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Well Integrity Blog
- A place where questions can be posted relating to well integrity
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Standards -
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NORSOK D-010, "Well Integrity
in Drilling and Well Operations, Revision 3, August 2004"
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A free document, published by the Norwegian standards body. Comprehensive discussion
of barrier system requirements for wells.
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API Documents - these documents can be downloaded from the
API web site or from the IHS web site.
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API 6A: "Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment"
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API 6AF: "Technical Report on Capabilities of API Flanges Under Combinations of
Load"
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Analysis of flange loading including bolt makeup (pre-load), internal pressure,
tension and bending moment. Pertinent to evaluating loads and bending moments imposed
on trees.
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API RP 14B: "Design, Installation, Repair and Operation of Subsurface Safety Valve
Systems"
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API RP 14C: "Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design, Installation, and Testing
of Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production Platforms"
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API RP 14E: "Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Offshore Production
Platform Piping Systems"
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API RP 14H: "Recommended Practice for Installation, Maintenance, and Repair of Surface
Safety Valves and Underwater Safety Valves Offshore"
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API RP 57: "Offshore Well Completion, Servicing, Workover, and Plug and Abandonment
Operations"
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API RP 65: "Cementing Shallow Water Flow Zones in Deep Water Wells"
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API RP 90: "Management of Sustained Casing Pressure on Offshore Wells"
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Guidelines on managing wells with sustained casing pressure on an annulus
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TR9501, Rev A: "Specification for Stud Bolts and Tap End Studs"
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Association of Well Head Equipment Manufacturers, 11 June 2002. This AWHEM Recommendation
establishes definite dimensions for stud bolts and tap end stud for use wth API
Spec 6A flanges/studded flange connections and provides for dimensionally interchangeable
stud bolts and tap end studs for API Spec 6A flanges/studded flange connections.
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SPE Resources & Papers -
SPE web site, "OnePetro"
web site
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SPE Distinguished
Lecturer Presentation: "Implementing a Well Integrity Management System"
Spanish-language version
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This presentation was presented during the 2007-2008 SPE Distinguished Lecturer
season
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IPTC-13405-MS: Well Integrity Management Systems; Achievements versus Expectations
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Managing well integrity is essential to economically develop oil and gas resources while preserving the environment and assuring safety to personnel.
The industry accepted definition of well integrity management is the application
of technical, operational and organizational solutions to reduce the risk of uncontrolled
release of formation fluids over the entire lifecycle of the well. (NORSOK-D010)
Well Integrity assurance on the other hand is to ensure the availability and functionality
of at least two well barriers during its drilling, production and abandonment phases.
The current worldwide focus is on the development of systems and processes to manage
the well operations and interventions to assure well integrity with many claims
to have a workable system that verifies and confirms the status of wells with suspect
integrity.
The basis for well integrity management systems can be categorized as:
- R & D oriented systems that are built around the development of technical solutions
to well construction and operational problems. For example, the development of new
inspection logs, cements, materials, equipment and techniques.
- Statistically driven, those are based on the study of the historical failure frequencies
and the assessment of associated risk.
- Well pressure monitoring and assessment and wellhead maintenance.
- Reservoir model based system that takes into consideration the reservoir development
to ensure well integrity throughout the field development and production life.
In this paper different well integrity management systems were reviewed against
worldwide industry expectations for a system that can manage well integrity that
starts at the exploration phase and continues through its abandonment.
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IPTC-12624-MS: Optimizing Well Integrity Surveillance and Maintenance
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Managing well integrity is essential to economically develop oil and gas resources
while preserving the environment and assuring safety to personnel. ExxonMobil Exploration
& Production Malaysia Inc. (EMEPMI) operates 17 offshore oil and gas fields in the
Malay Basin. EMEPMI performs well integrity operations and maintenance on 37 platforms
involving 781 wells with 1215 completions (single and dual wells). There are about
350 wells on gas lift, 1215 surface controlled subsurface safety valves (SCSSV),
with 6943 tree and wellhead valves. The fields produce approximately 150,000 bopd
and 1.2 BCFD of gas.
In this mature asset, many wells were previously un-competitive or uneconomic to
flow. In today’s higher-price environment, all wells are being re-evaluated for
their production contribution. This paper describes the issues and actions taken
for these “moth-balled” idle wells to ensure that they comply with the EMEPMI well
integrity surveillance and maintenance standards for offshore platform facilities.
At the same time, the effort was broadened to check and ensure the integrity of
all active completions. The EMEPMI well integrity surveillance and maintenance standards
are based on API and industry standards, as well as the global ExxonMobil well integrity
standards.
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SPE 123201: A Systematic Approach to Well Integrity Management
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A discussion of Marathons implementation of the Expro WI management software in
the North Sea. Recognising the importance of good well integrity management practices,
Marathon Oil UK developed an online database in conjunction with Expro to capture
their well integrity data. The database has become a focal point to help facilitate
Marathon’s well integrity management processes and philosophies. The aim of this
paper is to provide an overview of the rational for developing the system and the
benefits that are being realised for both the Brae and Alvheim assets.
