Global energy services company Expro has achieved a significant breakthrough in well construction automation by completing a fully remote five-cap cementing operation in Saudi Arabia.
This procedure was performed without physical presence in the red zone.
Accuracy in extreme conditions
The operation was carried out using the Remote Plug Launcher Generation-X™ modular system together with the SkyHook™ device for cement line filling. These tools allowed the process to be remotely controlled on a gas well The tools allowed remote control of the process in a high-pressure gas well with 9-5/8″ casing, the longest of its kind in the field.
Through full automation, all five components were preloaded in a shop environment and then remotely activated with pinpoint accuracy. This methodology eliminated high-risk tasks on the rig, significantly reduced drilling times, and improved well integrity through better cement placement and effective zonal isolation.
Remote cementing in Saudi Arabia
This achievement builds on a previous operation completed by Expro in the UK, which served as a pilot to validate the technology in demanding environments. The implementation in Saudi Arabia confirms the scalability of the solutions and their potential to transform the way wells are constructed in markets with high health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards.
With concrete results such as cement displacements at 13 bpm and a significant reduction in static well time, the benefits for operators are tangible. In addition, the accumulated experience allows replicating these processes in other projects, aligning with automation and efficiency goals in the global energy sector.
Expro’s entry into the Saudi market responds to a territorial expansion and a strategic vision to redefine well operations with wireless and unmanned solutions. Jeremy Angelle, Vice President of Well Construction, emphasized that the combination of safety, control and adaptability is key to the success of these technologies.
Source and photo: Expro
