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AutoTrak RCLS A story of unmatched performance

Drilling and Evaluation

The challenge

Delivering value worldwide

Over a decade ago, a Norwegian operator was facing a unique challenge. Its large gas field had considerable oil reserves. However, the combination of a challenging, costly operating environment and an extremely thin oil reservoir of 36 to 43 ft (11 to 13 m) meant there was no way to recover the oil economically with existing technology.

Globally, daily rig rates and associated drilling costs remain robust, driving clients’ demands for maximum reserve recovery rates while minimizing non-productive time (NPT). This is the work AutoTrak systems were designed to do—providing efficient, reliable and precise directional drilling services for Baker Hughes clients worldwide. And, as the complexity of well designs and reservoir development programs increases, so does the potential value of an AutoTrak system.

AutoTrak Services

Automated rotary closed-loop drilling The answer 1997: Baker Hughes introduced the AutoTrak ™ Rotary Closed-Loop drilling system (RCLS). This breakthrough technology allowed operators to steer wellpaths and navigate reservoirs with continuous drillstring rotation for precise well placement at high penetration rates. No longer would operators be forced to choose between steering control and drilling efficiency.

Once you do the math, the value of our family of AutoTrak RCLS systems becomes clear.

The AutoTrak system’s unique capabilities allowed the operator’s well planners to design innovative multilateral, extended-reach and 3D well plans to maximize recovery with fewer total wells and a smaller surface footprint.

These advanced rotary steerable systems include: „ AutoTrak™ G3: the revolutionary, third-generation AutoTrak that sets the standard for rotary steerable performance in terms of precision and efficiency „ AutoTrak X-treme™: the powerful, high-speed rotary steerable system custom-engineered for reliable performance in the industry’s most demanding environments and extended reach drilling (ERD) applications „ AutoTrak eXpress™: the new base-level AutoTrak system for lower spread cost environments with well-documented geology, but still requiring more challenging well profiles.

The results 2007: Over 1.8 million feet of reservoir were drilled and over one billion barrels of oil later, StatoilHydro’s Troll Field is an unqualified success. In a single decade, the field delivered more than USD 22 billion to the Norwegian economy with an estimated 70 years of production life remaining.

AutoTrak RCLS made it feasible to develop the field’s multilateral wells with its precise steering capabilities. The increased reservoir drainage area per well allowed a reduction in the total number of wells—increasing the operator’s efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint. The long horizontal sections facilitated production from a large drainage area more quickly than would otherwise have been attainable, resulting in early production and revenue.

The AutoTrak system permitted cost-effective access to reservoir sections that may have otherwise been deemed uneconomical to develop, ultimately allowing for an increase in producible reserves.

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These key automated rotary directional drilling systems are at the heart of the Baker Hughes Answers While Drilling technologies. And no drilling systems anywhere match their speed, reach, reliability and sheer directional drilling precision.

The service equation Performance does not come with technology alone. Baker Hughes experts from different product lines combine their expertise in planning, execution and optimization of client projects. With this total-systems approach, clients around the world are able to maximize their return in terms of drilling faster, more efficiently and more economically, than ever before.

This is the work AutoTrak systems were designed to do—providing efficient, reliable and precise directional drilling services for Baker Hughes clients worldwide. 3

AutoTrak RCLS Industry-leading capabilities AutoTrak steering is specifically designed to provide the industry’s most reliable and precise steering response in a wide range of formation types, drilling conditions and well profiles.

Every second, the downhole system compares the desired trajectory with the actual one, automatically adjusting steering parameters, based on the industry’s closest inclination-to-bit spacing. The AutoTrak system will seek and continuously maintain the desired trajectory within a fraction of a degree.

Versatile steering AutoTrak systems have an enviable track record of steering to plan in-formation strengths ranging from weak to hard. Every day, deepwater operators rely on AutoTrak systems to steer in weak sediments, rapidly building angle smoothly to plan for efficient, reliable target intersection. And in hard rock drilling locations, AutoTrak systems deliver the same reliable steering response—positioning wells for optimum productivity.

High-speed automated steering The AutoTrak steering principle is widely regarded as the industry’s most precise and efficient. Using AutoTrak systems, challenging wells are steered to the most productive reservoir targets— simultaneously delivering excellent wellbore quality and low tortuosity. These benefits are achieved by integrating autonomous, closed-loop directional drilling control algorithms developed and continually improved over more than 20 years.

