Rigscope International's
Advancing Wellbore and Riser Isolation Technology
Rigscope is the only supplier of wellbore and riser isolation technology that maintains full rotation and reciprocation capabilities within a closed and sealed subsea BOP.
Expanding Well Access: Safe Solutions for Unknown Pressures
In 2022, Rigscope began receiving requests to drill out shallow plugs with unknown pressures below. Some of these wells had remained in the P&A inventory for over 40 years due to the risks involved in drilling without knowing what lies beneath.
Rigscope’s advanced sealing technology and ability to operate under extreme pressure and rotation have drawn interest from the deepwater MPD market, including one of the largest drillers.
Why Conventional RCDs Fall Short in Deepwater MPD
The seals used to hold back pressure are unreliable. Integrated Riser Joints (IRJs) have design flaws that make them ineffective for deepwater MPD.
Key Issues with Conventional RCDs:
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Unreliable for Deepwater MPD – Costly, prone to failure, and difficult to fix.
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Maintenance Challenges – Land rig RCDs are easy to service, but on floating rigs, the IRJ sits ~125 feet below, making maintenance slow and expensive.
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Rapid Wear & Failure – Bearings and seals degrade quickly, leading to lost back-pressure, stuck pipe, and costly delays.
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Lubrication Dependency – Requires constant lubrication; failure leads to elastomer damage.
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Tool Joint Damage – Stripped elastomers cause premature failure, and testing standards don’t always reflect real-world conditions.
Deepwater MPD demands reliable, durable, and field-tested solutions—conventional RCDs simply don’t deliver.
External Factors Affecting RCD Performance
While RCD testing in Saudi Arabia follows API 16RCD standards, several real-world factors impact performance:
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Surface Condition of Drill Pipe – Hard banding, tong marks, and rough surfaces shorten seal life.
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Drill String Discontinuities – Uneven sections can degrade the sealing elements.
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Chemical Compatibility – Drilling fluids can react with and weaken the elastomers.
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BOP and Top Drive Alignment – Misalignment increases stress on the seal.
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Stripping Speed and Wellbore Pressure – Rapid movement under high pressure accelerates wear.
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Fluid Temperature and Top Drive RPM – High temperatures and rotational speeds contribute to seal breakdown.
To ensure longer seal life and better safety, drill pipe should be inspected before and during RCD use. Smooth, undamaged pipe performs best. Hard banding and tong marks should be removed, and deep-grooved pipes like S-135 should be avoided due to their tendency to peel sealing elements.
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Our Mission
Rigscope is committed to delivering innovative, reliable wellbore solutions that set the highest standards for safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. Our technology helps operators drill safely and efficiently in the most challenging environments.
Why Choose Rigscope’s Wellbore Risers
01
Unmatched Wellbore Integrity
Rigscope’s wellbore risers provide a secure, pressure-controlled environment, minimizing risks associated with open riser operations and enhancing overall well control.
02
Increased Operational Efficiency
Designed for high-performance drilling, Rigscope’s wellbore risers reduce drag, optimize fluid circulation, and support seamless tool deployment, even under extreme pressure conditions.
03
Environmental Protection
By maintaining a controlled riser system, Rigscope’s technology reduces the risk of fluid loss and emissions, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while improving operational sustainability.
