Third-Generation MWD Tool Drills Record Well in Italy

Case study: SlimPulse provides real-time, continuous measurements under extreme bottomhole conditions
Challenge
In the Villafortuna-Trecate field in Italy real-time, continuous measurements of gamma ray, bit inclination, and bit direction were needed under extreme bottomhole conditions to 180 degC [356 degF].

Third-generation MWD tool drills record well in Italy.

High temperature and high pressure are two of the challenges in deep horizontal wells, and operation in these environments often limits the effectiveness and life of measurementwhile-drilling (MWD) tools. Failures are costly if drilling must stop to trip the pipe and replace a tool. Schlumberger is meeting these challenges with the new SlimPulse* retrievable MWD system. This thirdgeneration tool provides direction, inclination, toolface and gamma ray measurements continuously in real time to improve drilling decisions on the rig. The SlimPulse tool can be fully retrieved while the drillstring is downhole, saving time by eliminating pipe trips for directional equipment. The tool operates in flow rates from as low as 35 gal/min on coiled tubing to as high as 1200 gal/min in largediameter holes. Advanced servo technology, adapted from the aircraft industry for use in mud-pulse telemetry, generates the MWD signals. It also provides downhole power, extending the SlimPulse battery life to 400 hr of drilling time. SlimPulse MWD technology drilled the worlds deepest producing horizontal oil well in the Villafortuna-Trecate field in Italy. The final bit run reached a total depth of 6,421 m [21,066 ft] at an angle of 89.6. The horizontal drain extended 184 m with inclinations from 85 to 90. The vertical depth of 6,062 m [19,888 ft] is a new world record for a completed horizontal well. The SlimPulse system provided real-time, continuous measurements of gamma ray, bit inclination and bit direction under extreme bottomhole conditions to 180 degC [356 deg F]. This Schlumberger MWD technology was instrumental in successfully geosteering the Villafortuna 1 well into the target pay zone.

Solution
SlimPulse* retrievable measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technology was instrumental in successfully geosteering the Villafortuna 1 well into the target pay zone. The final bit run reached a total depth of 6,421 m [21,066 ft] at an angle of 89.6. The horizontal drain extended 184 m [603.7 ft] with inclinations from 85 to 90.

Results
SlimPulse MWD technology drilled the worlds deepest producing horizontal oil well. The vertical depth of 6,062 m [19,888 ft] was a new world record for a completed horizontal well.

The rugged SlimPulse design easily handles lost circulation materialup to 50-lbm/bbl medium nut plug.

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07-DR-257 May 2007 *Mark of Schlumberger Copyright 2007 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. Produced by Schlumberger Marketing Communications

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