Obtain reliable MWD data in challenging drilling conditions
An operator wanted to save time and costs off AFE while drilling in the
Midcontinent oil region. Due to drilling noise, particularly in unfavorable
drilling conditions, the data from conventional tools could not be demodulated
at surface. To obtain accurate formation evaluation and drilling optimization
data during drilling operations, the operator often had to relog every stand of
drillpipe—and even retake entire surveys. This led to hours of NPT per
well.
Enable frequency shifts and higher transmission speeds
To increase data transmission speed and deliver a continuous MWD signal
while drilling, Schlumberger recommended the xBolt G2 service. The xBolt G2 service
uses quadrature phase shift key mud pulse telemetry, which enables increased
bit rates and carrier frequency flexibility. System algorithms guide the mud
pulse signal to change frequencies onto a cleaner area within the spectrum,
avoiding insufficient data due to low-frequency drilling noise, which can cause
very poor to no demodulation.
Saved time and costs off AFE by increasing on-bottom drilling time
25%
Using the xBolt G2 service, the operator significantly increased
transmission reliability to eliminate the need for relogging and repeat
surveys, which helped increase on-bottom drilling time from 62% to 78%. The
xBolt G2 service achieved a 2-bps transmission rate during drilling compared with
just 0.5 bps from a standard high-volume, probe-based mud pulse
tool—reducing survey time by 2 minutes at every connection.
