The PrecisionLWD system stands up to shock and vibration stresses of air drilling to perform flawlessly at high temperatures and pressures. The system can work with either mud-pulse or electromagnetic telemetry systems and has a broad range of wireline-compatible formation evaluation sensors, including resistivity, density, and neuron, which come in a full array of sizes. It can also be combined with rotary-steerable systems of virtually all sizes. Location Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Maximum Temperature 280°F (138°C) Maximum Pressure 29,976 psi (199 MPa) Depth 34,189 ft (10,420 m) MD Products/Services MWD/LWD service HEL system Revolution rotary-steerable system

Weatherford’s PrecisionLWD™ system was used to provide formation evaluation data in the 8 1/2-in. hole section. This technology was packaged with a Revolution® rotary-steerable drilling assembly to maintain directional control in the 8 1/2-inch hole and was run to a depth of 29,314 feet (8,935 meters). The Weatherford LWD equipment was then used in the 6-in. hole section to successfully drill to 34,189 feet (10,420 meters) MD, setting a world record for the deepest well ever drilled in the Gulf of Mexico. The well set a second world record for the highest pressure LWD job at 29,976 psi (199 MPa). Data acquisition and transmission technology performed successfully under these high-temperature, high-pressure conditions, with a real-time data transmission rate of more than 90% at depths greater than 34,000 feet (10,363 meters). This rate was achieved despite maximum borehole annular pressures of 29,976 psi (199 MPa) and temperatures up to 280°F (138°C). There were no equipment failures.

Value to Client

The well was declared a discovery with 600 feet (183 meters) of oil sand in multiple zones. The reliable acquisition and surface transmission of while-drilling geosteering data were critical to the project’s successful execution. Weatherford’s drilling efficiency, accuracy, and ability to reduce risk also saved the operator time and money. These savings were especially important on a well with a spread cost of US$500,000/day and an estimated additional cost of $1.1 million for round trips of the drillstring from depths below 25,000 feet (7,620 meters).