In its 2006 program, the Stripper Well Consortium (SWC) reviewed 18 proposals, making awards to nine projects totaling $1.24 million of SWC funds.

Part I of this two-part series on a benchmarking study of deep drilling performed in a DOE-supported project performed by Schlumberger Data and Consulting Services describes how the study was performed and looks at different technology areas. The study examines in some detail over 3,000 wells drilled in North America from 1997 - 2001. For the benchmarking, 13 geographic/geological settings were identified. Then summary descriptions of deep well scenarios were developed for benchmarking cost component (well depth, type and geographic grouping). Then the operators' experience was ranked considering number of deep wells drilled; representative mix of vertical, deviated, and horizontal drilling experience; and other factors. This ranking identified the top 140 of the 497 operators with deep drilling experience, representing 78 percent of the deep drilling experience.

Grant Prideco recently announced the commercial launch of its IntelliServ Network and related Intellipipe™ technology that culminates a five-year R&D program that received funding support from DOE. This "game- changing" technology provides a step-change increase in communications compared to conventional mud pulse, from 3 - 12 bits/second to 57,000 bits/second and there is potential to upgrade the network to handle one million bits/second. It is made possible through the high speed, high strength data cable imbedded on the inside of the drill pipe. This technology, developed by Novatek Engineering, utilizes small induction coils installed in protective grooves machined into the drillpipe connection that allow a low energy signal to be transmitted between sections without a mechanical connection or external power supply. Repeater subassemblies are installed in the drill string at 1,200- to 1,500-foot intervals to amplify the signal.

In field tests in the U.S. and Canada, the system has drilled 18 wells, accumulating more than 6,000 hours of operation while drilling 180,000 feet. This technology was successfully field tested in four wells of a planned seven-well program by BP America in the Arkoma Basin. The wells utilized Baker Hughes INTEQ measurement while drilling (MWD) and logging while drilling (LWD) connected through the Intellipipe™ to Grant Prideco's IntelliServe Network. A backup mud pulse system was in place. This project successfully demonstrated the ability to provide error-free high-speed information from the MWD/LWD subassemblies and real-time control of the MWD from the surface.