APS TECHNOLOGY GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY IS EXTENDED

APS Technology, Inc., an engineering and manufacturing company in Cromwell, Connecticut, has been awarded Phase II of a cooperative agreement from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a "Downhole Vibration Monitoring and Control System." This grant is part of the DOE's DEEPTREK initiative to enhance the efficiency of deep gas drilling.

This agreement is for the development of a unique Active Vibration Damper (AVD) for use behind the drill bit. The system will monitor the vibrations of the bit and continually adjust the AVD to ensure that the bit is always in contact with the bottom of the well and drilling with the desired weight applied. This will significantly increase the drilling rate. Furthermore, by reducing the vibration in the drill string, the AVD will reduce the number of trips to the surface necessitated by failures of downhole components. The net effect will be greatly improved drilling efficiency.

Plans for Phase II of this project include refinement of the laboratory testing completed in Phase I, as well as construction and testing of a field prototype. APS President William E. Turner said, "Extension of this grant recognizes the soundness of our concept and allows us to proceed to a field demonstration. We are confident that this new development will allow the U.S. to drill for oil, and especially for deep gas, with greater efficiency, leading to lower energy prices and decreased reliance on foreign sources."