Schlumberger has announced the launch of Tele Scope ICE ultrahigh-temperature measurements-while-drilling service and Power Drive ICE ultrahigh-temperature rotary steerable system (RSS).
These new technologies enable standard drilling operations in reservoirs with extreme temperatures, expanding the applications and the range of the field-proven Power Drive RSS and Scope measurement services.
Steve Kaufmann, president, Drilling & Measurements at Schlumberger, said, “In high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) projects, customers are under intense pressure to manage costs and achieve drilling objectives. This is particularly challenging because HPHT environments can affect the reliability of conventional downhole equipment.”
“Our new drilling services for ultrahigh-temperature wells help our customers eliminate runs, drill wells with precision and mitigate operational risks to make the undrillable wells possible,” Kaufmann added.
The PowerDrive ICE RSS is the only commercially available RSS rated to 200°C. Together with the TeleScope ICE MWD service, these technologies make up the industry’s first 200°C bottomhole assembly.
The fully rotating RSS provides precise directional control and automatic steering, resulting in increased rate of penetration and reduced operational risks in ultrahigh-temperature wells. The TeleScope ICE service transmits survey and formation evaluation data at high speed, enabling real-time well placement and risk mitigation in harsh drilling conditions. Both technologies include integrated ceramic electronics (ICE) and multichip modules that are specifically designed and ruggedized for hostile downhole environments.
ICE UltraHT Drilling Services
Operating at 200 degC [392 degF], ICE ultraHT drilling services expand your ability to accurately and efficiently reach targets in ultrahigh-temperature reservoirs without special operating procedures.
Engineered with proprietary ultraHT-rated ceramic electronics that are ruggedized for extreme down- hole conditions, the PowerDrive ICE* ultraHT RSS and the TeleScope ICE* ultraHT MWD service, together, form the first complete BHA specifically designed to operate at 200 degC. The ICE ultraHT drilling services build on 30 years of drilling innovation, making advanced drilling and telemetry a reality in ultrahigh-temperature wells.
Proprietary ultraHT-rated electronics
To bring the advantages of the PowerDrive* rotary steerable systems and TeleScope* MWD services to ultrahigh-temperature reservoirs, Schlumberger revolutionized the process for manufacturing the ceramic components used in modern electronics. The result: multichip modules mounted on a ceramic substrate and hermetically sealed in inert gas, ready for the rigors of downhole use.
Durability in Extreme Downhole Conditions
The non-HT-rated electronic board failed after being exposed to 188 degC [370 degF] for approximately 6 hours. The ultraHT-rated multichip module, however, has full functionality after being tested to 215 degC [419 degF] for 2,000 hours.
TeleScope ICE UltraHT MWD Service
The TeleScope ICE MWD service enables high-speed transmission of survey and formation evaluation data critical for real-time drilling optimization and well placement in HT and ultraHT reservoirs.
Precisely position ultraHT wells
The TeleScope ICE service helps you geosteer accurately and mitigate drilling risk in ultraHT wells. This service maximizes the amount of information available and optimizes well trajectory in real time to effectively target productive zones.
Eliminate additional BHA and gyro runs
The ability to receive real-time measurements when developing HT and ultraHT reservoirs reduces well construction time and cost by eliminating additional BHA and gyro trips
Applications
Real-time well placement and drilling optimization in ultraHT reservoirs
Benefits
▪Expand normal operating window to 200 degC
▪Optimize well trajectory and landing with precise real-time data
▪Mitigate risk with real-time drilling dynamics
▪Reduce well construction time and cost
▪Maximize ROP while obtaining high-density data
▪Survey in static mode without cycling pumps
Features
▪Proprietary ultra HT electronics
▪High-density data transmission of
▪Compatible with the PowerDrive ICE RSS and all other Schlumberger BHA components
PowerDrive ICE UltraHT RSS
The PowerDrive ICE RSS operates durably at 200 degC, bringing the benefit of a fully rotating RSS to ultraHT reservoirs. Designed with ultraHT-rated electronics, the PowerDrive ICE RSS assures reliable, uninterrupted performance in extreme downhole conditions.
Maximize performance by eliminating special operating procedures
The PowerDrive ICE RSS enables standard drilling operations in reservoirs with extreme temperatures. By eliminating performance-limiting procedures, such as controlled drilling parameters and additional off-bottom circulation, this fully rotating RSS helps you maximize ROP.
Drill to target reservoir with precision
The PowerDrive ICE RSS provides precise directional control and automatic steering.
Applications
▪UltraHT drilling of 3D complex wells
▪Drilling performance optimization
▪Extended-reach drilling
▪Accurate well placement
Benefits
▪Expand normal operating window to 200 degC
▪Reduce cost by eliminating trips
▪Eliminate additional off-bottom circulation to ensure integrity of tools
Features
▪Proprietary ultraHT electronics
▪Innovative pad actuation design with metal-to-metal seals
▪Multiaxis continuous inclination and azimuth measurements
▪Automatic hold inclination and azimuth capability
▪Compatible with the TeleScope ICE service and all other Schlumberger BHA components
Case study
PEMEX Improves Trajectory and Saves 9 Days with Ultrahigh-Temperature RSS
PEMEX increased ROP by 16%, saving 9 operating days and USD 1.35 million using the PowerDrive ICE RSS.
Recover trajectory to drill to target
PEMEX was drilling the 81⁄2-in section of a 3D development well in HT formations offshore Mexico and expected to encounter static temperatures exceeding 165 degC [329 degF] and pressures up to 15,000 psi. With no commercially available RSS rated beyond 175 degC [347 degF], PEMEX selected a packed BHA. The possibility of veering off track was known to be a risk with the packed BHA, but PEMEX determined that a temperature- related tool failure was a greater risk.
While drilling, the BHA encountered very abrasive formations and veered off track. Lacking precise directional control and unable to reach the desired target, PEMEX pulled the BHA out of hole. To drill this section to planned TD, PEMEX needed a tool that could recover the tangent section and withstand the formations’ elevated temperatures.
Use field-tested PowerDrive ICE ultraHT RSS to correct trajectory of 3D well
During the drilling of the 81⁄2-in section, a field test of the PowerDrive ICE* ultraHT RSS concluded, and the tool became available. Schlumberger recommended using the ultraHT RSS to correct the trajectory of the borehole and drill the section to TD.
Rated to 200 degC [392 degF], the PowerDrive ICE ultraHT RSS is specifically designed to improve reliability in wells with extreme heat. At the time the well was drilled, the operating windows of all commercially available RSSs were limited by the plastic components in their electronic circuit boards. These parts begin to deteriorate, melt, and cause downhole failure at 180 degC [356 degF]. Designed with ultraHT-rated multichip modules that are ruggedized for downhole use and a bias unit with metal-to-metal seals, the PowerDrive ICE RSS provides operators with precise directional control in HT and ultraHT environments.