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Running procedures for solid state magnetic multi-shot directional survey tools

Running procedures for solid state magnetic multi-shot directional survey tools.

  1. Check that the battery voltage and amperage conform to specification.
  2. Load the battery pack.
  3. Connect the directional survey tool to the computer (or printer) via the interface. Start the software program.
  4. Take readings of the directional survey tool in various orientations to verify the measurement of the gravity value. Inclination, high-side and total gravitational values should read correctly with the tool held stationary. The magnetic measurements and azimuth will be incorrect in a magnetically disturbed environment.
  5. Configure the probe via the software and set up for either single-shot or multi-shot operation:
    • -set the time delay;
    • -set the shot interval time.
  6. Ensure that the times are set so that the directional survey tool will commence recording shots at a time just prior to being run on wireline or dropped from the top of the drill pipe. If this leaves insufficient shots for the expected duration of the survey, then the delay time should be set to start the tool recording as it enters the NMDCs. Some contingency time, determined by the running and retrieval mode, should be included.
  7. Check that the time delay and shot interval have been set correctly. If a tandem stack of probes are run, ensure that the timers are synchronised with the appropriate time delays.
  8. Start the probe and surface watch simultaneously just prior to inserting the probe into the pressure barrel. Record the start time. The first shot will be taken when the time delay expires and the warm-up period has expired. Subsequent shots are then taken according to the shot timer interval (typically 10, 15, 20 or 30 seconds).
  9. The directional survey tool should be made up with the correct running gear to ensure proper land-off and centralisation in the NMDC. Non-magnetic centralisers are preferred to rubber fingers, which may collapse at inclinations over 15°.
  10. Run or drop the tool into the drillstring. Allow sufficient time for the directional survey tool to fall and land on the landing ring or mule shoe. In high inclination holes the tool can be pumped down carefully. Tools may suffer from impact damage e.g. when the mud level is far below the rig floor or the tool is pumped down too fast. If the mud level is far below the rig floor, it is recommended that the tool is run on wireline or the pipe is filled with mud.
    • In order to ensure that the instruments traverse any restrictions in the string (e.g. jars etc.), the drill string should be rotated slowly (less than 10 RPM) while the instrument is dropping.
  11. When the instrument has landed on the landing ring, hold the drillstring stationary for long enough to take at least two shots per survey station.
  12. Take one rotational shot at the deepest survey station of a multi-shot survey. This procedure should be omitted if hole conditions or string integrity may be endangered by the process. Throughout the operation the pumps should not be used.
  13. After the survey interval has been covered, trip out of the hole until the bit is in the casing shoe and recover the survey tool with a wireline overshot. Alternatively, the instrument can be recovered from the BHA at surface.
  14. Remove the instrument from the pressure barrel. Check that the instrument is still working.
    • If a directional survey tool is to be run in single-shot mode by the Driller then it is responsibility of the Wellsite Drilling Engineer to ensure that a detailed running procedure and equipmentlist is obtained from the Survey Company supplying the directional survey tool.