Drilling and Evaluation

AutoTrak Services
Automated rotary closed-loop drilling

AutoTrak RCLS
A story of unmatched performance
The challenge

Delivering value worldwide

Over a decade ago, a Norwegian operator was facing a

unique challenge. Its large gas field had considerable oil
reserves. However, the combination of a challenging, costly
operating environment and an extremely thin oil reservoir of
36 to 43 ft (11 to 13 m) meant there was no way to recover
the oil economically with existing technology.

Globally, daily rig rates and associated drilling costs

remain robust, driving clients demands for maximum
reserve recovery rates while minimizing non-productive
time (NPT). This is the work AutoTrak systems were designed
to doproviding efficient, reliable and precise directional
drilling services for Baker Hughes clients worldwide.
And, as the complexity of well designs and reservoir
development programs increases, so does the potential
value of an AutoTrak system.

The answer
1997: Baker Hughes introduced the AutoTrak Rotary
Closed-Loop drilling system (RCLS). This breakthrough
technology allowed operators to steer wellpaths and
navigate reservoirs with continuous drillstring rotation
for precise well placement at high penetration rates.
No longer would operators be forced to choose
between steering control and drilling efficiency.
The AutoTrak systems unique capabilities allowed the
operators well planners to design innovative multilateral,
extended-reach and 3D well plans to maximize recovery
with fewer total wells and a smaller surface footprint.

The results
2007: Over 1.8 million feet of reservoir were drilled and over
one billion barrels of oil later, StatoilHydros Troll Field is an
unqualified success. In a single decade, the field delivered
more than USD 22 billion to the Norwegian economy with
an estimated 70 years of production life remaining.
utoTrak RCLS made it feasible to develop the fields
A
multilateral wells with its precise steering capabilities.
The increased reservoir drainage area per well allowed
a reduction in the total number of wellsincreasing the
operators efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint.
The long horizontal sections facilitated production from a large
drainage area more quickly than would otherwise have
been attainable, resulting in early production and revenue.
The AutoTrak system permitted cost-effective access
to reservoir sections that may have otherwise been
deemed uneconomical to develop, ultimately allowing
for an increase in producible reserves.

Once you do the math, the value of our family of

AutoTrak RCLS systems becomes clear.
These advanced rotary steerable systems include:
AutoTrak G3: the revolutionary, third-generation
AutoTrak that sets the standard for rotary steerable
performance in terms of precision and efficiency
AutoTrak X-treme: the powerful, high-speed
rotary steerable system custom-engineered for
reliable performance in the industrys most
demanding environments and extended reach
drilling (ERD) applications
AutoTrak eXpress: the new base-level AutoTrak
system for lower spread cost environments with
well-documented geology, but still requiring more
challenging well profiles.

These key automated rotary directional drilling systems are at the

heart of the Baker Hughes Answers While Drilling technologies.
And no drilling systems anywhere match their speed, reach,
reliability and sheer directional drilling precision.

The service equation

Performance does not come with technology alone. Baker Hughes
experts from different product lines combine their expertise in
planning, execution and optimization of client projects. With
this total-systems approach, clients around the world are able
to maximize their return in terms of drilling faster, more
efficiently and more economically, than ever before.

This is the work AutoTrak systems were

designed to doproviding efficient, reliable
and precise directional drilling services for
Baker Hughes clients worldwide.
3

AutoTrak RCLS
Industry-leading capabilities
AutoTrak steering is specifically designed to provide
the industrys most reliable and precise steering
response in a wide range of formation types, drilling
conditions and well profiles.

Versatile steering
AutoTrak systems have an enviable track record of
steering to plan in-formation strengths ranging from
weak to hard. Every day, deepwater operators rely
on AutoTrak systems to steer in weak sediments,
rapidly building angle smoothly to plan for efficient,
reliable target intersection. And in hard rock drilling
locations, AutoTrak systems deliver the same reliable
steering responsepositioning wells for optimum
productivity.

High-speed automated steering

The AutoTrak steering principle is widely regarded
as the industrys most precise and efficient.
Using AutoTrak systems, challenging wells are
steered to the most productive reservoir targets
simultaneously delivering excellent wellbore quality
and low tortuosity. These benefits are achieved by
integrating autonomous, closed-loop directional
drilling control algorithms developed and continually
improved over more than 20 years.

