Degassing fluids improves the accuracy of fluid measurement by eliminating much of the gas from the emulsion. The technology is used in the company's PhaseTester and PhaseWatcher production well-test services. PhaseWatcher equipment is permanently installed and remotely operated. Vx multiphase well tester. The technique can help prevent blowouts.
Bubbles indicate that the drill bit is approaching a high-pressure zone.
To date, experiments have been performed only under laboratory conditions. However, the technology is being further developed for commercial use. As the drill bit approaches the high-pressure zone, gas bubbles form in the drilling fluid. Early detection of these bubbles can allow the driller to adjust the drilling-fluid pressure at the bit to offset the imminent pressure increase. The detection technique illuminates the drilling fluid around the drill bit with sheets of laser light.