(19)

(11)

EP 1 232 323 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.08.2002 Bulletin 2002/34 (21) Application number: 00976168.5 (22) Date of filing: 17.11.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E21B 19/16 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0004/383 (87) International publication number: WO 0103/8688 (31.05.2001 Gazette 2001/22)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 26.11.1999 GB 9927825 (71) Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC. HoustonTexas 77027 (US)	(72) Inventor: PIETRAS, Bernd-Georg 30900 Wedemark (DE) (74) Representative: Talbot-Ponsonby, Daniel  Marks & Clerk4220 Nash CourtOxford Business Park South Oxford OX4 2RU Oxford OX4 2RU (GB)