The Wireline Retrievable Flow Control-Electric (WRFC-E) valve, made by Schlumberger, was recognised for its technological excellence, innovation, practical ability to solve oilfield problems, and potential for improving profitability, safety and efficiency.

The WRFC-E valve is an electrically actuated flow controller with a multi-position flow choke designed for use in optimising production from oil and gas wells. The design also lends itself to injection applications in other configurations.

Multiple WRFC-Es installed with a single permanent down-hole control conduit can be remotely controlled at the wellsite or at any location worldwide through the use of the Schlumberger's proprietary InterACT* wellsite monitoring and control system.

This technology was installed in BP's Wytch Farm Field in the U.K., making it the industry's first all electric controller used in field operations. Three WRFC-E valves have been installed in a production optimisation field experiment led by Schlumberger-Doll Research Center.

"This valve design is proving highly effective in helping manage the reservoir," said Peter Goode, president, Well Completions and Productivity for Schlumberger Oilfield Services. "These valves, coupled with other field-proven sensor technologies, confirm that the all electric WRFC-E will help our clients increase production and extend the life of their fields."