Marathon, partners adapt RFID technology for downhole drilling, completion applications

摘要

Identification (RFID) has become commonplace in many areas, such as package and asset tracking, identifying cars on toll roads, and even keeping track of pets and livestock. Marathon Oil Company recognized the significant benefits of adapting key elements of this technology for the oil and gas industry, particularly in the downhole drilling and completion environment. The efforts of Marathon's Technology Services Organization and their business partners are now becoming reality. Field tests in Alaska and the North Sea have proven successful, and two service companies, very much focused on this technology, are assisting Marathon. Over the years people utilized RFID tags - with mixed results - in surface oilfield applications such as drill pipe and asset tracking. Marathon is progressing something different - using the technology for the downhole well operations environment. There are two similar-sounding yet significantly different areas being developed, each with its own technical challenges.