Xerafy - XPLORER Downhole

Snap-in tag for downhole applications – RFID for the harshest environments on the planet

Downhole equipment, tubing components, sucker rods and casing parts are among the most heavily stressed industrial components in operation anywhere. Adhesive- or clamp-based tag attachments simply do not survive here – mechanical, thermal and chemical loads are too high. The Xerafy XPLORER Downhole X1115-EU101-H3 was engineered specifically for exactly this environment: a UHF RFID hard tag that is installed in a snap-in fashion into prepared recesses of the host part and held in place by mechanical interference – without adhesive, without potting. If you operate a UHF | RAIN – RFID reader at downhole inspection points, tubing inventory checks or onshore and offshore pipeline yards, this is the right variant within the XPLORER line.

Inside, the Alien Higgs 3 IC delivers 64-bit TID, 96/480-bit EPC and 512-bit user memory. The extended 480-bit EPC capacity is a clear advantage for downhole applications: you can encode the full component ID, pipe grade, wall thickness, manufacturer and lifecycle history directly onto the part – readable at any inspection point with any EPC Gen2 compliant reader. In the EU 865–868 MHz band, the tag reaches up to 1.5 m read range on metal when installed, which is more than enough for pipe inspections, sorting gates and handheld-based inventory.

The decisive numbers, however, are not about read range but about load tolerance: a compression strength of up to 89 MPa (equivalent to roughly 890 bar) and a survival temperature range of −50 °C to +250 °C make the XPLORER Downhole one of the most rugged UHF RFID tags available. The combined IP68 and IP69K rating ensures that neither drilling mud, salt water nor aggressive cleaning processes affect the tag.

The following part number is available in the IDCRAFT online shop – this variant is designed for a specific use case:

• X1115-EU101-H3 – Xerafy XPLORER Downhole in the EU configuration for 865–868 MHz, equipped with Alien Higgs 3 IC, 512-bit user memory and 96/480-bit EPC capacity. Housing built from 316L stainless steel combined with a high-performance engineered polymer, round snap-in form factor Ø 28.30 x 8.50 mm at 25.40 g, IP68 and IP69K rated, survival temperature −50 °C to +250 °C, compression strength < 89 MPa. Read range up to 1.5 m on metal when installed, attachment via snap-in (embedded). The right pick for European users in onshore and offshore oil and gas production and for downhole asset and tubing pool management.

The key difference compared to the sibling variant XPLORER Surface lies in the application focus, not in the form factor: both tags share housing concept, form factor, IC and snap-in mounting – the XPLORER Downhole, however, is engineered specifically for downhole-side attachment on tubing and casing components, while the Surface variant is optimised for above-ground inventory management in yards and pipe inspection. The 316L stainless steel housing material provides the corrosion resistance required for permanent operation under drilling mud and salt water. To get the Xerafy XPLORER Downhole price, current stock levels and volume tier conditions, contact IDCRAFT directly – your value-added distributor for UHF | RAIN – RFID hardware.

Technical Highlights

• EPC Gen2 / ISO/IEC 18000-63 compliant – works with all common UHF RFID readers and reader platforms
• Alien Higgs 3 IC with 96/480-bit EPC and 512-bit user memory – stores component IDs, wall thickness and lifecycle data
• Compression strength < 89 MPa – built for downhole pressure conditions and high-pressure cleaning
• Survival temperature −50 °C to +250 °C, combined IP68 and IP69K rating
• 316L stainless steel housing with engineered polymer, round snap-in form factor Ø 28.30 x 8.50 mm at 25.40 g

Applications

• Onshore and offshore oil pipelines – RFID identification on tubing and casing components
• Downhole asset tracking – inventory management of downhole equipment across the full lifecycle
• Tubing pools and sucker rod management – durable tag attachment despite drilling mud and salt water
• Pipe inspection – reliable identification at inspection points without adhesive or potting risk

The Xerafy XPLORER Downhole belongs to the top tier of the UHF | RAIN – RFID tag world. While classic industrial tags would fail in downhole conditions within a short time, this variant is engineered to remain identifiable across the entire lifecycle of a tubing string or casing component. Within the ROSWELL and XPLORER family, it holds a special position: rather than optimising for read range or versatility, it focuses on maximum load tolerance below ground.

Thanks to its EPC Gen2 compliance, the tag integrates seamlessly into existing UHF | RAIN – RFID infrastructures. It works reliably with fixed readers at tubing yard gates, tunnel antennas above inspection lines and mobile handheld scanners. There is no need to swap reader hardware or rework middleware – read-out works exactly as with any standard UHF tag.

Order the Xerafy XPLORER Downhole X1115-EU101-H3 directly from IDCRAFT and benefit from upfront technical consultancy on your snap-in recess design and tolerances, sample service for pre-tests on your own components and short delivery times within the EU. On request, we also provide custom pre-encoding, project-specific encoding services and tiered pricing for larger volumes.

Looking to order the Xerafy XPLORER Downhole X1115-EU101-H3 or need a custom quote for larger quantities? Contact IDCRAFT GmbH – your Value Added Distributor for UHF | RAIN – RFID hardware.