ABERDEEN, Scotland, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Weatherford International Ltd. (NYSE: WFT) today announced that its Completion Systems Division (WCS) has successfully installed 5-1/2" Expandable Sand Screens (ESS(R)), complete with enhanced connectors, in five wells for Phillips China Inc., a subsidiary of CononcoPhillips, in Bohai Bay in Northern China.
"Phase 1 of ConocoPhillip's PL 19-3 operations in Bohai Bay consists of 24 wells," explained WCS Region Director Alistair Geddes, "and provides a series of challenges due to a very complicated subsurface environment. The nature of the generally weak reservoir rock, much of it unconsolidated, means there can be severe sand control problems, and ESS(R) definitely offers an effective solution for the operator. Our enhanced ESS(R) 5 1/2" connector is now even quicker to install, and offers increased strength and reliability for this application."
The first ESS(R) installation was well A-6, a 9 5/8", cased hole perforated 40 degrees incline, running to a depth of 1750 metres, with 21 ESS(R) joints. ESS(R) has also been installed in three other cased hole wells -- A-5, A-12, A-23, and in A-18, an open hole deviated well. A total of 104 ESS(R) joints have been run to date. WCS is also supplying the EXP liner hanger packers for the ESS(R) system, and Weatherford's Drilling and Intervention Services division is providing the tubular management and fishing tools for the project.
"Part of the success of this initial phase is down to an excellent close working relationship between Weatherford and the ConocoPhillips China Team," said Geddes. "In addition to 2 more cased hole wells scheduled for this month, we are looking forward to working on further wells in 2003."
Phillips China Inc. operates the PL 19-3 Field, with a 49% interest. Their partners CNOOC China Ltd. own 51%.
Expandable technology refers to tools that can be expanded after they have been installed downhole. The range of applications includes sand control, drilling and completion tools and more efficient wellbore designs. The benefits include major cost savings and productivity improvements.
Weatherford is the market leader in Expandable Sand Screens with over 147 successful installations to date worldwide.
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 contact:
Aberdeen, Liz Paddon (44-1224) 225-269
Houston, Christine McGee (713) 693-4362
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SOURCE Weatherford International Ltd.
-0- 12/18/2002
/CONTACT: Aberdeen, Liz Paddon, +44-1224-225-269, or Houston, Christine McGee, +1-713-693-4362, both of Weatherford International Ltd./
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