Weatherford International plc has introduced the AutoTong system, an automated pipe makeup and connection evaluation system that aims to enhance consistency, efficiency, safety and life-of-well integrity
Featuring AutoEvaluate connection-makeup software, the AutoTong system is one of the world’s first technologies to provide autonomous connection evaluation, said the company.
According to Weatherford, the new AutoTong system autonomously determines the appropriate connection parameters based on the pipe and thread criteria as specified by the original equipment manufacturer. The system further aims to monitor the torque and adjusts the rotational speed of the casing to achieve the optimal torque value.
“The integrated AutoEvaluate software automatically evaluates the connection quality based on high-resolution data and does not require a joint-makeup analyst to interpret the data,” said the company in a statement.
“By eliminating the element of human error from the physical makeup and connection validation processes, the AutoTong system sharply increases the safety and efficiency of well construction operations,” stated Aaron Sinnott, vice-president of Well Integrity at Weatherford.
“The addition of automation to the makeup process represents a real turning point for tubular management,” Sinnott added.
Weatherford is one of the largest multinational oilfield service companies providing technology and services to the oil and gas industry. Operating in more than 90 countries with a network of approximately 860 locations, the company employs around 29,500 people across the world.
