MWD / LWD

Engineer
Guide
(Grade 9)

Tatiana A. Silva

Schlumberger

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

INDEX

1.

DRILLING FLUIDS............................................................................................................................5
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.

2.

PORE PRESSURE ..............................................................................................................................6

2.1.
2.2.

3.

FUNCTIONS................................................................................................................................... 5
PROPERTIES .................................................................................................................................. 5
PRESSURE LOSS............................................................................................................................ 5
SOLID CONTROL EQUIPMENT ....................................................................................................... 5

SURFACE INDICATION OF OVERPRESSURE .................................................................................... 6

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE ............................................................................................................. 6

DRILL STRING ..................................................................................................................................7

3.1.
DRILL BITS ................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.
BHA - BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................... 7
3.2.1. Drill Collar ............................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.2. Heavy-weight Drill Pipe ......................................................................................................... 7
3.2.3. Stabilizers ............................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.4. Roller Reamers ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.2.5. Bit Sub .................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2.6. UBHO Subs ............................................................................................................................ 8
3.2.7. Pony / Short Drill Collars....................................................................................................... 8
3.2.8. MWD / LWD Tools ................................................................................................................. 8
3.2.9. Jars ......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2.10.
Circulation Subs ................................................................................................................ 8
3.2.11.
Hole Openers ..................................................................................................................... 8
3.3.
DRILL PIPE ................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.
NEUTRAL POINT ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.5.
BUOYANCY FACTOR .................................................................................................................... 9
3.6.
CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 9

4.

SENSORS ...........................................................................................................................................10

5.

ETHERNET .......................................................................................................................................11
5.1.
5.2.

6.

TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................................12
6.1.
6.2.
6.3.

7.

TOPOLOGIES ............................................................................................................................... 11
SETTING NAME CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................ 11

PROBLEMS.................................................................................................................................. 12
STEPS ......................................................................................................................................... 12
PSAM / ASAP ........................................................................................................................... 12

D&I .....................................................................................................................................................13
7.1.
WELL PROFILES ......................................................................................................................... 13
7.2.
UTM GRID SYSTEM ................................................................................................................... 14
7.3.
WELL PLOTS .............................................................................................................................. 15
7.4.
SURVEYS .................................................................................................................................... 15
7.4.1. Components .......................................................................................................................... 15
7.4.2. Surveying Tools .................................................................................................................... 15
7.5.
INCLINATION .............................................................................................................................. 16
7.6.
AZIMUTH.................................................................................................................................... 16
7.7.
TOOL-FACE ................................................................................................................................ 17
7.8.
D&I DATA USAGE ...................................................................................................................... 17
7.9.
FE RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................. 18

Tatiana A. Silva

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

7.9.1. Pre-Run................................................................................................................................. 18
7.9.2. BHA P/up.............................................................................................................................. 18
7.9.3. IDEAL................................................................................................................................... 18
7.9.4. Job Execution ....................................................................................................................... 18
7.10.
TAKING A SURVEYS ................................................................................................................... 19
7.10.1.
Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 19
7.10.2.
Field Acceptance Criteria FAC .................................................................................... 19
7.10.3.
Roll Test ........................................................................................................................... 19
7.11.
SURVEY OUT OF FAC ................................................................................................................. 20
7.11.1.
G out of FAC.................................................................................................................... 20
7.11.2.
H or Dip Out of FAC ....................................................................................................... 20
7.11.3.
5-Axis Correction............................................................................................................. 20
7.11.4.
D-Mag.............................................................................................................................. 20
7.12.
DRILLSTRING MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE................................................................................... 21
8.

MWD TELEMETRY ........................................................................................................................22

8.1.
SIGNAL GENERATION ................................................................................................................. 22
8.2.
MODULATORS ............................................................................................................................ 22
8.3.
SIGNAL STRENGTH ..................................................................................................................... 22
8.4.
DATA ENCODING........................................................................................................................ 23
8.5.
SPTS ......................................................................................................................................... 23
8.6.
DATA MODULATION/DEMODULATION ....................................................................................... 24
8.7.
BANDWIDTH ............................................................................................................................... 25
8.8.
SIGNAL PROBLEMS ..................................................................................................................... 26
8.8.1. Attenuation ........................................................................................................................... 26
8.8.2. Pump Noise........................................................................................................................... 26
8.8.3. Downhole Noise.................................................................................................................... 27
8.8.4. Electrical Noise .................................................................................................................... 28
8.8.5. Echoes and Reflections ......................................................................................................... 28
8.9.
HSPM ........................................................................................................................................ 29
8.9.1. Pump Noise........................................................................................................................... 29
8.9.2. Drilling Noise ....................................................................................................................... 30
8.9.3. Motor Stalls .......................................................................................................................... 30
8.9.4. Downhole Noise.................................................................................................................... 31
8.9.5. Electrical Noise .................................................................................................................... 31
8.9.6. Echoes and Reflections ......................................................................................................... 32
8.9.7. MWD Failure........................................................................................................................ 32
8.10.
NO SIGNAL ................................................................................................................................. 33
8.10.1.
Dark Blue spectrogram.................................................................................................... 33
8.10.2.
Pump noise but no tool signal in the telemetry band ....................................................... 33
8.10.3.
Tool at a different mode................................................................................................... 33
8.10.4.
Low Signal on only 1 SPT................................................................................................ 33
8.10.5.
Low Signal on both SPT................................................................................................... 33
8.10.6.
SPT-B............................................................................................................................... 33

9.

