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PathFinder MWD

PathFinder MWD services provide continuous inclination and azimuth for fixed-collar, directional, horizontal, and split-tool applications.

Fixed-collar directional service

The PathFinder HDS-1L fixed-collar directional service employs a telemetry module to make real-time data transmission possible. It uses a rugged and reliable tool with a highly accurate directional sensor and a high-speed, positive-pulse transmission system to send computed surveys or raw data to surface. A gamma ray sensor—with a proven scintillation crystal design and full API calibration and connections—can be easily added at the wellsite for formation correlation.

Retrievable directional service

For directional and horizontal applications with high dogleg severity (DLS), the PathFinder HDS-1R retrievable directional service uses a flexible tool that provides accurate inclination and azimuth measurements. The optional gamma ray sub enables formation correlation while drilling. The entire assembly has a 1 7/8-in diameter, which provides the added benefit of tool retrievability through IDs as small as 2 1/8 in, minimizing lost-in-hole exposure. This fully retrievable and reseatable system works in drilling assemblies from 3 1/8-in to 9 1/2-in OD.

Split-collar directional service

Based on the tools used by the PathFinder HDS-1L and HDS-1R services, the PathFinder HDS-1S split-collar directional service uses a 16-ft, nonmagnetic MWD collar specifically designed to include the direction and inclination (D&I) and gamma ray sensors in the probe configuration. The tool allows these sensors to be placed below other LWD sensors, positioning them closer to the bit. Sensor offsets can be customized for the application.

Gravity-based, magnetic interference–free survey

The HDS-1G gravity-based, magnetic interference–free survey uses proven PathFinder HDS-1 technology with two standard modular MWD sensors to calculate azimuth in situations where magnetic interference prevents the use of a conventional MWD survey (e.g., geothermal wells with high magnetism, drilling out of a casing window, kicking off immediately out of the casing shoe, or drilling a relief well). The dual MWD accelerometer package measures tool (or BHA) bending and calculates the difference in azimuth. This is tied into the reference survey, thus providing an accurate azimuth or direction. Inclination is calculated in the standard way—a full directional survey is thus available. An optional gamma ray sensor can be added.

Insensitivity to movement during the survey allows the tool to be used when gyro surveying is problematic. Once the gravity MWD tool is clear of the effects of magnetic interference, it can be reprogrammed to use the magnetometer sensors and operate as a conventional MWD tool without pulling out of the hole. The tool can be configured to operate in temperatures up to 150 degC [302 degF] and pressures up to 20,000 psi.