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Multifinger Memory Caliper Tool

Read Well Services’ newly developed
40-finger caliper for HP/HT wells.

Read Well Services Ltd. has launched its high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) Memory Multifinger Caliper tool. The electronic 40-finger memory caliper tool has completed qualification testing to 205°C and 17,600 psi and is scheduled for offshore operations. The 40 fingers of the tool have hardened tungsten tips that individually measure small changes in casing diameter to provide circumferential coverage of the wellbore. The tool records digital measurements of the well diameter (from 3- to 7-in. internal diameter) in a battery-powered downhole memory pack. Data from each finger are recorded every 1/4 in. across the required interval. The measurement resolution is 0.0003 in. Sensor fingers are opened and closed by the tool according to a program for that well in the tool’s memory. The entire completion can be surveyed on slickline or coiled tubing. In a planned North Sea application, the tool will be run at 40 ft/sec to provide data on an interval of more than 20,000 ft. The data are analyzed at the company’s processing center to give a precise image of the condition of the well, both numerically and as 3D images. The system is used to check well integrity either as part of routine inspections or to investigate a particular problem. It can obtain details of possible casing wear from drilling, corrosion, well obstructions, deformations, and scale deposits in a matter of hours.

For additional information, visit www.readgroup.com/hpht

Optimized History Matching

For reservoir-production forecasting through enhanced understanding of complex-reservoir character and flow mechanics, NuTech Solutions and Advanced Resources Intl. collaborated to provide an inverse-modeling technique for estimating reservoir parameters, known as history matching. This application of algorithms known as evolutionary strategies to models, which includes consideration of relevant geostatistical parameters as well as unknown model parameters, leads to optimized history matching. This optimized procedure was applied to an enhanced coalbed-methane (CBM) well in Poland, and it is being used on a multibranch horizontal CBM pinnate well in China. Because the company’s Intelligent Business Engine for Optimization strategy can explore the entire solution space of potential reservoir-performance metrics efficiently compared with traditional history-matching methods, and can provide feedback to the engineer about appropriate variable combinations and overall suitability of the reservoir model, the results are a rapid history match for the reservoir model to improve reservoir characterization and production-forecast results. The results also provide valuable input for making strategic and tactical management decisions.

For additional information, e-mail info@nutechsolutions.com.

Casing Running/Drilling System

Weatherford’s OverDrive System enables
combining string rotation with hoisting,
reciprocating, and circulating during
casing-running operations.

Weatherford Intl. Ltd. has introduced its new tubular-running system, the OverDrive System, to the drilling market. The system combines running the casing string and drilling with the casing. This system uses the rig’s top-drive for making up casing connections in place of the traditional power tongs (Fig. 2). This method enables string rotation combined with hoisting, reciprocation, and circulation during casing-running operations—all functions that regular tongs and fill-up tools are not capable of performing. Use of the company’s full-scale rig allowed extensive system testing, enabling improvements to be made during development. Laboratory testing has proved the concept, and field tests are ongoing. The system operates at pressures up to 5,000 psi and can be used with pipe sizes of 4 1/2 to 20 in. The maximum string weight is 750 tons, and the maximum rotating speed is 100 rpm.

For additional information, e-mail tracy.cummins@weatherford.com.

Water Shutoff

Photographed under ultraviolet (UV) light, a cutaway perforation tunnel
shows controlled penetration of the H2Zero water-control polymer
accomplished with Halliburton’s BackStop service. A dye was added
to the polymer to make it fluoresce under UV light.

Halliburton’s BackStop service helps control water production by placing a highly effective water-control agent only a short distance into the formation around perforation tunnels. For zonal isolation, slurry is bullheaded into all open perforations. The entire wellbore in the selected interval can be filled with the slurry and squeezed. Shallow penetration by the filtrate allows reperforating the hydrocarbon zone. Unlike cement, slurry left in the hole does not have to be drilled out; it can be jetted out with coiled tubing. The slurry can be used at bottomhole temperatures of 100 to 350°F. The slurry combines the company’s H2Zero agent and fluid-loss-control additives. When pumped and squeezed, the fluid-loss particles in the system will create a diverting filter cake, resulting in a uniform and shallow placement of the polymer. Penetration into the formation typically is less than 3 in. During the process, the polymer used as makeup water for the slurry will be squeezed into the formation, creating a shallow matrix-water shutoff after it has set. Selective perforation of the hydrocarbon zones can re-establish the oil production. Additionally, the shutoff zones can be reopened later in the life of the well.

For additional information, visit www.halliburton.com.

Underbalance-Drilling Bottomhole Assembly

The AnTech Colt BHA is designed for short-radius
wellbore deviations in underbalanced CTD.

AnTech Ltd. announced that its Colt coiled-tubing (CT) bottomhole assembly (BHA) is ready to move into the next phase of development. Following several years in design, development, and testing in controlled environments, the BHA is ready for field trials. The nitrogen foams and light fluids typically used during gas drilling do not provide effective damping; therefore, downhole tools are subjected to extremely high levels of vibration and shocks generated by the drilling process. This BHA is designed to resist the damaging effects of drilling vibration. It is designed for short-radius-deviation underbalanced CT drilling (CTD). Measuring half the length of conventional CTD assemblies, it can build angle easily to work within the reservoir. The system provides precise control of the drill-bit orientation with the use of an electrically driven orienter that can provide intermittent or continuous rotation. It is sized to allow rotation while drilling, avoiding lost time when changing direction, and allows both buildup section and straight hole to be drilled with the same tool. To provide real-time feedback to the operator on downhole conditions, tool position, and geological formation, the BHA is equipped with sensors that rely on wireline telemetry to gather data. Sensors include a pressure-compensated weight-on-bit sensor and pressure sensors in addition to the steering and gamma ray sensors. This information is transmitted continually to the BHA display panel at surface. The operator then can analyze the data to make informed drilling decisions.

For additional information, visit www.antech.co.uk.

Journal-Bearing Bits for Underbalanced Drilling

Varel Intl. has introduced its Challenger Jet Air journal-bearing bits, their new tungsten carbide roller-cone product line specifically designed for underbalanced-drilling applications. This generation of premium roller-cone bits has enhanced cutting structures to improve rate of penetration and an advanced bearing package to extend seal and bit life. The cutting-structure inserts are made from harder, more-water-resistant grades of tungsten carbide and are further enhanced with a proprietary High-Energy Tumbling process, which significantly improves upon the fracture toughness and impact resistance of standard tungsten carbide inserts. The use of special bit and cone geometries, as well as insert arrangements, results in very efficient drilling while reducing sliding contact and wear, effectively extending bit life. The back rows feature semiround top inserts instead of flat-topped inserts to cut the wall of the hole and maintain full-gauge hole longer. These bits use floating-element bearings with silver-plated components. An advanced, thermally stable lubricant with a low coefficient of friction keeps the bearings running cool, even in the harshest conditions. An elongated radial seal made from an abrasion-resistant, high-saturation nitrile elastomer provides effective sealing for long bit life. Bits 83/4 in. in diameter and larger can be fitted with a specifically designed center nozzle to further enhance bit cleaning and to prevent balling when drilling sticky formations or when injecting water.

For additional information, visit www.varelintl.com.

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