MWD TOOLS ....................................................................................................................................34

9.1.
ALL TOOLS................................................................................................................................. 34
9.2.
POWERPULSE ............................................................................................................................. 35
9.2.1. Components .......................................................................................................................... 35
9.2.2. MMA Considerations............................................................................................................ 35
9.2.3. MEA Sub Components .......................................................................................................... 36
9.2.4. MGR Gamma Ray.............................................................................................................. 36
9.2.5. MTA Considerations............................................................................................................. 37
9.2.6. MDC Considerations ............................................................................................................ 37
9.2.7. IWOB / MVC......................................................................................................................... 37
9.2.8. Some Specifications .............................................................................................................. 38

Tatiana A. Silva

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

9.2.9. PPL Jamming ....................................................................................................................... 38

9.2.10.
IWOB Calibration............................................................................................................ 39
9.3.
TELESCOPE ................................................................................................................................ 39
9.4.
DOWNLINK ................................................................................................................................. 40
9.4.1. Legacy................................................................................................................................... 41
9.4.2. Manual Fast.......................................................................................................................... 41
10.

LWD TOOLS .....................................................................................................................................42

10.1.
ARC........................................................................................................................................... 42
10.1.1.
Some specifications.......................................................................................................... 43
10.1.2.
Rt measurement................................................................................................................ 43
10.1.3.
Gamma Ray measurement ............................................................................................... 47
10.1.4.
ARC 6/7/8 Checklist......................................................................................................... 48
10.1.5.
Resistivity Interpretation.................................................................................................. 51
10.1.6.
APWD .............................................................................................................................. 52
11.

BIBLIOGRAPHY..............................................................................................................................58

Tatiana A. Silva

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

1. Drilling Fluids
Water based Mud
Oil Based Mud
Synthetic based Mud
Pneumatic based Mud

WBM
OBM
SBM
PBM

Water or brine as base fluid

Crude oil, diesel as base fluid
Pseudo oil as base fluid
Air, Foam or natural gas as base fluid

1.1. Functions

Control Formation Pressure

Hole Cleaning
Suspend Solids.
Lubrication and cooling of drill string
Gathering information
Provide Buoyancy

Transmit power
Prevent corrosion
Stabilization of the exposed rock
formation
Minimize formation damage
Isolate fluid from formation

1.2. Properties

Density (ppg, g/cc, psi/ft)

Rheology: Viscosity and Gel Strength
Fluid Loss (Filtration)
Inhibition

1.3. Pressure Loss

PStdpipe = PSurf.Eq + PDrill String + PMWD/Motor + PBit + PAnnulus

1.4. Solid Control Equipment

Shale Shaker
Degasser
Desander
Desilter
Mud Cleaner

Tatiana A. Silva

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

2. Pore Pressure
2.1. Surface Indication of Overpressure

Increase in background and connection gas.

Gas Ratio C2/C3.
Increase in ROP.
Presence of splintered cavings at the shakers.
Increase in torque and Drag.
Reduction in return mud weight.

2.2. Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic Pressure = 0.052 x Mud Weight (ppg) x TVD (ft)

Tatiana A. Silva

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

3. Drill String
3.1. Drill Bits
Drill Bits

Roller Cone Bits

By Cutting Structure

Milled Tooth Bits

Fixed Cutter Bits

By Bearing System

Insert Bits

Roller Bearing

Milled Tooth

Journal Bearing

Insert

PDC bits

Natural Diamond

PDC

Diamond Bits

TSP

Impregnated Bits

Natural Diamond

3.2. BHA - Bottom Hole Assembly

3.2.1. Drill Collar
Provide weight
Slick Collars / Spiral Drill Collar
3.2.2. Heavy-weight Drill Pipe
Standard / Spiral
3.2.3. Stabilizers
Integral Blade
Sleeve and Mandrel

Tatiana A. Silva

Welded Blade
Clamp-On

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

Straight blades or spiral blades

String(box / pin) or Near Bit (box / box) types
3.2.4. Roller Reamers
Substitute for Stabilizers
ONLY run in the BHA between Drill Collars
3.2.5. Bit Sub
It is used when a Near Bit Stabilizer is not required
It can be used to contain one of the following:

Float Valve

Survey Baffle / Totco Ring
3.2.6. UBHO Subs
3.2.7. Pony / Short Drill Collars
3.2.8. MWD / LWD Tools
3.2.9. Jars
3.2.10.

Circulation Subs

3.2.11.

Hole Openers

HOLE SIZE
36 22
16 17
12 12
9 7/8 8
6 5 7/8
5 4

COLLAR SIZE
14 9
9 8
8 7
6 6
4
3

TOOL SIZE
11
9
8
6
4
-

3.3. Drill Pipe

Tatiana A. Silva

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

3.4. Neutral Point

Tension = 0
Stress = 0
3.5. Buoyancy Factor
BuoyancyFactor = 1

MudWeight ( ppg )
65.5

BuoyancyWeight = BuoyancyFactor AirWeight

AvaibleWeight = BuoyancyWeight Cos ( )

3.6. Connections
For Collars we simply call it a Connection
For Drill Pipe it is called a Tool Joint
Making a Connection:

