Conventional friction reduction tools run continuously once activated — requiring 800 psi of standpipe pressure and consuming up to 400 pump HP whether the drill string is sliding or rotating. (HP calculated with 725 gpm, 11 ppg mud weight, 800 psi SPP load, and 85% pump mechanical efficiency)
During rotation, continued excitation may not be needed: top-drive torque is already breaking string-to-wellbore friction. The result is wasted energy — and continuous axial vibration that works against downhole reliability and contributes to drilling dysfunction… Auto-X applies excitation only when it pays off – during slides in the lateral.
Excitation Mode
Excitation Mode
Excitation Mode
When sliding in the lateral, a self-cycling valve generates a 400–800 psi oscillating signal between 10 – 20 Hz. This signal produces a corresponding motion in the drill pipe and any connected shock sub, breaking static friction along the string. Works with existing rocking techniques – excitation only occurs while sliding in the lateral.
Calm Mode
Excitation Mode
Excitation Mode
During rotations, the self-cycling valve is kept in its least restricted position, lowering standpipe pressure and halting excitation. When rotation stops, the Auto-X resumes cycling, giving you the excitation needed to break sliding friction — no surface command, no ball drop, no electronics and no batteries.
Sleep Mode
Excitation Mode
Sleep Mode
Before the vertical-to-lateral transition (<70° inclination), the self-cycling valve is kept in the least restricted position, keeping standpipe pressure low and keeping the tool in "Calm Mode". Once the tool exceeds this inclination going into the lateral, the Auto-X is allowed to automatically shift between "Excitation Mode" during sl
Before the vertical-to-lateral transition (<70° inclination), the self-cycling valve is kept in the least restricted position, keeping standpipe pressure low and keeping the tool in "Calm Mode". Once the tool exceeds this inclination going into the lateral, the Auto-X is allowed to automatically shift between "Excitation Mode" during slides and "Calm Mode" when rotating. A special surface test feature allows shallow testing vertical when < ~1,500 psi. – the Auto-X tool only activates rotating in the lateral and for surface testing.
