Schlumberger scientists and engineers have developed a newly qualified sampling and formation testing system that performs reliably and efficiently to minimize risk in even the most challenging operations--especially those involving remote exploration, deepwater locations, drillpipe conveyance, and harsh environments. The new MDT Forte-HT system is a completely re-engineered and ruggedized evolution of the MDT modular formation dynamics tester, which is used for sampling and formation testing.

 

Designed to operate for 100 hours in high-temperature environments up to 400 deg F, the MDT Forte-HT system and its individual components are subjected to extensive qualification testing prior to deployment to provide operators with confidence when working in the most extreme conditions.

 

The qualification process of the new system culminates with tests of the entire tool for increased robustness, but also includes testing of individual components, electronics boards, and subassemblies. The process simulates the most severe situations that any equipment may experience.

 

Performed in-house at Schlumberger manufacturing centers, the qualification process includes tests for thermal aging and cycling, shock to electronics boards and full tool assemblies, hot vibration, low- and high-temperature operations and pressure cycling. A program of extended reliability testing concludes the qualification process, during which the tools are subjected to lengthy operational tests under cycles of temperature, power, functional load, and shock.

 

To further ensure MDT Forte-HT system dependability, an extensive database compiled from reliability tests is used to predict system or component failure and recommend proactive maintenance measures.

 

The MDT Forte-HT system is compatible with almost all Schlumberger measurement technologies and enables quickly evolving it as new measurement sensors, techniques, technologies, and options are developed.