Thema Drilling Operations Support and Analysis Service

Thema drilling operations support and analysis service monitors drilling mechanics (including drillstring vibrations), hole-cleaning efficiency, borehole-formation pressure balance, rig performance, and a range of geological data. In addition, it offers superior detection of the C₁–C₅ components in gas extracted from the drilling mud for gas ratio analysis. Employing state-of-the-art technology, the service helps you to extract maximum value from the data obtained through mud logging and real-time surface data monitoring. Geoservices logging units are designed with safety in mind—all components are ATEX-certified.

Superior data quality and speed

Signals are converted from analog to digital as close to the sensors as possible, avoiding the problems associated with analog signal transmission and a multitude of cables running across the rig floor. Very high–frequency acquisition, improved data resolution, and increased computation capacity enable faster processing of complex data.

Real-time analysis

Thema service analyzes real-time, high-frequency data streams from a number of sensors, and displays decision-ready information on drilling performance and safety via customizable screens. A summary of the real-time status of the well is obtained by combining depth- and time-based data for:

• Well surveillance

  Fast detection of fluid influx into the wellbore is vital, especially when drilling a slim hole or when drilling under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. Early kick detection gives a valuable edge during drilling operations by reliably indicating influx or loss at very low volumes, by reducing the number of “false alarms” requiring time-consuming flow-checks, and by reducing the time taken to detect a kick or loss.

  Pumpoff gas is analyzed and used to identify potential underbalance situations. These measurements indicate the relationship between formation and borehole pressures.

  Automatic flowback fingerprint is captured and displayed on screens when the rig pumps are stopped, for quick and easy visual reference.

• Drilling mechanics surveillance

  The wear and behavior of the drill bit are assessed by monitoring key drilling parameters—axial (bit bouncing) and torsional (stick/slip) vibration frequencies and energy—via measurements by surface sensors. Potential problems like bit balling, drillstring vibration, and bit wear can be anticipated and drilling parameters can be optimized during the operation, improving ROP and increasing the life of downhole and surface equipment.

• Hole-condition monitoring

  Wellbore stability and the efficiency of hole-cleaning actions are analyzed in real time. An automated process records drillstring weights while reciprocating, rotating, or static. Incoming data is compared with theoretical values for parameters such as pickup, slack-off, and free-rotating weights; torque; and equivalent circulating density (ECD) provided by industry-standard models. Monitoring can be enhanced by the use of cuttings flowmeters.

• Drilling and rig performance analysis

  Automatic rig state detection further enhances the value of the Thema service. For a given rig state, a specific combination of parameters is tracked and displayed, as the situation warrants. Monitoring key performance indicators such as weight-to-weight time, slip-to-slip connection time, and net drilling time per stand, in real time, allows analysis and reduction of NPT and improvement of both rig and drilling performance. The duration of each operation is logged, enabling assessment of the rig performance during various operations including drilling, sliding, tripping, and circulating.

Remote service support

The Thema service includes engineers both on the rig and in your office, working together to ensure that the right information is delivered within your organization in a timely manner. They also work closely with the centralized Geoservices Expertise Center (GEC)—staffed by engineers and geoscientists with global experience, who support our personnel in optimizing operations.

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