The information contained within this handbook is believed to be

accurate and is based upon run histories and empirical data. However,
Andergauge makes no warranties or representations to that effect. All
information is furnished in good faith, and the use of this information
is entirely at the risk of the user.

Introduction
Description
How the Anderdrift Works
Surface Test
Survey Procedure
Trouble Shooting
Typical Survey Pressure Profile

contents

Specifications (US & Metric)

Simplicity
in Action

HOW
HOWTHE
THEANDERDRIFT
ANDERDRIFT
WORKS
NotesWORKS

 Introduction

Monitoring the inclination of vertical hole sections is expensive;

either through the time consuming procedure of taking single
shot surveys or by the use of expensive MWD systems and
personnel.
The Anderdrift Vertical Inclination Indicator is designed to
provide a simple, cost effective solution. The mechanical tool
is robust and supplies real time survey data pulsed through the
drilling fluid.
The pulses do not require decoding, and the tool can easily be
run by the rig crew after a short familiarisation period. Surveys
are normally taken at connections, with rig time kept to a
minimum, and the simplicity of design does not require any
surface equipment.

introduction

In addition to saving time over single shots, and being more

cost effective than MWD tools, the Anderdrift has proven itself
in ROP optimisation. Real time inclination surveys allow
maximum WOB, to optimise ROP, but maintain verticality.

This handbook is intended to be an aid to the operator and is

solely provided for information and illustration purposes. Please
contact any of our locations; detailed opposite; for clarification
or questions not answered in the following sections.

May 2005
www.andergauge.com

HOW THE ANDERDRIFT

Description
WORKS

The Anderdrift is a simple mechanical tool, situated within the

bottom hole assembly, that allows the driller to rapidly check
the angle of the well, to a maximum 5 of inclination.
Inclination data is transmitted to surface as a series of pressure
pulses, the number of which correspond to the vertical
inclination of the BHA in 0.5 increments.
The pulses can easily be read on the drillers pressure gauge
and no additional surface equipment is needed. If required, a
hard copy of the data can normally be provided by the mud
logging company.

description

The survey flask is pre-loaded in a short

drill collar, and is located by centralisers
top and bottom. It can be easily
removed from the collar for replacement,
should this be required. A junk catcher
is located above the flask, within the top
sub, to prevent debris from entering the
pulse mechanism.

HOW THE
HowANDERDRIFT
the Anderdrift
WORKS
Works

At drilling flow rates the survey flask remains in the drilling

position with the pulse head down and the pendulum seated
(Fig. 1).
When a survey is required the flow is stopped, allowing the pulse
head to rise until it is stopped by the free hanging pendulum
catching on one of the measuring rings. The inclination of the
well will determine which of the measuring rings catches the
pendulum. (Fig 2. Shows the tool latched at 3 1/2).
Before being stopped, the pulse head will pass a series of pulse
rings within the pulsing system. The spacing of which
correspond exactly to that of the measuring rings.
As an independent
action, the survey
data is subsequently
transmitted to
surface when the
pumps are started.

Pulse Rings
Pulse Head

Bringing up the
Pendulum
pumps causes the
Measuring
Rings
pulse head to travel
down through the
pulse rings at a
controlled rate. This
creates a series of
equal pressure pulses
within the mud
column that can
simply be counted
Figure 1
Figure 2
Drilling Position
Latched at 31/2
at surface.
The number of pulses directly equates to the inclination of the
well; see following table;
Number of Pulses 11 10
Inclination (0-5 tool) 0 1/2
Inclination(0-2.5 tool) 0 1/4

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
1 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 41/2 5+
1/2
3/4
1 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 21/2+

Make up Anderdrift in BHA

Bring up pumps quickly and smoothly to survey flow rate (300-800 gpm/1140-3030 lpm*).
Note the tool is pulsing via the SPP gauge.
These initial pulses will relate to the survey taken where the pumps were last stopped.
Stop pumps (ensure flow ceases**).
Pulse head rises until stopped by pendulum.
Wait at least 2 mins.
To ensure pulse head has risen.
Bring pumps up quickly and smoothly to survey flow rate.
Pulse head starts moving down through pulse chamber.
Maintain constant flow until last pulse.
Adjusting the pump rate may corrupt pulses.
Count the pressure pulses on the SPP gauge & determine inclination.
Tool angle equates to number of pulses counted (see table).
Run in hole.

*The survey flow rate should be adjusted to give optimum pulse height and frequency.

**This can be achieved by closing Kelly Cock or bleeding SPP.

11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
Number of Pulses
0
01/2
1
11/2
2
21/2
3
31/2
Inclination (0-5 tool)
1/4
1/2
3/4
Inclination (0-2,5 tool)
0
1
11/4
11/2
13/4
Note: Initial pulses may be separated by a hesitation in pressure rather than a decrease in pressure.

