C
hallenges with mud pulse telemetry (MPT) channels can
affect drilling service performance. Reliable high-speed MPT
(HSMPT) systems have been a challenge for the oil and gas
industry for decades, and the service industry has been working
diligently to develop the BHA and surface components.
Drilling of wells associated with HSMPT has expanded globally.
Figure 1 shows the locations of concentrated HSMPT activity.
Although wells using HSMPT make up only a small percentage of
the total wells being drilled, the ability to drill and evaluate the
wells in certain reservoirs critically depends on reliable HSMPT. This
is especially true in deepwater applications.
Drilling tenders in many areas require
HSMPT-capable equipment from the directional
drilling service industry, highlighting the operating
companies’ growing awareness of the challenges
associated with insufficient downhole information.
Although HSMPT reliability challenges are witnessed globally,
certain regions have exhibited particular challenges associated
with specific drilling environments (e.g. HPHT wells), specific mud
or certain rig construction limitations. In addition, the absence of
reliable HSMPT creates significant risks associated with health,
safety and the environment. Risks include the lack of critical
downhole information that may prevent severe accidents.
Reliability of HSMPT is challenging for several reasons. The
system components are very complex and therefore need highly
qualified, experienced personnel to operate and provide the
expected performance. In addition, newHSMPT system tests are
limited to field tests because of the difficulty of simulating downhole
conditions precisely in the laboratory environment. Furthermore,
material and equipment used in standard MPT systems are often
not suitable for HSMPT, thus creating additional challenges
WOJCIECH EMMERICH, OLEG AKIMOV,
IMED BEN BRAHIM & ALEXANDER GRETEN,
BAKER HUGHES,
EXAMINE A NEW SYSTEM
DESIGNED TO PROVIDE RELIABLE,
HIGH-SPEED MUD PULSE TELEMETRY.
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