Tomax AST Drilling Technology offshore Africa
The patented AST downhole regulator has delivered more effective drilling in thousands of wells all over the world since 2005 – including offshore drilling operations around the African continent.
Operators Offshore Africa have many prosperous discoveries to develop. The need for reasonable break-even cost in deep waters puts high pressure on operational regularity.
Tomax AST is a globally proven component for improving drilling efficiency and reducing trips for failures at the same time. One area where Tomax has demonstrated its ability to provide systematic savings in this respect is in fact is offshore Africa where complete drilling campaigns have been completed with no extra bit trips.
Tomax’s Anti Stick-Slip Technology (AST) has become a fast-growing technology from its unique ability to counteract self-excitation and vibration below the neutral- or zero tension point in the string.
The introduction of an effective regulator in this critical bottom section of the string has made a big difference for reducing bit/rock dysfunctions and extending footage per bit to safely achieve one-run sections.
With 20 years of field experience – and 13,500 successful wells world-wide, Tomax AST has become a proven solution for large scale efficiency improvement from large offshore drilling vessels.
Our innovative regulator addresses the challenges of maintaining efficiency and reliability with PDC drill-bits in deep wells.
Offshore Africa is home to some of the most logistically demanding drilling projects in the world.
Operators here use costly drill-ships and semi-submersible rigs that puts lots of pressure on time and efficiency in the drilling operation.
By combining local experience since 2016 and continuous improvement, our technology is proven as capable of significant improvements in deepwater operations offshore Africa.
KEY CHALLENGES IN OFFSHORE AFRICA
Challenge: Deepwater drilling vessels offshore Africa are advanced and have long supply-lines and high cost of operation
How Tomax solves the challenge: The AST is proven to reduces none-productive time in costly operations from three sources: Increasing ROP, saving bit-trips and reducing tool failures
Challenge: Deep vertical sections from floating vessels leads to heave (WOB) fluctuations with increased risk of premature drill-bit failures
How Tomax solves the challenge: The ability to regulate the bit/rock interface from zero load makes the first contact with the rock or cement safe – even with severe rig heave
Challenge: Complex sediments with a potential need for under-reaming
How Tomax solves the challenge: The ability to prevent self-excitation in the lower end of the string has provided for one-run operations in though lithologies – also with under-reamer
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…
AST Regulator
Efficiency and reliability
Our innovative regulator addresses the challenges of maintaining efficiency and reliability with PDC drill-bits in deep wells.
Offshore Africa is home to some of the most logistically demanding drilling projects in the world.
Operators here use stly drill-ships and semi-submersible rigs that puts lots of pressure on time and efficiency in the drilling operation.
By combining local experience since 2016 and advanced mathematical modelling, our technology is proven as capable of significant improvements in deepwater operations offshore Africa.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does AST perform in deep, high-pressure environments?
The AST is tested for safe operation up to 50.000 psi hydrostatic pressure through a built-in bleed capacity ensuring efficient operation even in the deepest vertical wells.
What is the difference between the AST and a Shock Absorber?
Shock Absorbers will generally subtract and drain energy from the bit. The AST will store the same energy and feed it back provide the bit with both higher and a more stable energy.
Has the tool been tested and proven by scientific method?
Yes, operators have published several controlled comparisons and studies on the AST. The function is also computer modelled by academia to verify its contribution to efficiency.
Does the AST ad efficiency in homogenous rock?
A continuous adaptation of the cut versus friction reduces the otherwise common self-excitation from the rock cutter interface. This excitation is in fact more likely in a homogenous rock.
Are there needs for tuning or adjusting the AST?
No. AST’s design and operational range eliminate the need for field-specific tuning or adjustments, making it a zero-maintenance solution perfect for use offshore Africa.
How does the AST deal with sea swell?
The AST protects the PDC bit through WOB adaptation in challenging situations such as through the shoe-track when the heave-compensation is yet not effective.
Will the AST work with an Under-Reamer?
Under-Reamer drilling operations typically sees a big improvements with AST.
MAIN COMPETITIVE COMPARISONS IN OFFSHORE AFRICA
| Attribute | TOMAX | Alternative products available offshore africa |
|---|---|---|
| Downhole Regulator | XC and XD-AST | 1 |
| Local field experience | Since 2015 | Since 2024 |
| Operational range | Unlimited | |
| Under-Reamer | Yes | |
| HPHT | Yes |
Contact us
Ready to optimize your drilling operations in offshore Africa?
Contact our representative Helge Smedsvik.
South Africa
Cape Town
+27 60 4161620
Established in 2019, our own Cape Town specialist commits its expertise on 24/7 basis to deliver exceptional support to our clients.
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