Severe Risk

High Risk
Medium Risk

Low Risk

6,500 ft

7,000 ft

Drilling Dynamics
Sensors and Optimization
Accurate, real-time measurements
for productive drilling
 Drilling Dynamics Sensors and Optimization
Schlumberger drilling dynamics sensors
deliver accurate, real-time, downhole
measurements for productive drilling
reaching TD in less time.
Reduce shocks
Optimize ROP
Maximize bit performance
Avoid lost-in-hole and
NPT costs
Prevent fluid kicks
and fractures
S
chlumberger drilling dynamics sensors measure shock and
vibration, weight on the bit and torque at the bit, annular
pressure and temperature, and hole size. These measurements
enable drillers to optimize drilling parameters and minimize the
risk of drillstring fatigue, premature trips for failure, stuck pipe, kicks,
and lost circulation.
Real-Time Shock Outputs
Schlumberger MWD and LWD tools and PowerDrive* rotary steerable
systems all provide real-time and memory logs of the level and duration
of downhole shocks they are being subjected to (0 = no shocks,
1 = medium shock levels, 2 = high shock levels, and 3 = severe shock
levels). Shocks can be characterized in terms of counts per second
(cps), peak shocks, and cumulative shocks. The PowerPulse* MWD
telemetry system and the TeleScope* high-speed telemetry-while-
drilling service record the number of shocks greater than 50 gs per
second as a moving average over a period of 100 s, transmit the answer
uphole as shock cps, and aid definition of shock risk level 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Our tools also measure stick/slip, indicated by variations in collar rpm
downhole over a specified time period. The variation measurement sent
uphole can be compared to surface rpm and reported as a stick/slip
level and risk 0, 1, 2, or 3.
These shock count and stick/slip measurements are basic outputs
that Schlumberger provides to help our engineers and customers
understand when potential BHA damaging shock levels are occurring,
allowing remedial action to be taken and enabling more efficient drilling.
Use real-time measurements to improve drilling efficiency

Rotational Severe Risk

Speed
0 c/min 200 High Risk
Stick/Slip Medium Risk
Indicator
0 c/min 200 Low Risk
ROP Averaged Surface Surface Collar Transverse Shock
Depth, Over Last 5 ft WOB Torque Rotational Speed RMS Vibration Peak
ft
0 ft/h 500 0 1,000 lbf 50 0 1,000 ft lbf 20 0 c/min 200 0 gn 10 0 gn 500

6,000 ft

Vibration levels
correspond with BHA
being in whirl

6,500 ft

Vibration levels
successfully mitigated
via a modification in
surface rpm, allowing
successful completion
7,000 ft of hole section

Track 5 of this depth log provides vibration risk level information.

 Shocks greater than 50 gn

Shock cps Shock cps

0 100 180
Time, s

The shock cps provided by our MWD tools is a moving average.

Advanced Stick/Slip Measurement

An advanced measurement to be used in conjunction with the standard
downhole stick/slip measurement is available from all Schlumberger
MWD tools to help evaluate the severity of stick/slip. This advanced
measurement is the percentage of time during a stick/slip cycle that
downhole string rotation is below 5 rpm. The measurement is split into
four levels (0 = 0%, 1 = 1% to 24%, 2 = 25% to 49%, and 3 = 50% or more).
Time, s

Four-Axis-Shock Measurements
Adding an optional modular vibration chassis (MVC) to the PowerPulse
MWD telemetry system or TeleScope high-speed telemetry-while-drilling
service provides a real-time four-axis shock measurement that can be
used for more detailed analysis of drillstring dynamics. Because the
MVC is an integral component, no extra collars or connections are needed.

