Danish intervention specialist Welltec has entered into a technology collaboration framework agreement with Shell Global Solutions International, an affiliate of Shell, to improve existing or develop new technologies for global application in the energy industry.
“Shell has been using our technology since our inception nearly two decades ago,” says Welltec’s founder and CEO Jorgen Hallundbaek.
“We are proud to engage in this collaboration agreement with Shell, a well-known, well-respected developer and early adapter of technology for the oil and gas industry. It aligns and extends our ability to do for Shell what is at Welltec’s core; delivering game-changing technologies that truly impact our industry.”
Welltec has worked with BP to develop autonomous tractor technology. In 2009, the two companies collaborated in a project to further develop Welltec’s patented Well Tractor system into an autonomous unit. Additionally, BP trade-marked the term “Wireless Wellwork,” for use in all downhole operations, where a physical link to surface was not used. Welltec also moved to adopt the service “independent well tractoring” or IWT.
The project aligned both company’s goals to establish a robotized means of intervention—i.e. carrying out activities without any physical links to surface, while providing data from the tools to surface, and ultimately being able to optimize the tool from an onshore desktop. Further development could result in robots “living” within the well space, to be activated as and when they are required to undertake either mechanical or surveillance functions.
Read more: