A Pressure Activated Deployment System for Openhole Memory Logging Tools and itsApplication in Directional Wells

摘要

Openhole memory logging was introduced in 1999 as a moreefficient alternative to pipe conveyed wireline logging. It wasdeveloped subsequently into a shuttle system that conveyslogging tools inside drillpipe, and which provides formationevaluation logs after drilling to supplement basic real-timelogging-while-drilling (LWD) data. The original shuttle designused a dart pumped from surface to move the logging stringinto open hole after the assembly reached TD. In a newdevelopment, the dart has been eliminated together with theassociated pumping time. In its place is an electro-mechanicalpressure activated release mechanism capable of simple twowaycommunication. The method has been used in trials toactivate and deploy logging tools downhole, and to returnstatus information to surface. It has the potential to bedeveloped further for post-drilling real-time data transmission,and is a key component in a repeat formation pressure testerbeing developed for memory operations.