Measurement while drilling: a new tool
Measurement while drilling (MWD) is the downhole measurement of important parameters and (in most cases) the simultaneous transmission of those measurements to the surface while drilling. In the past, hole-making and formation evaluation processes have been accomplished with different technologies, separated in time. Drilling (hole-making) is a complicated technological process with many uncertainties. Ignorance of what is taking place downhole during this process has caused it to be viewed more as an art than as a science. The most important parameters controlling this process are the physical properties of the formation (and the pore fluid) being drilled, which are largely unknown at the time of drilling. The big mistakes that involve the loss of well control (blowouts) are well known. The many ''small'' mistakes (kicks, lost circulation, stuck pipe, lost cones, twistoffs, etc.) are not so well known, but cost considerable time and money. The conventional (wireline) formation evaluation process, while very important to the geologist, the petrophysicist, and the reservoir engineer, is also very expensive in terms of rig time and trouble cost.
- Research Organization:
- NL Ind. Inc.
- OSTI ID:
- 5771541
- Journal Information:
- J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 38:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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