Technology for Real-time Monitoring of Drilling Operations
OCTIO's new solution DrillWatch was introduced at OMV Norway's Wisting field in the Barents Sea summer of 2017. It is the first time that such an operation has been carried out offshore.
For several years, OCTIO has developed a seabed system for permanent reservoir monitoring (PRM) of both production and injection wells. A mini-PRM system provided by OCTIO is used to monitor caprock integrity at the Oseberg field since 2013.
In 2016, GCE Subsea assisted with pre-project funding to evaluate the feasibility of adapting OCTIO's system for monitoring well drilling operations. The idea was to provide a solution that would assist drilling engineers to overcome new challenges. An example are the very shallow reservoirs that are found in the new prospects in the Barents Sea.
World’s First
In the summer of 2017, OCTIO's new solution DrillWatch was introduced at OMV Norway's Wisting field in the Barents Sea. Seismic 4C data was retrieved and analysed real-time from a seabed sensor network. This made it possible to monitor the drilling operation using passive seismic.
It is the first time in offshore operations that such a monitoring system has been used. The data acquired by OCTIO’s DrillWatch allows to accurately locate the drill-bit in space, and to investigate how surrounding rocks react to tests. Furthermore, the system provides an early warning if the integrity of the rock is endangered.
– We are looking at several applications for our technologies, says Bjarte Fagerås, CEO OCTIO. Thus, it is very useful to receive seed funding to study concepts and further develop new product areas.
The sensor network is deployed at the field right before the drilling operation, and retrieved right afterwards. The passive solution also has the advantage of removing the need of the air guns used in traditional seismic.
– DrillWatch has been very successful and demonstrates a new product area for our technology, says Fagerås. We have actively participated in various GCE Subsea activities and benefited greatly from both the advice and financial contribution, concludes Fagerås.
You can learn more about the solution at the ninth Arctic & Cold Climate Solutions Network Meeting in Bergen 8 February.
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About Octio
OCTIO provides flexible geophysical monitoring services, tailored to optimally fit every specific project.
OCTIO’s services are complete, covering all the steps required to convert geophysical data into value for our clients.
OCTIO performs geophysical studies to define overall monitoring strategies, plans and executes operations and provides support to integrate data in interpretation workflows.
