ExxonMobil licenses sand-control technology

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. has issued a global license for proprietary oil-well sand-control technology to Weatherford International Ltd.

The technology, called MazeFlo, uses redundant screens and a maze of compartments to provide a self-healing capability against sand entering the producing section of a well, ExxonMobil said.

Each compartment contains a primary screen, outer housing, flow baffles, and a secondary screen. If a primary screen erodes, sand flows into the affected compartment and accumulates on the secondary screen. Fluid continues to flow to adjacent compartments with undamaged primary screens and can be produced without active involvement from surface operators, the company said.

ExxonMobil Upstream Research and Weatherford developed the screens under a joint agreement. ExxonMobil will use the technology in producing wells during the next 2 years and offer it industry-wide after testing and enhancement.