NOV : VectorZIEL precisely drills four laterals in a remote Sub-Saharan Africa project
March 19, 2024 at 06:50 pm EDT
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VectorZIEL precisely drills four laterals in a remote Sub-Saharan Africa project
Automated rotary steerable system helps deliver higher-quality boreholes to maximize production.
Mar 19, 2024
Several gas-to-power projects are under way to address regional grid intermittency challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa and rising energy demands. An operator developing a remote gas field required accurate well placement through the thin and faulted reservoir while maintaining a down-dip trajectory to maximize the gas production.
The operator used bent motor bottomhole assemblies (BHA) to drill the previous horizontal wells. However, these wells did not meet the operator's production targets because of the borehole's tortuosity, prompting a game-changing switch.
NOV's VectorZIEL™ automated rotary steerable system (RSS) delivered unprecedented precision in two lateral wells, significantly boosting gas production. As a result, the operator made the strategic decision to use the VectorZIEL to re-drill two laterals previously drilled with bent motor BHAs.
VectorZIEL 400 RSS tools were used to drill 2,950 m (9,680 ft) across four laterals. The closed-loop trajectory control system accurately geosteered within a 2-m (7-ft) window to a 0.1° target inclination. Real-time near-bit azimuthal gamma ray measurements ensured the wellbore remained within the faulted gas pay zone.
Precise trajectory control and improved cuttings removal created smoother and higher-quality boreholes. The wells are currently being flow tested.
VectorZIEL's exceptional performance and the knowledge gained from these drilling efforts will enable the operator to extract gas more efficiently and cost-effectively. Therefore, these gas wells will play a pivotal role in generating stable electricity for the region, along with the potential to create an energy export economy rather than the current energy importing reality.
Learn more about VectorZIEL RSS.
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NOV Inc. is an independent equipment and technology provider to the global energy industry. The Company operates through two segments: Energy Equipment, and Energy Products and Services. Its engineering knowhow, global supply chain management, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure development support provides capabilities to assist customers with energy transition advancement. It is also a geothermal equipment and technology provider, offering an array of tools and equipment specifically designed for the ultra-harsh conditions associated with geothermal development. Additionally, the Company is an equipment and technology provider for purpose-built vessels used to build, install, and maintain offshore wind towers and turbines. The Company is engaged in the development and commercialization of novel products and technologies to improve the efficiencies and economics of land and offshore-based wind, geothermal power generation, and carbon capture and sequestration.