Electromagnetic (EM) MWD
Technology for Air and Underbalanced Drilling
ProDirectional’s Electromagnetic MWD (EM MWD) provides high-speed wireless telemetry for air, foam, and underbalanced drilling environments where conventional pulse MWD cannot operate. Designed for extreme downhole conditions, our EM telemetry technology delivers real-time directional and formation data to reduce non-productive time and improve wellbore placement.
- RUGGED EM MWD TELEMETRY FOR CHALLENGING DRILLING ENVIRONMENTS
- EM MWD OPTIMAL FOR AIR OR MIST DRILLING FLUID CONDITIONS
- AERATED MUD AND HIGH LCM DRILLING? USE EM MWD FOR RELIABLE SIGNALING
- IN-HOUSE TOOL MAINTENANCE AND LIFECYCLE TRACKING FOR HIGH INTEGRITY
- EM MWD ALLOWS MORE DATA TO SURFACE WITH MINIMAL NPT
- WHEN MUD PULSE FAILS, EM MWD KEEPS YOU CONNECTED
- PROVEN EM MWD IN UNDERBALANCED AND HIGH LOSS ZONES
- RIGOROUS QA/QC ON EVERY EM TOOL TO ENSURE FIELD READINESS
ProDirectional’s Electromagnetic MWD (EM MWD) provides high-speed wireless telemetry for air, foam, and underbalanced drilling environments where conventional pulse MWD cannot operate. Designed for extreme downhole conditions, our EM telemetry technology delivers real-time directional and formation data to reduce non-productive time and improve wellbore placement.
- RUGGED EM MWD TELEMETRY FOR CHALLENGING DRILLING ENVIRONMENTS
- EM MWD OPTIMAL FOR AIR OR MIST DRILLING FLUID CONDITIONS
- AERATED MUD AND HIGH LCM DRILLING? USE EM MWD FOR RELIABLE SIGNALING
- IN-HOUSE TOOL MAINTENANCE AND LIFECYCLE TRACKING FOR HIGH INTEGRITY
- EM MWD ALLOWS MORE DATA TO SURFACE WITH MINIMAL NPT
- WHEN MUD PULSE FAILS, EM MWD KEEPS YOU CONNECTED
- PROVEN EM MWD IN UNDERBALANCED AND HIGH LOSS ZONES
- RIGOROUS QA/QC ON EVERY EM TOOL TO ENSURE FIELD READINESS
When the characteristics of the job call for EM telemetry, we can reliably meet your requirements
In certain drilling applications, Electromagnetic MWD (EM MWD) is a more effective alternative to conventional mud pulse telemetry, enabling wireless transmission of real-time downhole data where fluid-based systems struggle. ProDirectional has invested in advanced EM telemetry technology that delivers highly accurate directional and formation measurements, even in challenging air, foam, and under balanced drilling environments, helping operators reduce non-productive time and maintain drilling efficiency.
While mud pulse telemetry remains effective in many drilling programs, electromagnetic MWD is the preferred solution in specific geologies and operating conditions where continuous data transmission is critical. ProDirectional’s EM MWD systems are optimized for applications where fluid circulation is limited or unstable, making them the ideal choice when drilling under the following conditions:
Telemetry
Performance
Zero-Flow Transmission: Transmit surveys and gamma data while the pumps are off, saving up to 5 minutes per stand compared to mud pulse.
4x Faster Data Rates: Delivers high-speed telemetry that far exceeds conventional pulse, enabling real-time geosteering decisions at high ROP.
Proprietary Digital Filtering: Advanced surface signal processing isolates downhole data from surface noise and offset-well interference.
Ecosystem Integration: Fully compatible with Sprint and Octane for seamless switching between EM and pulse on the same pad.
Operational
Versatility
LCM & Solid-State Reliability: No moving parts means 100% immunity to plugging from high-concentration Lost Circulation Material (LCM).
Deep-Well Signal Persistence: Engineered to maintain high-integrity data at depths exceeding 15,000+ feet through resistive formations.
High-Temperature Durability: Rated for reliable operation in environments up to 175°C (347°F), outperforming industry standard 150°C tools.
Air/Mist Optimization: The primary choice for drilling with aerated mud, foam, or air where pulse signals cannot physically propagate.
Financial Risk &
Efficiency
Mitigate “Blind Drilling”: Eliminate the risk of drilling without data in total loss circulation zones, avoiding costly sidetracks and NPT.
Reduced AFE Days: Save an average of 3–5 minutes per stand via survey-on-connection, potentially shaving 24+ hours off a standard well program.
Modular Asset Control: Integrates with the ADAPT MWD platform for real-time power management and tool-health monitoring.
Maximized Tool Life: Real-time shock and vibration data (via EM) allow for proactive drilling adjustments to prevent downhole tool failure.
Engineered for Environments
Where Mud Pulse Fails
Air or mist drilling fluid environments
Heavily underbalanced applications that utilize aerated mud
Extremely high lost circulation material (LCM) drilling conditions
FAQs
What is EM MWD?
EM MWD is ProDirectional’s electromagnetic telemetry system designed for challenging drilling environments. It provides accurate downhole measurements when mud pulse telemetry is not effective.
When is EM MWD a better choice than mud pulse telemetry?
EM MWD is preferred in air or mist drilling, heavily underbalanced operations using aerated mud, and wells with lost circulation material where mud pulse telemetry cannot perform.
What measurements does EM MWD provide?
EM MWD provides real time data such as inclination, azimuth, and gamma, giving operators the information they need to make accurate drilling decisions.
What are the benefits of using EM MWD?
The benefits include faster data transmission in certain conditions, reliable communication when conventional systems fail, and reduced reliance on mud pumps to send signals.
How does ProDirectional ensure EM MWD tool reliability?
ProDirectional applies strict quality control, digital lifecycle tracking, and proactive maintenance on every EM MWD tool to ensure consistent field readiness and dependable performance.