The modular UGDS records current well depth, lagged depth, strokes per minute, rate of penetration as well as total gas units extracted from the drilling mud. It also provides touch screen readout on the drilling rig floor and allows for frequent data retrieval by Internet connection. As a result, experienced office staff can review the data, convert it into mud log format and e-mail the updated log to a client's office in any scale desired, according to PML.

PML said the unit's proprietary technology gave it an extensive advantage over other types of unmanned units currently available on the market. "Due to the fact that the unit is unmanned, drillers will experience extensive cost savings over using manned units while receiving the crucial logging information they need to help ensure drilling success," the company said.

"PML is very excited about the introduction of our unmanned gas detection system. We have spent several years developing this proprietary unit and, with its introduction, we feel PML can be the leader in the oil and gas industry in supplying this type of service," said Mr Jim Fletcher, president of PML. Mr Fletcher added that the unmanned technology has the potential to increase company revenues by 30 to 50 per cent over the next 12 months.

PML has been supplying mud logging services since 1965 while Rentech Inc is the developer of the Fischer-Tropsch gas-to-liquids process, which converts synthesis gas made from natural gas and carbon-bearing materials into high-value fuels and chemicals.