The achievement was the result of a cooperative effort between Shell International Exploration and Production, Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM), Vallourec Mannesmann (VAM) and Enventure Global Technology. Proprietary gas-tight, CRA expandable connections and tubulars, jointly developed by Shell and VAM, were also used for the first time in this benchmark SET System installation.

"This is one of the biggest step changes the oil and gas industry has undergone in 40 years," said Hans Bouman, Groningen Asset Manager for NAM. "The research and development expertise of Shell and VAM, coupled with Enventure's SET experience, were responsible for this achievement. The increased durability of Cr13 tubulars in corrosive environments will dramatically reduce the limitations on how deep we can drill."

The 710-ft CRA cased-hole system, installed in a gas well in the Wanneperveen field, was expanded in 7 5/8-in. 39 ppf, 33.7 ppf and 29.7 ppf casing, with elastomer seals in each section. Combined mechanical and hydraulic forces used to expand the chrome pipe by 9.8% averaged approximately 92,000 lbs.

Post-expansion ID of the 6-in.18.6 ppf CRA Liner was 5.92-in. (compared to a pre-expansion diameter of 5.39 in.), while post-expansion burst and collapse were estimated at 7,000 psi and 4,000 psi, respectively. Overall liner length was reduced from 730 feet to 710 feet as a natural result of the expansion process.

"This proof of concept test is in preparation for the installation of a 5,500-ft expandable CRA System to re-line production casing so it can be used as the production conduit," said Lance Cook, president and CEO of Enventure. "The ability to expand Cr13 tubulars will allow far greater production deliverability from highly corrosive wells."

To date, Enventure has installed 73 solid expandable tubular systems and expanded a total of 56,458 feet of tubulars and 1,503 proprietary expandable connections.