Keep it dry / clean

Apply Dope
Stab
Tong Placement
Screw in
Torque

Tatiana A. Silva

Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

4. Sensors
SENSORS
Hookload
Pump pressure
SPT-FA

INPUT

OUTPUT

PSAM

ASAP

WIRES

24 V

4 20 mA

2 10 V

15V

V
S+

Torque

24 V

03V

06V

03V

SPT-BE

24 V

6V

6V

6V

SPT-HA

24 V

7V

7V

7V

Depth Encoder

12 V

5V

5V

5V

Pump Stroke

12 V

12 V

5V

5V

V
S+
Gnd
V
S+
SGnd
V
S+
SGnd
Spare
V
S+
SGnd
V
S+

Calibration:

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

5. Ethernet
5.1. Topologies
Bus (serially)
Star (IEH IDEAL Ethernet Hub)
5.2. Setting name configuration
Start Ideal Utilities W2KNetConfig
Name
IDEAL1
IDEAL2
HSPM1
HSPM2
IRCT
ICPC

Tatiana A. Silva

Node
ASLAV1
ASLAV2
ASLAS1
ASLAS2
ASLAX1
ASLAX2

IP Address
163.185.21.30
163.185.21.31
163.185.21.32
163.185.21.33
163.185.21.34
163.185.21.35

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6. Troubleshooting
6.1. Problems

Sensor related
Junction Box Related
Cabling related
PSAM / ASAP related
HSPM related

6.2. Steps

Stop. Assess the situation. Make a plan

Do not leave the unit (assuming the cables are connected)
Focus your attention on the PSAM / ASAP
Trace the problem one step at a time

6.3. PSAM / ASAP

Check for correct wiring

Check Jumper settings
Check fuses
Check barriers
Check voltages

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

7. D&I
7.1. Well Profiles

Straight Well (Vertical)

S-Type Well

Slant Well (J-Type)

Horizontal Well

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

7.2. UTM Grid System

Divides world into 60 equal longitudinal zones (6 deg wide each)
UTM Grid Reference include: Zone Number + Hemisphere (N/S)
Range of Eastings are: ~200,000m ~800,000

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

7.3. Well Plots

Displacement
East/West

Plane of
Proposal

Target Section
Horizontal
Displacement
(HD)

Displacement
North/South
Plane of
Proposal Angle

Closure Angle

Surface
Reference Point

7.4. Surveys
7.4.1. Components
Measured Depth
Inclination
Azimuth
7.4.2. Surveying Tools
Inclination only (TOTCO and AnderDrift)
Inclination & Azimuth
MN Referenced (Single Shot, Multi Shot and MWD)
TN Referenced (Gyro)

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

7.5. Inclination

It is the angle of deviation from vector g

Tri-Axial Accelerometers
1000 counts = 1g
Tg is stable (Roll Test)

Tg = Gy 2 + Gz 2

7.6. Azimuth
It is the angle between North Reference and a horizontal projection of
wellbore
Tri-Axial Magnetometers
1 Tool H = 50 Gammas / 1 NanoTesla = 1 Gamma
Magnetic Dip Angle = Cos-1 (HC/H) (HC = horizontal component)
DIP 90 Close to Poles / DIP 0 Close to Equator
Th is stable (Roll Test)

Th = Hy 2 + Hz 2

Magnetic declination is the angle between TN and MN measured from

TN
Final Azimuth = Mag. Az. + Mag. Declination Grig Conv.

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

7.7. Tool-Face
Orientate a motor high-side
Low inclination magnetometers Magnetic Tool-Face (MTF)
High inclination accelerometers Gravity Tool-Face (GTF)

Regular MTF/GTF Switch

Low MTF/GTF Switch

MTF
Drift < 5
Drift < 2.5

GTF
Drift > 8
Drift > 3.5

Previous
5< Drift < 8
2.5 < Drift < 3.5

7.8. D&I Data usage

Data

Use

GFH

QA

All G

HFH

QA

All H

DIP

QA

All G, all H

Inclination

Wellpath

All G

Azimuth

Wellpath

All G, all H

MTF

Steering

Gy, Gz, Hy, Hz

GTF

Steering

Gy, Gz

Cont_inc

Steering

Rgx

Gy, Gz

Cont_azi

Steering

Rgx, Rhx

Gy, Gz, Hy, Hz

Tatiana A. Silva

Real-time

Last Survey

Gx, Hx

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7.9. FE Responsibilities
7.9.1. Pre-Run

Check Calibration of MWD Tool (D&I calibration 6 months)

Check requirements (TN or GN?)
Calculate EDI (< 0.5)
Program the Tool
7.9.2. BHA P/up

Measure the Tool-face correction (from ROP to motor scribe line,

clockwise, looking downhole)
TFC =

ARC
360
Circ

7.9.3. IDEAL
D&I Inits Geomag
o Inputs: Long, Lat, Date and Elevation
o Outputs: Loc G, Loc H, Mag. Dec. and Mag. Dip Angle
Tie In Point
Platform Reference
BHA
DLIS SAVE
7.9.4. Job Execution
SHT
o
o
o
o
o

Gx 1000 counts
Gy and Gz 0
Tool G Loc G
Inc 0
Pay attention: flow rate, standpipe pressure and tur_rpm

Surveys

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

7.10.

Taking a Surveys

7.10.1.

Procedures

Off Bottom
Stop Rotating
Work pipe (to remove trapped torque), last movement up.
Stop ALL movement, chain down break.
Drop pumps below min flow rate until you see signal loss.
Bring pumps up above minimum flow.
No pipe movement before the pre-cursor.
Complete a written survey record
7.10.2.

