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returned to Denmark and subsequently “Battery technology for down hole is repaired and retested in Welltec’s tem- complicated by temperature issues, but perature/pressure vessel successfully.” we are looking at other batteries, which

V3 is now under development, and would give us a longer charge at higher will include downhole power generation temperatures,” he says.

Production (DPG), so that the unit can recharge itself. Reducing the length and weight of

The goal for V3, measuring 60ft or less, the tractor will also be an aim. “We are is for it to be automatically-deployed accepting it is 20m, but once we have and retrieved from surface, without proved we are able to charge and operate slickline, and with shallow wireless it, the next step is to reduce the length,” communications. he says. “We are looking at composite

Trials on the DPG were successfully materials to make the assembly lighter, carried out in December, in Welltec’s test increasing the battery life, while reducing loop at Allerød. Using a production water the battery pack length, and also optimiz- fow of 1bbl/minute, 65-70-watt output ing the wheeled sections, to make them was generated. Shallow acoustic com- independently bi-directional. munications were also trialed at a 180m “Longer term the partners see increas- range. The next step will be to integrate ing sub-sea applications for this technol- the DPG into the tractor, and for it to ogy, improving functionality, reliability recharge the tool’s battery packs after and cost effectiveness. Ideas also include depletion of power in the test loop. ‘disposable AIU’s’ and of course perma-

The future is V4. This will also be nent AIU’s living within the well bores.” surface-launched, with some limited V1 has since been used on its frst com- mechanical services, potentially a stoker, mercial deployment was with Petronas, with real time data transmission to sur- in January, on a feld in Malaysia. face via wireless communications.

th

Acknowledgements: The 19 SPE/

Munro says the key challenges going

ICoTA Well Intervention Conference, forward are: battery power life expec-

Aberdeen, at which Munro presented tancy; wireless communications; and Forward/reverse wheeled sections of the Wireless Wellwork concept.

developing a surface deployment system. wireless tractor. Photo: BP.

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