3
4
2

2
41/2
21/4

1
5+
21/2+

HOW THE ANDERDRIFT

WORKS
Surface Test

1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8

Stop rotary and pick off bottom. Set brake.

Record survey depth***.
Circulate out any sweep/slug/pill.
Stop pumps (ensure flow ceases**).
Wait at least 2 mins.

Ensures clarity of pressure pulses.

Pulse head rises until stopped by pendulum.
To ensure pulse head has risen.

Connections can be made during 2 minute wait provided drill pipe is kept still.

1.5 Bring pumps up quickly & smoothly to survey flow rate

Pulse head starts moving down through pulse chamber.
(300-800 gpm/1140-303 lpm*).
1.6 Maintain constant flow until last pulse.
Adjusting the pump rate during transmission may corrupt pulses.
1.7 Count the pressure pulses on the SPP gauge & determine inclination. Hole angle equates to number of pulses counted (see table).
1.8 Record inclination against survey depth***.
Counted pulses relate to survey taken at depth pumps where last cut.
1.9 Drill ahead.
*The survey flow rate should be adjusted to give optimum pulse height and frequency. **This can be achieved by closing Kelly Cock or bleeding SPP.
***Survey position should be taken as midpoint of Anderdrift collar.
Note 1: Stopping the pumps takes the survey. Starting the pumps transmits the survey. Connections can easily be made between the two actions. Pulses relate to the survey taken at the depth where
the pumps were last stopped; i.e. a transmission following a change in depth between the two actions will be a record of the survey taken at the first depth, where the pumps were stopped.
Note 2: One pulse indicates 5 and above i.e. the well bore may be more than 5.

HOW THE ANDERDRIFT

WORKS
Survey Procedure

1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

Air slug introduced into pipe after making connection is

causing transmitted pulse to be damped.
Any of above.

If drilling the top hole sections offshore the drill string

may be moving due to water currents.
Tool begins to pulse while pump pressure is still increasing
after starting pumps.

Cause
Insufficient flow to force pulse head down.
Flow is too high and forcing the pulse head down too quickly.
LCM may be temporarily preventing the pulse head
from resetting.
Flow is not ceasing immediately and is preventing
the pulse head from resetting.
Movement of the BHA during the survey measurement
has made the survey inaccurate.

Close the Kelly Cock after stopping the pumps or take surveys after connections.
Increase the waiting time from 2 min to 4 min.
Reciprocate the drill string (releases stored torsion).
If drilling with mud motor stop the pumps as quickly as possible to cease
vibration before the survey is taken.
Analyse BHA stabilizer placement.
Multiple surveys to increase mean accuracy.
Bring pumps up as quickly and smoothly as possible. Even though the pump
pressure increases during the survey the pulses should still be distinguishable.
Adjusting the survey flow rate may help.
Ensure air is circulated out or take surveys before connections.

Solution
Increase survey flow rate.
Reduce the flow rate/ensure pill is circulated out of BHA.
Circulate and then re-survey.

Reciprocate the drill string and repeat the survey. If the same result is obtained
verify operation by pulling back to the previous survey and take two surveys,
disregarding the first.*
*The first survey transmitted will be a record of the data acquired at the deeper depth where the pumps were last stopped.

Suspect survey results.

Weak/illegible pulses.

Initial pulses not as distinct as subsequent

pulses.

Erratic readings/pipe movement.

No pulses at shallow depths or open hole.

Problem
Pulses are too slow (and/or weak).
Pulses are too rapid.
No pulses after pumping LCM.

HOW THE ANDERDRIFT

WORKS
Trouble Shooting

ofi

ile

Notes:

Pumps are brought up to the survey flow rate

(300-800 gpm*).

The tool starts after a few seconds.

The interval between pulses is roughly 4 secs.

The pulse height is approximately 200 psi.
Nine pulses indicate an inclination of 1.

5
4

11
0
0
** 1 pulse indicates

Number of Pulses**

Inclination (0-5 tool)

Inclination (0-2.5 tool)

After surveying the pressure reduces to the drilling pressure.

This confirms that the final pulses have been received and
the tool is in the drilling position.

*The survey flow rate should be adjusted to give optimum height and frequency.

10
/2
1
/4
5 and
1

9
1
1
/2
above

8
11/2
3
/4
i.e. the

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
2 21/2 3 31/2 4 41/2 5+
1 11/4 11/2 13/4 2 21/4 2.5+
well bore may be more than 5.

Typical Survey Pressure Profile