Stick-Slip Mitigation – Advanced Softtorque (AST)
JIACH Energy Solutions Private Limited, as an authorized partner of Electroproject (NL), brings Advanced Softtorque (AST) to the Indian market.
Advanced Softtorque is Electroproject’s latest innovation in soft torque technology, designed to mitigate the adverse effects of stick-slip phenomena commonly encountered in oil and gas drilling operations.
AST modifies the rotation dynamics of the top drive in a drilling rig to effectively dampen torsional vibrations in the drill string. This ensures:
- Minimized drill-bit speed fluctuations
- Improved drilling stability
- Enhanced overall performance
An embedded optimization algorithm automatically calculates the optimal controller settings—eliminating the need for manual tuning.
🔹 Wide Frequency Control
- Covers a broad range of torsional vibration modes
- Eliminates the need for re-tuning at different drilling depths (unlike conventional Softtorque systems)
🔹 Superior Performance
- Outperforms traditional Softtorque systems
- Especially effective in:
- Horizontal drilling
- Extended reach wells
- Operations using less stiff pipes (e.g., 4”)
🔹 Optimized Downhole Performance
- Minimizes bit/BHA speed fluctuations
- Highly beneficial for directional drilling
Operational Impact
When AST is activated:
- Surface torque stabilizes
- Drill-string torsional vibrations are significantly reduced
- Overall drilling efficiency improves
A Must-Have for Enhanced Drilling Performance
Recognized by leading contractors and operators, AST delivers:
- ✅ Higher Rate of Penetration (ROP)
- ✅ Reduced tool wear → longer bit life
- ✅ Lower torsional vibrations → improved wellbore quality
- ✅ Reduced Non-Productive Time (NPT)
All of this without continuous manual intervention from the driller.
Proven Benefits
- 50%–100% increase in damping of torsional oscillations
- Extends benefits from vertical drilling to:
- Horizontal drilling
- Extended reach operations
- Compatible with all AC top drives, regardless of brand
- Easily transferable between rigs
Technology Leadership
Advanced Softtorque is proprietary technology of Electroproject, one of the few companies—alongside Shell—holding IP rights for wide-bandwidth stick-slip mitigation controllers.
Real-Time Performance Measurement
Softtorque Assist
Electroproject’s Softtorque Assist is a dedicated simulation tool that:
- Predicts AST performance under specific drilling conditions
- Simulates effectiveness based on top drive specifications
- Provides documented performance expectations
- Ensures successful implementation
Summary
Advanced Softtorque (AST) is a next-generation, automated, and highly effective solution for stick-slip mitigation, delivering:
- Better drilling efficiency
- Reduced equipment wear
- Enhanced operational reliability