ABSTRACT: Geologic Applications of an MWD Communications System in a Development Drilling Project, Point Pedernales Unit, California

Steve J. Krase, J. P. Wagnon, C. Lothringer

A low-cost communication system for measurement while drilling has been developed. This system has been used effectively on a major development project offshore California. The Point Pedernales unit is currently being developed from platform Irene with Unocal serving as the operator.

The user end (remote) of the system is designed to reside on any IBM-compatible personal computer. For the Point Pedernales project, the software was installed on a Unocal system and used the existing microwave voice phone communications. The availability of real-time data in the operator's office results in the elimination of unnecessary trips to the rig site.

The flexible plotting capabilities allow true stratigraphic thickness logs to be generated. In high-angle, long-reach wells, these plots allow for more accurate correlation not typically achievable with measured depth and true vertical depth logs. This capability allows for casing point selection to be made accurately. The cost savings associated with accurate casing point selection can be significant.

The ability to transmit MWD data from the drilling rig to the office allows all personnel involved in a project to take advantage of the real-time benefits of MWD. The systems lends itself to installation on any drilling project where voice phone communications, including cellular networks, are available.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91003©1990 AAPG Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, June 3-6, 1990