Viking Completion Technology (Viking) has announced the successful completion of a landmark gas storage project.
This project marks the first occasion in which the UAE-based specialised team has delivered equipment to Europe’s utilities and energy market.
Adapting to the challenge of the large bore and low-temperature requirements of underground gas storage applications, Viking’s in-house engineering team designed a bespoke 13-3/8” x 9-5/8” (11.600” OD) API 11D1 V0-R Cut to Release Packer, suitable for 0-100 C. The specialised packer was then delivered on time and successfully installed in Germany.
The success of this project has uniquely positioned Viking for a variety of similar projects in Germany - with further scope for parallel projects across Europe, Oceania and Asia.
Viking's strategic diversification into the new energy sector aligns with evolving industry trends following an increased demand for suitably validated completion equipment for gas storage applications - equipment that Viking has a track record of supplying to suit varying casing weights.
Viking managing director Willie Morrison commented: "As a result of the success of this initial project, Viking is focused on gas storage as a unique opportunity for business growth by engaging and supporting new customers in non-traditional energy markets.
“As more businesses across the globe focus on energy security and balancing energy demands that vary with environmental conditions, this landscape will continue to expand. Viking is ideally placed to provide the level of excellence and flexibility that these applications and customers require."
Technical support manager Simon Leiper added: "These projects bring their own unique considerations and challenges.
“We are an engineering company with an incredibly strong operational background which we consistently leverage to create solutions that meet and optimise the technical and operational requirements.
“In the past, end users for gas storage applications may have opted for a two-trip completion, utilizing a permanent packer and anchor latch, with no validation. Our solution of an API 11D1 V0-R validated Cut to Release packer significantly levels up the specifications and improves operational efficiency, by removing a run, while giving the flexibility to retrieve the completion later.”
Engineering specialists crucial to gas storage project success
