Research & Development
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We believe that our strength not only comes from offering the highest level of service but also from our drive to find more efficient ways to drill. Since 2000, Phoenix has had a dedicated R&D department to offer clients technology that answers their drilling needs. Our R&D department’s mandate is twofold. Firstly, to engineer new innovative technologies that create cost savings and drilling efficiencies for our customers and second is to continuously improve our existing technologies and tools to ensure our performance level remains at the top of the industry. Phoenix’s R&D capabilities create a competitive advantage in terms of agility, reliability and efficiencies. When a market need is presented or recognized we have the R&D resources to begin the engineering and design process faster than our competitors. In 2009, Phoenix spent 3.0 million of R&D projects as well as another 2.0 million of fleet upgrades. Two technologies currently in the development stage are a Rotary Steerable Tool and an Integrated MWD Sub. We believe that these both will offer unique cost saving and add depth to our current fleet. The rotary steerable technology will drill advanced and complex applications while the MWD integrated sub will create efficiencies on standard applications. Phoenix expects these projects to take some time to become commercial, and is placed to continue to grow with its existing technology while these endeavors unfold. Below are some examples of the projects Phoenix have launched in the past and currently has in development. Phoenix's proprietary Current Loop Telemetry Electromagnetic MWD ("CLT EM-MWD") tool was developed to eliminate many problems facing electromagnetic tools. The signal-generating portion of the CLT EM-MWD tool is equipped with a longer transmission range and a lower rate of battery consumption, enabling data to be transmitted through precarious regions without wasting power. Additionally, the CLT EM-MWD tool's rugged design was developed to withstand harsh environments and high drilling velocities. Advanced CLT EM-MWD System - In Development Many formations are not conductive, and therefore EM tools can not transmit data to surface. Phoenix has enhanced the CLT EM-MWD tool to detect and transmit signals through some of these resistive formations, expanding the areas that this tool can be deployed. With this enhancement, Phoenix is able to offer the cost-savings and drilling efficiencies created by using the CLT tool on a greater number of wells. Phoenix is currently manufacturing its Ensight Measurement-at-Bit tool ("Ensight Tool"). Traditionally, MWD sensors have been situated 10-20 meters behind the drill bit, delaying the delivery of at-bit borehole information to the operator. Located directly behind the drill bit, the Ensight Tool contains inclination sensors, and soon will also have gamma sensors, that immediately transmit accurate data to the MWD tool, where it is processed and sent to the surface. Phoenix has focused its development of this technology on tight oil and shale gas drilling projects as well as on the conventional horizontal well drilling market.
Envision Enhanced Gamma Logging Software Phoenix’s Envision gamma logging software is a true API gamma log technology and provides more precise geological information than standard gamma logging software. Envision software corrects for a wide range of actual environmental parameters, including mud weights, mud types, borehole sizes, and drill collar diameters, whereas standard gamma logs are created by matching an offset well, and provide expected readings that can be incorrect if estimates are off. With true API gamma logs, wellbore placement in the target formation is improved and geologist can clearly distinguish between a producing zone and non-producing zone.
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