(19)

(11)

EP 1 370 745 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 06.02.2003 (43) Date of publication: 17.12.2003 Bulletin 2003/51 (21) Application number: 02720112.8 (22) Date of filing: 20.03.2002

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E21B 29/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0201/339 (87) International publication number: WO 0207/5097 (26.09.2002 Gazette 2002/39)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 20.03.2001 US 277439 P (71) Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC. HoustonTexas 77027 (US)	(72) Inventors: HARDING, Richard, Patrick Oxford,Oxfordshire OX4 2RU (GB) FOTLAND, Per N-4085 Hundvaag (NO) AKERLUND, Tor, Jan N-4033 Forus (NO) (74) Representative: Talbot-Ponsonby, Daniel, Frederick  Marks & Clerk4220 Nash CourtOxford Business Park South Oxford,Oxfordshire OX4 2RU Oxford,Oxfordshire OX4 2RU (GB)