This closed-loop control minimizes interaction from the surface while enhancing drilling efficiency, improving hole quality and precisely positioning wellbores.

Steering in tough environments Stick-slip vibration is a dynamic condition that cannot always be avoided, due to wider use of less lubricious drilling fluids, more complex trajectories and increasing reach. A recognized advantage of AutoTrak steering is that, unlike other rotary steerable systems, its unique design ensures precise steering control even when stick-slip torsional vibration is present.

The AutoTrak system can place wells on plan with low tortuosity and intersect targets in the optimum zone to maximize both drilling efficiency and hydrocarbon recovery.

AutoTrak: THE EVOLUTION OF UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE 1997

1999

2002

AutoTrak system introduced

AutoTrak drills deepest horizontal section at 18,307 ft (5580 m)

AutoTrak third generation introduced

First pilot series in Italy and Norway

1998 AutoTrak drills 10,184 ft (3104 m) of reservoir: world record for longest horizontal section

2000

2003

AutoTrak sets single run-time record of 241 drilling hours

AutoTrak drills 15,472 ft (4714 m) in single-bit run at average ROP of 95 ft/hr

AutoTrak sets world record for single run distance of 13,247 ft (4038 m) AutoTrak drills hole at record 164.7˚ inclination

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TIMELINE

G3 AutoTrak X-treme benchmark in RSS performance The ultimate drilling machine Proven results In 2005, While ourdrilling steering and unit evaluation is a key component experts tookinthe anycapabilities Two-way communications AutoTrak and designsystem, of the AutoTrak the AutoTrak system G3 and RCLS made system one fundamentalThe system’sAs Bi-directional the AutoTrakCommunication X-treme systemand was Power deployed for field use, it represents addition that more changed than just everything: a steeringantool. advanced AutoTrak and proven Module (BCPM) quickly provides established powermany to thedrilling downhole performance benchmarks that G3 is atechnology. motor fully integrated drilling and evaluation measurement-while-drilling set it apart fromand other logging-whilerotary steerable technologies. system that incorporates our highly advanced drilling (MWD/LWD) These include: tools as well as fast, two-way OnTrak™ MWD/LWD and two-way communications communications „ Superior between power the tool generation and surface 50 tousing 100% higher and power. mud pulse telemetry—permitting than conventional, elastomer-based wellpath changespower sections, The AutoTrak X-treme RCLS employs a pre-contoured stator “on the fly” without while decoupling interruptingdrillstring the drilling vibration process.to deliver the design with an enhanced drive train that creates an even more maximum possible energy to the cutting structure powerful directional drilling machine. The X-treme power section of the bit is fully integrated into the rotary steerable system to permit full „ Enhanced reliability at exceptionally high rotary communication between the MWD/LWD measurements and Integrated MWD/LWD speed, up to 400 rpm—ensuring superior hole the AutoTrak steering unit—delivering pinpoint well placement cleaning for lower risk operation at high ROP In an AutoTrak G3 BHA, the OnTrak sensor sub is In addition to supplying communications and power capabilities together with penetration rates typically associated „ Increased record-breaking ROP, this even in extreme, placed directly above the steering unit—delivering for the AutoTrak system, the BCPM performs with the industry’s most advanced performance motor systems. harsh environments, drillingour over 100% accurate, near-bit measurements for enhanced function for our other LWD tools asregularly well. Because faster other rotarycan steerable systems efficiency and navigation capabilities. These numerous MWD andthan LWD systems communicate „ Reduced drillstring and casing wear by 50%—critical while-drilling measurements include directional with the surface via a single downhole sub, tool re-entry and complex multilateral well operations information, vibration/dynamics monitoring, length and subinplacement is optimized—facilitating „ Extended horizontal and step-out capability on demanding borehole pressure, dual-azimuthal gamma ray closer sensor-to-bit measurements simplifying In an enhancedresistivity. rate of penetration (ROP), the andaddition multipletopropagation BHA designs. extended reach wells integrated downhole motor drives reliability by minimizing the wear on the casing, drillstring and bottomhole assembly (BHA), and decoupling LWD systems from bit dynamics. Industry-leading performance We engineered the OnTrak sub with enhanced reliability in mind—ensuring accurate and Unique design for increased reliability, performance Today, AutoTrak G3 RCLS is recognized as the dependable data acquisition with dual gamma In contrastmultiple to conventional rotaryresistivity steerable antennas tools, our latest industry standard in rotary steerable performance detectors, compensated In addition to our third-generation generation AutoTrak systems are designed with a high rotary and precision.The and redundant power sources. The tool can measure answers for Hughes enhanced drilling AutoTrak RCLS service, Baker can now offerspeed speed specification (up to 400 RPM)—making them ideal for downhole dynamics, allowing drillers to immediately and efficiency two additional service options, AutoTrak X-treme running in conjunction with downhole adjust drilling parameters to aprevent toolmotor. failures and and AutoTrak eXpress, to best meet our clients’ You can measure the performance of the AutoTrak X-treme RCLS maximize drilling progress. drilling requirements. just by measuring time. Projects scheduled for 10 days completed in two days. A 9,000 ft (2743 m) single-run section with an ROP These systems feature a modular BHA architecture for more 50% higher than previous systems saved five drilling days. A versatile BHA makeups. By positioning the X-treme Modular 13,200 ft (4023 m) trilateral well completed in just 107 drilling Motor immediately above the AutoTrak steering unit and hours at a record-breaking 123 ft/hr ROP—and released the rig below the OnTrak MWD/LWD sub, high power from the motor 12 days early. All achieved by drilling continuously at maximum is delivered directly to the bit with minimal BHA length below speed with no compromise to steering precision and minimal or the motor. The modular concept also allows us to offer near-bit zero non-productive time. gamma ray and resistivity measurements below the motor for applications where sensor spacing is critical. 2008 AutoTrak breaks its own ERD drilling Maximum power, speed and precision