Stick/slip value The MVCs real-time four-axis shock measurement alerts the driller to
harmful downhole dynamic motions, such as bit bouncing, stick/slip, and
Downhole rpm
whirling, which, if undetected, can lead to poor drilling efficiency, bit
damage, and premature drillstring fatigue. Typically, the MVC is used in
Variations in downhole collar rpm indicate stick/slip.
conjunction with an IWOB* integrated weight on bit sub that provides
DWOB* downhole weight-on-bit and DTOR* downhole torque-at-the-
bit. This enables the driller to adjust weight on the bit, torque at the bit,
drillstring rotation speed, and other drilling parameters to reduce the
downhole shocks identified by the MVC, significantly improving ROP
and extending BHA life.
 Lateral Vibration Shock Width
0 gn 40 0 ms 3,000

Surface Weight on Bit Surface Torque Axial Vibration Shock Peak

0 lbf 40,000 0 ft.lbf 20,000 0 gn 10 0 gn 200

Depth, ROP Downhole Weight on Bit DownholeTorqueDownhole Drillstring Rotation Speed Torsional Vibration
ft 0 ft/h 50 0 lbf 40,000 0 ft.lbf 10,000 100 c/min 300 0 radian/s 3,000

XX,320

XX,340

XX,360

Stick/slip threshold
weight

XX,380

These surface and downhole measurements were used to optimize drilling in a West Africa field.
 Period with Period with
downhole rpm downhole rpm
less than 5 greater than 5
400

300
Downhole rpm

200
Surface rpm

100

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Time, s

Advanced stick/slip measurement shows the duration of the stuck period during
a stick/slip cycle. One axistorqueis measured by strain gauges. The other three axes
are axial and radial shock measurements made by three mutually
perpendicular accelerometers. These accelerometers are axially
aligned with the direction and inclination (D&I) package in the center of
the collar to ensure that the shock measurements accurately represent
30
BHA vibration. Because the shock measurements are aligned with the
WOB, tons

20
BHA axis, the driller can identify and correct poor drilling conditions
10 before the BHA experiences excessive fatigue.
0
Average WOB = 6.7 tons Weight-on-Bit and Torque-at-the-Bit Measurements
0 10 20 30 40 50 The IWOB integrated weight on bit suban optional component
Time, s of the PowerPulse MWD telemetry systemprovides real-time DWOB
downhole weight-on-bit (WOB) and DTOR downhole torque-at-the-bit
measurements. These direct dynamic measurements of the amount
30 of surface weight being transferred through the PowerPulse collar
WOB, tons

20 to the bit and of the torque generated below the collar enable a driller
to optimize ROP by identifying downhole problems and correcting
10
or avoiding them.
0
Average WOB = 6.5 tons
IWOB measurements make it possible to distinguish drillstring effects
0 10 20 30 40 50
BHA hanging on ledges, high friction coefficients, and BHA whirlfrom
Time, s
bit effectsstick/slip and locked cones. These measurements allow bit
IWOB downhole measurements enable a driller to optimize ROP.
usage to be maximized through continuous monitoring of bit condition,
and eliminate unnecessary trips to change bits because the driller can
tell whether a reduction in drilling efficiency is due to bit wear or to a
change in lithology. By detecting potential sticking problems, IWOB
measurements help avoid lost-in-hole and NPT costs, and help drillers
reach TD sooner.
 Because the IWOB sub is an integrated component of the PowerPulse
collar, it eliminates the need for intersub wiring and electrical
connections. Actual downhole torque and WOB are measured and
Downhole torque, instantaneous - average

transmitted to surface via MWD telemetry in real time. Advanced

downhole processing allows accurate interpretation of measurement
rms vibrations to identify stick/slip and other phenomena. A measurement of
the root mean square magnitude of downhole torque fluctuation at the
MWD tool also is available in real time. This measurement is a valuable
indication of drilling inefficiency and can be used to minimize the risk of
twistoff events and identify BHA whirl and other mechanisms.

IWOB downhole measurements are especially beneficial for optimizing

directional drilling with steerable mud motors. The real-time measurements
improve drilling efficiency by allowing swift correction of mud and hole
cleaning problemssuch as cuttings buildup, mud gel strength, and
Time, s frictionso that TD can be reached faster with less BHA damage.

IWOB measurements eliminate much of the guesswork in determining

IWOB torsional vibration measurements show the rms magnitude of downhole the forces acting on the drillstring. Combining these measurements
torque fluctuation. with MVC four-axis shock and APWD* annular pressure while drilling
measurements automatically removes interfering factors, such as
pressure, temperature, and bending. Quick identification of the sources
of ineffectiveness and potential problems enables the correct remedial
action to be taken, reducing cost and NPT.

A Shock & Vibration DVD box set, available free from Schlumberger,
discusses how shock and vibration slows ROP and adversely affects
BHA components and hole quality. To order a set, contact your local
Schlumberger representative.

