NOV announced that its VectorZIEL Mark II RSS now incorporates a symmetric propagation resistivity (SPR) tool, enabling real-time LWD measurements for improved geosteering and wellbore placement.

Geosteering remains a key driver of cost efficiency and return on drilling campaigns, and RSS technology has become essential for accurately positioning wells in production sweet spots. Historically, the high cost of these systems was a barrier to entry for capital-constrained companies and national oil companies limited to larger service providers.

Acting as an unbiased, third-party technology provider, NOV developed its RSS technology to make innovation available to independent directional drilling companies and national oil companies.

The VectorZIEL™ RSS has already been proven in the market. To drive further improvement to the system, a rapid technology development program was created for the VectorZIEL Mark II, which underwent testing at the Research and Development Technology Center (RDTC) in Navasota, Texas.

In this controlled environment, the symmetric propagation resistivity (SPR) tool was integrated with the RSS to enable real-time LWD measurements. The VectorZIEL Mark II with integrated SPR tool was tested at the RDTC with the following objectives:

Improve safety and accessibility
Increase speed-to-market by understanding advantages and challenges upfront
Decrease commercialization costs and identify ways to reduce overall system costs for customers

After several phases of testing, SPR integration was successful, and the RSS's upgraded features were proven to be effective. Future development will see additional improvement to the VectorZIEL Mark II to make the system easier to use, more reliable, and more rugged.

To learn more about the VectorZIEL Mark II with integrated resistivity capabilities, read the full feature article from the October issue of World Oil.