Press Release: ANT reaches TRL 8 for wellANT following successful onshore SIT, validating rig-based deployment configuration

Erosion technology based on Water Abrasive Suspension (WAS) targets safe, precise removal of internal wellbore obstructions when mechanical milling/fishing reaches technical limits. Next phase: preparations for in-field operations toward TRL 9, with an additional coiled tubing deployment pathway on the roadmap.

Lübeck, Germany — 06 March 2026 — ANT Applied New Technologies AG (ANT) today announced a key development milestone for wellANT: completion of an onshore System Integration Test (SIT), achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 (“system complete and qualified”). The company is now preparing the next phase—in-field operations—as it progresses toward TRL 9 (“actual system proven in operational environment”).

wellANT is an erosion tool based on ANT’s Water Abrasive Suspension (WAS) technology. It is designed to support the safe and precise removal of internal wellbore obstructions, particularly in cases where conventional mechanical milling/fishing approaches face technical or operational limitations. wellANT’s core value propositions include “no weight on bit”, a focus on maintaining well integrity, “micro swarf”, and positioning as a “green technology” solution.

Development stage validated: rig-based configuration using Topside Drive

As part of this first development stage, ANT has validated the wellANT tool configuration (including the nozzlehead) integrated with a rig-based deployment setup. The onshore SIT qualified the combination with ANT’s Topside Drive System (TSDS), supporting rig-based deployment (via drillpipe/topside drive).

The TSDS is designed as a modular, compact-footprint setup with features intended for demanding environments, including ATEX Zone 1, PLC-operated monitoring/recording, depth measurement, and remote-control capability. wellANT is designed to operate with standard customer deck equipment (mud/fluid pumps).

Roadmap: additional deployment pathway via (rigless) coiled tubing

In parallel to rig-based deployment, ANT’s roadmap includes an additional pathway for operating wellANT via (rigless) coiled tubing, expanding flexibility for Well Intervention and Plug & Abandonment (P&A) scenarios.

Readiness context: what TRL 8 means—and what comes next

TRL 8: The system is complete and qualified (integration and qualification successfully completed).
Toward TRL 9: Proof of the actual system in an operational environment through in-field operations.

ANT will continue advancing wellANT through the next development stages and field-readiness activities toward TRL 9.

“Reaching TRL 8 is an important milestone for wellANT and a strong validation of our system integration approach. We are now focused on preparing for in-field operations as we progress toward TRL 9.”

Till Weber

CEO ANT Applied NEW Technologies AG

wellANT at a glance

Technology: Erosion tool based on ANT Water Abrasive Suspension (WAS)
Purpose: Safe, precise removal of internal wellbore obstructions, especially when milling/fishing is limited
Key messages: No weight on bit • Maintains well integrity • Micro swarf • operated by water & sand
Deployment (current stage): Rig-based with Topside Drive (TSDS)
Deployment (roadmap): Additional pathway via (rigless) coiled tubing

About ANT Applied New Technologies AG

ANT Applied New Technologies AG develops technologies for demanding industrial applications with a focus on safer, more efficient and more sustainable processes. wellANT is based on ANT’s Water Abrasive Suspension (WAS) technology and addresses challenges in Well Intervention and Plug & Abandonment (P&A).