Tomax downhole regulator (AST) in the European region
European oil and gas field operators face many infill drilling challenges where economics are under pressure from limited reserves.
Tomax AST supports the technical foundation for an improvement in efficiency and reach with a minimum of bit trips compared to historic field data. This way Tomax becomes part of the solution for maintaining good returns from mature assets.
Tomax’s Anti Stick-Slip Technology (AST) has changed 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 control.
An effective regulator in this section of the string has made a big difference from stabilizing the weight-on-bit, reducing bit/rock dysfunctions and extending footage.
With 20 years of field experience and 13,500 successful wells world-wide, Tomax AST is now widely used to step up efficiency and reliability across the region’s diverse energy landscape.
KEY CHALLENGES IN EUROPE
Challenge: Hard chalk beds in HPHT environments causes high risk or slow ROP from excessive friction
How Tomax solves the challenge: The AST regulates the WOB in a way that prevents self-excitation and chatter from high friction. This drops the risk and allows faster ROP from moving the limits on WOB
Challenge: Depleted fields require drill-around capabilities with associated torque and drag challenges
How Tomax solves the challenge: The AST regulator has a long stroke and has used this stroke to optimize the cut given the difficult torque and weight transfer through the longest strings in the world
Challenge: The North Sea is renowned for storms and waves and puts lots of pressure on operational efficiency
How Tomax solves the challenge: The latest generation regulator is effective from zero WOB and secures trouble free starts on every connection with systematic savings in all kinds of weather
Challenge: Extensive use of reservoir navigation brings lots of advanced tools into the string including wired-pipe for data transmission
How Tomax solves the challenge: The benefits from a stable bit/rock interface include a significant drop in random load spikes and hence safe operation for tools and tool-joints
SPE PAPERS
-
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…
-
Performance Analysis
Read the full paper: Performance AnalysisPerformance Analysis of a Downhole Regulator on Rate-Of-Penetration and Drilling Efficiency: An Autonomous Load Management…
-
Rethinking the Drilling System
Read the full paper: Rethinking the Drilling SystemHow Rethinking the Drilling System from the Drillbit to the Drillstring and the Drilling Fluid…
-
Faster ROP in Hard Chalk
Read the full paper: Faster ROP in Hard ChalkFaster ROP in Hard Chalk: Proving a New Hypothesis for Drilling Dynamics Eirik Akutsu; Mads…
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does AST improve performance in offshore environments?
The AST is proven to reduces none-productive time from as many as three independent sources: Increasing ROP, extending bit life and reducing tool failures
How does the AST make PDC bits last long in HTHP environments?
High friction from compacted sediments can easily overheat the PDC cutters in an already hot environment. Excess heat drops the PDC resistance to wear. This is prevented with the AST.
How does AST compare to active torque control systems?
The AST is effective below the neutral point where the BHA is in compression and practically disconnected from surface controls – such as for example Soft Torque.
How does AST help land drillers meet European regulations?
By reducing the axial excitation from the cutting process, the AST is repeatedly used to minimize rig shake and noise to provide community compliant drilling in central Europe.
How is the COMPETITIVE landscape IN EUROPE?
| Attribute | TOMAX | Alternative products available in EUROPE |
|---|---|---|
| Downhole Regulator | XC and XD-AST | 3 |
| Local field experience | Since 2005 | Since 2013 |
| Operational range | Unlimited | |
| Under-Reamer | Yes | |
| HPHT | Yes | |
| Through-Tubing | Yes | |
| Wired Pipe | Yes |
Contact us
Ready to optimize your drilling operations in Europe? Contact our local representatives in Stavanger or Aberdeen.
Norway
Head office
+47 51 95 11 70
The Stavanger (Forus) shop was opened in 2010 and expanded in 2020 when the central component storage was separated in to another building. The workshop assembles tools for the Europe region and also supports contracted warehouses in Africa and the Far East.
More informationUnited Kingdom
Aberdeen
+44 (0) 1224 561313
Established in 2011, our Aberdeen team leverages its combined expertise and long experience to deliver exceptional service to Europe and the Caspian region.
More information