Unconventional Solutions | SLB

Unconventional Solutions

Redefining performance, efficiency, and sustainability in unconventional reservoirs

A man in a white hard hat and blue coveralls with "SLB" printed on the back looking into a field
Illustration depicting a well on stratified rock

Unconventional Oil and Gas

Energy is a story of transformation—and we’ve been part of every chapter. What began with shallow wells and sheer persistence has evolved into a relentless pursuit of innovation. As the world’s energy demands rise, so does the need for smarter, faster, and more efficient solutions. At SLB, we’re pushing beyond traditional limits to shape the future of energy. 

 

In unconventional reservoirs, where challenges are dynamic and complex, we develop next-generation technologies to extend the boundaries of what’s possible. From autonomous directional drilling to cement-free solutions and record-setting laterals, we’re not just keeping pace—we're setting the pace. SLB leads the industry’s evolution and future-ready solutions that deliver results today while preparing for tomorrow. We partner with our customers to transform challenges into breakthroughs—driving performance, efficiency, and sustainable progress across the globe.

Well Construction

Unconventional programs demand fast curves, long laterals, and cemented integrity at scale. Our unconventional solutions empower operators to overcome complex geological challenges by integrating advanced technologies and workflows that drive operational excellence. From planning to execution, we deliver optimized drilling performance and well integrity to help you unlock the full potential of unconventional assets, all while reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact.

AccuStrike short makeup drill bit.
AccuStrike

Short-makeup drill bit

AccuStrike short-makeup drill bit

Automated Lithology.
Automated Lithology

Increase your lithological accuracy and enhance well planning

Capture and digitalize high-definition images of cuttings for precise reservoir analysis and integration into 3D models.

Chemical management software
DQ1000

Wellsite mass spectrometer gas analyzer

Achieve real-time semiquantitative formation fluid analysis and evaluation.

DrillOps
DrillOps

Intelligent well delivery and insights

Intelligent well delivery and insights.

EcoShield geopolymer cement-free system.
EcoShield

Geopolymer cement-free system

Sustainable alternative to portland cement, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing durability in corrosive environments.

SLB blue hero texture of fluid
HydraGlyde

High-performance water-based drilling fluid system

Reduce torque, drag, shale swelling, and dispersion in environmentally sensitive shale.

Isotope logging C1.
Isotope Logging

Continuous carbon isotope measurement for hydrocarbon analysis

Characterize the geological and geochemical hydrocarbon system in terms of source, generation, and subsurface behavior.

Losseal Max lost circulation control treatment.
Losseal Max

Lost circulation control treatment

Lost circulation control treatment to bridge and plug large fractures to reduce fluids lost to the formation.

MicroGuide high-resolution tortuosity logging.
MicroGuide High-Resolution Tortuosity Log

Accurately identify tortuosity form spud to total depth

MicroGuide high-resolution tortuosity log enables operators to easily detect anomalies in the wellbore.

Close-up of the screen shaker Mongoose Max
MONGOOSE Max

High-capacity shaker

Increase solids- and fluid-handling capacity by 35% and fluid recovery by 40%.

NeoSteer Max unconventional high-performance at-bit steerable system.
NeoSteer Max

Unconventional high-performance at-bit steerable system

Efficient drilling with superior control and a reduced environmental impact.

Neuro Solutions 3D Brand Image
Autonomous Directional Drilling

Enhanced technologies to improve well construction

Leveraging autonomy to build wells with efficiency and consistency, regardless of the rig, field, or trajectory.

Close up of pads on PowerDrive Orbit G2
PowerDrive Orbit G2

High-performance rotary steerable system

Leverage increased abrasion resistance, higher DLS for tighter curves, and better directional control while lowering emissions.

PureFlex surface fluids logging-while-drilling service.
PureFlex

Surface fluids logging while-drilling service

Get accurate real-time formation fluid data during the drilling process with PureFlex service.

Retina drilling imaging system creates high-resolution borehole images right at the drill bit.
Retina

At-bit imaging system

For the first time, high-frequency cutter force data can be translated into detailed borehole images.

RheMax P thermally enhanced primary emulsifier.
RheMax P

Thermally enhanced primary emulsifier

RheMax P primary emulsifier works reliably with contaminants, varying densities, and temperatures.

RHE-USE two-stage centrifuge system
RHE-USE

Two-stage centrifuge system

Remove low-gravity solids and produce clean fluid for reuse in drilling systems.

Suppressor dampening tool.
Suppressor dampening tool

Absorb and reduce torsional vibration

Improving BHA tool reliability while enabling PDC cutters to stay sharp for faster, longer drilling.

TruMax unconventional dual MWD service.
TruMax

Unconventional dual MWD service

Drill more quickly and accurately in harsh unconventional formations and conditions.

SLB-stylized render of intelligent cement and casing evaluation
Well Integrity Evaluation

Intelligent cement and casing evaluation

Intelligent cement and casing evaluation delivers the answers you need to confirm your well’s barrier status.

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Completions and Stimulation

In unconventional plays, maximizing reservoir contact and production potential requires tailored completions and stimulation strategies. Our solutions enable you to achieve superior well performance by combining advanced techniques with data-driven insights. By enhancing efficiency in hydraulic fracturing and completion designs, we help you deliver consistent, high-value outcomes, ensuring effective reservoir drainage and long-term asset productivity.

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Production

Sustaining production in unconventional reservoirs requires innovative methods to overcome unique operational challenges and enhance recovery. Our unconventional production solutions are designed to optimize output while reducing downtime and operational risks. By integrating advanced monitoring, automation, and recovery techniques, we enable you to maintain consistent performance, maximize asset value, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

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