Dez - 2006

Field Acceptance Criteria FAC

G = Reference 2.5 mg (2.5 counts)

H = Reference 6 counts (300 nT)
Mag Dip = Reference 0.45o
Inc, Az and DLS are based on the previous surveys
7.10.3.

Roll Test

4 rotation surveys taken at the same depth ( 1 meter)

Tg must be constant

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

7.11.

Survey out of FAC

7.11.1.

G out of FAC

Possible causes
Pipe Movement (erratic G and H)
Failed Sensor (accelerometers: 0 or
stuck values)
Incorrect MWD Calibration
7.11.2.

Dez - 2006

What should I do
Watch the Driller
Repeat the survey
Roll Test
Checkshot or Benchmark
Checkshot or Benchmark

H or Dip Out of FAC

Drillstring Magnetism
External source
Failed Sensor (magnetometers: erratic values)
Incorrect MWD Calibration
7.11.3.

5-Axis Correction

This method can be used in a sensor failure

It is not recommended:
o Gy or Gz in vertical holes,
o Gx in horizontal holes,
o Hy or Hz when drilling North or South with inclination close to
magnetic dip angle.
o Hx when perpendicular to magnetic dip angle
7.11.4.

D-Mag

Only Drill string magnetism can be corrected

It is necessary around 10 good surveys

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

7.12.

Dez - 2006

Drillstring Magnetic Interference

Acts along the X axis of the tool (effects Hx)

It depends on:
Inclination
Horizontal Component (HC) error = Drillstring error * Sin (inclination)
Mag Dip Angle
Horizontal Component (HC) = H * Cos (Magnetic Dip Angle)
Direction
Error increases when drilling in an east/west direction
BHA

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

Dez - 2006

8. MWD Telemetry
8.1. Signal Generation
1) Modulator in open position mud flows through
2) Modulator in closed position mud flow is blocked
3) Kinetic energy pressure
4) Varying the speed of rotation the frequency changes
5) Slowing down or speeding up for a short period original frequency
the phase changes
8.2. Modulators
PowerPulse

SlimPulse

8.3. Signal Strength

Signal power = (signal strength)2
Signal energy is signal power x time

Tatiana A. Silva

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Signal
Strength

GAP

Erosion
GAP

Flow Rate
LCM
Depth
Mud Viscosity
Mud Solids
* Increased mud weight has the same effect as increased flow rate - they both increase
signal strength.

8.4. Data Encoding

Binary Phase Shift Keying
Quadrature Phase shift Keying
Minimum Shift Keying

QPSK
MSK
SymbolRate = 2(Fa-Fb)

180o
1

No shift
0

BPSQ
0
00

90
01
fc-fb/4 *
0

180
11

270
10
fc+fb/4 *
1

* Where fc is the carrier frequency and fb is the bit rate

PowerPulse
IMPulse
TeleScope
SlimPulse

QPSK, BPSK, MSK

QPSK, BPSK, MSK
QPSK, MSK
MSK

12/6 bps
6 bps
48/24 bps
1/0.5 bps

8.5. SPTs
SPT-H / dynamic output frequencies from 0.5 to 24Hz
SPT-H / static output frequencies from 0 to 2 Hz

Tatiana A. Silva

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8.6. Data Modulation/Demodulation

Signal SPT USP board (ASAP/PSAM) digital filters receiver
binary frame decoder data IDEAL
Data from the MWD tool is sent from downhole as a stream of binary
bits. 1s and 0s.
A group of 1s and 0s is called a WORD.
A WORD can vary in size (typically 2 to 12 bits).
A group of WORDS is called a FRAME.
A Frame is always preceded by a Frame Sync Word and Frame
Identification number (FID).
Precursor

Survey Frame

Utility Frame

Repeating Frame

Repeating Frame

Precursor:
1 1 1 1 ... 1111
Repeating Pattern

001101011...10
Special Precursor

Survey Frame:
Frame Sync

FID

Data

CRC

Utility Frame:
Frame Sync

FID

Data

Repeating Frame:
Frame Sync

FID

Data

* The survey is taken during the precursor!

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8.7. Bandwidth

Bandwidth

Bandpass = Fc (0.75 x symbol rate) = Fc (0.75 x bit rate / bit/symbol)

Fc = Carrier FrequencySignal-to-Noise Ratio

Bit Rate (bps) = Symbol Rate x bits/symbol

If the average SNR is > 15 dB then it is safe to double the bit rate
If the bit rate is doubled then the SNR will drop by at least 3 dB
If the SNR drops below 10 dB reduce the bit rate

Tatiana A. Silva

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8.8. Signal Problems

8.8.1. Attenuation
Factors
Mud Viscosity (Max. = 65 cp)

Survey quality

Gas in the Mud

Depth
Frequency
Radiation Loss
Flow Rate
Pipe ID
The mud viscosity decreases with increasing temperature
Changes in Pipe ID can cause reflex!
WBM better surveys/SBM very compressible/OBM bad surveys
8.8.2. Pump Noise
Harmonic =