Introduction
The Brae Field is a mature asset located in the North Sea and consists of 3 fixed
production platforms of around 100 wells, and several subsea tiebacks including
Central Brae and West Brae.
Due to the age of the asset and the recognition by Marathon of the importance of
good well integrity data management, an online database was developed in 2004 in
conjunction with Expro to help store well integrity data associated with the asset.
The main issue identified by Marathon, was that integrity related well data was
commonly located across the organisation by individual departments and would often
be time consuming to locate. The ability to analyse information from various data
sources was also inefficient and as a result auditing, trending and summary reporting
became major tasks.
Initially, the system was developed for use on the Brae platforms and a number of
further enhancements were made to ensure the system was suitable for the Alvheim
subsea development in Norway.
Alvheim lies on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, west of Heimdal. The Alvheim development
is comprised of the Kneler, Boa and Kameleon fields. The field came online in June
2008 with eight producing wells and two water disposal wells as part of the Phase
1 drilling program. A Phase 2 drilling program is planned in 2010/2011 for further
production wells. The development provides for the transportation of produced oil
by shuttle tanker, and transportation of produced natural gas to the existing U.K.
Scottish Area Gas Evacuation (SAGE) system.
Marathon Norway requested that the database was utilised to capture the integrity
related data from the initial drilling operations, well handovers and scheduled
tree/subsurface safety valve/tubing string testing. The system would supply a regular
summary of the integrity status of the well stock.
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SPE 120946: Well Integrity Management: A Systematic Way of Describing and Keeping
Track of the Integrity Status for Wells in Operation
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Talisman operates several fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), many
of these mature fields are taken over at the end of their design life. These old
fields represent challenges with respect to well integrity and overall profitability.
Talisman is a member of the Well Integrity Forum (WIF), a co-operative effort between
the operating companies on the NCS to define a unified approach for handling well
integrity. Using WIMS and the WIF recommendations together with internal guidelines
improves Talismans ability to handle well integrity issues throughout the production
phase of a well and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
This paper describes how Talisman Energy Norway (Talisman) manages well integrity
for their assets, and discusses the benefits, challenges and lessons learned from
implementing a well integrity management system, focusing on technical and organizational
aspects.
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SPE 120495: Implementing a Well Integrity Management System
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This discussion defines “Well Integrity” and presents the framework used by BP to
implement and manage well integrity programs. Well integrity has received increasing
attention from all aspects of the petroleum industry, from well design and construction
to operations, maintenance and well abandonment. Factors driving this attention
include a desire to ensure wells remain viable in fields with long lives, maintenance
of company reputation and avoidance of litigation. Confusion regarding the definition
of well integrity can make it difficult to create a holistic approach to implementing
a management system.
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SPE 117121: The Total Control of Well Integrity Management
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This paper describes a web-based program which provides a comprehensive approach
to well integrity management covering all potential integrity threats to the whole
well. This “cradle-to-grave” software, the Intetech Well Integrity Toolkit (iWIT),
provides well information and data analysis for timely, informed, decision-making.
Using its own or existing client databases, this software carries out quantitative
data analysis in real-time and provides feedback to the operator about the condition
of individual wells and also overviews of the whole field integrity status.
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SPE 116771: Prudhoe Bay Well P2-15 Surface Casing Failure
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SPE 116765: Analysis of Thread Engagement Requirements for Studs and Nuts
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SPE 115585: A Compliance-Based Approach to Well Integrity Management
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This paper describes a process for actively managing well integrity throughout the
development life cycle with a particular focus on the production operations / well
maintenance phase. Although developed in relation to ConocoPhillips UK North Sea
development wells, most of the features of the process have application to all development
well operations (both onshore & offshore) under any regulatory regime.
The original well integrity management process was developed in order to demonstrate
compliance with the UK Offshore Installations & Wells (Design & Construction, etc)
Regulations 1996 (DCR). Since that time the original process has continued to be
modified to improve effectiveness & efficiency. As well as describing the current
process, this paper also describes its development and how we see that the process
might evolve in the future.
DCR regulations form a part of the UK ‘safety case’ regime. The ‘safety case’ regime
places a strong focus on the development of site-specific performance standards;
it also utilises the principles of independent examination & verification in order
to demonstrate compliance. The process described in this paper represents a significant
new contribution to the management of major accident hazards in well operations
since it focuses on the use of performance standards and independent examination
in order to ensure well integrity.
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SPE 114911: Real-Time Well Diagnostic Using Slick-Line Fiber-Optic Distribute Temperature
Sensors: West Venezuela Applications
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SPE 112872: Trapped-Annular-Pressure Mitigation: Spacer Fluid That Shrinks - Update
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Discussion of a field trial in a 9,800-ft-deep gas well of a water-based polyymerization
shrinks 20%, mitigating trapped annular pressure (TAP).
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SPE 110347: Well Integrity Management System (WIMS)—A Systematic Way of Describing
the Actual and Historic Integrity Status of Operational Wells
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It is important to be able to have an overview of the well integrity at all times.
