Allerød, Denmark (October 2, 2024) – Welltec® is proud to announce that Equinor, a global leader in energy innovation, has committed to be the first user of the Innowell Density Activated Recovery (DAR) system. Following a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation, Equinor has selected a single pilot well in the Johan Castberg field, located in the Barents Sea approximately 240 km offshore, as the optimal candidate for the DAR system’s field trial. Johan Castberg will be Equinor’s largest field in the Barents Sea.
The DAR system is currently planned to be installed in Q4 2025 in an oil-producing well, where it is expected to significantly reduce water production. By autonomously managing the inflow of excessive water, the system minimizes the need for handling produced water while increasing oil production. The chosen configuration, a Dual-Phase DAR system, is designed to suppress both water (WCM) and gas (GCM) inflows simultaneously, all within a single assembly.
The DAR system represents a breakthrough in hydrocarbon recovery, with the ability to control excessive water and gas independent of fluid viscosity, while imposing minimal pressure drop across the completion. Furthermore, the system is unaffected by local reservoir pressures and productivity, offering a robust solution that enhances well performance.
"Single technologies alone can deliver substantial value, whether through reduced costs, improved business processes, or time savings," says Vegar Grüner, CEO of Innowell.
"However, DAR technology goes beyond the conventional by offering unique capabilities that open new possibilities for managing hydrocarbon recovery. The potential value it brings, especially in complex environments like Johan Castberg, is enormous," adds Grüner.
The collaboration with Equinor, both in terms of funding and field selection, has been instrumental in bringing the DAR system to this milestone. The field trial in the Johan Castberg well exemplifies Equinor’s commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies that boost production while minimizing environmental impact. This initiative reflects the company's forward-thinking approach to addressing the energy sector's challenges, showcasing how innovative solutions can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.
"Equinor continues to demonstrate leadership in adopting new technologies, with a relentless focus on improving performance and sustainability," says Wai Hoe Chum, VP of Completions at Welltec.
"We look forward to advancing the DAR system with Equinor and to showcase its full potential. This collaboration is a testament to the value of innovative technology solutions in driving the future of energy production," adds Chum.
About Welltec
Welltec® is a global technology company that develops and provides efficient, hi-tech solutions for the energy industry.
The company was founded in 1994 and grew rapidly by supplying innovative robotic technology to oil and gas operators. In 2010, Welltec introduced a new business segment focused on the development of Completion products. Commercialization of these products began in 2014, and the company is now a global leader in the field of metal expandable packer technology. Welltec’s cutting-edge products and services are designed to optimize the performance and integrity of a well, in any environment. As a well-established and trusted partner to energy industry stakeholders across the globe, Welltec is successfully aiding clients within New Energy and Climate Technology, with a focused approach to help develop geothermal energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
Through advanced engineering and lightweight design, Welltec’s solutions have helped clients increase operational efficiency and reduce carbon footprints in a safe and sustainable way for 30 years.
