Multilayer mapping-while-drilling and unconventional dual MWD services deliver accurate well placement and lower drilling costs

A drilling campaign in the Northeast Basin faced repeated challenges maintaining the wellbore within the target formation, leading to costly sidetracks and inefficient drilling. By integrating PeriScope Edge™ multilayer mapping-while-drilling service and TruMax™ unconventional dual MWD service with a power probe downhole alternator, the operator achieved precise well placement, eliminated unnecessary sidetracks, and improved drilling efficiency. The solution enabled delivery of each well in just two runs using a single XBT battery module, reducing operational costs while maximizing reservoir exposure.

The operator sought to improve drilling accuracy and reduce costs associated with missing the target formation. Previous geosteering efforts relied primarily on average gamma ray measurements, which did not provide sufficient formation resolution to consistently maintain the wellbore within the most productive reservoir interval. As a result, wells frequently required sidetracks, increasing rig time, operational complexity, and overall well costs.

The objective was to keep the wellbore within the optimal reservoir zone throughout the drilling process, maximizing production while minimizing NPT and unnecessary expenditures. The customer required a solution capable of delivering real-time, high‑resolution formation evaluation and rapid telemetry transmission to support informed drilling decisions.

SLB deployed PeriScope Edge service and TruMax service with a power probe downhole alternator as an integrated drilling and geosteering solution to improve reservoir navigation and drilling efficiency.

PeriScope Edge service provided high-resolution formation boundary mapping, enabling the drilling team to accurately identify reservoir boundaries and maintain the wellbore within the target zone. The improved subsurface visibility significantly reduced uncertainty and eliminated the need for costly sidetracks.

TruMax service delivered reliable, high-speed electromagnetic telemetry, providing continuous real-time transmission of downhole data to support rapid geosteering decisions. The enhanced data flow enabled immediate operational adjustments, reducing drilling risk and improving overall efficiency.

The power probe downhole alternator supplied the additional power required to run both PeriScope Edge and TruMax services simultaneously, allowing each well to be drilled in only two runs with a single XBT battery module. This streamlined drilling execution reduced rig time, lowered battery-related costs, and improved operational performance.

The combination of these technologies resulted in accurate well placement, reduced drilling costs, improved operational efficiency, and successful reservoir exposure. By eliminating the need for sidetracks and enabling faster, data-driven decision making, the integrated solution established a new benchmark for drilling performance and has become the preferred approach for future wells in the area.