Tomax downhole regulator (AST) in the Middle East and North Africa region
Middle East operators have many wells to drill, and these wells are key to meet the global demand for oil and gas. The steady need for more wells and puts a special pressure on continuous improvement for cost and reduced environmental impact in the region.
Tomax AST is a proven component for improving drilling efficiency and can assists in reducing emissions from increased footage per bit. This way Tomax becomes part of the solution for the MENA region in many aspects.
Tomax’s Anti Stick-Slip Technology (AST) has become an established contribution to performance drilling by counteracting self-excitation and vibration below the neutral- or zero tension point in the string.
This part of the string is practically disconnected from surface and out of reach in terms of surface control. An effective regulator in this section of the string has made a big difference from stabilizing the bit-rock interface, reducing dysfunctions and extending footage.
The gains have produced 20 years of field experience and 13,500 successful wells world-wide, Tomax AST has become a proven way to step up efficiency, reduce drilling time and cut emissions.
KEY CHALLENGES IN MENA
Challenge: Sustainability requirements driven by Saudi Vision 2030 and similar environmental initiatives.
How Tomax solves the challenge: The AST is proven to reduce emission from power generators from as many as three proven sources: Increasing ROP, longer bit run and less trips for failure
Challenge: Persistent issues with torsional vibrations and stick-slip in complex geological formations.
How Tomax solves the challenge: The AST is effective from zero WOB and secures trouble free starts on every connection within all kinds of formations including high friction calcites and conglomerates
Challenge: Need for cost-effective, scientifically proven solution to provide for systematic reduction in drilling time per produced barrel
How Tomax solves the challenge: Operators and academia have done repeated comparisons, studies and computer simulations on the AST to confirm gains in the range 35-40%
SPE PAPERS
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Analysis of Downhole Regulator
Read the full paper: Analysis of Downhole RegulatorDynamic Analysis of a Downhole Regulator for Drilling in Interbedded Formations Arviandy G. Aribowo; Roeland…
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Performance Analysis
Read the full paper: Performance AnalysisPerformance Analysis of a Downhole Regulator on Rate-Of-Penetration and Drilling Efficiency: An Autonomous Load Management…
Field report
Qualification for Giant ERD Oilfield
Zadco UAE (Upper Zakum Development Company), with majority shareholder ADNOC, needed to expand ERD capabilities beyond 10,000m and saw excessive friction and stick-slip as challenges.
With AST the MWD shocks came down to harmless levels. The operational efficiency improved significantly. Since then, more than 50 wells (2019) have been drilled, some deeper than 40,000′. (12,000m)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between the AST and a Shock Absorber?
Shock Absorbers will generally subtract or drain energy from the bit. The AST will store the same energy and feed it back to provide the bit with both higher and a more stable energy.
Has the AST been verified by 3.rd party and science?
Yes, operators and independent research institutes have conducted several studies and published the results in various fora.
Can AST work alongside SoftTorque or similar systems?
AST complements SoftTorque by stabilizing the rock-cutter interface. This critical interface, below the neutral point in the bottom end of the string, is out of reach for SoftTorque and other surface controls.
How does AST contribute to sustainability?
AST’s documented ability to provide systematic improvement in energy efficiency and a consistent reduction in trips for bits presents a significant reduction in fuel consumption.
Are there needs for tuning or adjusting the AST?
The AST operational range eliminates the need for field-specific adjustments, making the AST a bolt-on improvement.
How does the AST deal with HFTO vibrations?
The AST limits bursts of torsional energy that otherwise is known to energize the higher torsional harmonic frequencies – or HFTO.
MAIN COMPETITIVE COMPARISONS IN MENA
| Attribute | TOMAX | Alternative products available in MENA |
|---|---|---|
| Downhole Regulator | XC and XD-AST | 3 |
| Local field experience | Since 2008 | Since 2021 |
| Operational Range | Unlimited | |
| Under-Reamer | Yes | |
| HPHT | Yes | |
| Through-Tubing | Yes |
Contact us
Ready to optimize your drilling operations in MENA? Contact our local representatives.
UAE
Dubai
+971 4 885 8505
Established in 2013, our experienced Dubai team leverages its combined expertise to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
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Dammam
+966 56 300 4768
Dammam is the center for the petroleum activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The build- and maintenance facility opened in 2022. The Dammam facility has available the full range of tools.
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Fahaheel
+965-90056813
Established in 2024, our own Kuwait and Iraq office commits its expertise on 24/7 basis to deliver exceptional support to our clients. Tools are supplied and serviced from Saudi Arabia.
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