center. To combat the time and cost associated with conventional manual mud
flow adjustments,. Schlumberger offers fast and automatic downlinking services
to.
Fast and Automatic Downlinking Technologies Optimizing the value of downhole tools To combat the time and cost associated with conventional manual mud flow adjustments, Schlumberger offers fast and automatic downlinking services to more efficiently accomplish mud flow commands and optimize the value of downhole technologies. FAST DOWNLINK The Auto Downlink Modulator delivers downlinking on rigs where it was previously impossible.
APPLICATIONS
Directional drilling with rotary steerable systems (RSSs)
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LWD/MWD services
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BENEFITS
Increased value of existing RSS and LWD tools
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No distraction to drillers
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Reduced well construction costs
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Minimized risk of failed downlinks
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FEATURES
Fast downlink
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Downlinking while drilling
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Quick sequence time
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Small flow changes
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Automatic downlinking
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Software-controlled commands
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Ability to send downlinks from rig floor, logging unit, or OSC* operation support center.
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New technology for decoding downlinks downhole is used in the fast downlink service. Compared with conventional manual downlinking, fast downlink markedly reduces the time taken to send commands. For directional drilling with an RSS, this service eliminates flat time because downlinks are sent while drilling continues. Similarly, time is reduced for performing services when LWD systems (such as StethoScope* formation pressure while drilling) are stationary. Commands are robustly decoded downhole, meaning that in addition to the time savings from the quicker protocol used, the sequence can be sent using lower-flow variations compared with conventional downlinks. These smaller flow changes help maintain wellbore stability. Operating in extended-reach drilling (ERD), the fast downlink service enables effective downlinks all the way to TD.
Fast and Automatic Downlinking Technologies The fast downlink technology enables a wider range of commands to be sent to MWD and LWD tools. MWD engineers can more effectively optimize tool settings to maximize the value of their logging services. AUTOMATIC DOWNLINKING
The automatic downlinking service takes downlinking one step further by removing the downlinking distraction from the jobs of drillers and directional drillers. Rather than manually altering pump settings on the rig floor, directional drillers send downlinks automatically from their laptops. Drillers and directional drillers remain focused on their core drilling tasks and responsibilities—steering and optimizing drilling performance. Downlinks are automated through an electronic interface, ensuring the quality of downlink execution. MWD engineers are able to quickly send downlinks directly from the logging unit to optimize MWD and LWD tool configurations. Remote operations are also supported, as the downlinks can be sent from an OSC operation support center. The technology used for automatic downlinking varies depending on rig type. Options include drilling system automatic interfaces such as DrillLink™ and CyberLink™
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the Schlumberger Auto Downlink Modulator.
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Automatic downlinking eliminates driller disturbance.
The Auto Downlink Modulator is easy to install on any rig.
DRILLING SYSTEM AUTOMATIC INTERFACES
The DrillLink system is appropriate for rigs with pumps controlled by silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) power systems. It works by superimposing the downlink code onto the analog pump control signal from the SCR. CyberLink technology is specifically designed for Cyberbase® drilling systems, common on the latest deepwater rigs. It consists of a server interfaced to the rig control network. This server sends the required flow set points to the pumps to form the downlink sequence. DrillLink and CyberLink, both developed by National Oilwell Varco, require no temporary pipework, thus avoiding any pressure risks. Both technologies ensure that the driller always remains in control by allowing system override at any time. AUTO DOWNLINK MODULATOR
The Auto Downlink Modulator is a skid-mounted manifold that can be installed on any rig. It provides a way to adjust flow rate downhole by bypassing a percentage of the outflow from the pump. While it can be used on any rig to meet short-notice demands, it is particularly appropriate for enabling downlinking on rigs with mechanically driven pumps where downlinking was not previously possible. The innovations of fast and automatic downlinking services simplify operations, optimize performance, and cut significant time from LWD/MWD and RSS runs, maximizing the value operators receive from these tools.
www.slb.com/drilling *Mark of Schlumberger Other company, product, and service names are the properties of their respective owners. Copyright © 2010 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. 09-DR-0061
