(19)

(11)

EP 2 971 459 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 05.02.2015 (43) Date of publication: 20.01.2016 Bulletin 2016/03 (21) Application number: 14719166.2 (22) Date of filing: 14.03.2014

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  E21B 23/14(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2014/028508 (87) International publication number: WO 2014/152979 (25.09.2014 Gazette 2014/39)

(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 Designated Extension States: BA ME (30) Priority: 14.03.2013 US 201361784784 P (71) Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company Dhahran 31311 (SA)	(72) Inventors: ABDELAZIZ, Mohannad, A. Dhahran 31311 (SA) ROTH, Brian, A. Dhahran 31311 (SA) (74) Representative: Girlando, Mario et al Notarbartolo & Gervasi S.p.A. Corso di Porta Vittoria, 9 20122 Milano 20122 Milano (IT)