Drilling Innovations

The CORTEX® central application platform is used to optimize, monitor, and automate rig equipment functions for APEX® Rigs. Together with our PTEN+™ Performance Center in Houston, TX, the CORTEX® platform enhances our ability to improve drilling performance for our customers.

CORTEX Key

CORTEX® Key is the gateway for real-time rig automation. It allows us to tap directly in to our proprietary CORTEX® platform and connect all systems at the rig site, including rig control, EDR data, directional providers, and other 3rd party service companies. This server-grade machine can also securely deploy advanced algorithms as well as stream large data sets with a single source of data aggregation in real-time.

CORTEX Oscillator

The CORTEX® Oscillator automates the rotational and rocking action from the top drive to break static friction allowing better transfer of weight to the bit and thus increasing sliding ROP. This system leads to improved overall sliding behavior with conventional drilling assemblies.

CORTEX Connect

PTEN has automated the multi-step process of weight to slips and slips to weight, ensuring the proper connection practices are being followed to create consistency in operational parameters and lead to the preservation of downhole assemblies.

CORTEX Downlink

Our proprietary Automated Downlink tool considerably reduces time spent transmitting data to downhole tools by automating the RPM and/or flow rate sequencing for rotary steerable tools. This system is integrated into the rig controls, sending commands via the top drive or pump control, and commands vs. actual are visible through an HMI for transparency.

CORTEX MPD

Our in-house developed single choke Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) System can be integrated into the rig and allows for precise ECD management through Position and Pressure Setpoint Control Modes. CORTEX® MPD is designed with ease-of-use in mind for the driller and can be used to compensate for downhole pressure loss during connections, wellbore instability, surge/swab during tripping, water influx zones, tight windows, and depleted formations.

CORTEX Driller

Our proprietary CORTEX® Adaptive Auto Driller provides our customers with consistent performance by reducing drilling dysfunction. This system removes the variability from the Driller’s behavior and uncontrollable factors to unify the drilling efficiency process across all rigs and environmental settings.

CORTEX Ream

CORTEX® Ream brings automation to the reaming process, enabling drillers to efficiently condition the wellbore without continuous manual input. By integrating with the rig’s control system, it automates reaming operations to maintain a smooth, properly gauged hole—reducing the risks of tight spots, ledges, and stuck pipe. With intelligent control logic, drillers can initiate automated reaming sequences with a single command eliminating the need for prolonged button-holding or joystick manipulation. This allows the driller to focus on safety-critical tasks and overall rig operations, rather than repetitive manual input.

CORTEX Stick-Slip Mitigation

CORTEX® Stick-Slip Mitigation actively mitigates stick-slip by damping torsional vibrations through top-drive speed control. Unlike older “soft torque” systems that require frequent tuning, Stick-Slip Mitigation uses impedance-matching control to absorb torque waves at the surface, preventing them from reflecting back downhole.