High-Speed Drillstring Telemetry Network Enables New Real-Time Drilling and Measurement Technologies

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Abstract A real-time, bi-directional, drill string telemetry network has been proven reliable over the course of seventeen field trial wells, including seven wells within the U.S. The network has demonstrated simultaneous upward and downward data rates of up to 57,000 bits per second, with reliability comparable to current mud pulse telemetry technology. The network utilizes unique inductive coupling coils and armored coaxial data cables embedded within premium double-shouldered drilling tubulars to provide high bandwidth telemetry without impacting drilling operations. U.S. field trials have included multiple vertical and directional gas wells drilled to depths exceeding 14,000 feet in the Arkoma region of southeastern Oklahoma. The drilling environment has involved extremely harsh vibrational conditions, including air hammer drilling and multiple jarring events. During these trials, a leading oilfield service company has deployed a number of different downhole measurement-while -drilling (MWD) tools interfaced directly to the drill string telemetry network. This interface allows real-time surface control and interrogation of the downhole tools and transmission of high-density, low-latency drilling dynamics, formation evaluation and directional MWD data at previously impossible speeds. In a recent well, the operator elected to eliminate their usual mud pulse transmission tool, utilizing the telemetry drill string network and compatible MWD tools as the primary downhole data source. This paper builds on prior publications and provides details of the latest field trials, including, for the first time, information on the development and performance of network enabled MWD tools. A summary of the mechanical and electrical design considerations associated with tool conversion is offered. Observations regarding mud-pulse and drill string telemetry performance, including operational differences, rig time impact, added value and deployment issues are provided. Finally, this paper provides details, and value propositions, of downhole measurement and drilling applications that are enabled by the availability of a reliable telemetry drill string network.