Oil Patch Bits: SLB and NOV form IntelliServ joint venture

Schlumberger said Sept. 28 that it, along with National Oilwell Varco, has created a joint venture to provide high-speed drill string telemetry systems to improve the efficiency and safety of oil and gas operations.

The IntelliServ joint venture is expected to accelerate development and delivery of intelligent drilling solutions through the expanded use of the IntelliServ Broadband Network, a patented technology that provides high resolution data in real time to and from the bottom of oil and gas wells as they are being drilled. IntelliServ also will provide along-string evaluation services that will enable real-time monitoring of drill string conditions, and an unlimited ability to actuate downhole tolls on-demand. The current speed of 57,600 bits per second is up to 20,000 times faster than the transmission speed that is available using conventional mud pulse technology. For more information visit www.slb.com.