Houston, September 06, 2000
HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2000 - Weatherford International, Inc.’s (WFT: NYSE) Completion Systems Division today announced it has completed the world’s first multi-zone expandable sand screen (ESS) single selective installation for Shell in Brunei.
Three wells in Shell’s Champion West field, CW 13, 14 and 15, consisting of four, five and three zones respectively, have been completed using Weatherford’s ESS technology. This has been achieved in depths of 2700 to 4000 metres, with each well being highly deviated, varying from 55 to 65 degrees.
Under the terms of the project, Weatherford provided Shell with a complete sand control system encompassing full completion strings, including packers, ESS sand control units, seal bores, flushed joints, crossovers, seal assemblies as well as associated services.
Shell chose to implement the ESS technology after carrying out a full comparison of all available sand control solutions. Explaining the reason behind appointing Weatherford, Jan Saeby, Petroleum Engineer, Shell, said: “We are continually looking to implement new technologies which will help us reduce costs and add value to our production methods.
“Working with Weatherford on this project enabled us to perforate and install the ESS systems in just over two days with only four Weatherford personnel on the rig. The multi-zone ESS represents a significant time saving compared to the conventionally used internal gravel packs which would take up to two to four times longer for a similar completion design.”
Due to well parameters, the lower zones on wells CW 13 and 15 were completed separately with ESS, while the upper zones were completed with a single string combining seal bores, spacer tubing, Expandable Isolation Sleeves (EIS) and ESS.
The ESS was hung off using 9 5/8” (upper) and 7” Arrow Pack (lower) ESS deployment systems. The selected ESS was 4” and 4.5” 316 SS with 150 micron weave. All wells were completed with 7” 29# casing.
Commenting on the success of the project, Paul Metcalfe, manager for Weatherford’s Expandable Systems, said: “The continual commitment and teamwork that took place between all parties ensured this project was completed smoothly and ahead of schedule. Although no long-term data is available yet, well performance looks promising.”
Brunei Shell is expected to undertake another nine ESS completions in the next six months, including three open-hole horizontals.
Houston-based Weatherford International, Inc. (www.weatherford.com) is one of the largest global providers of innovative mechanical solutions, technology and services for the drilling and production sectors of the oil and gas industry. Weatherford operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide.
Contacts:
Christine McGee (713) 693-4362
Don Galletly (713) 693-4148
Weatherford International, Inc.
515 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77027
713-693-4000