Every second, the downhole system compares the

desired trajectory with the actual one, automatically
adjusting steering parameters, based on the
industrys closest inclination-to-bit spacing. The
AutoTrak system will seek and continuously maintain
the desired trajectory within a fraction of a degree.
This closed-loop control minimizes interaction from the
surface while enhancing drilling efficiency, improving
hole quality and precisely positioning wellbores.

Steering in tough environments

Stick-slip vibration is a dynamic condition that
cannot always be avoided, due to wider use of less
lubricious drilling fluids, more complex trajectories
and increasing reach. A recognized advantage
of AutoTrak steering is that, unlike other rotary
steerable systems, its unique design ensures precise
steering control even when stick-slip torsional
vibration is present.
The AutoTrak system can place wells on plan with
low tortuosity and intersect targets in the optimum
zone to maximize both drilling efficiency and
hydrocarbon recovery.

AutoTrak: THE EVOLUTION OF UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE

1997

AutoTrak system introduced

First pilot series in Italy
and Norway

1998

AutoTrak drills 10,184 ft (3104 m) of

reservoir: world record for longest
horizontal section

1999

AutoTrak drills deepest

horizontal section at
18,307 ft (5580 m)

2000

AutoTrak sets single run-time record

of 241 drilling hours
AutoTrak sets world record for single
run distance of 13,247 ft (4038 m)
AutoTrak drills hole at record
164.7 inclination

2002

AutoTrak third
generation introduced

2003

AutoTrak drills 15,472 ft

(4714 m) in single-bit run
at average ROP of 95 ft/hr

TIMELINE

AutoTrak G3
The benchmark in RSS performance
Two-way communications

While our steering unit is a key component in any

AutoTrak system, the AutoTrak G3 RCLS system
represents more than just a steering tool. AutoTrak
G3 is a fully integrated drilling and evaluation
system that incorporates our highly advanced
OnTrak MWD/LWD and two-way communications
and power.

The systems Bi-directional Communication and Power

Module (BCPM) provides power to the downhole
measurement-while-drilling and logging-whiledrilling (MWD/LWD) tools as well as fast, two-way
communications between the tool and surface using
mud pulse telemetrypermitting wellpath changes
on the fly without interrupting the drilling process.

Integrated MWD/LWD
In an AutoTrak G3 BHA, the OnTrak sensor sub is
placed directly above the steering unitdelivering
accurate, near-bit measurements for enhanced
efficiency and navigation capabilities. These
while-drilling measurements include directional
information, vibration/dynamics monitoring,
borehole pressure, dual-azimuthal gamma ray
and multiple propagation resistivity.

In addition to supplying communications and power

for the AutoTrak system, the BCPM performs this
function for our other LWD tools as well. Because our
numerous MWD and LWD systems can communicate
with the surface via a single downhole sub, tool
length and sub placement is optimizedfacilitating
closer sensor-to-bit measurements and simplifying
BHA designs.

We engineered the OnTrak sub with enhanced

reliability in mindensuring accurate and
dependable data acquisition with dual gamma
detectors, multiple compensated resistivity antennas
and redundant power sources. The tool can measure
downhole dynamics, allowing drillers to immediately
adjust drilling parameters to prevent tool failures and
maximize drilling progress.

Industry-leading performance
Today, AutoTrak G3 RCLS is recognized as the
industry standard in rotary steerable performance
and precision. In addition to our third-generation
AutoTrak RCLS service, Baker Hughes can now offer
two additional service options, AutoTrak X-treme
and AutoTrak eXpress, to best meet our clients
drilling requirements.

2008

2006

2004

AutoTrak breaks world

record for 12-in. hole in
single run

AutoTrak X-treme gains commendation in

BG Chief Executive Annual Innovation
Awards for value delivered in a challenging
multilateral well development offshore India

2005

AutoTrak X-treme service

introduced
AutoTrak X-treme extends
horizontal section of offshore
Denmark ERD well 6,000 ft
(1828 m) past prior limits
First commercial 4-in.
AutoTrak G3 runs

2007

AutoTrak sets ERD record by drilling

an MD of 37,014 ft (11 282 m)

AutoTrak breaks its own ERD drilling

record, surpassing 38,910 ft (11 860
m), over 7.3 miles of hole
AutoTrak eXpress service introduced in
United States and Canada
By November, 18 of the worlds top 25
ERD wells had been drilled using
AutoTrak service