Tool twist off (left) and impact damage to bit (right) resulted from shock and vibration.
Integrating downhole and surface measurements to optimize drilling

These examples show how drilling performance and efficiency can be improved by
integrating data from our downhole sensors with surface sensor measurements.
Bit on Bottom Flag

ECD
Block Position Torsional Total Pump 550 psi/1,000 ft 650
0 ft 150 Vibration Flow Annular Temperature
0 4,000 0 1,200
ROP Downhole WOB Surface Torque ft.lbf galUS/min 70 degC 150
100 ft/h 0 0 lbf 60,000 10,000 ft.lbf 30,000 Surface Annular Pressure
Surface WOB Lateral Vibration Drillstring Turbine
Hook Load RPM, 5,200 psi 7,200
gn Rotation Real-Time
100,000 lbf 500,000 0 lbf 60,000 0 4 Speed
Downhole Torque Standpipe Pressure
Bit Depth Value Vibration, X-Axis 0 120 2,000 4,000
ft 0 gn 10,000 ft.lbf 30,000 c/min c/min 2,800 psi 4,400
4 0400

High lateral shocks

Increasing surface WOB reduces shocks

Increased WOB reduces lateral shocks

Increasing surface WOB reduced the lateral shocks detected by downhole sensors.
 Surface WOB ECD
0 lbf 60,000 Annular 12 lbm/galUS 14
Hook Load Surface Torque Temperature Annular Pressure
0 lbf 500,000 Bit Depth 0 ft.lbf 20,000 100 300 0 psi 5,000
degF
Block Velocity Vibration, X-Axis Value Downhole torque Bit on Bottom
gn ft Total
2 ft/s 2 4 0 0 lbf 20,000
Lateral Pump Flow
9 0.5
ROP Downhole WOB Bit Depth Torsional Vibration Vibration 100 1,000 Standpipe Pressure
50 ft/h 0 0 lbf 500,000 0 ft 0 4,000 0 4 0 galUS/min 0 psi 5,000

Whirl started and was not

stopped after shutting down
for short period of time.
Whirl finally stopped
after longer period off bottom.

Off bottom for short time

shocks return

Off bottom for short time

shocks return

Off bottom for longer time

shocks reduced

Two attempts to reduce BHA whirl by raising the bit off bottom to dissipate energy
were unsuccessful because the bit was not kept off bottom long enough. On the
third try, the bit was kept off bottom for a longer time, which reduced torsional and
lateral shocks when drilling resumed.
 The APWD sensor provides accurate
measurements for
keeping pressure inside a narrow
operating margin
early detection of shallow water flow
optimizing tripping procedures
underbalanced drilling
Annular-Pressure-While-Drilling Measurements
The APWD annular pressure while drilling sensor provides an accurate
monitoring barite sag
real-time measurement of equivalent circulating density (ECD), equivalent
static density (ESD), and annular temperature. This enables the driller to tracking motor performance
optimize drilling performance and minimize risk by improving practices
for hole cleaning, borehole stability, and well control, and to keep annular leakoff tests
pressure between tight limits in wells that have small margins between
fracture gradient and pore pressure. discriminating influxes from sweeping
While the pumps are on and drilling fluid is flowing, MWD telemetry
delivers APWD data in real time. During connections and leakoff tests detecting kicks and influxes.
when the fluid is static, minimum, maximum, and average pressure
values are recorded downhole and transmitted to surface when the
pumps are turned on.

