Offshore staff
STAVANGER, Norway -- Reelwell is using ONS to introduce its new patented drilling method that overcomes the limitations of conventional drilling, the company says. The technology was a finalist for the ONS innovation award.
The first applications for the technology will include mature fields and in extended reach drilling. The method has a closed circulation system in the patented dual drill string, which improves pressure control in the well, according to Reelwell.
The method is not dependent on gravity for pushing the bit forward. Instead, it uses a hydraulic piston as a ramp for the drill string. The idea behind the Reelwell solution is that it is possible to drill in any direction and to increase horizontal range considerably, the company says.
"All in all, the Reelwell method will enable us to recover a lot more oil and gas out of the ground. Calculations indicate that we can create an added value worth tens of billions of NOK as a result of this technology each year in Norway alone," says Ola Michael Vestavik, Reelwell GM.
The technology has been validation tested, and in 2009 it will be used in onshore and offshore pilot wells.
08/28/2008
