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Celebrating 25 Years of Pioneering Intelligent Wells

Celebrating 25 Years of Pioneering Intelligent Wells

A Journey of Innovation and Excellence

Andrew Knotts
Andrew Knotts December 12, 2023

Over the last quarter-century, SmartWell® completion systems have consistently demonstrated our commitment to distinctive service quality. We work closely with our customers to deliver engineered solutions to maximize their asset value. The journey from the first installation 25 years ago to the intelligent wells of today shows Halliburton’s dedication to innovation and gives a glimpse of what is to come.

First Intelligent Well in the World

In the 1990s, E&P operators faced production decline challenges with limited capability to intervene and stimulate reservoirs without impacting production. This led operators to look for innovative ways to restore production rates. Advances in drilling technologies also led to the rise of more complex – horizontal, deviated, and extended-reach wells. These factors coupled with the high cost of well intervention, led to the search for a new completion method to address these challenges.

The historic installation of the Surface Controlled Reservoir Analysis and Management System

Halliburton embarked on a journey that would set the tone and pace for today’s intelligent completions market. A real-time reservoir monitoring and control system known as SCRAMS® technology was successfully developed and installed in the Norwegian North Sea. The idea was simple yet ground-breaking: use a telemetry system and a combination of hydraulics and electronics to collect data on downhole conditions in real-time to actively manage the reservoir by remote control of downhole valves. This innovation marked the birth of what we now refer to as “intelligent wells” or “smart wells”.

Revolutionizing the Industry

Successful implementation of SmartWell technology made it possible for E&P operators to remotely monitor and optimize production, without costly interventions. Since then, Halliburton has gone on to redefine what it means to be the global leader in well completions, advancing the future of completions with a range of SmartWell capabilities like real-time monitoring, flow control, reservoir management, and production control.

Key Achievements and Milestones

  • Technological Leadership: Since the inception of the first intelligent well in 1997, Halliburton marked many technical innovation “firsts” for Intelligent Completions – a theme that continues today. See the timeline of achievements.
  • Awards and Recognition: Fuzion® -EH electro-hydraulic downhole wet-mate connector won a Hart Energy Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation in non-fracturing completions.

Alan McLauchlan's Interview

Alan, principal product champion, reflects on his experience as a young engineer working on the installation of the first SmartWell® completion system

04:11
Alan McLauchlan's Interview

Celebrating Together

As we reflect on these achievements, “we are grateful for the support of our talented employees, loyal customers, and trusted partners who have been with us every step of the way. It is your collective effort and support that have allowed us to reach this incredible milestone.” said David Loveless, vice president, Completion Tools.

The Road Ahead

The future is full of exciting opportunities. The next generation of SmartWell intelligent completion systems are poised to be even smarter, more efficient, and more connected. Breakthroughs in sensors and telemetry, advanced monitoring, and downhole neural networks will transform wellbores into data super-highways.

Halliburton is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and continuing to shape the industry in the years to come. Join us as we journey together to advance future completion solutions.

Learn more about the future of completions.

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