INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY INTO TIMOR SEA OPERATIONS

Abstract

The Timor Sea is the most remote and under-explored oil province in Australia. In order to compensate for the high exploration costs which result in frontier areas, new technology has been introduced by BHP Petroleum in order to increase drilling efficiency, assist in well evaluation and enhance the reliability of production technology. Examples of innovation and the importation of advanced techniques into the Timor Sea region are discussed. Advanced mud systems and PDC bit designs have been developed to aid the drilling of wells. Measurement While Drilling tools and tritium tracers have been used to enhance correlation and evaluation techniques. Equipment and procedures which emphasise the philosophy of reliability and longevity have been developed for sub-sea completions. These innovations have not only assisted with cost reduction, but have also enhanced BHP Petroleum's exploration and production success in the Timor Sea.