Tool offers clearer picture of formations
The new GEM elemental analysis tool offers rapid and precise evaluation of formations with complex mineralogies.
As the newest addition to the company's portfolio of formation evaluation technologies, the GEM tool offers operators a complete elemental analysis solution for complex reservoirs and complements this firm's existing cuttings evaluation service performed while drilling. When combined with real-time data acquisition software, it offers customers on site and remote visualization of formation elemental data quickly and accurately.
The tool improves the measurements of magnesium in carbonates and aluminum in clays and shale. It measures manganese, a common constituent of carbonates and sheet silicates. Use of these three additional elements—magnesium, aluminum, and manganese—to determine mineralogy is designed to help improve estimates of porosity, saturation, permeability, detection of swelling clays, and rock mechanical properties. The firm says that operators can obtain more accurate estimates of their reserves, design optimal completion and stimulation programs, and maximize production. GEM's attachable cooling system and insulating flask allow the tool to run for long periods downhole, operating in conditions of as much as 350° F. and 20,000 psi.
Combining the sensitivity of the GEM tool in the vertical sections of wells with the LaserStrat cutting evaluation service in the horizontal sections is designed to provide operators with an understanding of reservoir mineralogy for the entire well. The two services can also be used in conjunction to improve geosteering of horizontal sections.
Source: Halliburton, 5 Houston Center, 1401 McKinney St., Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77010.
Seal, new size safety valve available
Newly launched metal-to-metal (MTM) technology and an additional size Torus insert safety valve are available to the industry.
The patented MTM seal consists of flexible material contained inside a metal shell. The structure creates a complete metal barrier in the well, and when fully energized, protects it from downhole conditions.
Meanwhile, the firm has added a second size of its safety valve, which is suited for high pressure, high temperature developments and dewatering gas wells, adding a 41⁄2 in. size to the existing 27⁄8 in. version. Improving on a basic flapper type safety valve design, the Torus allows for a central conduit to pass through the core where the conduit may be hydraulic (minicoil or capillary string), electrical, or fiber optic. This allows for the installation of artificial lift or downhole monitoring in existing wells without the requirement of a full workover.
Source: Caledyne Ltd., Unit A, Hydropark, Tern Place, Denmore Rd., Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8JX, Scotland.