SPM
60

Information: Flow Rate = FR gpm, the number of pumps is P and a pump

gives V gps
So
Flow Rate @ each piston =

FR
P

SPM = FR @ piston V

Tatiana A. Silva

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

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SOLUTIONS:
Check the mud conditions (viscosity, gas)
Change the Stroke R
Stagger the pumps (increase the strokes in one and decrease in the
other one)
Check the pulsation dampeners (1/3 to of standpipe pressure)
Use Dif. Filter (SPT1 and SPT2 spacing = wavelength apart at
the carrier frequency)
Pump Noise Canceller
Force retraining
Change band pass
Use notch filter
Try a downlink (telemetry / frequency / bps / FSL)
IMPORTANT:
If the SPTs are located between 1/8 and 3/8 of a wavelength apart the
telemetry waves at each SPT will interfere constructively and result in
increased signal strength. Separations of <1/8 wavelength or >3/8
wavelength will cause a reduction in signal strength.
c = f (c = speed of sound, f = carrier frequency, = wavelength)
8.8.3. Downhole Noise
Bit/Drilling Noise
Rotary Noise
Motor Noise
SOLUTIONS:
Change Flow Rate (motor RPM)
Change WOB
Change the motor

Tatiana A. Silva

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8.8.4. Electrical Noise

Loose electrical connection

Faulty SPTs
Moisture in the AJB
Sensor cable near by a power source/cable
Ground problems
8.8.5. Echoes and Reflections

Changes in Pipe ID
SOLUTIONS:
Try the Adaptive Equalizer (HSPM)
Use a stronger SPT
Change the SPT position

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8.9. HSPM
8.9.1. Pump Noise

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

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8.9.2. Drilling Noise

8.9.3. Motor Stalls

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

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8.9.4. Downhole Noise

8.9.5. Electrical Noise

Tatiana A. Silva

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8.9.6. Echoes and Reflections

Null in telemetry
band

8.9.7. MWD Failure

Tool shuts off

temporarily

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

8.10.

Dez - 2006

No Signal

8.10.1.

Dark Blue spectrogram

Dead sensor.
Bad connection.
Bad wiring
8.10.2.

Bad PSAM/ASAP
Bad USP board (Check with loop back
connector)

Pump noise but no tool signal in the telemetry band

Tool Dead
8.10.3.

Tool at a different mode

Bad configuration
Accidental downlink
8.10.4.

Low Signal on only 1 SPT

Sensor plugged with dry mud

Bad sensor
Bad position
8.10.5.

Low Signal on both SPT

Washout
Tool erosion
Mud property changes
Flow change
Air/gas trapped in mud.
Changes of ID in pipes
8.10.6.

SPT on wrong standpipe (dual standpipe

rigs)
Sensors should be on the main flow line
Open or leaking valve in surface piping
Tool with a bypass valve above the
MWD tool

SPT-B

Offset: -150 to 150 psi (DSPScope)

Offset = -250 non connected SPT-B

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9. MWD Tools
9.1. All Tools
SlimPulse

IMPulse

PowerPulse

TeleScope

Retrievable

Collar-Based

Collar-Based

Collar-Based

1-3/4 OD

4-3/4 OD

6-3/4 9-1/2OD 6-3/4 9-1/2OD

Battery Powered

Turbine

Turbine

Turbine

35 1200 gpm

100 400 gpm

225 2000 gpm

275 2000 gpm

0.1875 0.625 Hz 0.25 12 Hz

0.75 24 Hz

0.75 24 Hz

0.5 bps max.

6 bps max.

12 bps max.

48 bps max.

LCM < 50 ppb

LCM < 50 ppb

LCM < 50 ppb

LCM < 50 ppb

Bits Sent

Risk Level

PowerPulse

IMPulse

SlimPulse

1.

2.

Shk>50 Gs

Shk>50 Gs

Shk>50 Gs

No Risk

cps < 1

cps < 1

cps < 2

Med Risk

1 < cps < 5

1 < cps < 5

2 < cps < 30

High Risk

5 < cps < 10

5 < cps < 10

30 < cps < 100

Tool Failure
Imminent

cps > 10

cps > 10

cps > 100

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9.2. PowerPulse
The PowerPulse can measure inclination, azimuth, GTF, MTF,
transverse shocks and tool temperature. Formation gamma ray,
DWOB, DTOR, MVC and APWD are optional
It has downlinking capabilities to change the bit rate, frequency, FSL
and telemetry mode
There isnt power supply for the up-extender in MTF
9.2.1. Components

MMA - M10 Modulator Assembly

MEA - M10 Electronics Assembly
MTA - M10 Turbine Assembly
MDC - M10 Drill Collar
MGR - M10 Gamma Ray
MDI - M10 D&I
MGD - M10 Gamma Ray Dummy
MVC - M10 Vibration Chassis
MTK_A - M10 Kit
MSSX - Saver Subs

9.2.2. MMA Considerations

Rotor/Stator Gap
Zero gap = 0.08
Oil Level
Reservoir 360 cc
Oil leak 0.5 cc
Status flag 30 cc
Hours remaining 60 hrs
Flow Configuration
225 2000

