Weatherford, ENI to Develop Subsea Drilling-with-Casing System

25 June 2009

Weatherford International and ENI have signed an Innovative Technology Agreement to develop a subsea drilling-with-casing (DwC) system.

The technology, known as the SeaLance system, will enable a 20-in. (51-cm) casing string and its high pressure wellhead housing to be drilled to a pre-determined depth, cemented in place, and released in one run. The system will be capable of working with any high pressure wellhead housing on the market, the companies say.

According to the companies, the technology agreement is aimed at realizing the benefits that a proven technology like the DwC system can offer, including mitigating shallow hazards in a previously non-applicable and costly subsea environment. The companies believe that the system will minimize risk while allowing maximum flow area to be maintained.

Ultimately, the SeaLance system will allow the remaining casing seats to be pushed deeper into the wellbore. This technology advancement will further enable applications in subsalt plays, the companies say.