ABERDEEN, Scotland, Aug 28, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Weatherford International Ltd. (NYSE: WFT) today announced that it has successfully completed the first installation worldwide of multiple fibre optic pressure and temperature gauges in a single well. This installation was the first time that multiple fibre optic pressure and temperature gauges and a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) fibre have been run along with surface operated intelligent completion flow control components. And it was the first optical installation conducted wholly by the eastern hemisphere operational centre of excellence (OCE), a group established earlier this year to manage the field implementation of Weatherford's optical sensing technology.
The system was installed for Norsk Hydro in Oseberg Ost (East) well E-11C in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.
Norsk Hydro ASA has for several years participated in research and development projects related to downhole instrumentation and "smart" well technology. The installation and testing of the dual fibre optic pressure and temperature gauge in E-11C is part of the technology collaboration with Optoplan/Weatherford.
Weatherford's fibre optics systems have been developed in response to operators' requirements for highly reliable monitoring systems over the life of the well. Fibre optics systems are inherently more reliable than the electronic equivalent as they have fewer parts, no moving parts and no downhole electronics. Coupled with enhanced surface acquisition performance, this results in improved system longevity. As well as improving reliability in monitoring the reserves over the life of the well, fibre optics enables a cost effective way of installing an array of sensors, including non-intrusive flow metres and in-well seismic sensors into the well on a single cable. Such an array of sensors provides better day-to-day production management and enables enhanced strategic management of the reservoir over the course of its life.
The DTS cable on well E-11C enables the customer to repeat the survey performed after installation to obtain temperature readings every metre. The pressure and temperature gauges give information about pressures and temperatures from the two producing zones in the reservoir. The downhole data is communicated to surface via one single 1/4" fibre optic cable.
The dual gauges are located and the DTS terminated just above the liner hanger, 235 metres below the 9 5/8" production packer, at a measured depth of 3773m and 73.2 degrees deviation. Initial well pressures were recorded at 289 bar and the producing temperature is approximately 125 degrees C.
Weatherford is a recognised leader in intelligent completion technology. Weatherford's fibre optic permanent monitoring technology, coupled with hydraulic surface operated flow control systems, allows enhanced production management and life of field reservoir management in real-time. Optical permanent monitoring systems are recognised for simplicity, reliability, longevity and the ability to upgrade easily as technology advances.
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.
For further information please contact:
In Aberdeen, Liz Paddon, 44-1224-225269
In Houston, Karen Gillen-Allen, 1-713-693-4248
SOURCE Weatherford International Ltd.
CONTACT: in Aberdeen, Liz Paddon, +44-1224-225269, or in Houston, Karen Gillen-Allen, +1-713-693-4248, both of Weatherford International Ltd.
URL: http://www.weatherford.com