ALPINE COMPLETES DESIGN TO IMPLEMENT E-M TECHNOLOGY
WITH DOWNHOLE TOOLS
Feb04/98- Alpine Oil Services today announced that a full design has been completed to implement their proprietary electromagnetic (E-M) telemetry communication techniques in conjunction with the manipulation of downhole valves and switches in various oil and gas related tools.
Although this technology has been used successfully for measurement while drilling (MWD) and for Alpine's present pressure/temperature monitoring systems for drill stem tests (DST) and production surveys, Alpine will be the first company to implement E-M technology to directly control downhole mechanical instrumentation.
Present technology requires downhole tools to be manipulated mechanically from surface through the use of wireline-assisted techniques. Recently, micro-processor controlled electronic instrumentation allowed for the equipment to cycle using a pre-programmed time base. This technology improved the gathering of critical well data, but did not allow for versatility and changing of cycle times once a tool had been programmed and lowered to test depth. Well conditions change often, and circumstances force the opening of a downhole valve sooner than expected, or a valve is required to stay closed for a longer duration. Presently, downhole tools must be manipulated from surface with the aid of a slickline truck or skid-mounted system.
Alpine's new design involves the use of their E-M telemetry technology to transmit a low frequency radio wave to a shut-in-tool encased with a downhole power amplifier, receiver and central processor unit. The system interprets specific digital commands from surface, and automatically activates the tools. The cycle of commands can be repeated as many times as is required. The new design is expected to be conducive to most geologic environments, except highly concentrated salt formations or thick zones of anhydrite. For these environments, Alpine will continue to use their pre-programmed time-based electronic instrumentation.
By giving the operator the total flexibility associated with this technology, expanded well data can be gathered in a more efficient and economic manner. This technology complements Alpine's already proven commercial tools that measure pressure and temperature in real-time during a DST and Extended Production Test.
Future development will include the use of E-M technology to activate downhole pumps to inflate packers during DST's.
The addition of this new technology is expected to further strengthen Alpine's dominance as a leading provider of telemetry services related to the collection of reservoir data relevant to the life of a well. The Company expects to have commercial systems available by the fourth quarter of 1998.
Alpine Oil Services is a vertically integrated oil field service company, providing specialized technology to the international petroleum exploration, production and processing industries worldwide. Alpine operates in these sectors by developing, manufacturing, operating and marketing proprietary, leading-edge technologies for companies in North and South America, South East Asia, the Middle East and Europe. |
