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Oilfield Technology
August
2015
then add the web services to their own programmes to leverage
functionality of the service provider. This allows different applications
to communicate with each other without time-consuming custom
coding.
It is essential that data sharing continues on a partnership basis
to ensure alignment. Operators need assurances that solutions can
be provided that will fill demand, and software vendors in turn look
at working collaboratively to provide world class solutions to their
customers.
Casestudies
Sound well integrity is not just important to communities to operate
safety, but it also has a very clear business case. There is a clear line
between safely operated wells and the bottom line profitability.
Software systems collate and analyse data, monitor wells and
maintain production levels by minimising unplanned production
downtime. By reviewing trends in SafeWells it is possible to see if the
overall ‘big picture’ is improving.
The system allows operators to manage their well integrity
data first-hand to reduce the risk of uncontrolled releases of
formation fluids. It also helps improve operations specifically
through its visualisation and reporting components. SafeWells can
form an integral part of a comprehensive in-house well integrity
management system (WIMS). For example, Tullow Oil evaluated
well integrity processes against defined fundamental requirements
of an ideal system, namely the ‘Seven Pillars of Well Integrity
Management.’
6
Similar to many operators, Tullow Oil works in a range of
environments each with diverse well types and requires a centralised
process that can also be run by each asset to suit local requirements.
As part of Tullow Oil’s well integrity policy, each asset undertakes
annual independent well audits to compare actual well status in all
operated fields against policy. This process provides management
with a clear understanding of
the integrity status of all wells
and, in effect, raises the bar on the
operating standards of each operating
asset. Safety improves because
there is up-to-date knowledge of
well integrity status, and shut-in
times can be reduced by identifying
recurring well integrity issues and
putting corrective actions/targeted
maintenance plans in place.
Several operators have also seen a significant benefit in terms
of time spent with well examiners by using SafeWells. In the past,
when a well examiner was required to undertake quarterly reviews,
hard copies of data and a significant portion of an engineer’s time
was needed. However, with SafeWells, all of the well data is already
in place. Several operators have provided their well examiners
with a system log-in so that they can carry out their work remotely.
One major operator that utilises the software also saves over
US$150 000/yr in its annual insurance premiums because it has the
SafeWells system in place and is open with well examiners in how
they monitor well integrity data.
In terms of management reporting, the software system is being
used to report the well integrity status of assets to the executives
and board of directors at one operator. The board, aware of specific
issues, maintains visibility of critical risks and remedial work plans i.e.
what is being done to fix critical or ‘red’ wells? The same board is then
able to challenge their organisation on what is being done to ensure
the medium-concern or ‘amber’ wells do not deteriorate further. In
essence, SafeWells provides an overall, easy to digest snapshot of the
entire company broken down by asset.
Other examples include analysing valve failures recorded in
SafeWells to determine the most suitable type of grease to use when
performing leak tests and avoiding pressure-related incidents via
pressure limit alerts. This was recognised by Marathon Oil UK when
implementing SafeWells successfully for the Brae (UK North Sea) and
Alvheim (Norway) assets.
7
Auditing, trending and summary reporting
became a major task due to important integrity-related data being
scattered across the company in individual departments. However, by
taking a systematic approach, office and worksite personnel gained
access to the same dataset in real time, stored in a central location
and segregated by asset.
Incorporating an auditable trail of operations and
documentations on wellhead activities from field to well level,
pressure data and equipment information provided increased
visibility and consistent assessment of well integrity status.
Furthermore, SafeWells was integrated with production pressure
recording systems utilised in the Brae and Alvheim fields. Maximum
pressure service limits were set with corresponding email alerts to
appropriate personnel in event of a breach. In this case, pressure
issues were immediately recognised, informed decisions made and
the situation controlled.
This systematic approach ensures the identification and
resolution of issues before they become long-term problems.
Aholisticpicture
Within Expro, SafeWells is part of a larger end-to-end integrated
well integrity solution. The recent re-launch of the Expro Group
Integrated Services (EGIS) product line adds value to customers’
operations by bringing together software, subsurface engineering,
well integrity, well service supervision and project management
capabilities.
Figure 2.
Categorised integrity issues by failuremode.
Figure 3.
SimonCopping (right) highlights the SafeWellswell integrity
management system.
