Global energy technology firm SLB has officially introduced its EWC™ electric well control technologies, designed to lower both capital and operational expenditures while enhancing the safety of essential drilling operations.

Source: SLB

Well control technologies are crucial for preventing the uncontrolled release of fluids from wells. Traditionally, these systems have relied on hydraulic mechanisms, which involve a complicated network of hoses, valves, and actuators. This complexity not only makes installation costly but also necessitates expensive routine maintenance throughout the system's lifespan. The EWC technologies replace hydraulic systems with a streamlined electric power setup, significantly cutting costs while offering real-time data insights and a reliable supply of on-demand power to well control components under various operating conditions.

As drillers continue to seek safer, cost-efficient solutions for well control, we continue to focus on innovation to answer this call. EWC represents the next evolution of well control technologies, which we pioneered with the industry’s first blow out preventer (BOP) a century ago. Not only do these technologies remove the upfront and long-term cost inefficiencies of traditional hydraulic well control systems — but they also bring next-level safety capabilities that are in line with new industry standards and regulatory requirements worldwide for closing times and full system redundancy.

SLB’s inaugural EWC technology allows drillers to instantly and accurately control and monitor blowout preventers (BOPs) both onshore and offshore. By utilizing components of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) within the system architecture, it delivers immediate pressure readings without the reliance on traditional pressure gauges. This innovation will empower customers to make more informed decisions regarding the operation and maintenance of the well control system, ultimately reducing nonproductive time and lowering operational expenses.

Recently, SLB secured a front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract to develop a customized EWC BOP control system tailored for a North Sea operator's rig. Work on this initiative has already commenced, with the final design review anticipated in the first half of 2025.

This announcement was made at the SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition, currently taking place in Stavanger, Norway.