Evolutionary Advancement in Logging-While-Drilling Telemetry: Enhancing Real-Time Data for Agile Decision-Making and Cost Efficiency
Authors: Das Anindya , Al Saidi Hamdan , Al Sawafi Samya , Taher Ahmed 
Published: October 2024

Downhole data is transmitted to surface through one of three commonly used telemetry systems, either mud pulse telemetry, Electromagnetic signal transmission or wired drill pipe. Mud pulse telemetry is the most commonly used method for data transmission as it is a more economical system and works reliably in wider range of environments. The Evolution of LWD sensors, combined with drilling more challenging wells represented a major challenge for transmitting the downhole data reliably and with sufficient transmission rates to efficiently utilize the sophisticated LWD technologies and the data pulsed up for real-time decisions.

The evolution of LWD telemetry has been characterized by a progression from traditional data transmission methods to cutting-edge digital solutions that incorporates hardware changes, artificial intelligence and data compression. Early systems relied on simple mud-pulse telemetry, offering limited bandwidth and susceptibility to signal degradation with depth. However, with advancements in communication protocols and signal processing algorithms, modern LWD telemetry systems enhanced data transmission rates and robustness, enabling the delivery of high-fidelity measurements in real time. By drilling a horizontal section of almost 1800 m length with full triple combo services including Geosteering with high-definition deep Resistivity tool and ultrasonic imaging in Real-Time with high data rate.

Furthermore, the integration of advanced sensors and downhole measurements has empowered LWD systems to capture a comprehensive array of formation parameters with unprecedented accuracy and resolution; with full drilling parameters, and under different levels of vibration was possible to achieve 100% MWD detection throughout the drilled section. This wealth of real-time data facilitates informed decision-making during drilling operations, allowing operators to optimize well trajectories, mitigate drilling hazards, and maximize hydrocarbon recovery. The lateral section was completed in almost four days where utilizing comprehensive logging suite and transmitting formation evaluation, drilling dynamics data with high definition deep Resistivity tool for well placement. Furthermore, real-time ultrasonic imaging along with caliper has been transmitted in real-time for wellbore stability evaluation.

The new telemetry system has been a key factor in reducing operational costs by minimizing non-productive time (NPT) and optimizing drilling efficiency by transmitting drilling data from rotary steerable system and drilling dynamics data to optimize the drilling parameters and well trajectory.

This abstract illustrates the transformative journey of Logging While Drilling (LWD) telemetry systems, which have undergone significant evolution to bolster real-time data acquisition capabilities. The system has been successfully tested in different drilling environments and with comprehensive logging suite. The new system shows major improvement in the signal detection and physical data rates.