Schlumberger Introduces New Mapping-While-Drilling Service

Schlumberger has launched the new ‘SpectraSphere’ fluid mapping-while-drilling service at the 2017 Offshore Technology Conference.

The service is said to be the industry’s first to deliver downhole fluid composition during drilling with real-time pressure measurements-while-drilling. Applicable in a variety of environments, from exploration wells to highly deviated development wells, Schlumberger says that SpectraSphere lowers risks associated with fluid analysis and sampling operations while enhancing well placement, maximizing reservoir contact and ultimately boosting future production.

“Understanding the parameters of the reservoir in real time is critical for all our customers during all stages of field development,” said Richard Brown, president, drilling & measurements, Schlumberger. “The SpectraSphere service enables customers to obtain laboratory-quality fluid analysis while drilling, which reduces the overall cost of operations and risks associated with conventional fluid analysis.”

According to the company, the service has been field tested in the Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, Africa, the North Sea and offshore Malaysia. While developing a field offshore Malaysia, the new service was used to acquire formation fluid samples and pressure measurements in a highly deviated wellbore that intersected pressure-depleted zones with increased risk of differential sticking. The sampling was completed in two hours per station and eliminated the need to conduct further formation testing in two additional wells, saving three operating days, Schlumberger noted.