Consortium developing downhole testing method that eliminates flaring

Sept. 25, 2001
A consortium of Shell, Statoil, Halliburton, and Petrotech are researching a downhole testing method for wells that eliminates the need for flaring.

By the OGJ Online Staff

LONDON, Sept. 25 -- A consortium of Royal Dutch/Shell Group, Statoil, Halliburton Co., and Petrotech are researching a downhole testing method for wells that eliminates the need for flaring.

The system is being developed with financial aid from the Research Council of Norway. It will be ready for use in the first half of 2003 when it will be tested on pilot wells before being marketed to other companies.

Statoil is heading the tests. The system uses a sampling, integrated logging device, which allows well testing without hydrocarbons being produced at the surface. Conventional methods measure fluids on the surface and then flare them.

Rolf Dirdal of Statoil said that the downhole testing equipment can provide sufficient reservoir information from different zones. Initial calculations show that the method could be cheaper because less time, equipment, and personnel are needed.