H I G H - B A N D W I D T H T E L E M E T R Y

A REAL-TIME, bi-directional drillstring telemetry network has demon-strated simultaneous upward and down-ward data rates of up to one megabit persecond, with a mean time between fail-ure comparable to current mud pulsetelemetry technology. The network usesinductive coupling coils and armoredcoaxial data cables embedded withinpremium double-shouldered drillingtubulars to provide high bandwidthtelemetry without impacting drillingoperations.

Field trials have included multiple verti-cal and directional gas wells drilled todepths exceeding 14,000 ft in the Arkomaregion of southeastern Oklahoma. Thedrilling environment has involvedextremely harsh vibrational conditions.During these trials, an oilfield servicecompany has deployed many downholemeasurement while drilling (MWD) tools,interfaced directly to the drill stringtelemetry network. This interface allowsreal-time surface control and interroga-tion of the downhole tools and transmis-sion of high-density, low-latency drillingdynamics, formation evaluation anddirectional MWD data at previouslyimpossible speeds. In a recent well, theoperator elected to eliminate their usualmud pulse transmission tool, utilizingthe telemetry drill string network andcompatible MWD tools as the primarydownhole data source.

This paper provides details of the latestfield trials, including specifics on thedevelopment and performance of thesenetwork-enabled MWD tools. A summaryof the mechanical and electrical designconsiderations will be offered.

A direct comparison of observed mudpulse and drill string telemetry perform-ance, highlighting operational differ-ences, rig time impact, added value anddeployment risks, will be provided.

Finally, this paper will provide detailsand value propositions of downhole andsurface measurement and drilling appli-cations enabled by the a reliable teleme-try drill string network. Service companycommentary on the likely time frame forcommercial availability of these applica-tions will be included.

High Speed Drill String TelemetryNetwork Enables New Real Time

Drilling and Measurement Technolo-gies (IADC/SPE 99134) ME Reeves,Grant Prideco; JD Macpherson, RZaeper, Baker Hughes; DR Bert, BP; JShursen, HG Intl; WK Armagost, BP; DSPixton, IntelliServ.

S W D T O O L S

Seismic While Drilling (SWD) technologyprovides a means to properly locate a wellpath with respect to depth and seismictravel time so the driller can effectivelyguide the bit toward a seismically definedtarget. SWD can also facilitate drillingdecisions such as setting coring and cas-ing points, drilling hazard avoidance andover-pressure zone identification.

16 D R I L L I N G C O N T R A C T O R January/February 2006

Telemetry network enhances surface control

Accurate and reliable SWD tools mustaddress sensor coupling/fidelity and pre-cision timing. This must be accom-plished within the framework of thedrilling environment, whose rigorsimpose significant constraints on thedesign and mounting of the seismic sen-sors and the accuracy of the clock.

A next-generation SWD tool has beendeveloped that addresses couplingissues through the deployment of multi-ple multi-axis sensors, includingruggedized geophones, seismicaccelerometers and hydrophones, incombination with a highly accurate clockand contingent surface systems. Thispaper investigates the performance ofthe new tool design and presents the

IADC/SPE DRILLING CONFERENCE: DOWNHOLE TOOLS

99134: A bi-directional drillstring telemetry networkuses unique inductive cou-pling coils and armored coax-ial data cables to providehigh-bandwidth telemetrywithout impacting drilling.The network has demonstrat-ed simultaneous upward anddownward data rates of up toone megabyte per second.

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18 D R I L L I N G C O N T R A C T O R January/February 2006

IADC/SPE DRILLING CONFERENCE: DOWNHOLE TOOLS

results of field tests and operations inwhich seismic data were acquired usingmultiple sensors and types of sensors invarious types of formations and in devi-ated boreholes.

The data acquired while drilling are com-pared with baseline commercial wirelineVSP measurements to verify that the sys-tem provides accuracy comparable tothat of a standard commercial wireline.

Next-Generation Multisensor SeismicWhile Drilling Technology (IADC/SPE99042) RJ Deady, BE Cornish, Hallibur-ton.

M O N I T O R I N G V I B R A T I O N

The paper describes the use of a down-hole high sample rate RPM sensor andnew software to provide real-time moni-toring of both high frequency and low fre-quency torsional vibration.

The sensor is mounted around the drive-shaft of a rotary steerable system andprovides early warning of torsionalvibration, indicating the occurrence oflow frequency (stick slip) as well as highfrequency events very close to the bit.

