Weatherford automated connection integrity system reaches deployment milestone

BAAR, SWITZERLAND – Weatherford’s Vero automated connection integrity system, which applies artificial intelligence to validate well integrity and minimize safety risks, has completed 15,000 tubular connections in 50 operations worldwide since its market debut.

Deployment results include:  

• Kazakhstan: Running multiple jobs per month for an operator with zero Nonproductive Time while consistently improving efficiency and removing personnel from the rig floor.
• United Arab Emirates: Offshore operation achieved a 30 percent increase in running speeds and zero rejected joints on multiple jobs. 
• Norway: Improved previous mechanized operational performance by 15 percent, resulting in the fastest liner-running operation on that rig in four years. 
• Qatar: The operator asked for the system by name when it needed to pull and re-run a completion.  Weatherford is currently running a third commercial operation for the operator.

By applying artificial intelligence at every stage from pipe manufacturing to well installation, Vero improves connection make-up efficiency and eliminates errors associated with human judgement during the connection process. In doing so, the solution can minimize the chance of well failures associated with poorly made-up connections, reduce the total cost of well ownership, minimize personnel safety risks, and protect corporate reputation.   

“The future for Vero is very bright,” said Dean Bell, president of well construction for Weatherford. “There is no debate. Vero is the most disruptive technology ever introduced in the tubular running space and operators are taking notice. Vero is now being engaged in most major offshore and onshore markets around the world, with its first-ever U.S. operation scheduled to begin this fall in the Gulf of Mexico. Vero goes beyond tubular running to help our customers build wells that last a lifetime.”