Enteq Technologies (Enteq) has announced the successful completion of downhole drilling testing for the SABER Tool, the company’s game-changing alternative to traditional rotary steerable systems (RSS), with the system proven to be effective in an operational environment.
The trials took place at Catoosa Drill Test Facility in Oklahoma, following initial testing in Norway earlier this year. During an extensive drilling programme, the SABER system met the test objectives, successfully generating steering forces to change the trajectory of a well (generating dogleg) in typical reservoir rock conditions. An independent survey has been conducted to measure the well trajectory and an expert review was conducted, both confirming the ability of SABER to provide sufficient steering forces for the target commercial applications.
About the SABER Tool
The SABER Tool (Steer-At-Bit Enteq Rotary Tool) is a step change in directional drilling technology, developed by Enteq Technologies and based on a concept created by Shell. The ingenuity of the SABER Tool approach lies in the application of proven technologies in novel ways to achieve a sleek, elegant, and mechanically simple design, thereby improving reliability and project uptime versus traditional RSS solutions.
Rather than using pads or plates for steering, the SABER Tool uses an internally directed pressure differential system across the bit face. By removing these external contact points, the tool reduces wear and improves reliability, while also achieving true at-bit steering for the first time. The sleek, plain collar design also allows for a smoother borehole, further improving reliability, uptime and cost efficiency.
Changing the future of drilling
Reflecting on the results Andrew Law, CEO at Enteq, said, “Since acquiring the technology from Shell, we believed SABER could change the future of drilling. The goal has been to optimise and verify that the technology can outperform the solutions available today. I am proud to say that we have achieved this, with a next generation tool which could transform oil and gas RSS performance, and also play a significant role in the energy transition.”
With SABER’s unique application of Bernoulli’s principle now validated, Enteq has confirmed the tool will deliver true at-bit steering competitively for commercial drilling applications globally, providing significant tool life and reliability benefits. SABER is geothermal and methane capture ready, enhancing its range of applications beyond the offerings of other RSS technologies currently available in the market.
As part of the company’s growth ambitions, Enteq is currently selecting strategic industry partners in key global locations to support and accelerate market penetration.
Law continued: “Today marks a defining moment in the journey of SABER. As we explored the capabilities of the tool, it became evident that we could push the boundaries and set a new standard for RSS technology. Today is a turning point for the industry and SABER will play a defining role in changing the sector as we know it.”
Martin Perry, Chairman of Enteq, said: “As an independent and agile company, our mission is to play a defining role in the downhole drilling industry, identifying current inefficiencies in the market and providing solutions to address them. We took on SABER because we knew the potential of the technology to make a positive change to the energy sector and following the successful trials, there are exciting times lying ahead for Enteq as we move into the next stage of the game-changing SABER Tool’s commercialisation.”
