GE Oil & Gas signs agreement to sell proprietary electromagnetic telemetry technology

GE Oil & Gas has signed an agreement with Sharewell Energy Services which will give GE exclusive worldwide rights to sell Sharewell’s proprietary electromagnetic telemetry (EM) technology.

GE will sell Sharewell’s Electro-Trac EM measurement while drilling (MWD) technology, which will allow customers to expand their businesses into areas where EM MWD is applicable, as well as improve operating efficiencies by offering telemetry rates six times greater than conventional mud pulse based MWD systems.

The Electro-Trac EM system comprises a rugged downhole assembly which includes a gap-sub antenna package, an electronic assembly and a battery package.

The system has no moving parts which enhances operations, while the surface system includes a power amplifier for two-way communication with the EM tool.

The technology is suited for drilling operations where mud-pulse technology may prove problematic, such as underbalanced drilling.

GE Downhole Technology business general manager James Junker said the new partnership transitions Sharewell’s advanced EM MWD telemetry technology to the next level, as it combines GE’s global support network and downhole sensing technology to offer customers a comprehensive solution in major global markets.

"The agreement allows GE to offer an industry-leading compatible product to the large installed GE customer base and to attract new customers to GE MWD systems," added Junker.

The US Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory has supported the research on data fusion technology, as part of the Deep Trek initiative, to reduce the costs and improve the efficiency of drilling and completing deep wells.

Sharewell’s data fusion system has been used to drill about 700 wells to depths of more than 15,300ft.

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Image: Electro-Trac EM system is suited for drilling operations where mud-pulse technology may prove problematic, such as underbalanced drilling. Photo: GE Oil & Gas.