Statoil, Norsk Hydro and Total E&P UK Ltd. therefore joined forces in a JIP with
ExproSoft to develop a software application for data collection, handling and reporting
of well integrity. The resulting software is called WIMS, short for Well Integrity
Management System. A pilot version was installed and tested by the operators’ spring
2007, prior to the release of the final version.
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SPE 108906: "Detecting Ultra-small Leaks With Ultrasonic Leak Detection-Case Histories
From the North Slope, Alaska"
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An ultrasonic leak detection logging tool conveyed on electric line, and recently
on wireline in memory mode, has been introduced which can detect leaks as small
as 1/2 cup per minute. This revolutionary tool has been used to accurately identify
leaks in tubing and behind pipe. Wells that otherwise would immediately be slated
for a rig workover (RWO) have been repaired with non-rig solutions.
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SPE 108698: "Well Integrity Assurance: A Successful Method for External Corrosion
and Damage Detection on Outer and Middle Concentric Strings of Casing"
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SPE 106533: "Rigless Installation of Safety Valves To Implement a Well-Integrity
Campaign and Return Wells to Production"
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Protecting the environment and health of the people by ensuring the integrity of
all wells is one of the must-obey policies in Shell Petroleum Development Company
of Nigeria Limited (SPDC). SPDC has been the leading producer of crude oil in Nigeria
for more than 50 years. SPDC produces from many brown fields. SPDC currently has
an inventory of producing wells that have been shut in because of one form or another
of wellbore integrity problems. In some cases, these wells were completed decades
ago when HSE requirements were considerably less stringent than they are today and
wells were completed without sub-surface or downhole safety valves.
In 2003, a more stringent policy on non-integrity wells was introduced and led to
an investigation of service providers for a more reliable rigless installation of
safety valves or a more cost effective rig workover. However, most of the brown
fields that encompass these wells are predominantly located in the Niger Delta both
in the shallow waters offshore and in land locations including swamp areas. Many
of the wells are located on small-unmanned production jackets which do not have
the structural integrity to support even an electric line unit let alone a workover
rig. In addition the current geopolitical situation in the Niger Delta is such that
bringing in any heavy-duty equipment can be extremely difficult and highly uneconomical
in most of these low producing wells.
It was against this background that SPDC carried out a well integrity management
campaign to examine the feasibility of some kind of economic intervention to bring
these wells back onto production.
In this paper the authors will examine in detail the prevailing situation, present
details of the alternative solutions that were considered and describe a highly
economic campaign that was put in place to rehabilitate some 40 wells and make available
some 30,000 bopd of oil production, all without the use of major workover equipment.
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SPE 105319: "A Comprehensive Approach to Well-Integrity Management in ADMA-OPCO"
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The last few years have seen a renewed emphasis on Well Integrity (WI) worldwide,
and ADMA-OPCO in particular.
ADMA operates, more than 600 wells, in two offshore fields, which include oil producers,
water injectors, gas producers/injectors and observation wells. A dedicated team
was setup to focus entirely on WI and related issues. The team was given the objective
to achieve the following.
- Determine the Well Integrity Status of the entire well stock through risk review
and ranking.
- Recommend appropriate action plan for each well with unacceptable level of risk.
The team used a comprehensive and novel approach for handling this project. This
paper is a case study of the methodology adopted by the team to achieve this task.
Since the main objective was to risk review and rank the entire well stock, a dedicated
risk-ranking process was designed, which served as an automatic guide to risk review
and ranking of wells. The industry Risk Ranking matrix was modified to make it more
objective and easy to use.
It soon became obvious that risk evaluation of wells was only possible based on
availability of good data organized in a user-friendly format. A dedicated database
was setup in parallel with other activities. The web-based database was designed
to contain all the data required for WI review of any well and is capable of tracking
well integrity related tasks automatically.
Well Integrity data included well construction, annuli pressures, production, well
intervention, etc. The data existed in the office files were promptly transferred
into the database.
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SPE 102815: "Applied Ultrasonic Technology in Wellbore-Leak Detection and Case Histories
in Alaska North Slope Wells"
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SPE 102524: "Well Integrity Operations at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska"
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This paper discusses the well integrity management system used at the Prudhoe Bay
field located in Alaska. The focus is on systems and processes implemented to manage
the well operations and interventions phase of a well’s life.
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SPE 101888: "Gate Valve Drilling/Milling Operation on the North Slope, Alaska"
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Milling out a gate valve is a very tedious operation and could be risky if the proper
well control and procedures are not put in place.
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SPE 101398: "Restoring Well Integrity in a Critical Gas Pilot Injection Well"
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Appearance of abnormally high pressure in the 9 5/8” X 13 3/8” casing annulus of
a pilot gas injection well located offshore Abu Dhabi, alerted staff to a potentially
serious situation from both safety and economic viewpoints. The subject well is
a critical component of a pilot project to test the effectiveness of gas injection
towards improving oil recovery. Based on this and other data, decisions on long-term
reservoir development involving considerable investment will be made. The well was
drilled and completed in 1999 as dual gas injector into two, Lower Cretaceous limestone
reservoirs and put under gas injection in 2001. Abnormally high pressure was observed
in the 9 5/8” x 13 3/8” annulus after three months of injection. A multidisciplinary
task force was formed with a mandate from senior management to locate the source
of leaking gas, the communication path to surface and recommend remedial actions.