record, surpassing 38,910 ft (11 860 2006 m), over hole drilling With AutoTrak X-treme systems, the need for continuous high X-treme gainsThey’re all factors in saving time. And7.3onmiles anyofmajor AutoTrak commendation in AutoTrak breaks world BG Chief Executive Annual Innovation surface rotary hole speeds rotary project, time is money. Saving time and money is the value of record for 12¼-in. in to attain high ROP from conventional AutoTrak eXpress service introduced in Awards for value delivered in a challenging single steering run operations no longer applies. Now, drillstring rotary AutoTrak X-treme RCLS. United States and Canada multilateral well development offshore India

2004

speed can be determined based solely on optimizing drilling dynamics and hole cleaning efficiency, avoiding harmful drilling vibrations and extending rig capabilities. 2005

AutoTrak X-treme service introduced

E

AutoTrak X-treme extends horizontal section of offshore Denmark ERD well 6,000 ft (1828 m) past prior limits First commercial 4¾-in. AutoTrak G3 runs

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the

By November, 18 of the world’s top 25 ERD wells had been drilled using AutoTrak service

2007 AutoTrak sets ERD record by drilling an MD of 37,014 ft (11 282 m)

2009 Cumulative AutoTrak distance drilled surpasses 35 million ft AutoTrak eXpress introduced in the Middle East

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AutoTrak eXpress Advances in efficiency Grounded on the basics Introduced in 2008, the AutoTrak eXpress system is specially designed to deliver enhanced efficiency and drilling performance in established fields with welldocumented geology and reservoir targets.

It’s the system you use where your 3D field model and well profile are well understood—but where well construction economics are dependent on services that enable faster, more cost-effective and safer approaches to drilling than conventional drilling services.

AutoTrak eXpress is the service you need when real-time formation evaluation is not critical, but real-time drilling precision is paramount. When conventional well profiles can’t do the job, but true 3D directional drilling fits the objectives. When slide drilling is not an option in holding and tightly maintaining trajectories. When continuous drillpipe rotation requires controllable buildup rates of up to 10° at 100 ft (30 m). When the job requires sharp turns of 8° and beyond per 100 ft. And when extended reach and multilateral drilling capabilities will let you cover the spread of your reservoir with fewer rigs and wells.

The AutoTrak eXpress system simplifies challenging directional drilling—for both your wellbore placement and economic plans.

Reducing complexity enhances rigsite efficiency AutoTrak eXpress is designed for simple, easy, automatic operation. No special surface equipment is needed to change well trajectories. In fact, existing rig equipment can be used to adjust steering targets “on the fly”—without pulling off bottom or interrupting drilling.

Our proven computerized rotary steering principle and closed-loop downhole controls provide simple, reliable directional control. Should the system’s near-bit sensor detect deviations from the wellpath, internal hydraulics automatically deliver optimum steering forces to the steering pads to keep the well precisely on track.

