TruTrak Automated directional drilling system

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Brett Campbell
8 years ago
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1 D r i l l i n g a n d E v a l u a t i o n TruTrak Automated directional drilling system

2 Answering the need for improved drilling precision and efficiency Simple wells are not so simple anymore While 2D J- and S-shaped profiles remain the well design of choice in many fields, rising spread costs are pushing operators to drill these wells with maximum efficiency and minimal non-productive time (NPT). And, as the easy targets disappear, precise well placement within a relatively small reservoir target has become more critical than ever. Baker Hughes TruTrak automated directional drilling service offers a precise, highly efficient answer for drilling low inclination well profiles. Optimizing gross penetration rates to drill them faster than previously possible. Significantly enhancing wellbore quality to simplify casing and completion runs. Dramatically improving placement precision to speed up recovery and maximize hydrocarbon production over the life of the well. Answer with confidence. The integrated TruTrak system represents another major leap forward in Baker Hughes directional drilling capabilities by offering drillers greater operational efficiency and a higher level of confidence in their well placement. This confidence is based on our TruTrak service which incorporates field-proven, automated steering control (as used in our established AutoTrak and VertiTrak services), and integrated directional measurement while drilling (MWD) and the industry s premier X-treme motor technology. Together, these best-in-class technologies provide operators the answers they need for optimal well path control and unmatched drilling efficiency. And, thanks to the system s modular design, even more real-time answers can be obtained with the addition of further dynamics and formation evaluation sensors if required by the application. Precise, J-shaped profile drilled by TruTrak Service Baker Hughes offers drillers greater operational efficiency and a higher level of confidence in their well placement. With the TruTrak service, operators can adjust their well designs to minimize measured depth to target, reduce torque/drag and lower bending fatigue of the drillstring.

And, as the easy targets disappear, precise well placement within a relatively small reservoir target has become more critical than ever.

3 Engineered for power and precision Baker Hughes engineers and applications experts designed the TruTrak automated directional drilling system to provide multiple, efficient answers for today s demanding drilling environments. Our TruTrak service facilitates rapid penetration rates and precise well placement by automating downhole steering now drilling 2D well profiles is faster and more accurate than with conventional drilling tools and techniques. Because we designed the TruTrak system to drill vertical and low-angle holes, it can deliver superior penetration rates while operating in a sliding mode with bit rotation provided by our powerful X-treme motor. We can even switch out the system s power section based on application specific requirements (e.g., a high-speed power section for impregnated bits in very hard and abrasive formations). A precise, high-quality hole Using near-bit inclination measurements, our TruTrak service can automatically maintain a high-quality well path. The system s integrated downhole motor provides the power needed to: Smoothly kick off from vertical and build or drop angle with variable steering force Efficiently drill tangents in automatic inclination hold mode Precisely adjust steering forces for smooth azimuthal control in the tangent section And, although the system is designed for highly efficient slide drilling in vertical and low-angle holes, the steering ribs can be retracted quickly if rotation is required (e.g., exiting a casing shoe). The TruTrak system s near-bit sensors measure hole inclination and azimuth, and constantly transmit the data to the surface. Whenever its sensors detect a deviation from the desired inclination, the TruTrak system automatically and precisely steers the well back on track regardless of formation dips or other downhole conditions. During build and drop sections or azimuthal corrections, the TruTrak system s steering pads can turn the well up to 5 /100 ft. (Corresponds to a maximum BUR of 4 3 /4-in. TruTrak.) The system s closed-loop control provides continuous course corrections without surface intervention to minimize well tortuosity providing drillers the answers they need for lower torque and drag, reduced twist-off risks and fewer stick/slip problems. As a result, the TruTrak service reduces both bottom hole assembly (BHA) and casing wear throughout the well s life cycle.

Our TruTrak service facilitates rapid penetration rates and precise well placement by automating downhole steering now drilling 2D well profiles is faster and more accurate than with conventional

4 Operators using the service can count on simplified casing runs and plan their lean casing profiles with confidence. One answer for multiple drilling challenges Drilling low inclination wells using conventional directional motor technology has often proved challenging. Due to the low friction between the BHA and the borehole, it s often challenging and time-consuming to maintain the stable tool face orientation necessary for consistent directional control. Because of this, operators often plan the kick-off point of J- or S-shaped wells deeper in the profile than is really necessary to deliberately increase the tangent section s inclination and simplify tool face orientation. While this approach does have some benefits, it can complicate directional corrections in faulted and dipped formations and lead to high local doglegs. A better, more cost-effective answer With the TruTrak service, steering from vertical is not an issue. The system s closed-loop pad steering is continuous, automatically controlling and correcting well inclination without sacrificing the desired drilling parameters since it is totally independant from hydraulics. TruTrak delivers well path control more efficiently than conventional directional drilling tools. Baker Hughes can help operators adjust well designs with confidence to minimize measured depth to target, reduce torque and drag and lower bending fatigue of the drillstring. Superior hole quality delivered at superior ROP Baker Hughes is committed to drilling superior, in-gauge holes for our customers. Thanks to the TruTrak system, that job has just become much easier. The TruTrak system s improved hole quality has eliminated many previously required reaming runs, and operators using the service can count on simplified casing runs and plan their lean casing profiles with confidence.

Due to the low friction between the BHA and the borehole, it s often challenging and time-consuming to maintain the stable tool face orientation necessary for consistent directional control.

5 In addition to improved steering control and hole quality, the Baker Hughes TruTrak service delivers the performance drilling answers many operators seek by reducing connection times and improving gross rate of penetration (ROP). The service can also extend a rig s capabilities and minimize BHA and drillstring wear by reducing torque and drag in the hole. Another answer while drilling The TruTrak automated directional drilling service represents another breakthrough for Baker Hughes directional drilling technologies, products and services. Each application of the TruTrak service is backed by superior Baker Hughes quality that operators have come to depend on from unmatched system designs and best-in-class manufacturing processes to thorough pre-well planning and experienced wellsite personnel. And, while the TruTrak system incorporates hole inclination and azimuthal measurements, the system is compatible with Baker Hughes more advanced MWD and logging-while-drilling (LWD) measurements for more comprehensive realtime answers. When you need practical solutions to your daily drilling challenges, you can count on the Answers While Drilling provided by Baker Hughes TruTrak automated directional drilling service.

Another answer while drilling The TruTrak automated directional drilling service represents another breakthrough for Baker Hughes directional drilling technologies, products and services.

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