A risk assessment ranked the danger to the 80 million U.S. dollar platform and personal
as high. As a result, gas injection was halted and visits to the platform minimized.
Evidence gathered from the well records and newly acquired diagnostic logs suggested
the existence of poor or no cement behind the 7” liner and 9 5/8” casing providing
a conduit for gas to surface. Moreover, the existence of two abandoned holes penetrating
the shallowest reservoir and located at short distance from the currently active
bore hole were recognized as potential pathways for gas to surface. Extensive remedial
cementing operations were performed including: (1) block squeezes behind one and
two sets of production casing above the source reservoir, (2) cement circulation
squeeze between production and intermediate casings through mechanically drilled
holes. The high annulus pressure was thought eliminated but soon returned after
injection commenced. A decision was made to convert the nearby un-perforated Gas
Observer to water injection for the shallowest reservoir and continue gas injection
into the deepest reservoir of the original well.
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SPE 100600: "Downhole Integrity Management in October Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt”"
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The paper discusses historical data related to downhole scaling, corrosion and surveillance
methods to identify affected wells. Efforts to minimize production impact due to
increased corrosion seen late in the field life along with longer term corrosion
mitigation efforts are also reviewed. Examples of how tubing was originally protected
by thin film scale accumulation and emulsion flow during early field life production
are also presented. Increasing October’s completion corrosion manageability is a
key challenge facing the field. Addressing issues related to predicting future well
failures and their associated production loss impact rig scheduling and procurement
of expensive long-lead time completion material (Cr 13%).
The approved plan is to repair six wells per year over three years considering known
well problems, remaining reserves, materials and rig availability. In early 2005,
six well's were worked over and visual inspection of retrieved tubing showed an
excellent match with caliper log data. The most severe corrosion is typically deep
in the well and is related to high CO2 partial pressures. Corrosion risk to the
casing has also been identified as potential issue and wall thickness assessments
have been performed on some workovers. The paper reviews these items in greater
detail and proposes forward plans for the remaining life of field.
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SPE 98739: "The Snorre A Incident 28 November 2004: Lessons Learned"
PSA Investigation
of Snorre Blowout
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Statoil has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the underlying causes after
a gas seabed blow-out on the Snorre field in the North Sea. On 28 November 2004,
an uncontrolled gas blow-out took place on the seabed under the platform. The incident
occurred in connection with the preparation of well P-31A for the drilling of a
sidetrack. During pulling of a 2,578 m scab liner, gas was drawn into the well and
it leaked out through a known hole in the 9 5/8" casing then through an unknown
damage or weakness in the 13 3/8" casing.
PSA Report: On 29 November 2004, the PSA appointed an
investigation group which has identified non-conformities and improvement areas.
These can be categorized as follows: Lack of compliance with governing documents,
inadequate understanding and implementation of risk assessments, inadequate management
involvement and violation of well barrier requirements. The non-conformities occurred
at several levels in the organization on land and on the facility. The investigation
shows that the number of non-conformities and improvement areas is extensive. There
is nothing that would indicate that the incident was a result of chance circumstances.
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SPE 97863: "Managing Well Integrity, Safety, and Production Decline Caused by Scale"
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This work will describe the management of scale in a United Arab Emirates offshore
carbonate reservoir. Field pressure is sustained by water injection, which contributes
to the formation of scale in downhole tubulars. This scaling can cause both safety
and production problems, for example, by blocking a subsurface safety valve or chocking
flow at downhole nipples.
ZADCO has initiated a successful strategy to manage the sulfate-scaling tendency
in the completion tubing. Software is used to identify wells early on as potential
scale candidates. This software uses real field measurements and analysis of injected
and produced water information. The results are used to plan well monitoring and/or
treatment. The identified wells are monitored using both slickline gauge measurements
to measure actual scale growth and produced water surface analysis to update the
software model.
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SPE 97597: "A Case History of Sustainable Annulus Pressure in Sour Wells – Prevention,
Evaluation and Remediation"
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This paper describes evaluation of the possible causes of Sustainable Annular Pressure
(SAP) in a sour gas field in the Middle East. It explains the diagnostic testing
undertaken and describes how evidence was used to identify the cause of the SAP.
The steps taken to prevent the occurrence of SAP in new wells and to remedy the
problem in existing wells are described.
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SPE 96337: "Want to Make Tree Operations Safer? Why Not Use the DHSV as a Barrier?"
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Industry practice for the design and operation of oil and gas producing wells incorporates
a two-barrier policy, and defines an integrity envelope for environmental protection
and safe operations. The standard practice when removing or undertaking major operations
on the Xmas tree is to set one or more plugs in the production tubing to maintain
two barriers between the reservoir and the environment.
