Data While Tripping DWT: Keeping the Light on Downhole

摘要

The objective of this paper is to discuss and outline the invention of the data while tripping (DWT) device,why it was developed, the development process, introduction to the market, and proven value for the enduser. A ‘Fail fast’ and ‘Test to Failure’ approach was taken where 3-D printing, simple prototypes, andcomponents testing was performed before building gradually more sophisticated prototypes, all of whichwere tested to destruction. Based on learnings, a final test version was built and tested to 60 times thecustomer's requirements in a controlled environment. The DWT device was deployed in the fall of 2019 on two offshore rigs in the North Sea for final prototypetesting. This gave the basis for refinements leading up to the commercial version of the DWT device, aswell as proving the conceptual value of the device; no people required in the red zone while tripping awired drill pipe string, continuous downhole along string pressure measurements, continuous logging whiletripping utilizing bottomhole assembly (BHA) tools, and continuous down hole and along string data inputfor automated drilling applications. Additionally, considerable time savings were proven. The concept of being connected to a wired drill string during tripping operations has been on the industry'swish list for years. The lack of this technology has, on many occasions, been a showstopper for selectingwired drill pipe for drilling operations. The introduction of the DWT device has shown to be a success forboth proving the value of deploying wired drill pipe (turning the lights on downhole) as well as stayingconnected to the downhole network while tripping (keeping the lights on downhole) – both systems enablingdata flow without mud flow.