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National Oilwell Varco and Schlumberger have announced that they are to form a joint venture to provide high-speed drill string telemetry systems that they state will improve the efficiency and safety of oil and gas operations.
In a statement released to the press, the companies said that they expect the IntelliServ joint venture to accelerate development and delivery of intelligent drilling solutions through the expanded use of the IntelliServ Broadband Network (IBN). They also claim that the IBN provides high resolution data in real time to and from the bottom of oil and gas wells as they are being drilled.
IntelliServ also said it will provide along-string evaluation services that will enable real-time monitoring of drill string conditions, and an ability to actuate downhole tools on-demand. They also claim that the current speed of 57,600 bits per second is up to 20,000 times faster than the transmission speed that is available using conventional mud pulse technology.
“We are excited about the possibilities this joint venture brings to the marketplace and we look forward to working closely with Schlumberger to expand further the commercial use of IntelliServ,” Pete Miller, chairman, president and CEO of National Oilwell Varco said.
“The combination of our respective strengths in drilling measurements and telemetry brings a unique opportunity for a step-change in the development of technology capable of significantly improving drilling performance through continuous information about the well and the reservoir, as the well is drilled,” Andrew Gould, chairman and CEO of Schlumberger said.
National Oilwell Varco owns 55% with Schlumberger owning the other 45%.
