Weatherford International plc announced today (Dec 1) the development of the HeatWave™ Extreme service for commercial use by Chevron Thailand.
The HeatWave Extreme service includes an enhanced logging-while-drilling (LWD) tool string capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 410ËšF (210ËšC). The high temperature rating enables drillers to log to total depth (TD) in conditions that exceed the current barriers of 347ËšF (175ËšC) and avoids the need to pull out of the hole, drill blindly or land the well above the planned TD.
The latest innovation in the Weatherford high-temperature LWD portfolio made its debut in April 2015 in Thailand. The 4 3/4-inch modified tool string is expected to reduce drilling times in deep gas fields.
“Through collaborative efforts with Chevron Thailand, we can provide LWD services in oil and gas plays throughout the world where there are extreme temperature challenges,” said Etienne Roux, Vice President of Drilling Services at Weatherford. “Furthermore, the joint focus on leveraging our technologies to drive efficiency and optimize costs in the current market conditions will help support our customers' operations.”
The first phase of component development and field testing for the new tool began in May 2014 as a partnered project between Weatherford and Chevron Thailand for offshore gas wells in the Gulf of Thailand. To date, the technology has saved approximately $4 million in rig time and expenses related to temperature mitigation over the course of the 22-well program.
Weatherford’s past experience and successes with high-temperature development allows operators to log while drilling in extreme temperature environments.
The partnership is part of Weatherford’s strategic focus to develop the right technology for the right market through collaboration with key clients globally.