Houston-based services outfit Weatherford International has successfully run the world's first electromagnetic logging while drilling (EM-LWD) triple combo operation with extended range set-up for Saudi Arabian state-run producer Saudi Aramco.
Weatherford said the project represents the successful proof of concept of EM-LWD with annulus pressure technology and extends the scope of development of future underbalanced drilling (UBD) campaigns, which will require two-phase fluid with drillpipe gas injection.
The objective was to evaluate the feasibility of EM transmission in conjunction with LWD triple combo and annulus pressure sensors in a 6-1/8 inch horizontal section.
The section was underbalanced drilled from 8100 feet to 11,189 feet in one run. Gas injection on future wells will preclude the use of mud pulse telemetry. As an alternative, EM telemetry will allow a continuation in the underbalanced drilling planning process to include real-time LWD technology.
"The evaluation objective was met. Real-time data allowed 3089 ft of 6-1/8-inch horizontal section to be successfully geosteered in one bit run while maintaining underbalanced conditions," said Weatherford's Scott Campbell.
"The well was flow and pressure tested with real-time annulus pressure data acquired during pumps off operations. One advantage of EM versus conventional mud pulse telemetry is that real-time updates are possible, independent of wellbore hydraulics," he added.
© Upstream 2006