This paper assesses the relative risk of using a Down Hole Safety Valve (DHSV) as
a qualified barrier during such operations.
QRA has been used to assess the risks of an uncontrolled flow of fluid from the
reservoir when using a qualified DHSV as a barrier as compared to the standard practice
of setting one or more wireline plugs. Three representative cases have been considered
in this study:
Case 1 examines changing valves downstream of the master valve on a sub sea well.
Cases 2 and 3 focus on platform wells.
Case 2: changing valves downstream of the lower master valve, and
Case 3: removing the Xmas tree.
The study shows that the major risk when using a wireline set plug as a downhole
barrier arises from the blowout risk associated with wireline operations. Use of
a DHSV as a qualified barrier eliminates the wireline blowout risk, and reduces
the overall risk during Xmas tree operations. Hence, the study recommends the use
of a qualified DHSV as a barrier, subject to a risk assessment on a case by case
basis.
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SPE 95813: "Enhancing Collaboration Between Engineering and Operations - A Case
Study of Alaska Work Processes"
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This paper details the collaboration and well information system BP Exploration
(Alaska), Inc. has implemented to enhance communication and data sharing between
work groups operating the Prudhoe Bay field. Accessing and sharing well information
and maintaining quality communication between geographically separate Operations
and Engineering teams is an issue in all oilfield operations.
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SPE 94427: "Northern Sahara Aquifers Protection: Casing Corrosion Problems and Defining
New Well Construction Performance Objectives—Case Study: Hassi Messaoud Oilfield
in Algeria"
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Well construction reliability is always of great importance especially when it is
about drilling in an arid region that contains strategic groundwater reserves. This
is the case of Hassi Messaoud and satellite oilfields (HMDs) in Algeria where aquifers
of the Northern Sahara System (NSAS) Spread out. Problems closely related to well
construction such as casing corrosion, cementing lack and also those of post-abandonment
are encountered by Sonatrach and partners there.
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SPE 91399: "Microannulus Leaks Repaired with Pressure-Activated Sealant"
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Sustained casing pressure is a serious problem that is prevalent in most of the
oil producing regions of the world. Annular pressure can be a significant safety
hazard and, on a number of occasions, has resulted in blowouts. Sustained casing
pressure results from the migration of fluids in the annulus. The most common path
for migration of fluids is through channels in the annular cement. To safely and
economically eliminate sustained casing pressure on a well in the Gulf of Mexico,
W&T Offshore, Inc. utilized an injectable pressure-activated sealant technology
to seal channels in the annular cement of their well and eliminate the casing pressure.
The mechanical integrity of the well was restored, saving over $1,000,000 compared
to a conventional rig workover.
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SPE 88934: "Well Integrity Management System in Shell Nigeria"
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Well Integrity is a vital aspect of well design, construction, operation, maintenance
and abandonment. As put by SPDC, “all wells shall be designed, constructed, operated,
maintained and abandoned in a manner that safeguards their integrity, minimize Health,
Safety and Environmental risks and ensure their planned availability throughout
their life-cycle”. As a consequence of this policy, all wells are monitored to ensure
their integrity is guaranteed at all times. By implication all wells that fall short
of standards are secured or closed-in unless a short-term deviation or waiver is
granted.
Well integrity problems may occur in producing and non-producing wells, especially
older wells that were completed as per the prevailing completion standard of their
completion dates. The completion standards have changed over time with respect to
safety requirements (e.g. wells without top packers, wells without SCSSVs). There
may also be some wells that meet current safety standards but still have some integrity-related
problems (e.g. leaking packer or silted well slots-swamp locations).
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SPE 88696: "Well Integrity Management System (WIMS)"
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ZADCO owns more than 500 wells operating in UZ, UA & ST fields to contribute in
achieving the production targets as set by the Shareholders. To ensure that wells
operate as designed for their assigned life (or greater) with all risks kept as
low as reasonably practicable or as mentioned, it is important to insure individual
well's integrity. Hence, ZADCO developed an in-house “Well Integrity Management
System (WIMS)”, which defines & provides the operating standards & guidelines for
maintaining the well integrity parameters, ensuring safe well operations and securing
well potential availability during its life cycle so that return on investment is
maximized without the sacrifice of safety and environment.
The implementation of ZADCO's well integrity process follows the cycle assurance
testing, preventive measures, monitoring, evaluation / assessment, control & remedy,
audit / verification.
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SPE 87198: "Remediating Sustained Casing Pressure by Forming a Downhole Annular
Seal with Low-Melt-Point Eutectic Metal"
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Described are proof-of-concept developments to form a seal for mitigating sustained
casing pressure caused by annular pressure buildup. Annular pressure can result
from numerous sources, including tubing leaks, loss of isolation potential within
the cement column because of poor mud displacement, free water-induced channels,
stress fractures, and failure of the cement to cover all potential sources of annular
pressure. In most cases, annular pressure is not observed at the wellhead until
the well is placed on production, making it difficult to identify, access, or remediate
the pressure source. A new and novel approach to remediation has been tested in
which a low-melt-point alloy metal is dropped down the backside of the casing where
annular pressure has been observed. The metal is allowed to accumulate at the top
of cement or other physical barrier, melted with an induction-heating tool, and
allowed to cool and solidify. This process forms an annular seal to stop fluid communication
between the formation and wellhead.
