Schlumberger Launches New Wireline Formation Testing Service

Saturn 3D radial probe enables formation testing in low-permeability and unconsolidated reservoirs

HOUSTON,—Schlumberger today introduced the Saturn* 3D radial probe as the newest module for the MDT* modular formation dynamics tester. With the Saturn probe, customers can now obtain pressure measurements and fluid samples where they were not previously possible due to reservoir conditions.

“Customers expect Schlumberger to be able to fully characterize reservoir fluids in today’s complex reservoir environments,” said Catherine MacGregor, president, Schlumberger Wireline. “Whether the reservoir is unconsolidated, has low permeability or contains heavy oil, we can now perform pressure measurements and downhole fluid analysis and bring high-quality samples to surface.”

The Saturn probe is comprised of four elliptical suction probes mounted at 90 degree intervals circumferentially around the tool, providing the largest surface flow area of any probe in the industry—more than 500 times that of a standard probe.

Analyzing reservoirs from more than 85 tool settings, the Saturn probe has been run in South America, Africa and the Middle East in environments ranging from onshore to deepwater. In Mexico, the Saturn probe successfully sampled fluids as low as 7 API gravity from unconsolidated formations with unconfined compressive strength as low as 300 psi, which would have been difficult using conventional probes. In the Middle East, the Saturn probe sampled fluid in formations with mobility less than 2 mD/cP, enabling the customer to accurately identify the location of the hydrocarbon-water contact point.

For more information about Saturn 3D radial probe, visit www.slb.com/saturn.
About Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing approximately 115,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in approximately 85 countries, Schlumberger provides the industry’s widest range of products and services from exploration through production.

Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston and The Hague and reported revenues from continuing operations of $36.96 billion in 2011. For more information, visit www.slb.com.


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*Mark of Schlumberger