North Sea to get first automated drilling system

Feb. 7, 2003
Weatherford International Ltd. has received an order from BP to install its TorkWinder system on the ULA platform in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The TorkWinder system uses a remotely operated machine for make-up of all casing, tubing, and drillpipe, including special tools and assemblies.

Weatherford International Ltd. has received an order from BP to install its TorkWinder system on the ULA platform in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

The TorkWinder system uses a remotely operated machine for make-up of all casing, tubing, and drillpipe, including special tools and assemblies. Previous manually operated functions like cleaning, stabbing, "doping," and the make-up of stabilizers and drill bits are incorporated in the system, in line with the new requirements from the Norwegian Petroleum Department (NPD) for a fully remote operated system.

"Weatherford is an industry leader in rig mechanization, and our Well Installation Services team is continually developing new systems that make rig operations safer and more efficient," said Doug Sedge, DIS region vice president for Europe, West Africa, and CIS. "Our goal is to promote a safer working environment, and help our customers achieve greater productivity."

02/07/03