Revolutionary developed cost-effective downhole plug enhances subsurface diagnostics and sustainable annulus pressure investigations

Title : Revolutionary developed cost-effective downhole plug enhances subsurface diagnostics and sustainable annulus pressure investigations

Abstract:

Barrier qualification and leak source identification are pivotal in categorizing wells’ risk and selecting the appropriate remedial actions. The presence of multiple leakage points can often complicate sustainable annulus pressure (SAP) investigation processes, extend their duration, and inflate associated costs. This paper presents a downhole plug that has been modified internally to include a pressure and temperature gauge, which aids in precisely identifying leaks and minimizes the need for repeated tests and related expenses.

Over 25% of investigated wells had indeterminate leaks, requiring repeated testing. Noise, corrosion, and acoustic logging techniques are commonly used for leak detection and barrier assessment but often need further verification. Leaks above the tubing packer depth can mislead packer leak issues. Standard verification with a plug tests tubing and annulus communication but may not distinguish between leaks. A new plug with pressure and temperature sensors was developed, yielding significant results in several onshore wells, improving leak detection accuracy, and reducing the need for repeated tests and workover costs.

Identifying leak points helps select appropriate rig-less techniques, thereby reducing workover costs. A downhole plug equipped with pressure and temperature memory gauges was introduced. This new market innovation features pressure and temperature memory gauges integrated into the plug section. The enhanced plug, developed in-house to accommodate downhole pressure and temperature measurements. It can be installed at the tubing nipple below the packer depth, enabling subsequent pressure testing on both tubing and annulus sides. The new technique contributed to cost savings from repetitive operations and improved management for selecting appropriate remedial actions. Two cases were proposed for rig-less packer curing technology, one case was proposed for tubing patch, and the remaining were designated for workover due to multiple leak points.

 This tool offers a reliable method for identifying leak sources during initial pressure testing. It records downhole pressure and temperature, illustrating changes during bleed-off, build-up, and pressurization stages. It can significantly expedite the SAP investigation process, reduces verification costs, and aligns efficiently with business plans

Audience Take away:

• New techniques and enhancement to downhole plug for completion testing
• Integrity Logging techniques accuracy comparison and drawbacks
• Risk assessment and Management
• Sustainable annulus pressure curing methodologies bases on application of new fabricated plug

Biography:

Abdalla is a well integrity engineer with over 12 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, holding positions in well integrity, production optimization, well intervention, well modeling, surveillance, and flow assurance. He was the petroleum engineering section head, seconded to British Petroleum in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Abdalla began his career at ADNOC, ensuring well compliance with safety regulations. He holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Alexandria University and is a member of the Egyptian Ministry Middle Management. He has several published works across Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.