A case study on Dynamic Gyro Compass (DGC) technology highlights how survey time in North Sea sections was reduced by 76%, as SLB and bp advanced gyro-while-drilling (GWD) capabilities at the Clair Ridge development

The solution enabled accurate, real-time survey measurements under all heave conditions, independent of the BHA provider, ensuring consistent performance in offshore environments.

The application of DGC technology has significantly improved operational efficiency. By removing the need for wireline scoping runs, the solution reduced survey time by 76%, while also lowering personnel exposure in high-risk red zones. This has contributed to stronger health and safety outcomes and streamlined offshore operations.

During tophole drilling at Clair Ridge, bp encountered difficult conditions that disrupted conventional gyro tools. The high levels of environmental noise made traditional methods unreliable, forcing reliance on wireline scoping gyro surveys. These operations were not only time-intensive but also required repeated red-zone access and additional personnel, increasing both safety risks and operational costs.

To overcome these issues, bp aimed to minimise time spent drilling and sitting on bottom, reduce red-zone entries, and lower the total number of personnel on board.

SLB addressed these challenges by integrating its DGC technology with the Quest GWD solid-state gyro while drilling system. The solution effectively filtered out environmental noise, enabling accurate survey readings in complex tophole conditions and eliminating the need for wireline runs.

Across two drilling sections, the average survey time dropped to 13 minutes, compared to 66 minutes per wireline run, saving approximately 53 minutes per survey. With around 21 surveys typically required per section, this translated into a time saving of nearly 18 hours per section. Notably, the sections drilled using DGC technology were completed faster than any previously recorded in the field.

“The use of DGC technology with the Quest GWD solid-state gyro while drilling tool allowed us to eliminate multiple wireline surveying runs typically required during tophole operations. This significantly enhanced operational efficiency and safety by improving red-zone management and reducing the risk of dropped objects.”
Jim O'Leary, vice-president Wells North Sea, Mauritania, Senegal & Brazil, bp.

Read the complete story here: www.slb.com