2009

Cumulative AutoTrak distance

drilled surpasses 35 million ft
AutoTrak eXpress introduced
in the Middle East

AutoTrak X-treme
The ultimate drilling machine
In 2005, drilling and evaluation experts took the capabilities
and design of the AutoTrak system and made one fundamental
addition that changed everything: an advanced and proven
motor technology.
The AutoTrak X-treme RCLS employs a pre-contoured stator
design with an enhanced drive train that creates an even more
powerful directional drilling machine. The X-treme power section
is fully integrated into the rotary steerable system to permit full
communication between the MWD/LWD measurements and
the AutoTrak steering unitdelivering pinpoint well placement
capabilities together with penetration rates typically associated
with the industrys most advanced performance motor systems.
In addition to an enhanced rate of penetration (ROP), the
integrated downhole motor drives reliability by minimizing the
wear on the casing, drillstring and bottomhole assembly (BHA),
and decoupling LWD systems from bit dynamics.

Unique design for increased reliability, performance

In contrast to conventional rotary steerable tools, our latest
generation AutoTrak systems are designed with a high rotary
speed specification (up to 400 RPM)making them ideal for
running in conjunction with a downhole motor.
These systems feature a modular BHA architecture for more
versatile BHA makeups. By positioning the X-treme Modular
Motor immediately above the AutoTrak steering unit and
below the OnTrak MWD/LWD sub, high power from the motor
is delivered directly to the bit with minimal BHA length below
the motor. The modular concept also allows us to offer near-bit
gamma ray and resistivity measurements below the motor for
applications where sensor spacing is critical.

Proven results
As the AutoTrak X-treme system was deployed for field use, it
quickly established many drilling performance benchmarks that
set it apart from other rotary steerable technologies.
These include:
Superior power generation 50 to 100% higher
than conventional, elastomer-based power sections,
while decoupling drillstring vibration to deliver the
maximum possible energy to the cutting structure
of the bit
Enhanced reliability at exceptionally high rotary
speed, up to 400 rpmensuring superior hole
cleaning for lower risk operation at high ROP
Increased record-breaking ROP, even in extreme,
harsh environments, regularly drilling over 100%
faster than other rotary steerable systems
Reduced drillstring and casing wear by 50%critical
in re-entry and complex multilateral well operations
Extended horizontal step-out capability on demanding
extended reach wells

The answers for enhanced drilling speed

and efficiency
You can measure the performance of the AutoTrak X-treme RCLS
just by measuring time. Projects scheduled for 10 days completed
in two days. A 9,000 ft (2743 m) single-run section with an ROP
50% higher than previous systems saved five drilling days. A
13,200 ft (4023 m) trilateral well completed in just 107 drilling
hours at a record-breaking 123 ft/hr ROPand released the rig
12 days early. All achieved by drilling continuously at maximum
speed with no compromise to steering precision and minimal or
zero non-productive time.

Maximum power, speed and precision

With AutoTrak X-treme systems, the need for continuous high
surface rotary speeds to attain high ROP from conventional rotary
steering operations no longer applies. Now, drillstring rotary
speed can be determined based solely on optimizing drilling
dynamics and hole cleaning efficiency, avoiding harmful drilling
vibrations and extending rig capabilities.

Theyre all factors in saving time. And on any major drilling

project, time is money. Saving time and money is the value of the
AutoTrak X-treme RCLS.

AutoTrak eXpress
Advances in efficiency
Grounded on the basics
Introduced in 2008, the AutoTrak eXpress system is
specially designed to deliver enhanced efficiency and
drilling performance in established fields with welldocumented geology and reservoir targets.
Its the system you use where your 3D field model
and well profile are well understoodbut where
well construction economics are dependent on
services that enable faster, more cost-effective
and safer approaches to drilling than conventional
drilling services.
AutoTrak eXpress is the service you need when
real-time formation evaluation is not critical, but
real-time drilling precision is paramount. When
conventional well profiles cant do the job, but true
3D directional drilling fits the objectives. When
slide drilling is not an option in holding and tightly
maintaining trajectories. When continuous drillpipe
rotation requires controllable buildup rates of up
to 10 at 100 ft (30 m). When the job requires
sharp turns of 8 and beyond per 100 ft. And when
extended reach and multilateral drilling capabilities
will let you cover the spread of your reservoir with
fewer rigs and wells.
The AutoTrak eXpress system simplifies challenging
directional drillingfor both your wellbore
placement and economic plans.

