opens up new possibilities for higher resolution imaging, seismic while drilling, and other real-time, data-intensive applications.

PathFinder Energy Services

PathFinder has developed what it calls a new and proven platform of HP/HT and more robust MWD/LWD tools.

The Survivor suite incorporates HP/HT directional sensor and formation evaluation logging tools that can operate in flow rates to 2,000 gpm, pressures of 25,000 psi (172 MPa) and temperatures of 175° C (347° F). This suite of tools includes the slim hole Density/Neutron Standoff Caliper tool, the dual-frequency Array Wave Resistivity (AWR) tool and the slim hole AWR, the Dynamic Pressure Module, and the HP/HT directional and gamma ray tools, which can be run in four configurations, including retrievable, PathFinder says.

The PathMaker Rotary Steerable System (RSS) is now available in 8 3⁄8-in. to 12 1⁄4-in. hole sizes for directional and vertical control. Designed to be run in point-the-bit or push-the-bit mode, the system can provide near-bit real-time caliper, stick-slip, and vibration measurements with integrated sensors. Automated inclination and azimuth hold mode is available for tangent and horizontal sections. The motor-assist PathMaker RSS is available for performance drilling.

Other tools and applications include:

Schlumberger

Schlumberger has introduced a new-generation Scope while-drilling services that improves drilling performance and well placement. This system quadruples the data transmission rate over the industry standard, the company says.

The suite of Scope tools includes:

• The PeriScope 15 production enhancement technology, which is a proactive geosteering tool for directional or horizontal drilling that generates a 360° image and detects resistivity boundaries such as cap rock and fluid contacts up to 15 ft (4.6 m) from the wellbore
• The EcoScope multifunctional LWD, which has a pulsed neutron generator plus drilling and formation evaluation sensors incorporated into one 26-ft (8-m) collar to provide a comprehensive measurement suite
• The StethoScope formation pressure-while-drilling tool, which provides formation pressure measurements that improve drilling efficiency and reduce risk
• The TeleScope high-speed telemetry-while-drilling system, which increases data transmission rates fourfold when used with the Orion telemetry platform.

Sondex Drilling

Sondex Drilling has added three new offerings during the last year. CPR is a combined 400 KHz/2 MHz LWD propagation resistivity tool that provides fully borehole compensated data and multiple depths of investigation in a compact and rugged package, the company says. It is compatible with existing transmission and sensor systems. WellTracer is a vertical borehole monitoring system that does not require specialist crew at the wellsite. Full rig crew training is provided, Sondex says. Pilot is a full function retrievable and replaceable directional/gamma ray MWD system that combines a pulser, superior signal size, and a wireless surface system with full data processing capability in the rig floor display.

Weatherford

Weatherford has added a new resistivity tool to its PrecisionLWD system that improves geosteering capabilities and formation evaluation results in deeply invaded reservoirs. The Multi-Frequency Resistivity Plus (MFR-Plus) tool makes phase and attenuation measurements at 2 MHz, 400 KHz, and 100 KHz at several antenna-receiver spacings up to 80 in. (203 cm). The deep, 100 KHz 80-in. measurement has a diameter of investigation of more than 860 in. (2,184 cm) and has successfully been used to resolve true resistivity in deeply invaded reservoir zones, while being run in measurement-after-drilling mode.

In addition to this resistivity tool, the rapid annular temperature tool uses existing space in the bore and annular pressure collar and measures the change in annulus fluid temperature in a real-time environment. This service provides a direct and near instantaneous measurement of formation fluid entering the wellbore while drilling.

The hostile environment EMpulse MWD (EM-HEL) system was integrated with the triple-combo PrecisionLWD system, combining electromagnetic telemetry and the full suite of the industry’s highest rated LWD tools, the company says. The EM-HEL system provides drilling optimization and formation evaluation in underbalanced drilling conditions.

Imaging capabilities while drilling is possible via the AZD and Spectral Azimuthal Gamma Ray tools, part of the EarthView suite of wellbore imaging services.

Notes for the survey

PathFinder:

(a) HDSM, CWRG, DNSC, CLSS, DPM, DFT, AWR tools are data-linked and may be configured in any order

(b) 2DRS is a stand-alone tool or run with any M/LWD system

(c) PathMaker is a stand-alone tool or run with any M/LWD system.

Unidrill Energy Co. Ltd.:

(c) Sentinel Shock and Vibration Measurement available for all Orienteer and Liberator tools

(d) TRIM resistivity

(e) 4 3/4, 6 3/4, 8, and 9 1/2 in. Orienteer strings retrievable only when run with positive pulse transmission system. Negative pulse system non-retrievable

(f) Pressure drop over +ve pulse Orienteer tools same as Liberator

(g) Provisional

(h) Orienteer steering tool option for 4 3/4, 6 3/4, 8, and 9 1/2 in. tools

(i) Higher temperature rating available on request.

Baker Hughes INTEQ:

(j) Dependent on mud weight, hydraulics, data transmission, and turbine selection

(k) All Directional accuracies are to 2 Sigma confidence

(l) All tool combinations require a Directional tool (D, OnTrak, or NaviTrak) as a basic component ex. D+LithoTrak+MPR = 69.4

(m) All generic and environment specifications are Included in the directional category

(n) Basic AutoTrak configuration consists of near bit inclination + gamma ray + multiple propagation resistivity + vibration + directional sensor + modular connection

(o) Basic Navigator configuration consists of near bit inclination + gamma ray + multiple propagation resistivity + modular connection

(p) Static and Dynamic WOB, TOB, bending moment, annular and bore pressure, string RPM, lateral and axial acceleration. Also includes motor RPM and downhole drilling dysfunction diagnostics

(z) Max DLS values are a function of various parameters such as BHA configuration, well profile, hole size, drilling mode (build, drop, and turn). For optimum tool capabilities and limits, expert company advise is required (BHASYSPro analysis) therefore contact your local BHI representative for a DLS calculation based on your specific BHA.

Schlumberger:

(q) Accelerometers for vibration and inclination at bit, strain gages for weight and torque, transducer for annular pressure

(r) Down hole neutron and gamma ray sources are wireline retrievable

(*) Variable transmission rates available as an option with Telemetry Systems

(*) Pressure drops are dependent on mud weight and tool configurations

(*) Rotating & Sliding Max DLS limitations listed are for infinite connection life

(*) Real-time update periods are variable depending on tool string configurations.

Halliburton/ Sperry Drilling Services:

(s) The attributes of the pulser sub, negative or positive, and the central interface module sub are not included in any of the data listed for the individual measurement subs

(t) Length for EMT directional tool includes associated subs required for service

(u) Values for EBS are for standard collars; flexed collars are also used and their values are higher for the same nominal tool OD

(v) Special tool designs are rated for higher operating temperatures and pressures (HP: 22,500 psi or 25,000 psi). When using the negative pulsing system, there is no flow rate range; however, a maximum, tolerable mass flow rate is dictated by erosion concerns, and this limit varies by tool size and design

(w) The pressure drop stated for 8-in. tools is for those having a 1.92-in. ID. Some 8-in. tools have an optional larger ID (called 8-in. HF), which will reduce the pressure drop stated and also increase the maximum, tolerable mass flow rate

(x) The pressure drop across the negative pulsing valve is the parameter of concern. This parameter is a function of the mudflow rate, the BHA, and the mud properties.

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