Enteq Upstream launches SABER Tool

The SABER Tool uses internally directed pressure differentials to steer from the drill bit face, delivering true 'at-bit' geosteering. This mechanically simple design also removes the need for traditional pistons and pads that are susceptible to rapid wear and reliability issues – an approach which can create a smoother and more precise wellbore with easy to manage directional control. SABER is designed to offer a robust, reliable, simple and cost effective directional drilling alternative to current RSS options.

Enteq licensed the designs and intellectual property from Shell in September 2019, following successful initial trials, before assembling a technical team with more than 150 years’ combined RSS and directional drilling design experience. The team has re-engineered the concept so that the end result is a mechanically simple, plain collar and compact design that promises excellent control and new levels of reliability.

Martin Perry, CEO, commented: “The directional drilling market today is dominated by Rotary Steerable System designs based on similar concepts, supplied by a small group of companies which have been largely unchallenged. However, efficiency of directional drilling is becoming more essential as unconventional oil plays rise in prominence. It is essential to control costs, minimise downtime and maximise reliability and drilling speeds in order to remain competitive. We believe the SABER Tool will prove to be a more accurate, more agile and more cost-effective alternative to existing RSS offerings.”

Neil Bird, newly appointed Project Director for Enteq added: “When I first heard about the SABER concept, I was sceptical. It seemed too good to be true in some respects. However, the genius of the design is that it employs zero fundamentally new and unproven technologies. Everything in here is field-proven, it simply took that stroke of inspiration to combine it for a new, elegant alternative to normal RSS design. For directional drilling, it’s like what Dyson did for the vacuum cleaner, or the step change from tricone to PDC drill bits.”

“We are currently completing a range of static tests and invite partners to join us for field trials – which can largely be conducted outside the critical path thanks to the SABER Tool’s design.”

Andrew Law, Commercial Director, said: “Enteq’s independent status, established engineering expertise and history as a trusted company with reliable downhole products, make it the ideal candidate to enter and disrupt the RSS space. With the addition of leading RSS experts like Neil, I’m confident the SABER Tool will be a great success.”

Enteq expects the SABER Tool to be commercial during 2021.

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