Superior Well Caliper

When oil wells are drilled today it is essential to get as much knowledge about the borehole, and surrounding formation as possible. This is achieved from Measurement While Drilling (MWD) sensors that are positioned in the bottom hole assembly behind the drill bit. These sensors can for example give information about well position, vibrations, and downhole pressure. In addition to such information, the oil companies are highly interested in MWD sensors that can give precise measurements of the big borehole's shape and size. A sensor giving this kind of data is called a caliper. MWD calipers are traditionally based on acoustic sensors. According to oil companies operating in Norway, the existing MWD calipers cannot deliver the required accuracy and sample rate (sample rate is number of recorded caliper measurements per minute). Further, the MWD calipers are very costly and highly qualified people are needed offshore to operate these complex tools. The oil companies have therefore an urgent need for step change improvements of the caliper tools. WELL ID developed "4D Caliper", a radar based caliper sensor with sample rate and technology that makes it possible to detect big bore hole's shape. 4D Caliper will improve the well integrity. This is especially important for wells drilled in vulnerable areas, where 4D Caliper will be crucial for drilling safe and efficient wells. To ensure efficient development and implementation of the technology the project has been organized as a Joint Industry Project (JIP). The technology has been verified in an offshore pilot. The project will continue after the ending of the DEMO2000-project, with focus on commercialization of the technology.

The Company WELL ID was established to develop the caliper tool. Today WELL ID has 11 employees who focus on research activities. WELL ID is highly involved in drilling performance and gives assistance to oil companies. WELL ID work closely together with research institutions such as Norce and NTNU.