CNOOC's Self-Developed High-End Wireline Logging Equipment Goes Global

CNOOC's Self-Developed High-End Wireline Logging Equipment Goes Global

In recent years, this equipment has been fully deployed across offshore oilfields in China, forming a complete series of tools—MUIL, MUIL-XL, and MUIL-SLIM—designed to suit boreholes of various diameters. Since 2018, it has successfully entered international markets, securing bulk purchase contracts and pioneering the export of domestically developed equipment to top-tier global oilfield service companies.

CNOOC's Self-Developed High-End Wireline Logging Equipment Goes Global

Currently, among major international oilfield service providers, only Schlumberger, Halliburton, and Weatherford possess such tools. CNOOC’s multifunctional ultrasonic imaging tool, MUIL, is technologically on par with these counterparts and holds a leading position globally.

MUIL adopts ultrasonic rotational scanning technology. It emits ultrasonic pulse signals to the borehole wall and receives reflected signals. By analyzing these signals, the tool can determine casing inner wall condition, internal diameter, wall thickness, and cementing quality.

CNOOC's Self-Developed High-End Wireline Logging Equipment Goes Global

Common downhole casing integrity testing technologies include multi-arm caliper tools, electromagnetic eddy current testing, downhole video, cement bond logging (CBL/VDL), and noise-based leak detection. However, these technologies each have limitations—typically capable of evaluating only one aspect such as inner wall condition, wall thickness, or cement quality. In contrast, ultrasonic tools can assess both inner and outer casing damage and evaluate cementing quality simultaneously.

Typical Application 01: MUIL vs. Schlumberger's USI in the Middle East

MUIL and Schlumberger’s USI performed back-to-back operations on the same well in the Middle East. Only MUIL successfully identified the perforation holes, earning client approval and access rights. Since 2017, several leading international oilfield service companies have entered into procurement discussions with CNOOC, with one company formalizing a purchase agreement in 2018.

Typical Application 02: Record-Breaking Continuous Operation in the Bohai Bay

MUIL completed continuous operations on three wells in the Bohai Bay region, setting a local record for highest well deviation (80°) and saving more than 90 hours of rig time for the client. All three wells were logged successfully on the first run, opening a new market for borehole integrity assessment in the Bohai region. This milestone accelerated the commercialization of CNOOC's homegrown technology and contributed independent technical value to Bohai’s production increase efforts.

Since its first commercial use in 2017, MUIL has been deployed in over 120 wells both domestically and internationally. It has passed rigorous technical audits and testing by a major international firm, resulting in an order for 42 tools—35 of which have already been delivered. Additionally, MUIL-XL is being co-developed with this company to support large casing sizes and rapid deployment.

CNOOC's Self-Developed High-End Wireline Logging Equipment Goes Global

Manufacturing is the backbone of the national economy, the main arena for technological innovation, the foundation of the nation, and the cornerstone of prosperity and strength. CNOOC's independently developed MUIL tool marks a transformation in China’s high-end wireline logging capabilities—from lagging to leading. This breakthrough exemplifies the reverse export of advanced technology and elevates Chinese manufacturing to new heights, contributing significantly to the "Made in China 2025" strategic initiative.