Intelligent Drill String Field Trials Demonstrate Technology Functionality

Abstract

Intelligent drill string components capable of transmitting data at rates up to 2-megabits per second have been developed and successfully tested in commercial drilling applications. This paper details the lessons learned during intelligent drill string field trials, with focus on the overall network performance during drilling operations, physical handling ease and integration of existing down-hole measurement tools into the network. This is the first publication of information from such field trials, and the first discussion of down-hole tool data transmission through the intelligent drill string network. The paper includes discussion regarding the potential impact of intelligent drill string technology on the drilling and completion process. This new technology can improve well productivity, reduce drilling time/costs and enhance well control safety. The paper addresses these issues and provides a forward-looking view regarding large-scale introduction of the system and the anticipated time-line for commercial availability. The intelligent drill string system incorporates a high-speed data cable protected in a high-pressure conduit that runs the length of each joint. The cable terminates at inductive coils that are installed in grooves machined in the secondary torque shoulders of double-shoulder connections at each end of the joints. The system's design supports high-speed, high-volume, bi-directional data transmission to and from hundreds of discrete measurement nodes. As a result the system offers an opportunity to capture critical data along the full length of a drill string, not just at the bit, in addition to supporting the use of high-resolution LWD tools and providing instantaneous control of down-hole mechanical devices. The system offers robust, reliable operation and is virtually transparent to standard rig procedures. Introduction Mud pulse telemetry is the current industry standard for transmission of data from MWD and LWD tools to surface and typically functions at 3 to 6 bits/sec, rising to 12 bits/sec under ideal conditions. These relatively low data rates force multiple sensors to compete for bandwidth, limiting data density and demanding complex downhole processing systems in order to achieve modest real-time measurement resolution. Mud pulse telemetry presents several other significant barriers to data flow during the drilling process:A limited capability to receive commands from surface often results in significant non-productive time when changes in down-hole tool functionality are required.The requirement that all sensors be in close proximity to the mud pulse tool prevents distributed measurements along the drill string.The inability to transmit data when circulation stops can leave the driller blind during well-control situations. Seven years of engineering and development, funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, has produced an intelligent drill string network capable of transmitting data at rates up to 2 Megabits/sec. This system makes it possible to obtain large volumes of data from existing MWD/LWD tools instantaneously - greatly expanding the quantity and quality of information available in ‘real-time’. In addition, the system design means data can be transmitted both upwards and downwards, from hundreds of distributed measurement devices, regardless of circulation conditions. Each device can be defined as a node with a unique address and can gather or simply relay data from a previous node onto the next. Network protocol software and hardware control the flow of information between devices. Since every node is uniquely identifiable, the location where events occur along the length of the well can be determined. The system's bi-directional communication architecture means not only is high-speed transmission of downhole data to the surface possible, but also commands from the surface to devices downhole or even between downhole devices can be sent, received and acted on.

A Summary Of Wired Drill Pipe Field Trials And Deployments In Bp

“…IntelliServ had in fact performed extensive through-string operations in test wells to evaluate the potential for such issues. These tests were performed early on in BP's evaluation (Reeves et al, 2005). and were a pre-requisite to running wired pipe in BP.…”

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The first use of wired pipe in BP was in early pre-commercial field trials in seven Oklahoma wells in 2004to 2005(Reeves et al, 2006. IntelliServ commercialized its networked drillstring or wired pipe with full connectivity to 3 rd party downhole tools in early 2007.

BP field trialed the commercial version of wired pipe with a comprehensive suite of BHI's Loging While Drilling (LWD) tools, Measurment while drilling (MWD) and AutoTrak rotary steerable on two Wamsutter (Wyoming) wells in 2007.

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“…The first use of wired pipe in BP was in early pre-commercial field trials in seven Oklahoma wells in 2004to 2005(Reeves et al, 2006. IntelliServ commercialized its networked drillstring or wired pipe with full connectivity to 3 rd party downhole tools in early 2007.…”

Experimental Design, Instrumentation, and Testing of a Laboratory-Scale Test Rig for Torsional Vibrations—The Next Generation

“…Field experiments have played a crucial role in investigating every aspect of drilling. Some examples include an examination of drill string vibrations [1], the efficiency of downhole data transmission [2], and evaluation of bit performance [3]. While the presence of these field-testing facilities across the world has played a big role in the advancement of drilling technologies, these facilities have high operational costs along with the lack of a controlled testing environment [4].…”

Smart Monitoring and Decision Making for Regulating Annulus Bottom Hole Pressure While Drilling Oil Wells

“…In fact, the tools operate by sending monitoring data while the drill fluid is circulating. Reeves et al (2005) developed a system which integrates, into the drill string, a signal cable, which, however, is disconnected during the pipe connection procedure. Jenner et al (2004) developed a technique named continuous circulating system (CCS), based on a mechanical device able to continuously pump the drill fluids, even during pipe connections.…”