In deviated wells that require extensive drilling while sliding, and in
extended-reach and deepwater wells constricted by friction and barite
sag, APWD sensors near the bit can identify increased ECD due to
cuttings buildup or barite sag, lack of rotation, or poor hydraulics.
That allows corrective action to be taken before a stuck pipe occurs.
Near-bit APWD sensors can also detect small downhole fluid losses
or gains as they occur. This early detection can help a driller identify
potential well control issues before any indication of a fluid influx or
lost circulation is seen on surface, and allows the driller to maintain
a tight overbalance to optimize ROP without sacrificing safety. By
monitoring the effect of swab-surge on ECD, these near-bit sensors
allow tripping speeds to be optimized to prevent fluid influxes and fractures.
In addition, a driller can use APWD measurements to discriminate
a formation fluid influx from the harmless flow of mud over the bell
nipplea common occurrence when circulation is stopped. Mistaking
the mud flow for an influx caused by increasing formation pressure
can result in a needless mud weight increase that slows ROP and may
cause lost circulation.
APWD sensors have been integrated into many Schlumberger MWD
and LWD tools and systems, some of which include an internal pressure
sensor in addition to the annular sensor. Annular and internal pressure
measurements, together with inferred motor torque and rpm, permit a
directional driller to continuously monitor motor performance and motor
wear, maximizing drilling performance while extending motor life by
preventing stalls.
Caliper Measurements
Ultrasonic and electrical caliper measurements
while drilling are not only important to petrophysicists
for LWD log quality control, but can also be crucial
to drilling success. Analysis of real-time caliper
information, especially in combination with APWD
measurements, can identify washouts, hole cleaning
problems and wellbore stability issues.
Schlumberger ultrasonic sensors measure standoff
accuratelyup to 3 in beyond the drill collarover a
wide range of mud weights and formation properties.
As the drillstring rotates, these measurements are
binned azimuthally, and can be transmitted, by
quadrant, in real time to make caliper images.
Azimuthal standoff measurements are useful for
understanding interpreted density responses and
making estimates of average hole size that can be
used to correct neutron porosity measurements.
A differential caliper inferred from density
measurements can be used as a quality control
on the ultrasonic caliper.
Our azimuthally averaged electrical caliper can be
used to quantify washouts in larger boreholes. This
caliper, available only in water-base muds (WBM)
with a resistivity of less than 0.5 ohm.m, provides hole
size estimates up to 36 in, and is accurate to less
than 0.5 in over most ranges of formation resistivity.
Because our azimuthally averaged electrical caliper
can be used to estimate hole size while tripping,
it allows a time-lapse picture of dynamic wellbore
conditions. A caliper measurement while tripping
is also valuable for cementing operations, because
total hole volume can be crucial information for
successful cementing.
Drilling optimization workflow

These workflow charts suggest remedial actions that can be taken to

mitigate axial, lateral, or torsional vibration.

VibrationsRecognize Conventional Cures VibrationsRecognize Conventional Cures

the Symptoms While Drilling the Symptoms While Drilling

SURFACE MEASUREMENT LATERAL VIBRATION SURFACE MEASUREMENT TORSIONAL VIBRATION

OR SYMPTOM (bit/BHA whirl) OR SYMPTOM (stick/slip)
Increased mean Topdrive stalling Place top drive in high gear;
surface torque ensure soft torque operational
Increased delta
Loss of toolface surface torque
Reduced ROP Decrease rpm rpm/torque cycling Decrease
by 10% WOB by 5%
Increase Loss of toolface
Increase
WOB by 10% Reduced ROP rpm by 10%

Repeat three Repeat three

times unless times unless
WOB limit WOB limit
DOWNHOLE is exceeded DOWNHOLE is exceeded
MEASUREMENT MEASUREMENT
Yes Does Yes Does
Increased mean Increased delta
downhole torque vibration vibration
downhole torque
No continue? No continue?
High-frequency downhole Increased torsional
shocks10 to 50 Hz Yes acceleration Yes
Increased lateral shocks Pick up off bottom and Increased stick/slip indicator Pick up off bottom and
allow string torque to allow string torque to
Increased torsional unwind Downhole collar rpm greater
acceleration than surface rpm unwind
Restart drilling Restart drilling
Loss of real-time with 70 rpm Loss of real-time with 10%
data/measurement Increase WOB data/measurement increased rpm
Increased shock count by 10% of original Increased lateral shocks Decrease WOB
Increase rpm 15 to 20%
to original value Increased shock count

No Vibration No Vibration
resumes? resumes?

