Well integrity management requires an understanding of the well,
and the ability to provide in-well analytical and remedial services. This
process begins with well integrity consulting and engineering with the
resulting information feeding into SafeWells. The well integrity services
and technologies the company provides can help isolate specific issues
i.e. run a caliper log to obtain data about condition of tubing, leak
detection tools to identify tubing leaks, or using cableless telemetry
system (CaTS™) gauges to test integrity of plugs.
Wellhead maintenance services can help repair and maintain
wellheads, which are often the sources of failed integrity tests
i.e. valves on the wellhead. A range of slickline capabilities can also
be used for routine mechanical intervention work but also to provide
a range of cased hole services that could include production logging,
pressure surveys, etc., which are all important for understanding
well integrity issues. Supplementing this, the company can provide
well engineering, training and wellsite manpower for field and
wellsite operations.
Conclusions
Software systems such as SafeWells are an important component
of any well integrity management system. However, these systems
are only as good as the data they contain. It is therefore essential
that operators have well defined policies and procedures to manage
well integrity and gather essential data.
It is then vital that offshore technicians have the knowledge and
expertise to process this data accordingly, understand that the data
is constantly changing throughout the lifecycle of the well, and where
possible, that data should be validated via cross-referencing with
handover documentation, modelling and intervention work. This
may include acquiring production logging tools, caliper and video
to help get an accurate understanding of the condition of the well.
Expro’s experience in providing such holistic well integrity services
has been a key factor in keeping SafeWells robust and fit-for-purpose.
If real collaborative efforts are made, the significant risk to
software vendors – that research and development spend will not
realise a return on investment – would be reduced. For the operating
community, this approach would also ensure optimal technology is
delivered to successfully ensure well integrity is maintained.
This is an ethos echoed by Sir Ian Wood in the UKCS Maximising
Recovery Review Final Report (Feb 2014) which pinpointed a lack
of co-operation in the industry as a key issue leading to increased
costs and delays, calling for a regulator that would be the catalyst for
‘facilitating, co-ordinating, mediating and promoting collaboration’
to take the industry forward positively.
8
The flexibility of software systems such as SafeWells allows
companies to customise the information they need to see. The
way the data is visualised means it is easy for companies to turn
their well integrity status into a real time picture that improves
decision making and helps operators and associated service
companies to achieve targets, key performance indicators and
standards in well integrity.
References
1.
OTM Consulting (2009).
2.
BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2010.
3.
US EIA-28, (2009).
4.
OTM Consulting (2011).
5.
Davies et al., ‘Oil and gas wells and their integrity’ (2014).
6.
Sparke, S. J., Tullow Oil; Copping, S. and Conway, R., Expro North Sea Ltd,
‘Seven Pillars of Well Integrity Management’, SPE 142449, SPE/ICoTA Coiled
Tubing & Well Intervention Conference and Exhibition, Texas, USA (2011).
7.
Annandale, A., Marathon Oil UK Ltd, Copping, S., Expro North Sea Ltd,
‘A Systematic Approach to Well Integrity Management’, SPE 123201,
SPE Digital Energy Conference and Exhibition, Texas, USA (2009).
8.
‘UKCS Maximising Recovery Review Final Report’ (February 2014).
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