Equinor partnered with SLB to streamline field development campaigns located on the Norwegian Continental Shelf by integrating 3D reservoir mapping, fluid mapping, and more capabilities using a real-time downhole wired drillpipe control system. The operator maintained a high ROP, optimized the wellbore trajectories, and enhanced operational safety.

Equinor wanted to streamline the development campaign by integrating advanced logging-while-drilling technologies to enhance the ROP and improve real-time data acquisition using wired drillpipe. Wired drillpipe enables a higher ROP and high-definition data transmission in real time, providing a higher degree of confidence in boundary definition and accuracy in TVD positioning of the wellbore. Additionally, the operator sought to achieve precise well placement and conduct real-time fluid sampling and analysis.

The NeoLink™ real-time downhole wired drillpipe control system enabled Equinor to maintain an impressive ROP of 85 m/h to 90 m/h as the operations were unconstrained by mud pulse telemetry. The operator was able to fully leverage the wired drillpipe telemetry system advantages.

The GeoSphere 360™ 3D reservoir mapping-while-drilling service enabled real-time geosteering decisions and TerraSphere™ high-definition dual-imaging-while-drilling service streamed high-quality images from downhole without limiting ROP due to mud pulse telemetry restrictions. The SpectraSphere™ fluid mapping-while-drilling service facilitated downhole fluid sampling and analysis.

By using the NeoLink wired drillpipe control, Equinor was able to perform without lengthy manual downlinks, saving two hours of rig time. This comprehensive approach enhanced operational efficiency by attaining a high ROP and optimally placing the wellbore close to the roof of the complex reservoir.