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SPE 84556: "Improved Techniques to Alleviate Sustained Casing Pressure in a Mature
Gulf of Mexico Field"
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The objective of this paper is to highlight the techniques used during a recent
workover program to alleviate sustained casing pressure in a Gulf of Mexico field.
Discussion will include cement and workover fluid programs, hole preparation before
milling and cementing operations, and improved milling procedures.
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SPE 81002: "Acoustic Signal Analysis for Sand Detection in Wells with Changing Fluid
Profiles"
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Discusses results of a study to predict sand production using acoustic meters.
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SPE 67194: "Diagnosis of Sustained Casing Pressure from Bleed-off/Buildup Testing
Patterns"
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When the casing pressure can not be permanently bled off through needle valves at
wellhead, the casing is said to exhibit Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP). Since high
values of SCP may threaten worker safety and environmental protection, MMS regulations
require remedial treatment. Testing of SCP could provide information on parameters
causing gas migration and SCP.
A mathematical model for testing SCP buildup has been developed. The objective of
the model to identify the flow mechanism of external leak leading to SCP. The model
also determines critical parameters of the leak to be used in selecting some remedial
actions. Also presented in the paper are two examples of using this model to analyze
actual SCP field tests. The analysis gives acceptable estimates of the depth of
gas invasion zone, formation pressure, cement conductivity, and expected maximum
value of casing pressure.
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SPE 36913: "Risk Assessment of Hydrocarbon Releases during Workover and Wireline
Operations on Completed Wells on Offshore Platforms "
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Safety Regulations in the UK require operators to demonstrate that the risks to
workers from well operations on offshore platforms have been reduced to the lowest
level that is reasonably practical. Each offshore platform in the UK has a safety
case which includes a quantified risk assessment of well operation hazards with
the potential to cause a major accident.
Assessment of the safety cases by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed
that few operators have specifically analysed risks resulting from well workover
or wireline operations, regarding such risks as subsumed within general blowout
risks. where workover/wirelining have been considered separately, the risk estimates
have been determined from average worldwide historical hydrocarbon release frequencies
and not by analysis of particular operations being carried out on a specific platform.
The prevalent conclusion from such risk analyses is that the contribution of workover/wireline
risks to the total platform risk levels is very small. In order to evaluate whether
such a conclusion is necessarily valid in all cases, HSE undertook a study to establish
a method for estimating workover/wirelining risks for a number of different types
of platform.
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SPE 23136: "The Occurrence of Annulus Pressures in the North West Hutton Field:
Problems and Solutions"
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This paper discusses the occurrence of annulus pressures in the North West Hutton
oilfield, offshore UK, and how the problems associated with these pressures have
been addressed. Several wells have experienced annulus pressures in this field,
where production is exclusively via gas lift. The causes of annulus pressures are
discussed in the context of the mechanical configuration of the wells. An evaluation
of the safety aspects and concerns associated with these pressures is then presented.
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SPE 22871: "How to Design for Annulus Fluid Heat-up"
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Existing single-string analysis methods are inadequate for solution of heat-up problems,
which require a global analysis of the whole well system (all casings together).
This paper presents a method for such a technique, termed global service life analysis,
and describes an FE program (ADHOC) developed to implement it. The formulation is
fully general, and is applicable to a wide range of casing design problems.
Introduction: An earlier paper co-written with BP described a recent study into
annulus heat-up stresses in subsea production wells. A new and rigorous theoretical
model was developed, and used for the computer analysis of several case studies.
The results showed that:
- annulus heat-up causes high burst/collapse stresses; - conventional design methods
were inadequate for predicting these stresses.
However, limited space prevented any attempt to explain the analysis method. This
paper presents the theoretical basis for the earlier work, and explains how this
theory is applied in practice.
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SPE 21727: "Methods of Detecting and Locating Tubing and Packer Leaks in the Western
Operating Area of the Prudhoe Bay Field"
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Evaluation methods have been developed to detect cases of tubing/annulus communication.
Temperature, spinner and noise logs, as well as fluid level detection equipment,
are used under a variety of flow conditions. Step-wise procedures are provided.
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SPE 178: "Helical Buckling of Tubing Sealed in Packers"
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Most gas wells and flowing oil wells are completed and treated through a string
of tubing and a packer. Changes in temperature and in pressure inside or outside
the tubing will: (1) if free motion of the tubing inside the packer is permitted,
increase or decrease the length of the tubing; or (2) if free motion is prevented,
induce forces in the tubing and on the packer. If pressure inside the tubing is
greater than outside, the tubing may buckle helically even in the presence of a
packer-to-tubing tension.
