PZIG™ PayZone Inclination & Gamma Ray

PayZone Inclination & Gamma Ray

PathFinder provides at-bit measurements from its PayZone Inclination Gamma System. Applications for this tool are:

• Reduced directional drilling risk in critical hole sections (at-bit inclination).
• Early indication of changes in lithology to accurately land horizontal wells (at-bit gamma ray).

The PZIG™ tool consists of two separate subs: an upper transceiver sub (UXM) and a lower transceiver sub (LXM). The LXM at-bit sub houses a sensor package, batteries and electronics. Measurements are processed in the LXM before being transmitted via electromagnetic (EM) short-hop through the formation to the UXM. LXM measures dynamic inclination and gamma units.

The UXM is a separate sub that is designed to be part of the PathFinder modular HDS-1 system. The UXM takes at-bit signals and processes them for transfer via the datalink for mud pulse telemetry to the surface.

The LXM is a modular sub that can be used in rotary assembly applications as well as with a steerable mud motor. PathFinder’s 2-D Rotary Steerable (2DRS) tool can be used in conjunction with the PZIG modular subs for an efficient and cost-effective 2D rotary steering system. Similarly, the PZIG modular subs can be used with PathFinder’s PathMaker 3-D Rotary Steerable® or an independent 3D rotary steerable system to add effectiveness to the BHA.

The PZIG system design is for the inclination and gamma ray sensors to be completely independent of the mud motor. The reasoning for this approach is:

• The modular subs can be configured to operate with any type of mud motor power section or rotary assembly
• Sensor Reliability/Operating life not affected by motor reliability
• Operational decisions on whether at-bit measurements are needed on a specific run not tied to availability of an instrumented motor
• The modular subs of the PZIG system are small and easily transportable
• Considerably reduced LIH liability

Case Histories

• PZIG - Ellora Energy Steering in a Thin Horizontal Reservoir (PDF)
• Near-bit Sensors & Realtime Communications for Payzone Steering (PDF)
• Gulf of Mexico PZS Success Story
(PDF)
• PathFinder® Payzone Steering Service: The Coal Bed Methane Solution
(PDF)

Technical Data Sheets

• Technical Data Sheets (PDF)