Deepwater Formation Evaluation

Measurement-While-Drilling

Measurement While Drilling (MWD) systems measure formation properties (e.g. resistivity, natural gamma ray, porosity), well bore geometry (inclination, azimuth), drilling system orientation (tool face), and mechanical properties of the drilling process. Traditionally MWD has fulfilled the role of providing well bore inclination and azimuth in order to maintain directional control in real time. From the mid 1980s to the present time, formation evaluation MWD has paralleled and surpassed other aspects of drilling technology to the extent that it is now possible to replace very sophisticated wireline logs with real-time and memory-stored measurements while drilling.