New products and services

Robot improves EOR techniques

BP has begun operation of the Core Flood Robot, the world’s first, robotic coreflooding system. Coreflooding identifies and evaluates EOR techniques, measuring the effectiveness of injections into oil-bearing rock.  The Core Flood Robot reduces the time spent developing a particular EOR technique by as much as 50%, enabling hundreds of such tests to be performed each year. The robot is operated by the same team that developed LoSal EOR, BP’s reduced-salinity waterflooding technology. More than 45 coreflood tests were performed in validating the LoSal EOR effect, before field trials were conducted in Alaska. BP and its partners are now deploying the technology at scale on the Clair Ridge project in the North Sea. BP was awarded the 2014 OTC Distinguished Achievement Award for the Clair Ridge project.

Software addition analyzes well log data and improves mult-frac scenarios

CGG has launched PowerLog Frac, a tool to analyze well log data that feed results directly into fracture simulation software. Developed in collaboration with Baker Hughes, fracture simulation can be implemented as part of a standard completion process, allowing the user to design better hydraulic fracturing projects and improve well performance-based software. Multiple fracturing scenarios are possible, generating formatted rock and fluid properties. 

Evaluating zonal isolation to improve well integrity

Schlumberger has released the Invizion Evaluation well integrity service, which evaluates zonal isolation by using integrated drilling, cementing and well logging data. The service uses real-time and post-job data to help identify zonal isolation issues that could impact well integrity. In Alaska, the service’s integrated workflow was used to help in job planning, and the Isolation Scanner cement evaluation service was used to successfully save more than 15 hr in waiting-on-cement and operational costs. These services enabled the well to be logged 27 hr after the cement job, instead of the typical 42 to 72 hr; helped the customer determine the quality of the cement bond; and confirmed that the cement had set. 

Intelligent water management solution relies on oxidation technology

Nalco Champion has launched the RenewIQ line of oilfield water reuse solutions, to help operators reduce freshwater consumption and associated handling costs, from sourcing to disposal. This new comprehensive lifecycle program effectively cleans contaminants across a wide range of applications and challenges, including freshwater pretreatment and flowback, and produced water cleanup or reuse. Built on an oxidation technology platform, the RenewIQ solution is an effective, faster-acting, more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional nonoxidizing biocides. 

Real-time seismic data capture now possible while drilling

The Baker Hughes seismic-while-drilling service, SeismicTrak, enables real-time seismic data capture while drilling simultaneously. Users can adjust the well path by updating the velocity profile and reservoir model. In extended-reach and horizontal wellbores, sensors in the BHA have access when wireline deployment could be difficult. In addition to checkshot data, full wireline-quality, VSP imaging data are collected in memory for processing after drilling, to mitigate impending hazards and increase subsurface understanding.

Cementing system reduces conductor holding time length

Claxton has developed a new conductor cementing support system, a hydraulic jack-and-clamp mechanism that holds the weight of the conductor while the cement cures. The operator brings a rig over the jacket and uses it to run a conductor. It then holds the conductor in place while the cement cures—a process that typically takes 12 to 18 hr. The rig no longer has to hold each conductor, and it can move to the next slot and begin running another conductor.

Conical element drill bit improves ROP and steering response

Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, has introduced the StingBlade conical, diamond element bit. The bit uses Stinger conical diamond elements optimally placed across the bit face. The bit increases run length and ROP while delivering improved steering response in directional applications. In one trial in offshore Australia, a 12.25-in vertical section was drilled through a formation known to cause premature impact damage to conventional PDC bits. The drill bit exceeded the planned footage interval, increasing interval length by 97% and ROP by 57%, saving more than five days of drilling time.