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LCM
< 50 ppb
well mixed
pumped w/ toll turned off
Failure
Open position small drop in the standpipe pressure
Closed position large increase in the standpipe pressure
Cold Start
PPL/ BPSK/ 1Hz/ 0.5bps/ low temp/ jamming at pump up restart the tool
9.2.3. MEA Sub Components
MEC
- M10 Electronics Chassis
LTB 24 V
ROP 12 V
MDI
- M10 Direction & Inclination Package
D&I is 7.71 ft / 2.35 m from ROP
MGR/D
- M10 Gamma Ray/Dummy Package
MVC
- M10 Vibration Chassis
MEH
- M10 Electronic Housing
9.2.4. MGR Gamma Ray
Sources of natural gamma ray: thorium, potassium, and uranium
The effect of the potassium (mud) on the MGR cannot be corrected
Plateau type scintillation detector
GR NaI (thallium) light flash photocathode electron
photomultiplier many electrons discriminator circuit
GRHV at a certain range of high voltages the number of counts
registered by the device does not change as the voltage increases (the
readings plateau). A value in the middle of this range is then picked as
the GRHV for the tool
Corrections: mud weight, collar size (tool size) and bit size
Real time sample rate 11 sec
The PP averages the GR measurement every 30sec

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9.2.5. MTA Considerations

Oil Level
Reservoir 850 cc
Oil leak 1.5 cc
Status flag 50 cc
Hours remaining 33 hrs
Turbine configuration X flow range
300 - 600 gpm
(standard)
400 - 800 gpm
(standard)
600 - 1200 gpm (standard)
9.2.6. MDC Considerations

Connection integrity (do not exceed the DLS limits)

Connection torque
ROP/IWOB port integrity
Extender preparation (clean / dry / DC111)
Go / No Go
Resistance ~ M
Fishing diagram
9.2.7. IWOB / MVC

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9.2.8. Some Specifications

Collar Size
Pressure Drop Const.*

6.75
16000

8.25
NF 16000 HF 29000

9 / 9.5
29000

* PDROP = GPM 2 MW ( ppg )

C

9.2.9. PPL Jamming

Cycle pumps
Rotate, if possible
Work the drill string, if possible
Vary flow rate
Drill ahead for a while
Reduce LCM content in mud
Change shaker screens
Pump the water pill (low-viscosity sweep basically)

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

9.2.10.

Dez - 2006

IWOB Calibration

IDEAL MWD Init

DWOB
Tool 3 ft of the bottom
Pumping and rotating
Wait for the DWOB reading be stabilized
Zero DWOB YES
DTOR
Stop rotating
Work the drillstring
Tool 3 ft of the bottom
Pumping
Wait for the DTOR reading be stabilized
Zero DTOR YES
9.3. TeleScope
Benefits:
Accurate well Placement
Large power generation capacity
2 Mb memory
Considerations:
IDEAL 10
HSPM 10
TSIM2
Can support 80 dpoints
Clock battery must be replaced each 3 months
Collar size
DLS_rotating
DLS_sliding
Pressure (Kpsi)
Pressure drop const

Tatiana A. Silva

675
4.5
15
25
16000

825
4
12
25
16000

29000

900
3.5
10
25
29000

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9.4. Downlink
PowerPulse SlimPulse

TeleScope

IMPulse

Legacy

Manual Fast

*

*

* IMPulse requires V8.1_B06 or higher software

* PowerPulse requires V8.0_B93 or higher software

PowerPulse SlimPulse

TeleScope

IMPulse

Telemetry

Frequency

Baud Rate

FSL

Record Rate

*

*

Auto DLK Bit

Time

VPWD Power

* Only using Manual Fast Downlink

Baud

PowerUP telemetry bit rate (bps):

1=0.5 | 2=0.75 | 3=1 | 4=1.5 | 5=2 | 6=3 | 7=6 | 8=12 | 9=16
Modfreq PowerUP modulator carrier frequency (Hz):
3=0.625 | 4=0.75 | 5=1 | 6=2 | 7=10.5 | 8=12 | 9=13.5 |10=16 | 11=21 | 12=24
Telemod PowerUP telemetry mode:
2=QPSK | 3=MSK

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9.4.1. Legacy
Minimum Drop for Downlink
500 Turbine RPM
Low Motor Inhibit Level:
1200 Turbine RPM after the tool is turned ON
1500 Turbine RPM before the tool is turned ON
High Motor Inhibit Level:
4300 to 4700 Turbine RPM (electronics controlled)
Downlink frame
12Hz, 1.5 bps, BPSK
9.4.2. Manual Fast
High state
Flow near to your drilling flow rate ~ 500 GPM
Low state
Flow of 10% less ~ 450 GPM
Stay in high state for a minimum of 15 seconds before sending a
command

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10. LWD Tools

Measurements:
Resistivity
Density
Porosity
Gamma ray
Annular pressure / temperature
10.1.

ARC

Tatiana A. Silva

Electromagnetic propagation tool

Collar sizes 3 1/8, 4 , 6 , 8 & 9
5 transmitters and 2 receivers
Transmitter spacing:
Arc312/475: 10, 16, 22, 28, 34 in.
Arc6/8/9: 16, 22, 28, 34, 40 in.
Dual frequency: 2 MHz and 400 KHz
(except older Arc475 tools)
52 MB memory with Motorola chips
Annular Pressure While Drilling (APWD)
(except Arc475 tools) 20 Kpsi / 25 Kpsi
AIM receiver antenna
30 restivities (2 MHz/ 400 KHz/ Blended)
Resistivity Scan-rate:
Old min = 5 sec used 6 sec
W/MR06 min = 2 sec used 3 sec
(MR06 Low noise tools)
Resistivity Record-rate = Scan-rate
GR Update-rate = 28 sec

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

10.1.1.

Some specifications

Collar size
DLS_rotating
DLS_sliding
Pressure (Kpsi)
Pressure drop const
10.1.2.