Reducing complexity enhances

rigsite efficiency
AutoTrak eXpress is designed for simple, easy,
automatic operation. No special surface equipment
is needed to change well trajectories. In fact,
existing rig equipment can be used to adjust steering
targets on the flywithout pulling off bottom or
interrupting drilling.
Our proven computerized rotary steering principle
and closed-loop downhole controls provide simple,
reliable directional control. Should the systems
near-bit sensor detect deviations from the wellpath,
internal hydraulics automatically deliver optimum
steering forces to the steering pads to keep the well
precisely on track.
Benefits of the AutoTrak eXpress system include:
Maximized drilling efficiency and wellbore
placement with automated rotary drilling
Reduced risk of differential sticking via
continuous rotation
Extended horizontal and lateral capabilities
for maximum payzone contactincreasing
production rates and extending the life of the well
Improved hole quality and hole cleaning to reduce
completion risks
When economy, efficiency and simplified steering
precision are your route to profitability, our AutoTrak
eXpress system provides the right answers needed to
advance your reservoir performance.

Delivering the power and the knowledge

One key to our AutoTrak services performance and precision
is the critical, real-time directional and formation evaluation
data provided by the Baker Hughes suite of advanced MWD
and LWD services.
Our integrated OnTrak sensor sub is placed directly above the
steering unit or power section in the AutoTrak and AutoTrak
X-treme BHA to ensure accurate, near-bit measurements
(azimuthal gamma, resistivity, directional, borehole pressure and
vibration/dynamics data) while drilling.
The results are clear, precise reservoir navigation capabilities
integrated into the rotary steerable system for enhanced steering
precision and efficiency.

Seamless integration with advanced

evaluation services
Additional Baker Hughes formation evaluation technologies
can be incorporated into AutoTrak and AutoTrak X-treme BHAs
to provide a more comprehensive view of the surrounding
formations and reservoir, including:
AziTrak deep azimuthal resistivity for increased reservoir
navigation capabilities and simplicity via the detection of bed
boundaries and oil/water contact zones hours before they can
be detected with conventional sensors
MagTrak LWD magnetic resonance for precise, real-time
answers to critical questions regarding fluid volumes, total
and effective porosity and permeability estimations in
production zones
SoundTrak advanced acoustic LWD for compressional and
shear-wave travel time in fast and slow formations
allowing real-time access to critical formation answers to
maximize drilling efficiency and wellbore placement

10

TesTrak formation pressure-while-drilling for improved

pressure management, enhanced wellsite safety and increased
reservoir knowledge
LithoTrak advanced LWD porosity for accurate nuclear
measurements and formation density images
StarTrak high-definition advanced LWD Imaging for highresolution, 360 imaging comparable to static LWD logsin
real time.

So as you drill, you can make on-the-spot, petrophysical field

evaluations and make steering changes on the fly based
on real-time positional data or even steer to specific reservoir
properties. The result: nonstop drilling with unprecedented speed
and precision across a wide range of hole sizes, including full
LWD capabilities in slim-hole applications.

Integrated designs, real-time dynamics

enhance reliability
Our total system approach to directional drilling applications
employs expertise in BHA design and bit selection to achieve
optimum drilling efficiency and reliability. And thanks to the
modular design of our LWD suite, the placement of individual
logging subs can be adjusted based on the clients logging
objectivesensuring the most critical measurements are as close
to the bit as possible.
The Baker Hughes CoPilot real-time drilling optimization
service pushes performance limits even further. This industryleading servicebased on comprehensive pre-well planning, a
versatile real-time downhole data acquisition and diagnostic tool,
and thorough post-well analysisreveals insight into downhole
conditions with a level of detail never before available. At the
wellsite, the CoPilot service helps drillers optimize AutoTrak
drilling performance by monitoring a variety of downhole
conditions and proactively managing drilling parameters.

AutoTrak RCLS
AutoTrak eXpress

AutoTrak G3

AutoTrak X-treme

Automated closed-loop steering

Near-bit inclination sensor
Logging-while-drilling services

Directional service only

Integrated mud motor

Memory log processing

Wired-pipe telemetry

High-speed telemetry

Real-time drilling diagnostic

and optimization service
Real-time imaging service

Reservoir navigation service

Downlink setup

Flow rate sequence,

Manually adjusted rig pumps

Computer-controlled
Bypass actuator

Computer-controlled
Bypass actuator

Pressure rating

20,000 psi

20,000 psi

20,000 psi

30,000 psi

30,000 psi

302f (150c)

302f (150c)

302f (150c)

347f (175c)

347f (175c)

Optional high-pressure service

Temperature rating
Optional high-t emperature service

= included

= optional service on request

= not available

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