Customer Challenges
- Between January and March 2025, Expro conducted well testing on two carbon storage appraisal wells for Equinor’s Smeaheia project in Norway - marking only the second and third CCS appraisal wells drilled in the country. This built on Expro’s prior involvement in Norway’s first CCS well, Eos-1, in 2020
- Equinor sought a cost-effective solution for performing injection / fall-off tests in four zones per well, in an area with limited geological data. Expro’s objective was to capture a comprehensive set of reservoir data to assess the site’s suitability for permanent CO₂ storage
Expro Excellence
- Expro supported the well test design, drawing on decades of industry experience and a longstanding relationship with Equinor in Norway
- We efficiently tested eight zones (four per well) , delivering the subsurface and subsea services for the campaign
- Expro designed an injection / fall-off string solution that included:
- Newly developed landing stand
- Low-cost Weaklink system
- ExACT DST tool
- Industry leading E&A Subsea Test Tree package was utilized, providing primary well barriers and disconnect capability
- Expro’s innovative string design played a crucial role in the success of the carbon storage appraisal well tests. The ERP PKR non-rotational packer was specifically designed to handle smaller rig movement operational windows, resulting in significant time and cost savings. This deployment marked the first use of this tool type in Norway
- The ExACT tool provided exceptional performance and operational efficiency, enabling the system to close while injection pumps remained active. Its fast response allowed for seamless ball closure at varying injection rates ensuring smooth and controlled operations
- To further enhance efficiency, Expro introduced an improved Landing Stand in close cooperation with Equinor and the drilling contractor, which streamlined surface handling and enabled the use of a simpler Weaklink option. This innovation led to cost and HSE improvements, reducing complexity while maintaining operational integrity
- The customized Landing Stand was introduced to provide a rigid stand that could not fall over and could arrest a landing string collapse if the simplified weaklink system released. At the same time it provided a clean injection line connections avoiding use of the Top Drive lines. The stand was sufficiently long to enable movement with the rig stand handling systems
- Our simplified Weaklink solution contributed to further cost reductions and enhanced HSE performance
Value to Client
- Expro delivered an innovative well testing solution that supported Equinor’s Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) appraisal campaign for the Smeaheia project
- Leveraging advanced technology and deep expertise, Expro executed offshore operations ahead of schedule, efficiently utilizing 845 hours of rig time across two wells with zero non productive time or safety incidents
- All eight target zones were successfully tested, yielding high-quality reservoir data while maintaining operational flexibility and safety
- This performance was achieved despite geological uncertainties, and contributed to cost efficiency and data clarity
- The positive outcome is expected to accelerate decision-making and development for this key CO₂ storage hub
Contact
For further information, please contact ExproSES@expro.com.
