Tomax Drilling Technology on the South American continent
The patented AST downhole regulator has contributed to more effective drilling in thousands of wells around the world since 2005 – including offshore operations offshore from the South American continent.
Operators offshore Brazil, Suriname and more places have many prosperous discoveries to develop. Still, the oil price puts pressure on the cost of drilling.
Tomax AST is a proven component for improving drilling efficiency and reducing bit-trips in deepwater drilling. This way Tomax is a perfect solution for systematic, reliable savings in the region.
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. The introduction of an effective regulator in this section of the string has made a big difference for reducing bit/rock dysfunctions and extending footage in deep wells.
With 20 years of field experience and 13,500 successful wells world-wide, the Tomax AST has become a proven solution for efficiency improvement. Also from large offshore drilling vessels offshore South America.
Our innovative AST regulator has unique capabilities for maintaining efficiency and reliability when using PDC drill-bits, and under-reamers in deep, offshore wells.
This deepwater region is home to some of the most logistically demanding drilling projects in the world. The top spec drill-ships and semi-submersible rigs puts lots of pressure on the reliability of the downhole drilling operation.
By combining experience from this region dating back since 2014 and continuous development of the AST, Tomax represents a significant potential to further improve deepwater operational performance and economics.
KEY CHALLENGES IN South America
Challenge: Deepwater drilling vessels in this region are advanced and have relatively long supply-lines and extraordinarily 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 hard layers with a potential need for under-reaming. Both becomes become more with deeper depths
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 pre-salt lithologies – also with under-reamer
AST Regulator
Efficiency and reliability
Our innovative AST regulator has unique capabilities for addressing the challenges of maintaining efficiency and reliability with PDC drill-bits – and under-reamers – in deep wells.
Offshore South America is home to some of the most logistically demanding drilling projects in the world.
The offshore operation around this continent uses drill-ships and semi-submersible rigs that puts lots of pressure on the reliability of the downhole drilling operation.
By combining experience from this region dating back since 2016 with a continuous development of the mechanical AST since, we represents a significant potential to advancement in deepwater operational performance and economics.
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…
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does AST perform in 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.
Has the tool been tested and proven by scientific method?
Yes, operators and academia have conducted numerous comparisons and presented transparent mathematical modelling of the benefits. All available in SPE papers.
How does AST help in HPHT wells?
The continuous adaptation of the WOB to maintain a steady torque reduces the heat on the cutting edges of the PDC bit and provides for significant lifetime extension in HPHT environments.
Are there needs for tuning or adjusting the AST?
AST’s design and operational range eliminate the need for field-specific tuning or adjustments, making it a perfect fit for offshore operations
How does the AST deal with sea swell?
The AST is proven to provide efficient protection of the PDC cutters in challenging situations where the heave-compensation is yet not effective.
MAIN COMPETITIVE COMPARISONS IN SOUTH AMERICA
| Attribute | TOMAX | alternative products available South America |
|---|---|---|
| Downhole Regulator | XC-AST | 1 |
| Local field experience | Since 2014 | Since 2025 |
| Operational Range | Unlimited | |
| Under-Reamer | Yes | |
| HPHT Experience | Yes | |
| Ultra deep drilling | Yes |
Contact us
Ready to optimize your drilling operations in South America? Contact our representatives.
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 information