On April 9, 2019, Gyrodata participated at the American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) National Technical Conference at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, CO. At this event, Chris Hartley, Gyrodata’s Wellbore Placement Advisor, gave an informative presentation on high-density survey data alongside other service companies, independent operators, drilling contractors and equipment and materials manufacturers. The event included technical sessions on automation, bits and downhole tools, data and analytics, tubulars, well design as well as other topics related to drilling.

Hartley’s presentation was based on a technical paper (AADE-19-NTCE-101) that he and Adrián Ledroz, Gyrodata’s VP chief scientist of wellbore placement, wrote in February 2019. In this paper, they explore the benefits of high-density survey data, which can be used to analyze wellbore tortuosity in a section of a well or in a well as a whole.
High-density survey data collected in casing can show if the casing was set in compression or tension. Such data can also identify the best location for electrical submersible pumps and more accurately calculate sucker rod side forces. High-density data also reduces true vertical depth uncertainty and lateral uncertainty, which operators can use to improve reservoir maps. Continuous data from surveys can also be used to improve torque and drag simulations, drilling systems selection and bottom hole assemble designs. Overall, high-density survey data are valuable for various aspects of drilling, completion and production.