Latest technology from Probe offers improved completion integrity issue identification capability
Improved data logging efficiency and accuracy. This is what cased-hole logging specialist Probe set out to deliver when it developed its award-winning MAC 24, the first in the ProMAC Series of multi-arm caliper tools. Introduced this spring, the MAC 24 efficiently logs data in order to identify mineral deposition, corrosion, wear and mechanical deformation on completion interiors.
Seamless scaling
The MAC 24 relies heavily upon a modular constant current sensor architecture, which Probe developed specifically for their ProMAC Series multi-arm caliper tools that makes it possible to scale seamlessly between different tool sizes. This range of high-speed, configurable digital sensors plays a critical role in helping operators to log data much more efficiently. In fact, this innovative design will be available with 24, 40 and 60 arm configurations of the ProMAC Series, making it extremely adaptable. Coupled with a custom-designed small diameter housing, it navigates easily through the vast majority of completions. To ensure that every configuration of the tool logs data reliably and accurately, every tool features a special calibration bowl that has been precision-machined.
Heat characterization process reduced from days to hours
The launch of the MAC 24 also introduced another innovation: a new method of analyzing caliper data at temperature. The new approach represents a major step forward because it significantly reduces the time required to process this key data, without compromising accuracy.
To achieve this, 42 data sets from each of the 24 sensors are collected and analyzed, from 42 different combinations of temperatures and measurement radii. By plotting the transfer functions for each sensor at multiple temperatures, one can graphically determine the measurement quality of the tool can be graphically determined in terms of radial resolution, measurement linearity, drift and monotonicity of the temperature response.
With the MAC 24, the heat characterization process is dramatically reduced from days to a few hours. It is extremely precise, delivering a 0.5% full-scale accuracy, a radial resolution of 20 microns, a rapid sampling speed of up to 100 samples per second, and a low power consumption of approximately one watt under high-temperature downhole environments.
For Probe, this new technology represents a milestone in its quest to provide customers with the ability to reliably log accurate data more efficiently. Market demand is at an all-time high, with operators keen to minimize the cost of logging data to maintain completion integrity.
“One of the ways to improve data logging efficiencies is to offer a tool that is highly configurable, so that it can log data in a wide range of completions,” said Thientu Ho, Director of Engineering for Probe. “We drew upon our deep experience to develop the modular constant-current current driver for the new ProMAC Series, based on patented technology field-proven with previous generation 40-arm and 60-arm electronic designs which have been in commercial use for several years. Following extensive engineering testing, the new 24-arm caliper design was validated by the Probe Engineering Team. Looking ahead, we’re confident that the MAC 24 as the first in the ProMAC Series of tools will quickly set the industry standard in multi-arm caliper logging tools.”
For more information, visit www.probe1.com.