Dez - 2006

675
8
16
20/25
121000

825
7
14
16/25
970000

900
4
12
16/25
970000

Rt measurement

Locate hydrocarb. (w/ GR and density porosity)

Estimate the volume of hidrocarb.
Correlate logs
Invasion determination
Anisotropy determination
Fracture determination
Geosteering

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Measurements:
Attenuation better depth of investigation
Att = 20Log

A1
dB
A2

Phase Shift better vertical resolution

PS = P2-P1

Phase

Rm
Rmc
Rxo

mud
mudcake
flushed zone

Tatiana A. Silva

Attenuation

Rt
Rmf
Rw

uninvaded zone
mud filtrate
formation water

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Dez - 2006

Environment:
Resistors in parallel
1
Rmeasered

1
1
+
Rxo Rt

Ideal environment
Rm > 10 Rt (resistive mud OBM)
Dielectric Constant:
Important at high resistivities
=

108.5
r + 5
Rt 0.35

Limitations due dielectric effects:

Transmitter Spacing (inches)
Resistivity in Ohm.m 16
22
28
34
40
Phase
0.2-200 0.2-200 0.2-200 0.2-200 0.2-200
Attenuation
0.2- 20 0.2- 30 0.2-50 0.2-50 0.2-50
Conductive formation:
More ions to absorb the energy of the wave
Depth of investigation
Vertical resolution
Resistive formation:
Depth of investigation
Vertical resolution

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10.1.2.1. Depth of Investigation

It is defined as 50% of IRGF (integrated radial geom. factor)

Deeper DOI less mud effect
Long space better than short space transmitters
400 KHz better than 2MHz
Att better than PS
Resistive better than conductive formation
10.1.2.2. Vertical resolution

It is defined as the 50% point of the vertical response function

Higher vertical resolution smaller formation beds / more accurately
Qualitative: the bed can be detected
Correlate logs
Must be corrected before formation evaluation
Quantitative: the toll read at least 90% of the Rt
Correlate logs
Formation evaluation
No transmitting space effect
2 MHz better than 400 KHz
PS better than Att
Conductive better than resistive formation
10.1.2.3. 400Khz Advantages

Depth of investigation
Less noise signal
Less eccentricity effect
More sensible to bad calibration
10.1.2.4. Borehole Compensation (rugosity)
RT1 (16)
RT2 (22)
RT3 (28)
RT4 (34)
RT5 (40)

Tatiana A. Silva

T1
T1
T2
T3
T3

T2
T2
T3
T4
T4

T3
T3
T4
T5
T5

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10.1.2.5. Borehole Corrections

Bit size
Mud resistivity (at bottom hole temperature)
10.1.3.

Gamma Ray measurement

Sources of natural gamma ray: thorium, potassium, and uranium

Real-time curves
ARC_GR_UNC_RT [GAPI]: Calibrated GR
ARC_GR_RT [GAPI]: Calibrated and environmentally corrected GR
Recorded-mode curves
GR_ARC_RAW[CPS]: Uncalibrated
GR_ARC_CAL[GAPI]: Calibrated
GR_ARC_FILT [GAPI]: Calibrated and filtered (averaged)
GR_ARC [GAPI]: Calibrated, filtered and environmentally corrected
GR GAIN factor: 0.8 1.2
Environmental Corrections:

Bit size
Tool size
Mud weigh
Potassium %
Barite (ON/OFF)

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

10.1.4.

Dez - 2006

ARC 6/7/8 Checklist

PRE-RUN
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

Visual inspection
Check connections
Torque in the sub
Torque on the extender
Go-no-go
Resistance
ROP voltages
Fishing Diagram

BATTERIES
1) Check the jam nut o-ring
2) Grease
3) Depassivation
Resistors 4 W / 100 Ohms
OCV 21 V
LV 19 V
PROGRAMMING
1) Test communication
2) Edit job file
3) Load cal record
a. Read from tool
i. Max Temp = 150
ii. Max Pressure = 20
iii. GRHV and GR Gain OST
iv. No-APWD POFF = 0
v. APWD
1. APRS ~ 14 psi
2. RPRS ~ 117 psi
3. POFF = RPRS APRS
b. D:\TOOLDATA\Run\ARC ARC#SN#RUN.CAL
4) Edit configuration Rates
a. System 5
b. Resis 6
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i. System you can put 60

ii. Raw_@2M 6
iii. Raw_@400K 6
iv. Res_Misc you can put 60
v. Blend_Res you can put 0
vi. Others 0
c. Gamma 6
i. Gamma n x 6
ii. CGamma 0
d. IAB
i. No-APWD 0
ii. APWD 12
1. Pres_IAB 12
2. Con_Pres 12
3. IAB_Frame 0
5) Edit configuration Coefficients
a. GammaRay PGR_Rate
GR_Rate =

3600
2(dp / ft ) ROP ( ft / h)

b. DefFreqSel 1 / 1
6) Edit job profile
a. Add
b. Forever
c. Enter mem. size
7) Initialize the tool
8) F9
9) Status words F7
10)
Check calibration
11)
Diagnostic Recorded mem. Summary
12)
Diagnostic Snapshot (STATE.DAT)

