(19)

(11)

EP 2 614 218 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 31.05.2012 (43) Date of publication: 17.07.2013 Bulletin 2013/29 (21) Application number: 11764016.9 (22) Date of filing: 01.09.2011

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  E21B 49/00(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2011/050114 (87) International publication number: WO 2012/033693 (15.03.2012 Gazette 2012/11)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR (30) Priority: 07.09.2010 US 876727 29.11.2010 US 955504 (71) Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company Dhahran 31311 (SA)	(72) Inventors: FUNG, Larry, S.k. Dhahran 31311 (SA) MEZGHANI, Mokhles, M. Dhahran 31311 (SA) (74) Representative: Robinson, David Edward Ashdown  Marks & Clerk LLP 1 New York Street Manchester M1 4HD Manchester M1 4HD (GB)