TruLink definitive dynamic survey-while-drilling service

Survey while drilling to reduce stuck-pipe risk

Conventional measurements-while-drilling (MWD) surveys require a stationary drillstring, adding rig time and allowing cuttings to accumulate while building the curve, which can reduce rate of penetration (ROP) and increase stuck-pipe risk. The TruLink™ definitive dynamic survey-while-drilling service takes definitive surveys on bottom while the bottomhole assembly (BHA) drills, from tophole to total depth (TD). Conventional definitive surveys take 9 to 12 minutes per stand, while TruLink service reduces survey-related rig time to zero.

Because every survey arrives in real time, directional drillers can adjust steering continuously, reducing dogleg severity and tortuosity in complex 3D well profiles. In qualification runs with Saudi Aramco, TruLink service data matched static surveys to within 0.5° inclination and 1° azimuth across vertical, curve, and lateral sections.

Less time on the rig also helps operators manage rig engine CO₂ emissions. TruLink service is part of the Transition Technologies™ portfolio for decarbonizing drilling and completions, and is one of the measurements-while-drilling services.

Improve well placement and drilling efficiency

• Tophole and vertical sections—When you need to hold vertical to a precise kickoff point, TruLink service continuously confirms BHA location and lithology from the first stand.
• Curve builds and landings—When you’re landing in a thin target, definitive continuous inclination and azimuth from TruLink service provide the best possible TVD resolution accuracy and measurement compared to other MWD tools in the market, enabling you to steer in real time and land with less tortuosity and a smaller ellipse of uncertainty. 
• Laterals and stuck-pipe-prone intervals—When stopping to survey risks stuck pipe, surveying on bottom removes those static stops across the vertical, curve, and lateral.
• Congested fields and anticollision— When offset wells crowd the platform, pairing TruLink service with the GyroLink™ definitive gyro-while-drilling service tightens wellbore positioning so constrained well plans can be drilled.
• Ranging, intercepts, and plug and abandonment (P&A)—When you must locate or intercept an existing well, TruLink service adds continuous passive magnetic ranging while drilling and works with the GeoSphere 360™ 3D reservoir mapping-while-drilling service.

TruLink service surveys continuously while drilling

TruLink service combines a best-in-class six-axis direction-and-inclination (D&I) sensor, high-rate telemetry, and formation measurements, so each survey supports a steering decision while the bit is on bottom. The result is a tighter, more accurate curve and more efficient drilling to TD.

• Continuous six-axis directional and inclination sensors—Definitive surveys at every point in the well, not only at connections, for real-time trajectory control of both inclination and azimuth.
• Physical telemetry at up to 20 bits per second (bps)—Transmits survey and dynamics data to surface fast enough to steer on current information.
• Gamma ray—Refines geological accuracy and supports lithology identification while drilling.
• Drilling dynamics—Three-axis shock and vibration measurements give crews real-time insight into downhole conditions.
• Works across BHA types—Qualified with rotary BHAs, rotary steerable systems (RSS), and motor BHAs in the Saudi Aramco runs, so the same survey approach carries across hole sections.
• Passive magnetic ranging—Enables continuous passive magnetic ranging while drilling and complements active resistivity ranging with the GeoSphere 360 service for anticollision and intercept work.

Field results from definitive surveys while drilling

Operators have used TruLink service for dynamic survey while drilling in qualification wells, congested offshore fields, and record-length sections. Field applications show how continuous survey data can match static survey accuracy, identify trajectory differences in real time, and improve well placement across complex well paths.