TAZ to cause a stir at Amsterdam conference

A novel technology which offers enhanced efficiency to the oil and gas industry is to be launched at the SPE / IADC Drilling Conference and Exhibition in Amsterdam by downhole drilling tool specialists XDT – a member of the Reservoir Group.

The TAZ Multiple Activation Circulating Sub, which is patent pending, will make its industry debut as the first infinite activation sub to provide a truly unlimited number of activations downhole.

Malcolm Greener, managing director of XDT, said: “The TAZ offers the drilling industry a major advantage in a truly infinite number of activations, affording enhanced efficiency and peace of mind. The SPE / IDAC conference offers an excellent platform to premiere our exciting new technology which we anticipate will attract considerable industry attention”.

With wells becoming increasingly more complex, it is often likely that pumping large volumes of drilling fluid or lost circulation material will be required at some point during the drilling process, dictating it necessary that a circulation sub be run in the bottom hole assembly (BHA). Until now, these tools have had a limited number of activations. The TAZ tool offers a pioneering approach to impacting downhole drilling patterns by using a ‘magic ball’ to influence the flow port.

The Taz is the first infinite activation circulation sub to provide a truly unlimited number of activations downhole. The tool remains dormant in the bottom hole assembly area until opened by pumping down a “magic ball”. The resulting pressure drop allows the mechanism to engage, opening three ports to the annulus..

Mr Greener said: “The central feature of the Taz system is that the “magic ball”, which is made of naturally degradable material, ‘disappears’ upon activation, ensuring that a 2” clearance is maintained through the tool at all times. Closing the ports is achieved by pumping down an identical ball, which also ‘disappears’ upon de-activation, leaving the tool dormant and ready to be activated again in a truly endless cycle.”

XDT will also be showcasing its innovative solutions for the drilling sector including the WedgeTail sealed bearing roller-reamers and disposable stabilizers at the SPE / IADC Amsterdam conference from March 1 to 3.

The Wedgetail Roller Reamer, a patented tool, continues to gain ground because of its proven reliability and strength due to its innovative rugged design. The sealed bearing rollers are easily replaceable by rig crew on the drill floor in minutes, hence saving critical rig time.

Mr Greener added: “The benefits of roller reamer versus normal stabs have been known for 100 years to reduce stick-slip, reduce vibration and improve drilling performance. Unfortunately they were normally designed for ease of manufacture rather than with drilling and service in mind and were thought a necessary evil. XDT reversed this thinking, and the WedgeTail is designed with the drilling process and rig crew firmly in mind. Its significant track record, in the most challenging applications, is changing the perception of roller reamers and operators are increasingly turning to this technology to reduce operating costs.”