Weatherford's First Field Deployment of Compliantly Expanded MetalSkin(TM) Casing Repair System

HOUSTON, Jul 29, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Weatherford International Ltd. (NYSE: WFT) today announced the first field deployment of the MetalSkin(TM) expandable casing repair system in a 7-inch water injection well in California. Approximately 250 feet of 5-1/2 inch solid expandable tubing was deployed and expanded at 5,300 feet and used to shut-off several existing perforations that were no longer required. The condition of the casing, documented by a casing caliper log made prior to the installation, included serious corrosion and significant loss of casing wall thickness, making this installation a significant test for such new expandable tubular technology.

The MetalSkin(TM) system features Weatherford's patented Compliant Rotary Expansion System(TM) (CRES) which enabled the clad to be deployed inside this casing despite the serious corrosion and partial collapse. The expansion system provided a strong seal and maximized the through-bore for future access to the lower exposed perforations. The individual MetalSkin(TM) joints incorporated the Hydril DoubleFlex(TM) connection, which has been developed specifically for the MetalSkin(TM) system.

"This technology is pervasive -- it can be applied to all wells and all phases of a well's life," said Mark Hopmann, President, Weatherford Completion Systems. "The successful field deployment of the MetalSkin(TM) system is one example of its potential to address numerous common well problems, such as corrosion/wear mitigation, perforation shut-off, and collapse-resistance enhancement."

Weatherford 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 100 countries and employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide.

CONTACT: Don Galletly, +1-713-693-4148, or Karen Gillen-Allen, +1-713-693-4248, both of Weatherford International Ltd.