The ability to immediately detect theoccurrence of torsional vibration hasalready resulted in a significant improve-ment in rotary steerable and LWD lifebecause of the ability to identify, imple-ment and continuously update the opti-mum drilling parameters (primarilyweight on bit and rotary speed) in realtime.

When used in conjunction with downholevibration sensors in the LWD string andsurface torsional vibration monitoringsystems, a more complete picture of thecomplex downhole vibration conditionsbecomes possible. The beauty of this par-ticular device is that it is already part ofthe rotary steerable system, so there isno additional lost in hole exposure aswould be the case for a separate sub.

Real Time Downhole Torsional Vibra-

tion Monitor for Improving Tool Per-formance and Bit Design (IADC/SPE99193) BC Comeaux, GT Irvine, DC Chen,B Wiecek, GM Gillespie, Halliburton.

O P T I M I Z I N G H O L E - C L E A N I N G

In large-diameter directional intervals,high instantaneous rates of penetration(ROP) are often sustained in order toachieve directional objectives. The com-bination of the large hole, high ROP andhigh inclination can be challenges foreffective hole-cleaning. Nonproductivetime (NPT) associated with pack off, lostreturns and stuck pipe can result with-out proper balance between ROP andavailable hole-cleaning capacity.

Conventional practices for ensuring ade-quate hole-cleaning include incorporat-ing additional circulation time prior tomaking connections. However, if thisadditional circulation time is inadequate,the risk of pack off can increase signifi-cantly. Conversely, excessive circulationtime may prevent an operator fromdrilling at the technical limit of efficiency.Conventional practices also include theuse of real-time, equivalent circulatingdensities (ECD) from pressure whiledrilling (PWD) tools to gauge hole-clean-ing effectiveness and to identify pack off.Unfortunately, the abrupt nature of apack off and the rapid increase in ECDthat can ensue provide little warning.The result is often a limited ability tominimize NPT.

An expanded application of real-timepressure while drilling (PWD) measure-ments can be used to optimize ROP andhole-cleaning to allow consistent drilling.Based on the use of real-time equivalentmud weight (EMW) measurements, thisnew technique identifies hole-cleaningdeficiencies earlier in their developmentand can allow effective management ofadditional circulation time.

Comparison of two similar wells drilledin the East Breaks area of the Gulf of

Mexico by Kerr McGee Oil & Gas Corpo-ration demonstrates the effectiveness ofthis technique.

Achieving Technical Limits: ExpandedApplication of Real Time PressureWhile Drilling Data Helps OptimizeROP and Hole Cleaning in LargeDiameter, Directional Intervals(IADC/SPE 99142) SG LaPierre, GCourville, Kerr-McGee Corp; J Song, Hal-liburton.

E X P A N D A B L E L I N E R H A N G E R

In the traditional systems that employ“cone and slip” technology, the failurerate of liner top packers, as well as thefailure of system installation, has beengreat. In conventional systems, mechani-cal equipment with multiple slips are runand set. The disadvantages of these sys-tems include multiple leak paths,reduced radial clearance, and theirexposed hydraulic ports, all of whichincrease their potential for failures.

Liner installations are unsuccessfulmany times because:

1. Liner cannot be run to depth;

2. Liner hanger/packer pre-sets;

3. Setting tool fails; or

4. Liner top cement job is poor.

This paper will discuss an expandableliner system that was developed toaddress the shortcomings of the tradi-tional systems. The new liner systemcombines expandable solid liner technol-ogy and proven cementing products andservice capabilities.

The system incorporates the expand-able liner hanger body with an integralpacker, a tieback polished bore recepta-cle, a setting sleeve assembly and acrossover sub to connect the assemblyto the liner. Elastomeric elements arebonded on to the hanger body. As thehanger body is expanded, the elas-tomeric elements are compressed in theannular space. This virtually eliminatesthe liner hanger/casing annulus anddelivers liner top pressure integrity aswell as impressive tensile and compres-sive load capacity.

The discussion will include the design,operating procedures and benefits of theexpandable liner hanger.

Development of an Expandable LinerHanger System To Improve Reliabili-ty of Conventional Liner Hanger Sys-tem (IADC/SPE 99186) SA Walvekar, ATJackson, Halliburton. �

99042: A next-generation SWD tool addresses coupling issues through the deployment of multiplemulti-axis sensors. Data from the tool is compared with baseline wireline VSP measurements.

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