Benefits of the AutoTrak eXpress system include: „ Maximized drilling efficiency and wellbore placement with automated rotary drilling „ Reduced risk of differential sticking via continuous rotation „ Extended horizontal and lateral capabilities for maximum payzone contact—increasing production rates and extending the life of the well „ Improved hole quality and hole cleaning to reduce completion risks

When economy, efficiency and simplified steering precision are your route to profitability, our AutoTrak eXpress system provides the right answers needed to advance your reservoir performance.

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Delivering the power and the knowledge One key to our AutoTrak service’s performance and precision is the critical, real-time directional and formation evaluation data provided by the Baker Hughes suite of advanced MWD and LWD services.

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Our integrated OnTrak sensor sub is placed directly above the steering unit or power section in the AutoTrak and AutoTrak X-treme BHA to ensure accurate, near-bit measurements (azimuthal gamma, resistivity, directional, borehole pressure and vibration/dynamics data) while drilling.

The results are clear, precise reservoir navigation capabilities integrated into the rotary steerable system for enhanced steering precision and efficiency.

Seamless integration with advanced evaluation services Additional Baker Hughes formation evaluation technologies can be incorporated into AutoTrak and AutoTrak X-treme BHAs to provide a more comprehensive view of the surrounding formations and reservoir, including: „ AziTrak ™ deep azimuthal resistivity for increased reservoir navigation capabilities and simplicity via the detection of bed boundaries and oil/water contact zones hours before they can be detected with conventional sensors „ MagTrak ™ LWD magnetic resonance for precise, real-time answers to critical questions regarding fluid volumes, total and effective porosity and permeability estimations in production zones „ SoundTrak™ advanced acoustic LWD for compressional and shear-wave travel time in “fast” and “slow” formations— allowing real-time access to critical formation answers to maximize drilling efficiency and wellbore placement

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TesTrak™ formation pressure-while-drilling for improved pressure management, enhanced wellsite safety and increased reservoir knowledge LithoTrak™ advanced LWD porosity for accurate nuclear measurements and formation density images StarTrak™ high-definition advanced LWD Imaging for highresolution, 360° imaging comparable to static LWD logs—in real time.

So as you drill, you can make on-the-spot, petrophysical field evaluations and make steering changes “on the fly” based on real-time positional data or even steer to specific reservoir properties. The result: nonstop drilling with unprecedented speed and precision across a wide range of hole sizes, including full LWD capabilities in slim-hole applications.

Integrated designs, real-time dynamics enhance reliability Our total system approach to directional drilling applications employs expertise in BHA design and bit selection to achieve optimum drilling efficiency and reliability. And thanks to the modular design of our LWD suite, the placement of individual logging subs can be adjusted based on the client’s logging objectives—ensuring the most critical measurements are as close to the bit as possible.

The Baker Hughes CoPilot™ real-time drilling optimization service pushes performance limits even further. This industryleading service—based on comprehensive pre-well planning, a versatile real-time downhole data acquisition and diagnostic tool, and thorough post-well analysis—reveals insight into downhole conditions with a level of detail never before available. At the wellsite, the CoPilot service helps drillers optimize AutoTrak drilling performance by monitoring a variety of downhole conditions and proactively managing drilling parameters.

AutoTrak RCLS AutoTrak eXpress

AutoTrak G3

Near-bit inclination sensor

• •

Logging-while-drilling services

—

• • •

• • •

Directional service only

•

—

—

Automated closed-loop steering

Integrated mud motor

—

Memory log processing

•

Wired-pipe telemetry

—

High-speed telemetry

—

AutoTrak X-treme

• •

Real-time drilling diagnostic and optimization service

Real-time imaging service

—

Reservoir navigation service

— Flow rate sequence, Manually adjusted rig pumps

Downlink setup

Computer-controlled Bypass actuator

Computer-controlled Bypass actuator

20,000 psi

20,000 psi

20,000 psi

—

30,000 psi

30,000 psi

302°f (150°c)

302°f (150°c)

302°f (150°c)

347°f (175°c)

347°f (175°c)

Pressure rating Optional high-pressure service Temperature rating Optional high-t emperature service

—

•

= included

•

= optional service on request

— = not available

IMAGE www.bakerhughes.com

© 2010 Baker Hughes Incorporated. All rights reserved. 30217

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