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SPE XXXX: "Well Integrity Assurance: A Sucessful Method for External Corrosion and
Damage Detection on Outer and Middle Concentric Strings of Casing"
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IPTC-11678: "Design and Early Implementation of a Well Integrity Management System
in an Offshore Brownfield Operation"
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A well integrity safety management system was developed and methodically implemented
during 2005-07 in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The system is fit-for-purpose to meet
the unique needs and capabilities of the organization. Methodical execution of the
system was strategically planned and prioritized based on safety risks and business
needs.
This paper provides a summary of the Gulf of Suez well integrity system development
and deployment. Critical well integrity requirements were evaluated in a comprehensive
well integrity study during 2005. Many existing well integrity practices were documented
and formalized. Other outstanding requirements were identified and assigned a priority
for implementation.
Existing Gulf of Suez wells were found to be in various conditions on well integrity,
ranging from high to relatively low operating risk. Criteria for defining a “high
risk” well were established and communicated throughout the organization. “High
risk” wells were documented in a public register and shut-in if necessary to reduce
operating risk. Also, a dedicated well services team was established to control
and/or repair “high risk” wells on a full-time basis.
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"Annular pressure buildup: What it is and what to do about it"
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Deepwater Technology, August 2000, by Bob Moe and Peter Erpelding. When tubing heated
by hotformation fluids contacts colder fluids entrapped in the annulus, the result
is fluid heating and pressure buildup. Proper well design is critical in subsea
wells.
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OTC 11029: "Sustained Casing Pressure in Offshore Producing Wells" /td>
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MMS Studies
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"Risk Assessment of Temporarily
Abandoned or Shut-in Wells", Project 99041, October 2000
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An MMS sponsored study of the risk relating to temporarily abandened and shut-in
wells.
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"A review of sustained casing pressure occurring
on the OCS"
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Report submitted to Minerals Management Service. Downloadable from MMS website,
www.mms.gov/TubingStudy.
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Vendors
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Baker
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Tubing patches
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Spidr Gauges
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Self-contained pressure and temperature recording device
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Echometer
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Well sounding devices for determining fluid levels
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PDS
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Memory logging tools - calipers & spinners
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Schlumberger
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Logging services
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TecWel
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TecWel develops and manufactures acoustic logging tools, and provides cased hole
logging services.
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Wachs
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On-site machining, casing and wellhead cutting and valve turning equipment &
services.
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Weatherford
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Tubing patches
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WellCut Decommissioning Services
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Engineering services, hot tap machines and field machining services.
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Wellube - Unique Marine Group
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Engineering services, hot tap machines and field machining services.
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Sealants
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Brinker-Technology
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At Brinker Technology we offer a unique brand of innovative technical solutions
to promote integrity management to the pipeline industry worldwide. Based around
our patented Platelet Technology® we deliver these solutions through:
• Implementation of novel leak locating and sealing products and engineering systems
• Expert consultancy
• Ongoing research and development
We are a dynamic and creative company who are focused on implementing our unique
technology to the advantage of the pipeline industry worldwide. We are based in
Aberdeen, Scotland but have a truly global presence having completed projects in
the UK, Norway, Australia, Azerbaijan and Alaska.
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CSI Technologies
Subsidiary of Suprior Energy and Wild Well Control
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UltraSeal®, an epoxy well sealant designed to create seals over a wide range
of well conditions.
CSI Technologies provides research, engineering and oilfield product development
for the energy industry.
CSI Technologies solves challenging problems ranging from high-pressure, high-temperature
cementing to effective stimulation techniques to lost circulation. The company has
a long history of developing new oilfield methods and products using its applied
engineering capabilities.
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Furmanite
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Leak-sealing technology and onsite service. Since 1929, we’ve created groundbreaking
and patented leak sealing technology; and we consistently provide these solutions
with the highest level of service to customers around the world.
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M & D Industries - "Ultra Seal"
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Ultra Seal® R Sealant Ultra Seal® R Sealant is a special epoxy resin. The material’s
viscosity has been lowered to provide easy mixing and placement. The lowered viscosity
is accomplished without the volumetric shrinkage that usually accompanies the thinning
of epoxy resin. Applications include micro annular gas migration, mechanical isolation
valve, casing leaks, well bore stability, and loss circulation.
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Oil Center Research
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Distributes:
GX Safety Seal (711-714), used
to plug leaks in DHSV lines
Hyposeal (527 & 528), used to plug tubing
and casing leaks.
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SealMaker International
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SEALMAKER International specializes in engineered leak repair solutions. Uses liquid
pressure activated sealants to repair troublesome leak problems associated with
oil and gas production onshore and offshore.
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Seal-Tite
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Seal-Tite International has a line of pressure activated sealants designed to seal
tubing hanger, casing hanger and wellhead leaks; production tubing and casing leaks;
microannulus, sustained casing pressure and salt dome storage cavern leaks; control
line, safety valve and packer leaks; as well as umbilical, flowline and subsea leaks.
After the sealant has reached the leak site, the sealant begins to plate out on
the edges of the leak, and simultaneously bridges across the leak to seal it.