Yes Yes
POSTRUN EVIDENCE POSTRUN EVIDENCE
Pick up off bottom and
Cutters/inserts damaged, Pick up off bottom Cutters/inserts damaged, allow string torque to
typically on shoulder and allow string torque typically on nose and taper unwind
or gauge to unwind
Overtorqued connections Restart drilling
Broken PDC blades Restart drilling with 70 rpm
with 70 rpm Twist-offs and washouts
Worn hybrids (equivalents) Increase WOB
Increase WOB BHA failure to 25% below
with minimal cutter wear
to original value original value
Overgauge hole
from calipers Increase rpm to 25% Gradually return
below original value rpm to 15%
One-sided wear above original
on stabilizers and BHA
BHA failure
CONTINUE CONTINUE
DRILLING DRILLING
Specifications
MWD Shocks & Stick-Slip
Measurement Range Resolution
Shock count 0 to 255 cps 1 cps
Shock peak 0 to 1,020 gn 4 gn
Stick/slip 0 to 381 rpm 3 rpm
Collar rotation speed 0 to 255 rpm 1 rpm
Shock and stick/slip risk 0 to 3 1

MVC Measurement Range Resolution

X-axis axial rms vibration 0 to 30.02 gn 0.125 gn
Y-axis lateral rms vibration 0 to 60.08 gn 0.25 gn
Z-axis lateral rms vibration 0 to 60.08 gn 0.25 gn
Lateral rms vibration 0 to 60.08 gn 0.25 gn
Torsional rms vibration 0 to 5,100 ft.lbf 5 ft.lbf
Shock peak level 0 to 1,020 gn 4 gn
Peak shock width 0 to 20.5 ms 20 us

IWOB Sensor WOB Torque

Measurement range 65,000 to 190,000 lbf 8,000 to 15,000 ft.lbf
Resolution 500 lbf 90 ft.lbf
Absolute accuracy see table below see table below
Scale factor 500 lbf/count 90 ft.lbf/count
IWOB Estimated Absolute Accuracy

Downhole Conditions Error on WOB Error on Torque

30,000 lbf WOB (total electronics error) 2.85% (cross talk) 2.85%
5,000 ft.lbf torque (cross talk) 1,410 lbf (total electronics error) 25 ft.lbf
50 psi differential pressure 885 lbf 7 ft.lbf
15 dogleg
(sliding, worst orientation possible) 3,330 lbf 438 ft.lbf
Hydrostatic pressure 150 lbf/1,000 psi 5 ft.lbf/1,000 psi
Temperature 41 lbf/degF 4 ft.lbf/degF

Accuracy depends on deviations of downhole conditionssuch as applied WOB, running torque, sliding dogleg, hydrostatic pressure,

and temperatureaway from the corresponding values at the last downhole rezero point.
The effect of differential pressure (P) will be eliminated by surface software based on standpipe pressure.

The error due to dogleg exists when the MWD tool is in sliding mode. When the tool is in rotary mode, the error vanishes because of data filtering.
APWD Sensors (from EcoScope* multifunction LWD service, arcVISION* array resistivity
compensated tools, or TeleScope service)
Resolution 1 psi
Accuracy 0 to 0.1% of full scale
Available ranges 0 to 5,000 psi
0 to 10,000 psi
0 to 20,000 psi
Annular temperature resolution 1 degC
Annular temperature accuracy 1 degC
Record rate 4-s minimumaverage of 2-s samples
Real-time rate programmabletypically every 80 s at 12 Hz3 bps

Ultrasonic Caliper (from EcoScope service or adnVISION* azimuthal density neutron tools)
Frequency 250 kHz
Standoff range 3 in at maximum mud weight 10 lb/galUS and formation densities
above 2.2 g/cm3
1 in at maximum mud weight 16 lb/galUS and formation densities
above 2.5 g/cm3
Accuracy 1.5 ms transit time ( 0.1 inch in water)
Frequency 670 kHz
Standoff range 2 in at maximum mud weight 10 lb/galUS and formation densities
above 2.2 g/cm3
1 in at maximum mud weight 13 lb/galUS and formation densities
above 2.5 g/cm3
Accuracy 1.5 ms transit time ( 0.1 inch in water)

Drilling Dynamics Sensors and Optimization

www.slb.com/drilling
*Mark of Schlumberger
Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), formerly Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC), and

Schlumberger collaborated on a research project to develop LWD technology that reduces the need for traditional
chemical sources. Designed around the pulsed neutron generator (PNG), EcoScope service uses technology that
resulted from this collaboration. The PNG and the comprehensive suite of measurements in a single collar are key
components of the EcoScope service that deliver game-changing LWD technology.
Copyright 2010 Schlumberger 10-DR-0169