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Technical Paper: New-Generation Retrievable MWD Tool Delivers Superior Performance in Harsh Drilling Environments
Paper 67718
Abstract
As the search for recoverable oil reserves moves to smaller, deeper, and hotter wells, measurements while drilling (MWD) requirements have grown increasingly challenging. MWD tools must survive temperatures of up to 350°F (175°C), pressures of up to 22,000 psi, and a wide variety of mud conditions. Moreover, deeper wells cause higher attenuation of the MWD signals and therefore require more signal power downhole. This paper presents the development of a new-generation retrievable MWD tool that has been proven to deliver the reliability required by the industry, even in deep, high pressure, hot wells.
Four case studies illustrate the tool's reliability and performance under extreme conditions:
- In the Villafortuna field in Italy, this new generation MWD tool drilled the deepest horizontal well in the world, at depths greater than 20,000 ft with a maximum circulation temperature of 356°F (180°C) and downhole pressures exceeding 20,000 psi.
- In the Gulf of Mexico, the tool enabled BP to complete a deepwater well at a depth of 26,442 ft with a flow rate as low as 62 gpm, extending the far reaching capabilities of slimhole MWD equipment.
- In the Austin chalk in Texas, the tool operated reliably in drilling muds containing 30% solids. The tool operating life was increased by a factor of three through design improvements.
- The final case study documents the benefits of a tool designed for extreme environments, when used in difficult but not extreme conditions. An exemplary run of 315 hours at 287°F (142°C) is discussed.
This new generation of slimhole MWD technology finally meets the challenges presented by the deeper and hotter wells at the leading edge of petroleum exploration.
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