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Software, Well Examination and Audit Services
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Expro - SafeWells
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www.wellintegrity.com. A software system for managing well integrity related information.
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Exprosoft - WIMS
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Supply "WIMS" - Well Integrity Management System. Software application that will
contribute to a uniform and structured approach for handling of well integrity during
the lifetime of a well. WIMS will ensure that the information necessary for handling
well integrity is available through one system, and with a clear indication of the
well barrier status at all times.
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Intetech - iWIT
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A software system for managing well integrity related information.
Their brochure.
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Landmark
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OA Tools
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A free site with web-based calculators. Includes tubing movement, casing burst,
DHSV leak rate calculators.
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NRG Well Management Ltd
NRG Well Examination and Management Systems Ltd
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NRG Well Management Ltd is focused on the cost effective delivery of Project Management
for Drilling and Well Operations. In addition we carry out Well Engineering and
Field Development Studies which range in size from simple one day technical reviews
through to detailed multi disciplinary studies lasting many months, for a wide variety
of Clients.
NRG Well Examination & Management Systems Ltd, in addition to providing independent
well examination services, specialises in the delivery of workable management systems
for upstream Operating Companies and Service Providers. Our Systems assist the client
to both manage health, safety and environmental hazards as well as enable them to
demonstrate compliance with all the applicable licence and statutory requirements
without the need for extensive Management Systems. Apart from satisfying the statutory
requirements our Systems contribute towards lowering the cost of operations by ensuring
that Clients’ Management focus their attention on their defined responsibilities,
whilst enabling them to effectively delegate responsibilities to contractors where
necessary.
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Peloton
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PetEng Calculators
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A free site with web-based calculators for a large variety of engineering calculations
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Well Integrity Tracking System
(WITS)
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A free web site to demonstrate the ability to track the well integrity status of
wells.
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Wellbore Schematic Programs
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CSD |
support@csd.as or +47 91 30 10 06 |
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Enertia Software |
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WellView |
Peloton
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WellEZ
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inter alia |
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VIPR |
http://www.parallinx.com/ |
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iHandbood |
Schlumberger, www.slb.com |
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Strater |
Golden Software. http://www.goldensoftware.com/ |
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Completions Manager |
Petrofocus www.petrofocus.com |
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Tree-Wellhead Services
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Cameron
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Trees and Wellheads
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RS Clare
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The Clare range of Valve Lubricants for the Oil & Gas Industry has been developed
in conjunction with Original Equipment Manufacturers and Production, Drilling and
Service operators. Valve Lubricant 601 is a fully synthetic lubricant, ensuring
long term lubricating and sealing qualities within a temperature range of -20°F
to 450°F. Valve Lubricant 501, an ‘Extended Temperature Range’ valve lubricant has
been developed to provide comparable performance to 601 within a temperature range
of -75°F to 350°F.
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FMC
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Trees and Wellheads
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Vetco-Gray
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Trees and Wellheads
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PTC - Petroleum Technology Company
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PTC has a variety of
speciality tools:
- Telescopic VR lubricators
- SealCure for damaged seal bores
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Regulatory Agencies
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Interstate Oil & Gas Compact
Commission
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This links to a very comprehensive list of all states regulations.
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AOGCC - Alaska
Oil and Gas Conservation Commissions
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Alaska regulatory agency. Link to the AOGCC report,
"Investigation of Explosion and Fire at Prudhoe Bay Well A-22".
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MMS - Minerals Management Service
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U.S. Federal
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Railroad Commission
of Texas
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Texas
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Alabama Oil and Gas Board
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Alabama
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Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
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Louisiana
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California State Lands
Commission, Mineral Resources Management Division
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California
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Alberta, Canada Alberta
Energy Board
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Alberta
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Other
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Yahoo "Well Integrity"
Group - http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Well-Integrity/
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A Yahoo discussion group with a well integrity theme. Does not get much usage.
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Wikipedia article on Well Integrity
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It's currently pretty sparse, but could be a good place to put best practices.
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Southwest Research Institute
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Southwest Research Institute is an independent, nonprofit applied research and development
organization. The staff of 3,000 specializes in the creation and transfer of technology
in engineering and the physical sciences. The Institute occupies more than 1,200
acres in San Antonio, Texas, and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories,
test facilities, workshops and offices.
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Stress Engineering Services
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We offer extensive design, testing, and analysis experience in both the upstream
and downstream segments of the industry in virtually all phases of operations. Services
we provide includes: Riser and Mooring Design & Analysis, Floating Production Systems,
Vessel Load / Motion Analysis, Crane Testing and Design Review, Subsea Engineering,
Field Instrumentation and Monitoring, Fitness for Service Evaluation, Tubular Testing
and Analysis, Component and Tool Design, Full-Scale Component and Systems Testing,
Coil Tubing Evaluation for Oilfield Applications, Failure and Finite Element Analysis,
Materials Engineering and Metallurgy, Forensic Engineering.
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John Wright Company's
Technical Library on Blowout Control
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An outstanding primer on well control operations
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Lone Star Steel
Casing Reference
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Bolting Info
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