The patented, state-of-the-art technology found in the Wildcat Automated Drilling System has now been migrated to an electronic platform to work seamlessly within NOV M/D Totco’s RigSense® Electronic Drilling Recorder system. The e-Wildcat provides constant force and feed to generate a higher quality wellbore and optimize the rate of penetration. While in auto-drill mode, the system provides smooth and accurate operation and control of the brake handle using precise variable frequency drive technology and multiple drilling parameter monitoring.

The RigSense e-Wildcat feature brings the added benefit of a time drill mode that allows the driller and directional team to drill at a specific rate (e.g. feet or inches per minute). Time drilling is primarily used to mill an opening into the side of the casing and to re-enter that hole after a cement plug has been installed. In the milling operation, time drilling allows the milling bit to work slowly at cutting away the side-wall of the casing. Once the hole is cut, a cement plug is installed to a depth just above the top of the hole that has been milled-out. Time drilling is used again to allow time for the cutting teeth of the drill bit to negotiate the rapid change of direction when entering the hole milled into the casing. Time drilling is also used in side-tracking operations for multi-lateral well bores.