Satellite technology applied at the well site
D. B. Linger, P.H. Dill · OSTI OAI (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information) · 1988
The full potential of satellite technology is making itself known in the oil field. Well site data can be sent directly to the operator giving fast, cost-saving answers. Direct linkage from the field to the operator and to computing resources represents a radical change in existing methods of handling well site data. One system, developed by Schlumberger, employs satellite technology to handle well site log data. The service, called Lognet, uses a small transportable earth station at the well site to provide a high speed data and voice link from the well site, via satellite, to the operator, his partners, or to any of the well logging company's offices. The system can deliver both well log graphics and digital taped data to an appropriate receiving terminal, allowing up to 10 delivery points to receive the information simultaneously. Delivery to standard office or portable facsimile machines permits direct reception of logs at the office or any other location. This capability allows the operator and his partners to view the log information within 1 hour after logging and to discuss the log results. Voice communication also is possible with telephone calls being made both to and from the logging unit to anymore » point in the public telephone network. These capabilities result in a more efficient use of staff, information, time, and ultimately, cost savings.« less