ConocoPhillips and Statoil to fund new downhole X-ray technology

ConocoPhillips and Statoil Petroleum have reached a joint agreement to fund the development of a new downhole X-ray technology that has the potential to improve the evaluation of cement integrity in oil and gas wells.

Known as the VR360 Diagnostic Cement Evaluation Tool, the new technology is focused on producing a full 3D cement map, in addition to complementing conventional ultrasonic measurements.

The development agreement, which was signed with oilfield service company Visuray Technology, comprises a joint industry project (JIP) aimed at delivering several downhole prototype tools with a range of external diameters.

Visuray Technology Group CEO Kambiz Safinya said: “This joint sponsorship development project is an important investment in the X-ray method to significantly improve the evaluation of cement integrity in oil and gas wells.”

Initially, the decision to develop the VR360 tool was spurred by a regulatory focus on deepwater wells.

The project intends to benefit from a new market for the service, created by a similar focus on the abandonment of wells in old fields.

The project is expected to be completed within three years and the parties will jointly test the prototypes in oil and gas wells.

A foundational X-ray technology developed by Visuray, known as the Downhole X-Ray Platform, will be used to build the VR360 tool.

The Downhole X-Ray Platform was previously used to build Visuray’s first tool from the VR90 Downhole X-Ray Diagnostic Tool.

The platform enables companies to improve well integrity and eliminate radioactive materials from the oilfield.