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

TLSW
ABAM
ABBM
ABAT
ISBS
ALTB
ARVP
ARVN
TIMP
SCNT
ACCL
DERR
RESS
AMC2
AMC4
GRHV
PGRA
PGRP
GRAP
APRS
ATMP
RPRS

Dez - 2006

Tool status word

Batteries current (mA)
Battery voltage
Internal serial bus status error
LTB voltage
Power supply (V)
Temperature
Shock count
Accelerometer voltage (shock)
Data error on ISB bus
Resistivity error from res sub-system
Amplitude control @ 2 M: T5|T4|T3|T2|T1
Amplitude control @ 400 K: T5|T4|T3|T2|T1
GR high voltage
GR_Raw (API)
GR_Avarage (cps)
GR_Avarage_Real_Time
Annular pressure (w/offset)
Annular temp.
Annular pressure (w/out offset)

0
300 400
~ 10
18 V
0
0
10 0.2
-10 0.2
Amb.
0
10
0
0
77777
77777
OST 10

~ 14 psi
Amb.
~ POFF + 14 psi

POST-RUN
1) Process Process now
2) Utilities ASCII Time Frame Non wave form
3) Utilities Tech Log
ABAM / ABBM / TEMP / ABAT / ALTB / ARCSTAT / SHKLV
4) Check:
a. STATE.DAT compare pre and post run
b. DUMP.DAT elapsed PC time = elapsed tool time
c. RESET.DAT number of resets (must be empty)

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

10.1.5.

Dez - 2006

Resistivity Interpretation

POLARIZATION HORN

BED BOUNDARIES

High relative dip angles ( 50 deg)

High contrast in resistivity
Rps > Rad (spikes)
Long > Short
ANISOTROPY

Thin beds
Rps and Rad will cross
In the middle, Rps will spike
2MHz is more sensible
DIELECTRIC EFFECT

High relative dip angles ( 60 deg)

Anisotropic formation
Rps > Rad
Long > Short
RESISTIVE INVASION

CONDUCTIVE INVASION

Sand
Usually OBM (Rmf > Rt)
Rps > Rad
Short > Long
BAD CALIBRATION

Sand
WBM (Rmf < Rt)
Rad > Rps
Long > Short
ECCENTRICITY

Curve separation in Rps (all log)

Long > Short
FRACTURING

OBM
Shale
Rps > Rad
Short > Long

Tatiana A. Silva

Resistive formations
Rad > Rps
Short > Long

OBM
Wet rock
Big hole / small tool
Only 2MHz is affected (spikes)
Mitigation: blended resistivity

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

10.1.6.

Dez - 2006

APWD

The Annular Pressure While Drilling (APWD) measures the hydrostatic

pressure of the mud column in the annular space and this value may be used
to compute circulating and static mud densities
Important Information:

Principal Functions:
Monitoring hole cleaning
Monitoring the pressure/fracture gradient w/ ECD
Kick/influx detection
Some Concepts:

Pore pressure (fluid pressure)

Fracture pressure (breakdown pressure)
Hydrostatic pressure (column of drilling fluid pressure)
Leak-off pressure (Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure)
o It is defined as the difference between fracture and hydrostatic
pressures at the casing shoe
Differential pressure
o Difference in pressure the hydrostatic head of the mud column
and the formation pore pressure
Surge
Viscous mud + BHA going in mud is forced into the formation
Swab
Viscous mud + BHA going out formation fluid influx to the well

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Factors that affect APWD:

Mud weight
Hole depth (true vertical depth)
Cutting load in mud
Mud temperature
Mud viscosity and gel strength
Drillstring speed and rotation rate
Pump pressure
Mud flow rate and flow regime (Laminar or turbulent flow)

D-points in the utility frame:

To provide ESD during connections
o PMAX
o PMIN
o PESD
To provide a LOT or a FIT
o PMAT
o PMAX
o PMIT
o PMIN
o ESDT
o PESD

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EQUIVALENT STATIC DENSITY (ESD)

Pumps turned off
ESD =

Annular _ Pr essure
[g (TVD EHED )]

EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY (ECD)

Pumps turned on
It is corrected for friction pressure losses in the annulus
ECD =

Annular _ Pr essure
+ Annular _ Pr essure _ Loss
[g (TVD EHED )]

Annular _ Pr essure _ Loss =

APL
[g (TVD EHED )]

RETURN TO SEA FLOOR

ESD =

ECD =

Tatiana A. Silva

(P

annulus

(P

annulus

Psea _ water )

g [TVD (WD + Air _ gap )]

Psea _ water )

g [TVD (WD + Air _ gap )]

+ Annular _ Pr essure _ Loss

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ESD AND MEASUREMENT

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

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LEAK OFF TEST

PTD = SPPA x Gain + Offset
Gain =

PMAX PESD
SPPMAX SPPSTATIC

Offset = PESD (SPPSTATIC Gain )

FIT Formation Integrity Test

LOT Leak-off Test
ELOT Extended Leak-off Test

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INTERPRETATION GUIDE

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Engineer Guide (Grade 9)

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11. Bibliography
1. ENG 1 Presentations; United Kingdom Training Centre, 2006
2. PowerPulse Operations Reference Manual; Barry Cross & Kuatrinnus
Wijaya, 2004
3. TeleScope Operations Reference Manual; Kuatrinnus Wijaya, 2005
4. ARC 6/8/9 Uniform Operating Procedures; Schlumberger, 2000
5. APWD Self-Learning Package; Schlumberger, 2001
6. InTouch3866229 Extended Leak Off Test procedures; Randy Green,
2006

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