BlackStar EM MWD Tool

Combining the latest in EM technology with the most durable and efficient design on the market.

Description

Our state-of-the-art BlackStar™ EM MWD system sets the standard for downhole data acquisition. By combining the latest in electromagnetic (EM) technology with the most durable and efficient design on the market, the BlackStar system provides a cost-effective solution for EM measurement-while-drilling (MWD) applications.

MWD systems transmit data measurements from the bottom of the hole back to the surface to allow the driller to control and monitor the location and orientation of the drill bit. Traditional mud-pulse MWD systems transmit information to the surface via pressure pulses in the field column. EM systems send information to the surface through the earth's crust, utilizing low-frequency EM waves. Information is received at a surface antenna, decoded, processed by a computer, and distributed to the driller’s readout display without the encumbrance of mud or wire transmission.

EM systems are the preferred MWD strategy in many applications, including:

  • Underbalanced drilling
  • Underpressured formations
  • Vertical control drilling
  • Horizontal drilling
  • Coalbed methane (CBM)
  • Lost circulation
  • Directional drilling
  • Re-entry wells

Features/Benefits

  • Key data points:
    • Magnetic/gravity tool faces
    • Near-bit inclination
    • Azimuth
    • High-side gamma
    • Low-side gamma
    • Total gamma (directional and 360)
    • Annulus pressure
    • Vibration
    • Downhole revolutions per minute
  • A variety of fluid conditions:
    • Aerated mud
    • While-pumping lost-circulation material
  • Configurable to meet local field conditions
    • Variable data transmission speeds
    • Separate steering and survey frames
    • Compact and battery powered
    • Electronic design eliminates mechanical parts
    • Does not require pump pressure of flow
    • Data output in standard Wellsite Information Transfer Standard format
    • Can be used with a variety of tubular sizes
Specifications

BlackStar EM MWD Tool Specifications

Length 30.75 ft (9.373 m)
Size 1.875 in. (47.63 mm)
Pressure rating 20,000 psi (137,895 kPa)
Power lithium battery 80 to 130 operating hours, depending upon borehole conditions and transmitter power selection. Dual battery option available on 2006 series tools, providing up to 260 hours of operation.
Operating temperature -20 to 150 °C
A render of a BlackStar EM MWD with a cutout to display inner workings
Render of a BlackStar EM MWD tool with graphics in background